FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Chait
310.285.0182
josh@chait.com

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S SKULL ON SALE IN BEVERLY HILLS!

View Sale

Lot 235

Beverly Hills, CA, December 13th, 2005 - Twenty-five years after the death of the famous director, I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers presents a rare opportunity to purchase Mr. Hitchcock’s well-preserved, downright fascinating skull during the Gallery’s December 18th Natural History sale. The sale, in association with Natural History expert Mr. David Herskowitz, and Gem and Mineral specialists Jim Walker and Mary Fong-Walker present a showcase of specimens rarely made available to collectors at public auction. “This piece is one of over 250 lots- all of which are rare, valuable, and utterly interesting,” offers Mr. Isadore Chait.

ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S SKULL & BOOK: The skull is natural human bone and is dissected in nine places to illustrate its internal anatomy for medical education. Of note is the delicate dissection of both auditory sinuses. A macabre augmentation to the value of this lot is the inclusion of an important and extremely rare wax cast of the human brain, which resides in its natural position in the calvarium of this antique demonstration skull.

Such antique medical models are highly collectable. The lot features the actual skull with which the author communes, sharing his indulgence in tobacco, while posed for the somber cover photograph of his book entitled, ‘Skull Session’. A vintage copy of the book is included. This intriguing piece of Hollywood memorabilia also represents an important example of medical paraphernalia from a bygone era. This authentic human cranium, together with its original iron stand, measures approximately 9 1/4 inches tall and is guaranteed to add mystery in your life.

THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE: Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was born in London, England on August 13th 1899. His work in cinema and television spanned over half a century and includes such memorable greats as Psycho; To Catch a Thief; Rear Window; Birds; Vertigo, among many others. His methods of suspense and shock are studied at film schools around the world.

The Natural History, Gems and Minerals auction will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2005, at 1:00 PM. The auction offers in-room, absentee, phone, and live on-line bidding. The I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers is located at 9330 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, California, 90210. For more information, or to order a catalogue, kindly call (310) 285-0182, or visit our website at www.chait.com.