E.O.F. Snapshot of the Day {February 20, 2013} – James Dean’s ‘Life’ Mask {circa. 1955}

We’ve learned there is a lot of crazy cool stuff on ETSY, but this one has to take the cake as the find (at least of the week)! Does he look familiar to you? He should. He’s a pretty steady regular here for us, at The Eye of Faith; after all, he is the one and only King of being bad, of embracing that rebel spirit and never letting go – JAMES DEAN.

That’s right, kids. This is a death mask of the true blue American icon, and idol of style for millions around the world, both during life and after death. Reminds me of the Elizabeth Taylor mask, Lanier Smith shared with us in the past, but this is, as I said – JAMES DEAN!!!

Described here by the seller:

They were selling for $900 in California in 1955. That was quite a lot of money. Dean was beloved by many and right now still wildly popular among all generations. This mask was considered unusual because J. Leslie painted it, eyes and all by hand.

It is quite stunning and yes, these absolutely are James Deans features. They were made from the first mask created.

These are becoming much harder to find, it comes with a license plate that went with the plaster mask.

It states California-James Dean-1931-1955.

Incredible, huh ?! Sometimes you just have to take that search a little further, turn that corner to the next page, and bona fide gems like this are just waiting to say ‘Hey’ to their new owner.

At $395, it’s a little bit our of our league, and maybe a bit frivolous, but God I’d love to own it. As the seller also mentions: “This is a must have for a true fan, it is as close as you are going to get to a dead man.“

Perhaps that’s creepy, but at the risk that James Dean’s death mask will start talking mysteriously one night, I’d be willing to take those chances!

James Dean is our rebel icon. Live Fast. Die Young. And Always Look Your Best – Even in Death.

{You can check out more listings from the dealer, FIVEHANDS CURIOSITIES here. They have a really great selection of unique and bizarre items from all decades of the past. And while you’re browsing, don’t forget to visit our own hand-picked selection of men’s eclectic finest}

DON’T FORGET TO TWEET, TWEET, TWEET! #vintage #theeyeoffaith @theeyeoffaith

Until next time,

{theEye}