Mel Roberts Huge Beefcake Photo Signed Numbered Start Price USD 5,000.00 Current Price USD 5,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, August 30, 2008 End Time Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Location LA, CA See more about 'Mel Roberts Huge Beefcake Photo Signed Numbered ' Description Up for auction is an exquisite cibachrome print made from the original negative of a 1972 Mel Roberts photograph entitled "Jimmy Stone, Mulholland at 405 Fwy" and is signed and numbered (3/50) by Mr. Roberts. This print was purchased directly from Mel Roberts before his death on August 26, 2007. Mel Roberts was a male physique photographer from the 1950's to the 1980's whose work first appeared in Young Physique magazine in 1963. Mr. Roberts resided in Bel Air in the same house for over 50 years, the site of many of his photo shoots. Often referred to in his day as the "gay Hugh Hefner" Mr. Roberts enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 90's with the publication of two books of his works entitled "California Boys" and "The Wild Ones." The photo up for auction appears in "California Boys." Private collectors around the world own original Mel Roberts photos, including, famously, Sir Elton John who owns over 60 of Roberts' photos. Small 5"x5" photos from Mr. Roberts' collection currently sell for over $750.00, and a photo of this size is somewhat hard to come by. The photo is in overall excellent condition, with a small smudge on the top of the white border of the photo. It's overall size is 20" x 24" and the image itself measures 18" x 18." This photo has been stored flat, in a plastic sleeve, in a large envelope for several years and never been displayed. It will be shipped loosely rolled in the plastic sleeve in a sturdy tube, or a local buyer can arrange pickup. Don't miss this opportunity to own a rare piece of gay history! Place a Bid!