April 7th Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Sports Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/7/2022
This is an incredible find. This hat was was one of Maynard's favorites in later years when the once-famous western movie star fell on hard times. It was given to one of his good friends a gentleman named Joel Towler, who had come to his aid in the early 1960s. They then became good friends in the last 10 years of Masynyards life. It is accompanied by a newspaper article where Towler talks about his friend and their relationship and shows this very hat as one of the prized possessions and keepsakes he received after his friend passed away.
This also comes with 3 early Maynard featured magazines and 2 signed photos of Maynard.
Kenneth Olin Maynard (July 21, 1895 – March 23, 1973) was an American actor and producer. He was most active from the 1920s to the 1940s and considered one of the biggest Western stars in Hollywood.
Maynard was also an occasional screenwriter and director. In 1960, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.
Ken Maynard began working at carnivals and circuses, where he became an accomplished horseman. As a young man, he performed in rodeos and was a trick rider with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Maynard served in the United States Army during World War I. After the war, he first appeared in silent motion pictures in 1923 as a stuntman or supporting actor. In 1924, he began working in western features, where his horsemanship and rugged good looks made him a cowboy star.
Ken Maynard's Own Stetson Cowboy Hat
Click above for larger image.