1941 Death Valley Mack - Signed Photo, Cardboard Poster & Advertising Blotter

Item Details

California, 1941, Mixed

Used

Poster, autographed photograph and advertising blotter for the Hollywood Western character, Death Valley Mack. "Death Valley Mack" (born Samson McDonald) was an Old West performer, whip artist, and radio personality famously known as the original host of Death Valley Days. Traveling the U.S. during the 1940s and 50s, he became an icon for cultivating a Buffalo Bill-style beard and touring with a 40-foot bullwhip. Born around the 1880s, McDonald was a veteran showman who traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. He famously took a vow in 1930 to grow his hair and beard to match the Buffalo Bill legend. He told anyone who would listen that Buffalo Bill had entrusted him with a Pony Express pouch at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, containing letters that weren't to be opened for half a century. McDonald hosted Death Valley Days before it became a popular television show. He was also known for his whip-cracking skills and even acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights, serving as an honorary pallbearer for famous western stars in the 1950s. Mack is frequently remembered by classic-trailer and Old West enthusiasts for his highly customized 1936 Bowlus road yacht. The vintage travel trailer featured "The Old Ranger / Death Valley Mack" painted on the side and was pulled across the country to facilitate his tours. The signed photograph is 8” x 10” and inscribed in pen to Delmer Hoop. Mack appears to have an assistant and there is an advertising posted in the image. The poster is on medium stock cardboard. 7” x 22” and single sided. It announces Mack appearing at the Rex Theater (likely Los Angeles) on Tuesday November 25, 1941. It features a b/w photo of Mack & an Indian. The blotter advertises Mack, his movies and his various characters. Includes 2wo b/w images of Mack in character. The photo and blotter remain very good. The posted was folded in half and is in desperate need of restoration. It is weak and just beginning to split. It will be shipped flat with cardboard backing to prevent further damage. Sold as a lot of three items only from this “Old West” personality.