eBay Watch: LVC Prototype Toby Jug

From time to time I will post interesting items that I see on eBay that would be of interest to a LVC fan. These are not endorsements of the sellers, just merely my observations of interesting or rare items.

This eBay is actually pretty interesting.  A jug in the likeness of LVC!

 

LEE VAN CLEEF 'PROTOTYPE' LIMITED EDITION TOBY JUG THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY THIS WILL BE AN EDITION SIZE OF 15 ONLY WORLDWIDE

This privately commissioned Toby Jug is yet another outstanding masterpiece, by the famous artist Ray Noble, and produced by the Toby/Character jug specialist Bairstow Manor Pottery, of Staffordshire England.

This Jug stands 6 inches tall, hand crafted, and hand painted by Dan Smith (ex Royal Doulton). Who's initials can be found on the base, net to the backstamp. Each Jug will carry its own identification number which makes up part of the back stamp.With a limited edition only 15 worldwide, this must be amongst the smallest, if not the smallest limited edition ever made.

Truly a magnificent masterpiece, and a very desirable must have item among the Toby/character jug or Cowboy/western collectors.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ITEM

• This is my personal commission, and can only be purchased directly from me
• There will be a total of 15 Jugs, numbered 1 to 15.
• There are a total of 4 prototypes, all with different coloured waist coat. One colour waistcoat will be decided on for the production run of the edition of 15.
• Two prototypes already sold
• There will be no busts made of this item. Sorry to all the Bust collectors.

It is my intention to produce a complete set of all three from THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY in the same format. Eli Wallach (THE UGLY) is well on the way and likly to ready by mid November. Followed up by Clint Eastwood (THE GOOD) early next year. Eli Wallach and Clint Eastwood will also be a limited edition of 15 only.

 

 

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOBY-JUG-NEW-LEE-VAN-CLEEF-PROTOTYPE-cowboy-john-wayne-not-royal-doulton-/330972341523?pt=UK_PotteryPorcelain_Glass_PotteryPorcelain_China_SM&hash=item4d0f7d2513

 

Death Rides a Horse - Color Press Photos

Click to enlarge!

Der Commander - Trailer

One of Lee's last performances.  aka "The Commander" and "Commando Wildgeese"

Stranger and The Gunfighter - Black and White Press Photos

Click to enlarge

 





 

 

 

 

 

eBay Watch: Music Pocket Watch from FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE

From time to time I will post interesting items that I see on eBay that would be of interest to a LVC fan. These are not endorsements of the sellers, just merely my observations of interesting or rare items.

This eBay watch is literally a watch this time!  Below is the seller's description.



StraightLine Collectibles presents:  

The Music Pocket Watch From "FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE"  

One of the most significant Spaghetti Western movie props of all time! This licensed pocket watch plays the identical full song as in the movie ... just push the button - the top opens and the song plays loud and clear!  

The details in the watch and the chain are amazing The watch comes with the cool black case as shown "When the chimes end, pick up your gun" .... El Indio (final duel scene of the movie)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151083036955

Seller has a "Buy it Now" of $149.  Pictures below.  Click to enlarge!

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Apache - Trailer

 

 

The Master - Black and White Press Photos

I am sure the first thing you think of when you hear the words "Lee Van Cleef", is ninja... I mean, why wouldn't you?

In 1984 LVC had a weekly action series on NBC, called "The Master", where he played a (you guessed it), Ninja Master.  The series was canceled after 13 episodes, and was later released as Master Ninja on VHS.




Click on 'em to make 'em bigger!

Day of Anger - Blu-ray Review (Japan)

It took me awhile to get to this one, as it is not one of my favorites (weird, right?). 

 

The disc is from Japan and plays on Region A players.  It will cost $40 to $50 to import, which is actually less than what the long out of print Wild East DVD usually goes for on eBay.

 

I'm not going to review the actual film, just the quality of the disc.  For general information on the movie click here

 

The print used is the 109 minute uncut version that most of us are familiar with.  The butchered US 83 minute cut is also included as a curiosity I suppose.  Packaging includes a cardboard slipcase that I discarded as it did not feature LVC (sorry Gemma!).  A standard Blu-ray case (but not blue!) case is included as pictured above.

 

VIDEO

The biggest problem with this disc, is it is encoded in 1080i, not 1080p.  Honestly it doesn't look too good, maybe a marginal improvement over standard DVD.  I would say it is an improvement over the Wild East disc, as that disc was non-anamorphic.

 

 

 

Color is decent.  Film is often times over exposed or washed out, but it is very watchable.  Don't be expecting a fantastic presentation like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Italian disc, or The Big Gundown German disc.

 

AUDIO

The audio is nothing spectacular, but is clear.  No sync issues like the Grand Duel disc from Mill Creek.  Languages include Italian, English, and Japanese.

 

 

EXTRAS
 

It looks like all the extras from the Wild East disc are ported over as well as an additional Giuliano Gemma interview.

• 83 minute and 109 minute versions of the film
• Video interviews (Giuliano Gemma)
• TV spots
• Almeria Then and Now
• Trailers
• “Day of Anger"&"Days of Wrath" alternate title sequences
• Posters and leaflets Gallery

IN CONCLUSION

While this disc offers currently the best way to view the film, it is still no up to today's blu-ray standards.  If you love the film, I would say buy it.  Hopefully we will see a release one day with a better quality image. 

[2015 Update:  A much better version has been released by Arrow Video]