Alfred E. Neuman Award (TV Prop)

The Alfred E. Neuman Award refers to a distinctive gold-plated bust of MAD Magazine's mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, specifically created as a prop for television appearances by MAD staff members during the 1960s and 1970s. These awards served as humorous acknowledgments within the context of TV shows, rather than as formal, universally recognized accolades.

Description and Origin: The award consists of two main parts screwed together: a bust of Alfred E. Neuman (sculpted by Kelly Freas) and an inverted coffee mug serving as its base. The base is inscribed with "MAD Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman Award." Notably, these busts are larger than standard ceramic Alfred E. Neuman busts sold commercially at the time, suggesting they were custom-made for their specific purpose.

According to former MAD editor Al Feldstein, as detailed in Grant Geissman's biography, these awards were conceived for various television show appearances. While impressive in appearance, Feldstein noted they were "totally impractical as a coffee mug and essentially worthless as an award" in a practical sense. Due to multiple TV appearances by MAD staff, it is believed that several of these busts were produced, rather than being a single unique item.

Known History: One particular example of this award gained prominence through its association with long-time MAD writer Dick DeBartolo. This specific bust reportedly sat on DeBartolo's desk at the MAD office in New York before being gifted to a visitor in 1980. Its existence and context were later confirmed through research by Grant Geissman.

These awards are considered incredibly rare within the realm of MAD collectibles, primarily because they were props and not intended for commercial distribution. Their scarcity is comparable to, or even exceeds, that of some of the rarest officially released MAD merchandise.

Connection to the German "Goldener Alfred": The Alfred E. Neuman Award for TV props shares a conceptual lineage with the "Goldener Alfred" (Golden Alfred) awarded in Germany. From the 1970s to the 1980s, the German MAD editorial team symbolically bestowed the "Goldener Alfred" upon German celebrities who had gained notoriety for particularly foolish actions. Prominent recipients included Roberto Blanco, Nina Hagen, and Frank Elstner.

Significance: Both the American TV prop Alfred E. Neuman Awards and the German "Goldener Alfred" represent unique facets of MAD Magazine's cultural impact and its playful interaction with popular media. They serve as tangible links to specific historical moments in the magazine's history, highlighting its distinctive humor and irreverence in both the United States and Germany. These items are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, historical significance, and direct connection to MAD staff and events.