January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
Made for Bobby Connolly (1897-1944), an American choreographer and director best known for his work on the "Wizard of Oz", this 1930s Bohlin “New York” model 3-piece, 1” sterling and 10K yellow gold buckle set with “RC” initials engraved on the raised gold oval, overlaid gold scroll pattern and four flowers inset with red rubies. The buckle set is affixed to the original two-tone brown floral carved and lined Bohlin maker-stamped belt that is mounted with nine, 1 1/4” domed Bohlin California poppy conchos. The belt measures 33” to the center hole and is in very fine, wearable condition. Circa 1930s.
Provenance/Pictured: James H. Nottage's "Saddlemaker to the Stars, The Leather and Silver Art of Edward H. Bohlin", pg 162, Plate 87
William Harold "Bobby" Connolly (July 4, 1897 – February 29, 1944) was an American choreographer and director, first for Broadway musicals and then for films. Connolly was nominated for four Academy Awards for Best Dance Direction, for his work on the films "Go Into Your Dance" (1935), "Broadway Hostess" (1935), "Cain and Mabel" (1936), and "Ready, Willing and Able" (1937). Other film credits included dance director for "Flirtation Walk" (1934), "The Patient in Room 18" (film) (1938), "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) and "For Me and My Gal" (1942). His Broadway choreography credits included "The Desert Song" (1926), "Good News" (1927), "Funny Face" (1927), "The New Moon" (1928), "Follow Thru" (1929), "Show Girl" (1929), "Flying High" (1930), "Ziegfield Follies" of 1931 and 1934, and "Take a Chance" (1932), among others.
Item Dimensions: Belt: 33" L