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"Peek of the Week" - Week 22
Bob Simmons "Foam Sandwich" from the James Arness Collection 11'0" 1949/50 Lot of 3 items
Here it is! The definite "Star of the Show" An incredible example of the first foam surfboard! Bob Simmons built these with the first use of Styrofoam in the middle. Sandwiched between teak plywood, featuring jigs that allowed for the first rocker and scoop in the nose. The rails of this board are balsa and were turned by Matt Kivlin! It features a mahogany single fin. This board was bought by James Arness (well known as Marshal Matt Dillon of "Gunsmoke" fame) in 1950 and he rode it for two years and then switched to balsa boards. He had all the dings fixed and the board fully restored and then it hung on the wall in his office at CBS studios. It has been described by Simmons specialist, John Elwell as the finest example of a Simmons foam sandwich ever seen. In addition to the board, it comes with a framed set that features a receipt from Dow Chemicals for the Styrofoam, a canceled check signed by Bob Simmons for the materials and a receipt for the balsa from General Veneer! In addition is a picture of Bob Simmons himself. In all the years of presenting vintage collectables, never have we had a set as rare as this with so much provenance! Truly a once in a lifetime offering. pre-auction estimate: $25,000-$50,000
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