1138. Original screen-used Clayton Moore signature “Lone Ranger” mask from The Lone Ranger. (ABC-TV, 1949-56) Clayton Moore wore this black mask as the star of The Lone Ranger – the wildly successful TV series of the 1950s about a Texas Ranger who disguises his identity to fight crime on the frontier. Accompanied by his trusted Indian friend, Tonto, and packing a gun loaded with silver bullets, the Lone Ranger dispensed justice while respecting the laws of society. The Lone Ranger’s iconic custom-made mask is constructed of a face-fitting shell crafted of lightweight resin-impregnated cloth with black felt covering the exterior. Features attached, adjustable 12 in. black elastic strap for securing to the face around the back of head. Clayton Moore performed his own stunts and he worked with the costume designer to create this mask, working from a plaster casting of the actor’s face, so it would fit perfectly and not interfere with his peripheral vision during action sequences and on horseback. Following the production of The Lone Ranger, Moore ultimately kept three of his masks and displayed them in his library among other personal memorabilia. The accompanying letter of authenticity by Moore’s daughter, Dawn, states in part, “When deciding which pieces of his collection were to be shared with his fans after his passing, he and I talked about each mask’s future. This one – while obviously almost identical to the other two – for some reason was the one I chose to keep. Its condition seemed to bear witness to more magic-making and therefore to me, held more of my father’s spirit. … Of the other two masks, one resides in a private collection and the other is proudly on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of American History.” Resin shell exhibits minor cracking on the back of the mask from production use; otherwise, in fine condition. Displayed on a custom, museum-quality plexiglass stand suspended on a post affixed to a 13 x 8.5 x 2 in. wooden base with a 12 x 6 x 7 in. plexiglass cover. Arguably the greatest piece of television pop culture Americana extant. Worthy of inclusion in the finest museums and collections. From the Estate of Clayton Moore.
$30,000 - $50,000