Item P02
This Item was Sold on 4 February
2014 for $448
Other collectable boomerangs for sale can be found on the
Collectable Boomerangs link.
Historical Pricing information for this item and similar collectable boomerangs can be found on the Boomerang Pricing Guide
|
This unusual shape is a sport boomerang called the Skippy. This model was first made by the Janetzki Brothers and then it was copied by other boomerang manufacturers. Les Janetzki made this boomerang by laminating cigar box tops together, cutting out the blank and then shaping the airfoils. Arthur Janetzki sanded the finished boomerang smooth and then he painted it with a kangaroo on the elbow and Aboriginal art on the blades. Arthur then finished the boomerang with a coating of high gloss Polyurethane. The reverse side of the elbow has "RJR" and "Skippy" neatly printed in white paint. This boomerang is in mint condition. It is the model that has the highest demand of all Janetzki boomerangs. These are terrific flyers with a flight range of 35-40 metres. This is one of the finest Janetzki boomerangs that can be added to any collection. It was given to Ben Ruhe during his visit to Australia during the first Aussie/USA Boomerang Cup in 1981.
The Janetzki brothers (Les & Arthur) made some of the finest competition and sporting boomerangs in the 20th Century. Les & Arthur made very few boomerangs and they were almost never sold. Instead, they were given away as gifts to other throwers that they met at tournaments. Les & Arthur Janetzki were Vaudeville performers in the early 1900s. After they retired in the 1960s, they started making and throwing boomerangs at their home in the town of Albury, Australia. They were senior citizens when they started to make and throw boomerangs and they continued with their boomerang hobby until their death nearly three decades later. Les would construct his own plywood by laminating packing box boards together, shaping the airfoils and sanding them smooth. Arthur would apply the art work. When they were done, they had a wonderful flying piece of art with legendary performance in events such as Accuracy, Consecutive Catch and Australian Round. These boomerangs worked so well that they were nicknamed the "Rolls Royce" of all boomerangs and upon the suggestion of Brother Brian Thomas, they started painting the initials "RJR" on the reverse side of the elbows in the 1980s with "RR" representing "Rolls Royce" and "J" representing "Janetzki". Owners of these fine boomerangs have been reluctant to sell them. Janetzki boomerangs can still be found in the throw kits of the most seasoned competitors as well as in the best collections. Premium Janetzki boomerangs can sell for hundreds of dollars and some of the finest examples have sold for more than $1,000! |
How to Order | Back to: Boomerang Catalog | Collectable Boomerangs | Boomerang Pricing Guide | contact: Ted Bailey