April 7th Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Sports Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2022
Presented is a 1970’s recreation of the hat worn by actor Meinhardt Raabe for his role as one of the “Munchkins” in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film, “The Wizard of Oz.” Raabe had this hat created for him to wear at public appearances from the 1970s to his death in 2010 at “Wizard of Oz” fan conventions and other show business events, including appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Entertainment Tonight.” Raabe portrayed the coroner who certified the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. Raabe, however, was uncredited in the role, which lasted only 13 seconds. In the film, the coroner confirms the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, with Raabe's lines being: “As coroner, I must aver, I thoroughly examined her, And she's not only merely dead, She's really, most sincerely dead!” These lines, like most of those delivered by the Munchkins, were dubbed over with the speeded-up voices of other performers.
In addition to his role in the film, Raabe worked for many decades as a spokesman for Oscar Mayer, where he was known as "Little Oscar, World's Smallest Chef". He traveled in the first Wienermobile, which was the idea of the company founder's nephew, Carl Mayer, in 1936. Because the vehicle had little space for any passengers, Mayer realized the spokesman would have to be small, and Raabe got the job. The purple felt hat has a 11½ x 16-inch brim, and a green ribbon around the 4½-inch high crown.
Also included is a Wizard of Oz advertisement signed by 12 "Munchkins." One of the signers is Meinhardt Raabe alongside 11 of his fellow castmates. Both pieces are in fine condition and a great addition to any Wizard of Oz collector.
1970's Wizard of Oz Meinhardt Raabe (Munchkin who Certified the Death of the Wicked Witch) Owned and Worn Coroner's Hat
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