Whitey Snyder’s Marilyn Mementoes Sold at Julien’s Auctions

First posted here in March 2012

A gold Tiffany money clip, engraved ‘Whitey Dear: While I’m still warm/Marilyn,’ has sold for $21,250 in the Hollywood Legends event at Julien’s Auctions (March 31, 2012.) It comes from the estate of Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder, Marilyn’s make-up artist from her first screen test in 1946 until her death in 1962. In 1952, Marilyn asked Whitey to do her make-up for her funeral if she died before him. ‘Sure, bring the body back while it is still warm and I’ll do it,’ he replied, deadpan. Shortly afterwards, she gave him the money clip as a friendly in-joke, little knowing that he would have to keep his promise sooner than either of them expected.

A number of rare photos taken on film sets over the years were also sold as part of the Snyder estate, including these candid snapshots taken on location for Niagara in 1952.

Marilyn and Whitey returned to Canada for River of No Return in 1953. (Some of these photos may be part of her Look magazine shoot with John Vachon.)

Whitey also accompanied Marilyn on location for Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956. (These photos may have been taken by Milton Greene and Jack Cardiff, respectively.)

Also of interest are a signed photo which reads, ‘To White, (What about tonight?!) I never looked like this until I met you. My love, Marilyn’ (sold for $21,250.) Another signed photo from Marilyn is inscribed to Whitey’s son: ‘To Ronnie, Love & Kisses. and Oh your Dad! Marilyn Monroe’ (sold for $3,840.)

More items from the estate of Allan ‘Whitey’ Snyder

A handwritten letter on Marilyn’s personalised stationery, dated December 22, 1960, reads: ‘Dear Whitey, Happy Holiday to you and Beverly and your family, even though you are making up Doris Day! Love, Marilyn’ (sold for $12,160.) And finally, a telegram sent in 1962 – after Marilyn was fired from Something’s Got to Give – reads: ‘Dear Whitey, Please believe me it was not my doing. I had so looked forward to working with you. Warmly, Marilyn’ (sold for $2,250.)

Elsewhere in this auction, a pair of pantaloons worn by Marilyn in River Of No Return sold for $44,800; and from her personal wardrobe, a black linen sleeveless blouse ($22,500); and a pair of white elbow-length kid gloves ($10,625.) An original copy of Playboy‘s first issue, signed by Hugh Hefner and with Marilyn on the cover, fetched $19,200; and a hardback copy of Anita Loos’ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, inscribed by Marilyn to child actress Linda Bennett, sold for $10,000.