Special!! Extremely Rare ZAUBERKLING Figure

Ende explains that there are only about 3 professional figure makers. He has a preference for the old-time figures. "The craftsmen of the past were the true masters" he says. Figures range in size from that of a thimble to a full-sized, 42-inch partner

Among the more unique figures he owns is "Flip and Pip", the world's only two-headed figure. Vaudevillian great Roy Douglas formerly owned it. Ende obtained it from the Flosso Museum in New York.

"Another highlight of my collection are ten figures made by the great Frank Marshall. Mr. Marshall built all famous television figures, including Jerry Mahoney, Knucklehead Smith, Charlie McCarthy, and Windy Higgins."

Rudy Vallee used a black figure named Linoleum, and a girl figure named Sally Ann. Ende purchased both of the dolls directly from Vallee, and Vallee was able to refer him to a number of other ventriloquial collectibles that have since become part of his collection. Linoleum has 16 mechanical movements, and is considered by many to be the finest figure ever made. Ende adds, "Linoleum is my personal favorite, and the number one highlight of my collection."

He continues, "I also own figures from all over the world, including England, Austria, and Mexico. Each area features its own unique characteristics"

"The Odd Couple"
This site is dedicated to my best friend and mentor....
Jack Flosso
Jackie your the Greatest!!!

On September 26, 2003 Jack Flosso passed away from complications of diabetes at the age of 77.  Jack was the funniest and friendliest guy I have ever met.  Very seldom in life do you get to meet an individual who changes your life.  I was one of the fortunate ones.  As I write this I know that jack is schmoozing with the likes of Keller, Thurston, Houdini, and Edgar Bergen.  GIVE 'EM HELL JACK!!!

- Alan Ende

 THE LAST HONEST MAN
 By Ben Robinson

Jack Flosso and I met in 1976 just before his father, the great Al  Flosso, the  Coney Island Fakir, died. But it was not until 1982 when I came to New  York  after my college graduation that Jack's interest in me was aroused. He  Had  read the national publicity I received for pulling a bunny out of my College  graduation mortarboard, and he liked the idea. Still, Jack played it close. 50  years in the theatre produced a skin that was not penetrable to newcomers --  you had to earn your spurs before he'd open up. As time wore on and I brought  producers of theme parks and Off B'way shows to him for large orders  that he  hailed me an angel sent by his father. 

Once I was to go on the road  with a  touring show, and he had me come to his apartment. I finally felt I  was accepted. He regaled me for 2 hours with stories of him on the road with USO shows, and he finally said, "Kid (that's what he always called me), you know what's appealing about you? No bullshit. That's right, you're real up  front and it takes a while to get used to. You're like me, you don't suffer  fools gladly."

I miss Jack every day. I owe him a tremendous amount I tried to repay  in part  by brining him coffee and a donut or two, and taking him to the Dr. in  the  final years. Jack was the last honest man and if he liked you, he'd fight to the death for you. Today in the so-called "friends" world of Facebook and twittering, jack would not have approved of so called "friends." Just wasn't  his style. He was a character of the 30's who was held in the arms of the great Houdini when he was born in 1926, the year Houdini made his final escape.

There will never be another like him: comedy writer, performer par-excellence who could handle any crowd, and shop keeper with morals. Jack Flosso  once got me an apartment. When I questioned the price, he slapped me on the side of the head and whispered in my ear, "Schmuck, Sinatra eats across the street. Take it!" In a way, I'm glad he never lived to see the world we now live in...he would have been so disappointed. Yet, to him, Life was a kick -- and I think, most of the time, he had a good time.

Writer credit and link:
Ben Robinson's website is http:www//illusiongenius.com and is a full time performer in New York City

Alan and Andrea in Amsterdam