Meet Chris Stulz: Inside the collection
Check out Muppet items that were only given to Jim Henson employees!
May. 28, 2020
It started in his childhood with hand-me-down toys from Sesame Street, but Chris Stulz’s obsession with all things Jim Henson continued into his adulthood, encompassing Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and, of course, everything Muppets!
He takes us on a virtual tour of his treasure house of more than three thousand items, many of them limited-edition giveaways.
Collector's Call favorite Rob Klein returns to use his pop-culture savvy to put a value on Chris' items.
1. 'The Muppet Show' Cast & Crew Mug
This drinking vessel was given to those who worked on the beloved The Muppet Show in 1981. That makes it rare enough, but the art also features obscure characters such as Annie Sue Pig and Gaffer the Cat. It's worth about $500, so don't use it for coffee.
2. Palisades Wedding Action Figure Set
Palisades Toys manufactured Muppets action figure, but this set could not be found in stores. In fact, it was made as an exclusive wedding present and even featured details about the nuptials on the back of the box. Fewer than 300 were made for wedding guests. Not on that, but there is no office Muppets merchandise that featured Kermit and Miss Piggy getting married! It's valued at $1,500.
3. "Rainbow Collection" Sheet Music Signed by Paul Williams
Songwriting legend Paul Williams will forever be associate with the Muppets. His most enduring song is the Kermit ballad "Rainbox Collection." Williams himself signed this book. It's valued at around $350.
4. 'The Muppets Take Manhattan' Cast & Crew Poster
Yep, it's another exclusive item given to employees. This signed poster was given to those who worked on the 1984 film. It features the signatures of Jim Henson and Frank Oz in metallic ink. Oz rarely signs items, making this all the more valuable. It's estimated to be worth more than $1,000.
5. Kermit Wine Stopper
This pewter wine-bottle topper was given to employees of the Jim Henson Company in 2001 — three years before Disney bought the Muppets. Pre-Disney Henson memorabilia is more valuable, making this worth upwards of $1,000.
6. 2005 Muppets Style Guide
This corporate guidebook was given to marketing and licensing partners on how to properly represent the Muppets and characters. Chris has a hardback and softback version. It was the last physical copy of the guide produced before the style guide went digital.
7. Style Guide — Beaker
Here's a peek inside the style guide, at the guidelines of how to properly create Beaker — even without his lab coat? The book is worth about $500–$1,000. Would Chris trade it for an original 35mm film trailer for The Dark Crystal?
8. Kermit Figure
Speaking of "The Rainbow Connection," this musical Kermit doll is lifesize!
9. Muppets Vinyl Figures
Chris has 3,000 Henson-related items on display in his home and another 1,000 in storage.
2 Comments
Thank you Ashley
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