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NOT AUTOGRAPHS - but Three Stooges Collectible Candid Performance Negatives

Hi, I understand that we are not really supposed to branch out in to other areas from autographs, but I was hoping to get some advice from the "collector" community. I came across an old box of photos and negatives. In it I found three negatives that I remembered from when I was a kid. My grandmother took these photos of the Three Stooges performing on stage - I have no idea where or what timeframe. I was wondering if anyone had any advice as to where to go if I were to sell these. I know there is a market for Stooges collectibles and I thought that original, unpublished performance negatives may be of value. Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated. Ebay ? Auction house ? Value ? I have no idea where to begin. Thank you in advance for your help ! Rfitzz

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Permalink Reply by Rfitzz on September 24, 2018 at 1:18pm

Wow ! You're good ! I hadn't seen those images. I'm analyzing the photos to see if I can find a common thread in the background to determine if it is Freedomland. Nothing definitive yet, but I haven't ruled it out. The awning is very similar but I'm trying to identify background items to confirm it. Either way, you're right, it is narrowing down the timeframe. I'm hoping somebody will be able to help me with a possible touring schedule for them during that period to further narrow the gap. Unfortunately, I only have the three images from that day so I don't have anything else of substance to compare to...but I'll keep looking.

Can't thank you enough for all of your help. truly appreciate it. I will keep you posted if I find any additional clues ! Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 24, 2018 at 1:30pm

Thanks! You are very welcome. "This" is mostly what I do for a living. I enjoy it. Not just vintage slides/prints but many other things. This morning I was verifying the location of a ship in the occupation of Japan (9.45-10.45) to confirm a story related to me by a serviceman's son about some artifacts I am dealing with from Hiroshima, another area of interest. I also authenticate ocean liner photographs, memorabilia and artifacts as well as the same from the 1939 New York World's Fair for collectors, museums and authors. Very satisfying. :)

I hope you are able to get further information!

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Permalink Reply by Rfitzz on September 24, 2018 at 1:40pm

Well, you are SUPERB at what you do. You totally nailed it. It's Freedomland 1961. Check out the clip below. I've identified several background items that are identical to my photos. Without a doubt, you have nailed the location and the time. Thanks so much.

Go to the :53 second mark thru 3:32. Identical to my photos !! You're the best, thanks for your help - this would've taken me forever to get to this point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mRWsl2a09c

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 24, 2018 at 2:04pm

Thanks again - that's a nice compliment. Hey there! :) Seems like we have a match!

Here is sample of some of my own work that you might find interesting - this is a full African mahogany pilaster which came from the First Class Lounge of the Cunard liner Mauretania of 1907. I authenticated it and sold it to the Discovery Museum in Wallsend, right where the ship was built. The image below was part of my presentation to the museum. I include the key to the images. The pilaster has been fully restored and is now on permanent display.

Click for full image:

Key to illustration (attached):
1) Detail of the capital showing a ram’s ear, horn and laurel leaves.
2) Archival photograph showing two pilasters in situ in the Lounge on the starboard side, near the double doors leading forward to the Grand Entrance (Warren, plate 43, exact location shown with arrow in image 7).
3) The capital showing one of the two the rams’ heads.
4) Archival detail of a ram’s head Lounge capital (from a column).
5) Profile of the carved mahogany skirting and pilaster.
6) Detail of the pilaster carving with an archival detail of the acanthus fluting.
7) Deck plan showing the Lounge with pilaster locations highlighted in green.
8) The fluting with gilt floral motif.
9) The carved pilaster with skirting.
10) The crossed ribbon detailing.
11) The pilaster and skirting with the separate left side.

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Permalink Reply by Rfitzz on September 24, 2018 at 2:11pm

That is truly amazing detective work !

again, it would’ve taken me forever to accomplish what you did in a few short moments. Can’t thank you enough - for the time savings alone !!! Now I’m off to begin my search for autographs from that appearance to complete the set !!! Thanks to you !

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on September 24, 2018 at 2:22pm

Thank you. It was a lot of fun! And now the images have greater value - the what, where, when is all there etc. Finding the value in things can be very profitable ;) and fun! Thanks again! :)

PS - Restore them and licence them if possible ;) It's the gift that keeps on giving.

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Permalink Reply by scott on February 17, 2020 at 6:34pm

I am very impressed with the help that you've given and the knowledge that you've shown, while helping these folks. Don't want to butt in, but I did anyway. Haha. Excellent job man...

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Permalink Reply by Trent Reeve on February 17, 2020 at 5:33pm

I've been researching the 3 Stooges and collecting memorabilia for 32 years. I know the owner of the 3 Stooges museum and I've been a member of the fan club since the 1980s. If you are still looking for information maybe I can help.