Item P03
This Item was Sold on 19 June 2024
for $350
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Historical Pricing information for this item and similar collectable boomerangs can be found on the Boomerang Pricing Guide
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This art boomerang was made by the Janetzki Brothers in the 1970s. Les constructed the blank out of multiple layers of cigar box tops laminated together. Arthur finished the boomerang and painted a kangaroo on the elbow and with geometric art on the blades. The reverse side of the elbow has "Skippy" and the famous "RJR". Skippy was the most famous model made by the Janetzki Brothers. This undulating U shape was later copied by Duncan McLennan to make his popular Crab model. This boomerang is in mint condition. I purchased it from Ben Ruhe in 1986. Ben got this boomerang directly from the Janetzki Brothers during the 1981 Challenge Match 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! |
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