"Union Pacific" Commemorative Railroad Spike

Description

A rare and historic artifact from the 1939 premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s epic western Union Pacific. This four-sided commemorative railroad spike was produced for the film’s debut during Omaha’s 1939 Golden Spike Days, celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

Gold painted railroad spike from the premiere of "Union Pacific," 1939. Four-sided spike is engraved on each side reading: "CECIL B. DEMILLE'S / ‘UNION PACIFIC’ / "STARRING / BARBARA STANWYCK - JOEL MCCREA" / "70TH ANNIVERSARY COMPLETION FIRST / TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD" / A PARAMOUNT PICTURE".

Acquired from Sotheby’s Beverly Hills, May 21, 1997, Lot 141.

Cecil B. DeMille’s Union Pacific was a landmark western, and its Omaha premiere was staged as a massive celebration, coinciding with the Golden Spike Days festival. Commemorative spikes such as this one were created as part of the festivities, linking Hollywood spectacle with American railroad history.

Includes Planet Hollywood Certificate of Authenticity.

Condition

Minor chips and wearing of paint at point of spike and where point meets flat sides of spike. Cracks in head of spike most likely from production.

Unit Dimension

1.375" high x 5.75" wide x 1.125" deep

All photographs/screen captures are used solely for reference. Screen captures do not imply items are screen matched.