Don Post Planet of the Apes Mask

[crue-leader]

Just wondering, how rare and what is the value of a Don Post Planet of the Apes Cornelius mask with hair ?
I couldn't really find anything when I did a search on it.

[Talbot64]

There were two issues - 1974 and 1983. The first  issue had teeth that were a separate piece of latex added in during finishing. The '83 release had molded-in teeth. I don't see many for sale from either release, and not sure which were more popular sellers. But a very nice Cornelius from 1983 just sold on ebay for $232 (I big $229, dammit). According to Lee Lambert's excellent Don Post book, Oscar winner Bob Short sculpted Cornelius and his mate Zira (only available in the "74 release)), and film director Bill Malone sculpted the Gorilla and Zaius masks.

[crue-leader]

I am so sorry , I am the guy that won it for $232.00, I tried to get the gorilla also , but was outbid at $270.00.  Regardless of the release, the Cornelius is a nicely done mask. I just wasn't sure how old it was? I thought it may have been from the 70's. I am so , all new to mask collecting. Thanks a lot for the info, and I hope there is no hard feelings.

[westbatman]

Have you seen apemania.com ? They make classic POTA masks.

[crue-leader]

I have ,and own the General Ursus pullover mask from them. However, on there Cornelius and gorilla mask I just don't think they capture the authenticity as good as the Don Post masks, especially the Cornelius. They do, do top notch work though.

[Talbot64]

Have you seen apemania.com ? They make classic POTA masks.

No hard feelings, enjoy it! I hope you can get the other two. I do think this one was an '83. The tags on mine are a little different though, so I can't be 100% sure. I'll post some pics if that helps.

[crue-leader]

That would be great! I would really like to know how old it is.  Appreciate your help. I'll post some pics of it when it arrives.

[Talbot64]

Hi Crue-leader. My Apes masks are tagged with a 1983 date (no labels or dates in the latex itself that I can see). The teeth are an extension of the lip, and not a separate inserted piece of latex, as the 1974 editions are said to have had. Hope that helps. Not sure how many years of release the masks had. Don Post historians would know. I'm still on the lookout for a good Cornelius. Yours is the best I've seen in terms of hair and latex shape.

[crue-leader]

Hey Talbot, Finally got around to taking some pics of the Cornelius mask. I really love it. Even built a custom stand for it. Thanks for the info , so after closer look would you definitely say this is from the early 80'?

[Talbot64]

I'm glad u are happy with it. The stand looks slick. Based on the teeth and mouth shape, I think it is an excellent-shape example of the '83 issue. Don Post experts on thehma.net would have more info for you and could corroborate.