It seems like fate by which I found this "Flying Fickle Finger of Fate"--at an antiques/collectibles shop where I never find anything but popped into on a whim, just as they were closing, making a quick 5 minute loop around the shop and grabbing it--not knowing what it was but thinking is was a fabulous, weird thing--from a shelf filled with tchotchkes.
Laugh In (1967-1973) was a bit before my time, so I didn't recognize it was as the trophy that Rowan & Martin ironically awarded on the show as a sort of middle finger, calling out celebrities, politicians, and various entities for wrongdoings and dubious deeds. I'm only now really realizing not only what a cultural phenomenon the show was, but also how hugely influential, not just launching Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, etc., but also precursing everything from SNL to Ali G and so much more.
There was once a gold sticker on the front of the base reading Flying Fickle Finger of Fate. That is gone, but there is a copyright mark inside the cuff of the hand, reading G.S.-E.F.P. & R Inc. 1969, which is how I figured out what it is. It also would have originally been awarded with a certificate, listing 5 reasons for the award, beginning with ''Coming in last in the human race''.
In very good condition, the hand is bright shiny gold in color and made of cast metal, hollow inside; I am not quite sure of the metal, it is not very heavy for its size. (Total weight a little less than 1.5 lbs.) On the wooden base is some residue from the old sticker on the front face. The sculpture attaches to the base via recessed nut and bolt. There is a what looks a bit like a repaired hairline crack that runs across a couple of the fingers but it is not a repair; I've found it on all of these I've looked at.
I've found others of these selling out there for more than $2K, which seems a bit crazy, but certainly it is both a great piece of cultural history and an excellent object! But I'm listing it at the lowest price I see out there anywhere (excepting for ones broken into multiple pieces!)
8 3/4" t x 7" w x 2 1/2" d.
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