Captain Kangaroo Dancing Bear costume brings $207,000

A hand-crafted, screen-worn Dancing Bear costume from popular US kids' television series Captain Kangaroo brought $207,019 to Nate D Sanders yesterday (May 21).

Captain Kangaroo auction
The fully lined suit features a shaped, padded tummy, enclosed mitten hands and built in feet

The colourful costume, which includes a one piece body suit and a felt and velour plush head accessorised with a black bowtie, led the Los Angeles-based auction house's sale of Captain Kangaroo memorabilia.

Following a brief stint by Donn Watts at the series' inception, the much-loved Dancing Bear character was played by its creator, Cosmo Allegretti, who inhabited the padded suit with gusto.

The famed keys to Captain Kangaroo's Treasure House also put in a strong performance. The keys, which formed a crucial part of the show's opening ritual - Captain Kangaroo unlocking the door to his Treasure House and hanging his keys on their hook near the door - sold for an impressive $27,971, garnering 25 bids.

A moth-eaten Bob Sanders-worn Captain Kangaroo suit hailing from the show's early years made $15,786, while a plaque honouring the placement of Captain Kangaroo's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976 sold for $19,103.

Captain Kangaroo auction
From left: Dancing Bear, Bunny Rabbit, Captain Kangaroo, Grandfather Clock, Mister Moose, and Mister Green Jeans

The Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) is responsible for 80% of the world's wealth and is currently putting its stamp on the memorabilia market.

Captain Kangaroo was on air between 1955 and 1984, impacting upon the Baby Boomers' psyches. To millions, the show represents a crucial and valuable facet of childhood.

Our sister site, PFC Auctions, is currently accepting bids on this original EH Shepard drawing of Piglet from the classic children's book Winnie-the-Pooh.

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