the collection of Doctor Z
This week has seen some rarer-than-hen’s-teeth mugs surface, and predictably go for big bucks. Just now, a Ren Clark Severed Head mug closed on eBay for a jaw-dropping $1,325. This unusual mug caught most collectors’ eyes in the Book of Tiki. Sven Kirsten has made it known he yearns to find a candid photo of a diner at Ren Clark’s Polynesian Village drinking out of one of these mugs — preferably a woman with a beehive hairdo. Also up for auction is a rare Trader Vic’s glass, the Voodoo Tumbler that was used for serving Voodoo Grog. This specimen from the collection of Doctor Z is in excellent condition, with its golden tiki masks well defined all around the outside of the glass. The Voodoo Grog auction closes Tuesday, October 4.
- Trader Vic’s Voodoo Grog Glass from the Collection of Doctor Z [Ooga-Mooga]
- Ren Clark Severed Head [Ooga-Mooga]
- Ren Clark’s Polynesian Village Tiki Mug Headhunter Rare [eBay]
- Trader Vic’s VOODOO TUMBLER Imperial Glass tiki RARE!! [eBay]
- Ren Clark’s Polynesian Village Tiki Mug Headhunter Rare [Tiki Central]
- Trader Vic’s Voodoo Tumbler in PRISTINE condition! [Tiki Central]
Yikes! I thought I was crazy paying $2500 for a pinball machine!
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Isn’t that something? I have to admit, though — I love the severed head mug. Not quite that much, but it’s got such a great story, and it manages to be so gory and yet so cartoony at the same time — the blood is pink & red, it looks to me like it was made by a 13-year-old boy forced to make something for Valentine’s day in ceramics class. Doctor Z’s glass is getting up there, it’s already over $100 with 6 days to go. It’s a hard glass to find, especially in such good shape. Should be interesting.
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I confess I wanted the Ren Clark mug too when I first saw it in the Book of Tiki, but I would never have imagined it would go for that much. I always thought the head looked a lot like James Dean.
Living here in Wisconsin, I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I’m not going to be making any great tiki thrift-sale finds either. In the 12 years I’ve lived here, I’ve only found 2 mugs and both were quite common.
Too bad I don’t collect pirate heads and beer steins!
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I sold a Voodoo Grog a couple of years ago for a then astounding $575 on Ebay. Pretty good since it was $9 at the antique store. Just as crisp as Dr. Z’s.
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