Tommy Knots Ventriloquist Figure by Frank Marshall

[Ventriloquist Figure] Tommy Knots. Chicago, Frank Marshall, ca. 1955. Diminutive (20" high) ventriloqual figure with purple sailor's suit and white sailor's hat. Carved wooden head, feet and hands, glass eyes, moving mouth and nodding head. Face and hands of the figure have been re-finished by Marshall's student Brian Hamilton, whose name is written inside the head of the figure. Very good condition. When first advertised by Marshall ("Creator of radio's most beloved ventriloqual personality," (Charlie McCarthy) accoding to his advertising), the Tommy Knots figure was billed as "Not a doll, but a real professional figure in every way." Formerly the property of Chicago-based magician and ventriloquist (and friend of Frank Marshall), Nick Tomei.