Posted By Dan Greenfield on Nov 10, 2024 | 5 comments

Max’s The Penguin finale is Sunday — so let’s have some fun with the original Bird of Banditry…

I’m really, really, really enjoying The Penguin on Max. So much so that I’ve been obsessed with the Fowl Felon for the past eight weeks, reading Penguin stories, breaking out various Penguin action figures, and listening religiously to the show’s official podcast.

Crazy thing is, there’s no merch at all related to the show. There are Penguin figs left over from The Batman, but no script books, soundtracks, nothing. (Or, “nuttin'” as Oz Cobb might say, though you can listen to the show’s main theme on Spotify.)

Although frustrated — I would very much like to read the scripts — I was inspired to go check out some classic Penguin memorabilia. The kinds of things that sell for lots of money through places like Heritage Auctions.

Here are 13 fab pieces I found, along with the official descriptions and sale prices, including buyer’s premium. The top item is actually up for bid now!

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Batman TV Show “Pengy for Mayor” Sandwich Board

Vintage original prop campaign sandwich board from Season 2, Episode 17 “Hizzoner the Penguin” / Episode 18 “Dizzoner the Penguin”. Lavender painted two-part wooden sandwich board with white lettering, with “Pengy for Mayor” featuring a pasteup image of the Penguin (Burgess Meredith) on one side and “Tippecanoe And Pengy Too!” on the other. The two 18″ x 30″ wooden pieces are joined by two leather straps affixed to the top. Worn by one of the Penguin’s “G.O.O.N.” henchman. Exhibiting production wear and handling. Originally from the collection of Joe E. Tata, who played various “henchmen” during the three seasons of the television show. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. Current bid, including BP, as I write this: $1,250. (Follow the action here.)

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Penguin Figure on Original First Issue Card (Kresge /Mego, 1973)

Of course I have a Penguin Mego. Just not in a Kresge package.

This first issue 8″ Penguin figure on the the Kresge card is marked Mego 1973 and has the original Kresge price sticker at the top. The card has great color with a touch of fading at the bottom and the firmly attached bubble is clear. The card has light edge and corner wear with a small crease in the top right corner. The back of the card is clean and has a few scuff marks in spots. Overall the card is in excellent condition with a beautiful T1 Penguin figure. Sale price: $625.

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Collection of (4) Jet Pack Flying Umbrella Miniatures Carrying Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, (2) Henchmen and Bruce Wayne, From 1966 Batman Movie

This is amazing.

Vintage original collection of (7) miniature flying character figure props riding (4) jet pack umbrellas, constructed of metal, cloth resin and mixed media components, including (1) headless Joker, (1) Penguin, (1) Riddler sans umbrella, (1) Catwoman in disguise, (2) Henchmen and (1) kidnapped Bruce Wayne. In the 1966 Batman feature film, archvillains the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler and Catwoman join forces to form the “United Underworld”. In an attempt to lure Batman and finish him off, the villains kidnap Bruce Wayne and escape on special jet pack umbrellas that soar through the air like a witch’s broomstick. The miniatures measure 4.5″ x 3″ x 2″ to 10.5″ x 5″ x 2″. Exhibiting age, paint chipping, handling and production use including the stated loss of Joker’s head. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Collection of Greg Jein. Sale price: $8,750.

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Batman and Penguin Models (Aurora, 1964-67)

Both model kits were released by Aurora and are unused in the original boxes. The Penguin model has most parts off sprues with unused sticker sheet and instructions. The Batman is also complete with instructions and most parts are not attached to sprues. The Batman box is marked 1964 measuring 13″ by 7″ and has some wear with marks along the top edge. There is a bit of fading on the bottom short cover panel but otherwise, the box is solid in good condition. The Penguin box is marked 1967 and measures 13″ by 5.25″. It is in good solid condition with minor edge wear. Sale price: $687.50.

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Batman Pix-a-Go-Go Lot (Embree, 1966)

I have one of these! (I have a Joker one too.)

This lot contains 6 Pix-a-Go Go sets released by Embree Manufacturing Company in 1966. It contains four large “Double Feature Show” pieces as well as two smaller ones. The large shows feature Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, The Penguin, and The Joker. The smaller sets are eight episodes featuring the Joker and eight episodes featuring The Penguin. The larger sets would play a show by turning the dial on the bottom while the small cards move by sliding a strip through the side.

More Information: The Catwoman and Mr. Freeze boxes are loose and do not work when turned. The paper is inside the box, but likely needs to be reconnected to the end to turn properly. Both have tape at the ends and the boxes have some wear. The small Penguin set is also open and the papers are slotted on the back while the small Joker set is still sealed in the bag and unused. The Penguin and Joker large boxes are still sealed in the original cellophane. The Penguin box has a tear on the box ack on the left side and the cellophane is torn near the knob. The Joker’s cellophane is untorn but there is a sticker with numbers on the front. Sale price: $575.

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Batman and Penguin Pez Dispensers (Pez, 1966)

I like the idea of a Penguin with a yellow top hat.

This lot contains two vintage “no feet” Pez dispensers of Batman and the Penguin from 1966. Also included is the very rare vending machine box that the Batman dispenser came in with the Batman logo on the side. Batman is missing his cape and there is a black mark on his chin. The Penguin dispenser is in good used condition. The Batman box has a torn end flap as well as a water stain and a surface tear. Sale price: $537.50.

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Bob Powell and Norman Saunders Batman (Black Bat) #19 “Fiery Encounter” Trading Card Painting Original Art (Topps, 1966)

Robin has a “Fiery Encounter” with the Penguin and his trick umbrella as these two birds clash on this vintage original trading card art featuring Norman Saunders’ opaque watercolor painting over a Bob Powell graphite layout. This image was originally rendered on an illustration board, and this top image layer has been “skimmed” off and was at one time affixed to something else. The art is in Very Good condition, measuring approximately 4.75″ x 3.5″. Sale price: $7,800.

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Batman’s Villains: Penguin’s Disguise Kit (Pressman, 1966)

This extremely rare Penguin’s Disguise Kit was produced by Pressman and includes the original box. In the box, the disguise comes with a plastic mask, squirting flower, and plastic pouch. The box advertises a “Bag of Water Fun”. The drawstring “Penguin’s Pouch” has winkles and wear and has the Penguin’s face with water droplets on one side and Batman on the reverse. The thin plastic mask is unbroken with a few small marks and some darker spots on the back. The box is well worn and has fading, edge wear and some creases. The front flap has tearing at both ends as does the top left and right corners of the box lid. Despite the significant package wear, this is nearly impossible to find with the original box. Sale price: $625.

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Batman World Adventure Library #4 Original Artwork (Walt Howarth, 1966)

This artwork for “Batman – Penguin Gets The Bird!” from the Batman World Adventure Library #4 was painted by the original artist Walt Howarth. Mr. Howarth painted the original cover artwork for many “British Annuals” published throughout the 1960’s. He also created covers for many other popular character items including toys, scrapbooks, and puzzles. As was his habit, he always painted 2 copies of each so he could submit one to the publisher and keep one for himself as a record. This original piece was the one he kept in his collection, and it is nearly identical to the graphic on the book. The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Walt Howarth before his passing in 2008. Sale price: $875.

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Batman, Robin, and the Penguin Large Production Design Painting From the Batman TV Show, by Leslie Thomas (1966-68) 

Vintage original production design concept painting accomplished in gouache on artist’s board measuring 30 x 20 in. Created by Leslie Thomas, a well known illustrator for the campy 1960s TV series. Exhibiting some age and minor production wear. In vintage very good condition. Sale price: $4,800.

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Burgess Meredith “Penguin” Wired Pyrotechnic Prop Umbrella From Batman TV Show (1966-1968)

Vintage original special FX umbrella constructed of commercial umbrella with nylon fabric canopy specially modified for pyrotechnic action with internal wiring and a gun-barrel top. The functioning metal skeleton of the umbrella moves into locking position and the handle is carved bent wood. Visible when the villain, “The Penguin” (Meredith) deployed it to either shoot or gas the dynamic duo. Exhibiting only minor wear and production use. Electronics untested. In vintage very good to fine condition. Sale price: $7,200.

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Dick Sprang Batman #38 Cover Re-Creation Illustration Original Art (1990)

Sprang, one of the essential Batman artists, reconstructs his own cover from December 1947, featuring Batman, Robin, and the Penguin. Issue 38 was the lead-in to the Penguin story. This was Sprang’s second re-creation of the cover and is noted, signed and personalized on the verso as such. Mixed media on thick illustration board with an image area of 13″ x 18″. Light handling wear and corner wear. In Excellent condition. Sale price: $3,600.

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Batman Returns (1992) “Oswald Cobblepot for Mayor” Printer’s Proof Prop (43″ x 63″)

This fantastic printer’s proof poster is for the mayoral campaign of Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the sinister Penguin, in the film Batman Returns. It depicts Cobblepot as a distinguished giant of sorts, who will bring Gotham City out of the rain of corruption and crime, and into the welcoming light of a bright future. The poster is used throughout the film as a prop and set dressing. This gorgeous printer’s proof was used to ensure the poster colors were correct, and is a must for fans of Batman or Tim Burton. There are some handling creases and a horizontal crease towards to upper right. Rolled, Very Fine. Sale price: $657.25.

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MORE

— How MAX’s THE PENGUIN Pays Tribute to BURGESS MEREDITH. Click here.

— Dig This UP-CLOSE LOOK at the Original 1966 PENGUIN SUB. Click here.