JAWS (1975) - Shark Tooth Clapperboard - A shark tooth clapperboard from the production of Steven Spielberg's Jaws. This clapperboard originates from Rochelle Mellon, a trailblazing studio professional and film extra who was profiled in a 1960s Los Angeles Times article titled "Tiny Teamster," humorously referencing her short stature and proud membership in the Teamsters Union. In Jaws, Mellon appeared as an extra in the hospital scene, seated in a wheelchair as a nurse checked her pulse. While similar clapperboards have been offered at auction in the past, this specific clapperboard has remained with Mellon since production and is now coming to market for the very first time.

During production, a small number of clapperboards were custom-made in the style of a shark's jaws in homage to the film's voracious antagonist. The lettering on each board was hand-painted in a unique manner. The toothy clapperboards were used briefly and then later replaced by easier-to-use standard clapperboards.

This black-and-white painted wooden clapperboard features tooth-shaped slates with "Zanuck/Brown Prod.," "Universal Studios 02074 'JAWS'," "DIR. S. SPIELBERG," and "CAM. B. BUTLER" labeled on the front. It has two wooden dowels inserted on the reverse and metal screws embedded at the bottom for attaching an elastic band to keep the slate properly aligned. It exhibits some wear from use and age, including minor scuffing and remnants of chalk. Dimensions: 12.5" x 10.5" x 1.25" (31.75 cm x 26.75 cm x 3.25 cm)

Estimate: $60,000 - 120,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 25th. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM (PDT) / 12:30 PM (EDT) / 4:30 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, March 26th or Friday, March 27th.