JEAN HARLOW - EPHEMERA UNSIGNED - HFSID 350514

JEAN HARLOW
Pantaloons owned by Jean Harlow which were given to her as a joke from Clark Gable.
White pantaloons with a large "JH" embroidered in red at the top and lace trim at the legs. Small piece of embroidery missing from the lower right of the "H". These pantaloons, originally obtained from Jean Harlow's agent, Arthur Landau, were given to JEAN HARLOW (1911-1937) by Clark Gable, her co-star in five films, as a joke. The blonde bombshell, who was known for her sizzling on-screen performances and sexy styles, fell in love with the pantaloons and wore them on many occasions, including at a Halloween party, to which she had come dressed as a saloon girl. Includes PROVENANCE: (1) Partly Printed ALS: "Richard Wilson", 1p, 8½ x 11. Chevy Chase, MD, 1999 July 14.  Printed at right: "Celebrity/Memorabilia/Norma's Jeans/Buy-Sell, Collect,/Appraise, Search". In full: (typed) "To Whom It May Concern:" (handwritten) "Jean Harlow pantaloons, white with lace and decoration at legs and large 'JH' embroidered at top. Given to her as a prank by Clark Gable. Originally obtained from Jean's agent Arthur Landau by Sally Cramier's mother, later obtained from Sally by Norma's Jeans." (typed) "This letter will provide provenance for the above item(s) purchased from Norma's Jeans. The item(s) are authentic as represented." (2) Photocopied "Certificate of Authenticity" bearing facsimile signature "SC" of Sally Cramier, S.C. & Associates, 7p, 8½ x 11. Los Angeles, no date. Beginning "To Whom It May Concern". In part: "I have elected, with the agreement of my sister, Catherine, who is part owner to sell the remaining Jean Harlow pieces in our collection…Arthur Landau was a close personal friend as well as the agent for Jean Harlow…When Jean passed away the Landaus were left with many, many of her personal property items. Mr. Landau made a couple of attempts to return the clothing and other articles but since his relationship with Jean's mother was strained, at best, he wound up keeping everything. Years later Mr. Landau met a beautiful woman and had a very prolonged 'affair' with her…She was very deeply in love with Arthur and he could not bring himself to leave his wife of so many years…This lovely woman was my mother. She had recently divorced my father and I was just a little girl but I still recall vividly being allowed to 'dress up' in Jean Harlow's robes, dresses and gowns and wear her jewelry that Arthur had given as gifts to my mother. He loved to surprise her with a new 'Harlow Gift' on every special and many not-so-special days of the years…He was a wonderful man and he and mother made a wonderful couple but marriage was just 'never to be'. When mother passed away my sister Catherine and I were left all of these gorgeous pieces of Jean Harlow and Hollywood movie history…." The Certificate of Authenticity lists all the items Sally Cramier sold including: "An adorable pair of old fashioned pantaloons with lace trim and one initial 'H' at the waist. These were given to Jean as a 'joke' but she fell in love with them on many occasions including one Halloween party at the Landau home where Jean dressed up as a saloon girl."  With a 10 x 13 b/w photograph of Harlow. Framed to an overall size of 43x35.