May 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2012
Tablet style "Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement" presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This flat gold-plated britannium tablet features the Oscar figure standing on the round film reel in relief. Beside it, "ACADEMY" is spelled in lettering arranged in a crescent shape above the rest of the label: "Of Motion Picture / Arts & Sciences / Award Of Merit / For / Outstanding / Achievement". This tablet Academy Award has a fascinating history, related to its sibling, the traditional "Oscar" statue. Over the course of the Academy Awards, several award categories, such as Best Supporting Actor and Actress, were given the tablet awards and then later, the Oscar statue. The earlier recipients of the tablet award could exchange theirs for the Oscar award, and then the Academy would remove the identifying plaque on the original. Though it's not known who this original award belonged to, it originated from the cadre of awards that were later exchanged for Oscar. We also know that this award was given by Margaret Herrick, the original librarian of the Academy, to a man who owned a tropical fish tank business, and installed and serviced one in the AMPAS office throughout the 1960's and 1970's. This gentleman became good friends with Herrick over the years and was made an honorary member of the Academy. Tablet measures 5.5" across and 5.25" in height at its tallest, and is mounted to a black marble pedestal measuring 6" across and 3.25" deep, bringing the overall measurement to 6" across, 6" tall, and 3" deep. The award weighs 3.25 pounds. Minor corrosion to tablet, chip to finish at upper right and chip to pedestal corner at lower right. The engraved plaque identifying the category and recipient has been removed from the pedestal, as evidenced by a dime-size area to front of base at center. Overall in very good condition.
Vintage, Circa 1930's Tablet Academy Award -- ''Lost'' Academy Award Exchanged for the ''Oscar'' Statuette
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