Shakespeare Bust Hidden Switch to the Batcave entrance
photo: icollector.com
Adam West "Bruce Wayne" Shakespeare bust with hidden switch that opens the entrance to the Batcave from Batman. (TCF TV, 1966-68) Maintaining a secret identity is hard. Doing so as a famous multi-millionaire playboy is even harder. Like the urbane and erudite Bruce Wayne, this innocuous bust of William Shakespeare also has a covert function. Constructed of cast fiberglass expertly studio painted to appear as bronze. The head and chest portion tilt back on a hinge to reveal a recessed light bulb socket with brushed metal bezel above a graduated dial with knob. In the show, when the knob is turned, a bookcase in the study slides to the side, revealing the Batpole entrance to the Batcave. Measures 12.5 x 20 x 9.5 in. This was the only such bust ever made by production and is featured in virtually every episode of the show. One of the most significant signature props of not only Batman, but of all superhero media, embodying the duality of the alter ego/secret identity. Exhibiting some cracking and paint chipping. In generally vintage very good condition. Provenance: Profiles in History, HACR 4, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 1998, Lot 775.
