An interesting gift from the Queen of Comedy was this solid perfume keychain. Measuring roughly four inches long and in the original case, it features a small book-like container holding a square of solid perfume that smells like ‘1970’s musk.’ The entire piece is gold plated with an abalone shell plate engraved with Lucille Ball’s caricature by Al Hirschfeld and Love Lucy below in blue.
Tag: Gifts
Happy New Year Handwritten Notes from Lucille Ball
Former TCM host Robert Osborne and Lucille Ball were close friends, ever since Osborne was part of Lucy’s “kids” under contract at Desilu in her workshop during the late 1950’s. The first card and envelope was included with a gift from the redhead to Robert.
The second card was written to Barbara McClay, wife of Howard McClay who was Lucy’s longtime publicist. Ms. McClay wrote on the envelope the years 1983/1984 giving us the accurate timeframe when it was sent.
Lucille Ball & Gary Morton Silver Mint Julep Cup Christmas Present
Friends of Lucille Ball and Gary Morton were given this silver mint julep cup for Christmas one year. The cup has an affectionate engraving which reads – “Love, Lucy & Gary.” This piece was still wrapped in the original box and holiday paper when it was acquired. It also has what is believe to be Wanda Clark’s writing on the exterior. Wanda was Lucy’s secretary for nearly 30 years. Silver mint julep cups are the standard for this drink because it allows ice to form on the outside of the cup. The proper way for drinking is to hold it by the base or top lip so your hand does not warm the cup.
Lucille Ball Productions Gifted Ceramic Mug
Another Christmas gift from The Queen of Comedy was this off-white ceramic mug with silver rim. The side features a caricature of Lucy which was originally drawn by Al Hirschfeld in 1943 for the MGM film, Thousands Cheer. Ms. Ball loved the sketch so much she used it as her logo after forming Lucille Ball Productions. Also printed on the mug is “Love, Lucy” which was found on many gifts from the red head over the years.
Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Gifted Catch-All
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz gave this whimsical ceramic catch-all to their niece, Pamela Ball in the mid to late 1940’s. It has been hand-painted by Lucy or Desi reading “Uncle Desi” and “Aunt Susie.” When Pamela was a little girl she had trouble pronouncing her aunt’s name, saying Susie instead of Lucy. She continued to call her Aunt Susie for years to come. We’re not sure what it originally held or contained but it was lovingly kept by Pamela for over 70 years.
Lucille Ball & Gary Morton Gifted Silver Revere Bowl & Plate
For Christmas one year, friends and colleagues of Lucille Ball and Gary Morton were given this silver set consisting of a Revere bowl and plate, each with the engraving “Love, Lucy & Gary” (names in their respective signatures). The bowl measures 4 inches wide while the plate measures roughly 8 inches in diameter. Both are made of solid silver and do require polishing from time to time to stay free of tarnish.
Lucy & Gary’s Lucite Candy Boxes
Pair of Lucite boxes from Lucille Ball and Gary Morton. In the 1980’s, President Ronald Reagan famously had a huge jar of jelly beans on his desk in the Oval Office. Staying on trend Mr. Morton had a similar version, using the “Morton’s Munchies” box filled with hard candies in his office at Lucille Ball Productions. The “Love, Lucy” heart box was given as a Christmas gift to close friends and family.
*Shared from the collection of Thomas J. Watson.
Lucille Ball Gifted Gold Signature Keychain
Lucille Ball gave this gold plated keychain to friends and associates some time in late 1960’s to early 70’s. It features her signature Love Lucy embossed on one side and a twist open top. This particular piece also has the original case with instructions. Lucy had a similar keychain made with the word MAME in celebration of the 1974 film.
Lucille Ball & Gary Morton Gifted Trinket Box
My Favorite Husband Promotional Paperweight
From July 1948 to March 1951 Lucille Ball did a weekly radio show called My Favorite Husband along side Richard Denning as George and Liz Cooper. In January 1949 JELL-O became the sponsor of the popular series and created this promotional paperweight. Made of leather and filled with sand, it features an image of Lucille Ball with gold lettering that reads Sincerely, Lucille Ball (in Lucy’s signature) Star of “My Favorite Husband” Fridays – CBS – JELL-O. The reverse has the name Norman Rowe to whom this particular piece was given to. My Favorite Husband was the basis for I Love Lucy when it was adapted to television.
Lucille Ball Gifted Desk Pen
Lucille Ball was known to give many gifts over the years, especially during the holidays. This desk pen was one of those items given to Bob Winslow. Situated on an onyx base, it features a gold plaque with a “Love Lucy” engraving. The pen was never used and came in the original box with handwritten note card from Lucy.