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Marcus Loew bronze plaque for sale
posted by
michaelkaplan
on
February 23, 2009 at 10:50 am
I’ve acquired one of those 144+ bronze plaques with a brass relief bust of Marcus Loew. These plaques were mounted in the lobbies of most, if not all, Loews movie palaces. The plaque was designed by sculptor Louis Keila and produced in 1924. One of these is in the collection of the Jewish Museum in New York, and has been catalogued by the Smithsonian Institute.
Anyone wishing more information, including a digital image, is invited to contact me offline.
I am also wondering how many of these plaques still exist in what were the Loews theaters.
Comments (14)
How shall we contact you?
I have one of these plaques as well, mine came from a closed up Loews theatre.
Any idea of what it is worth?
Speaking of “collectables”…
A late dear lady friend of mine gave me a cherub from the demolished San Francisco Fox. She actually went to jail after twice breaking in to the site to retrieve quite a few goodies. Bless her heart!!!
The male cherub is in fine condition (never been cleaned!) along with the original gold leaf applique.
Also owning a mint-print of Preston Kaufmann’s fabulous publication of “FOX, the last word”, I researched the countless photographs and found the actual item over the quaint candy counter (page 137).
I now share this little wonder with my great friend Joseph Musil at his fascinating American Museum of Theatrical Design in southern California… for all fans to see and enjoy.
I can be contacted at
Kerry, which Loew’s theater did yours come from? I assume mine came from one of the 3 Loew’s movie palaces in the DC area.
Michael
Warren, I’m sure you’re correct. The 1924 date was mistakenly taken from a bust of Loew designed by Keila in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York. I don’t know the artist or date for the plaque, which is exactly as shown in your photo. I would assume that, after Loew’s death in 1927, a plaque was installed in each of the Loew theaters. I saw several in the New York City area.
In addition to the 144, I read that 24 theaters were in planning or construction at the time of Loew’s death. I don’t know how many of those 24 were completed. So the outside number for the plaques was 168, but, as you say, not every theater might have installed one.
I forgot to mention that I saw one of these plaques in the collection of the Theatre Historical Society in Chicago. I assume this came with the collection donated by Loew’s Inc. that includes thousands of photographs and other artifacts related to its theaters.
Very interesting. It means there were a minimum of 144 installed, likely 168 or more.
I inquired from United States Bronze, New Hyde Park NY, what a similar plaque would cost to produce today. Here’s the reply:
“The plaque shown in 18” x 12" would cost you $1,350 delivered."
So, I think my estimated value of between $1000-$5000 for the 1929 Marcus Loew would be correct, assuming there’s someone (or some group) interested.
The 68th and Broadway AMC in NYC (formerly Loews) has a reproduction of the relief Bronze. Installed in 1994.
Is it a photographic repro or done in real bronze?
I’ve now listed this on eBay
View link
Cannot seem to find a picture of this plaque,anyone got one???
I have one of these rare plaques also and would love to know more about it. I am thinking of selling it but not sure what price to entertain. Please post here or email with any information.