"DINKIE DOO" MASCOT BROOCH/BADGE
Despite hours of research on the internet, I'm unable to determine exactly what a "Dinkie Doo" is, although I have found a silent Pathe Newsreel from 1919, (the same year of the Reg.no. on the reverse of this brooch), showing the famous British Music Hall Star, George Robey**, painting eyebrows on to a Dinkie Doo statue:
GEO. ROBEY'S MASCOT
The Famous Comedian and "gatherer of funds" for charity, puts finishing touches on his "Dinkie Doo" to be sold for benefit of Bart's Hospital.
The Famous Comedian and "gatherer of funds" for charity, puts finishing touches on his "Dinkie Doo" to be sold for benefit of Bart's Hospital.
click on link:
British Pathe - GEORGE ROBEY'S MASCOT
Was it just the statue that was sold for the benefit of St. Bart's Hospital, or was it part of a bigger campaign which included this badge? Perhaps Dinkie Doo was a character from one of his songs? If any one knows what a "Dinkie Doo" is, I'd love to hear from you.
**George Robey is probably best remembered for popularizing the WWI song, "If You Were The Only Girl (In The World)". A song which has since been covered by the likes of, Doris Day, Perry Como, and even Barbara Streisand.
Brooch measures approx. 38mm, (1.1/2"), and is secured with a hinged pin and simple period c clasp. Marked to the reverse with design registration number, 668886; which dates it to 1919. Brooch is of silver plated brass and is in excellent uncleaned vintage condition; there is a tiny bit of ware to the silver on his hands and nose.
I don't know what a dinkie doo is, but I do have one of these badges which I inherited recently. No one in my family has any ideas about it, so it's so good to have some interesting information on it.
ReplyDeleteHow much do you think it's worth?
As always the value of any item is only as much as someone is willing to pay for it. I'm listing this item on ebay tonight, to end on Sunday 18/04/10 at about 7.10pm, so you might want to look out for it and see what it goes for. I'm not expecting it to go for much I'm afraid, but it is an interesting little item.
ReplyDeleteYou can find it on ebay by searching for "George Robey Badge"; I don't expect there will be any others listed!
£26. Oh well I shall put my retirement plan on hold for know. lol
ReplyDeleteI placed a bid on your gold art nouveau brooch; I thought it was beautiful. I just wish I'd bid higher now. :(
Have you found out what a Dinkie Doo is yet?
£26 ain't so bad. I was pleased with the result. When I listed the item, I thought I was pushing my luck a bit by putting a start price of £9.99. Fortunately I found two bidders who were interested in British Music Hall.
ReplyDeleteStill don't know what a Dinkie Doo is, but I have asked the winning bidder; just waiting on a reply.