Captain Kangaroo puppets realise $224,500 at Nate D Sanders

Two puppets from children's TV classic Captain Kangaroo, Mr Moose and Bunny Rabbit, have sold for an outstanding sum at Nate D Sanders, in an online auction that closed on September 26.

Captain Kangaroo Mr Bunny Rabbit Mr Moose
Both puppets were operated by Cosmo Allegretti, who died last month



The two puppets, one of just two known pairs and the only examples in private hands, sold for an impressive $224,579 in a single lot.

Both puppets were obtained directly from Bob Keeshan (1927-2004), who played Captain Kangaroo during the show's iconic 30-year run from 1955-1984. They were originally operated by Cosmo Allegretti, who died in August 2013 at the age of 86.

With the only other known examples now housed in the Smithsonian, these are important pieces of nostalgic memorabilia, and with those who tuned into the show as children now adults, it's no wonder the beloved puppets raised such a sum.

In the show, Bunny Rabbit was a carrot-stealing trickster, remembered for his red horn-rimmed glasses. Mr Moose told riddles and jokes, which would unfailingly result in a shower of ping pong balls falling from the ceiling.

These aren't the only items from the show to have sold at auction, with Nate D Sanders selling the Dancing Bear costume for an equally impressive $207,109 in May 2013.

Nostalgic items such as this EH Shepard Winnie-the-Pooh drawing are always popular, and can prove both lucrative and enjoyable for the owner.

Joseph Schildkraut Academy Award Oscar
Early Academy Awards are in high demand among collectors


Also selling at Nate D Sanders was Joseph Schildkraut's 1937 Oscar award for Best Supporting Actor in The Life of Emile Zola, which sold for $92,866.

Leonardo DiCaprio's wardrobe from 1997's Titanic, complete with nametags, also featured, selling for $23,116.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a wonderful selection of memorabilia for sale.

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