Metaluna Mutant Mask Mold - Original or other?

[Saiers]

Hello all,

For years, I've been a fan of creature films from the 1950's. About 15-20 years ago I ended up doing a trade to acquire this mask mold which was reported to be the (or one of?) the original molds used in production of 'This Island Earth'.

It is in mostly good condition with some cracking along to the top of the back half of the mold and chips here and there throughout. Fortunately, the face portion of the mask is in excellent shape. It is built on what appears to be chicken wire and burlap, but I am no expert.

I would love to know what this mask really is. It is clearly professional on some level and I highly doubt fan-made. It is also exceedingly heavy.

Anyone here want to weigh in? Or know who I should talk to?

Thanks in advance!

 

[vader45]

It's most likely an old mold from Don Post Studios.

 

[Saiers]

Were there various versions of the mask made by Don Post?

 

[vader45]

There were the original 1963 calender versions using the movie molds and some made here and there in the 1970s and 1980s. Bill Malone did sculpt his own version that is smaller to satisfy the crowd complaining they were to large.

The final release was in 1998/1999 as part of their re-release of the calendar masks.

In 2012 Don Post was bought out and then closed their doors shortly after. All of their molds were listed on eBay.

 

[GeorgeL]

Hi Saiers, I sent you a PM. Did you see?