Robin the Boy Wonder’s (Burt Ward) production-made red velour superhero vest from the campy crime television series Batman. The vintage, custom-made red wool jerkin-style vest was made for the show’s production, having been modified since or possibly serving as a prototype. It was returned to Western Costume rental stock and was later re-purposed for use in other productions, requiring the removal of the original 'R' logo and laces, the addition of a yellow lightning-bolt patch, and possibly alterations to the neckline (Robin’s screen-worn vest regularly appears with a collar on the show). Internal stitching in the vest outlines where a Western Costume custom label was previously affixed. In a 2018 restoration by the Comisar Collection, textile conservator Cara Varnell re-attached a reproduction Robin-style ‘R’ logo, laces and a utility belt made by costume replicator Chuck Williams. These elements are not production used and were added for display purposes only. The vest is in excellent, production-used, vintage condition overall, with its bright comic book-red palette still vibrant.

Robin wears versions of his red vest as part of his signature crime-fighting uniform throughout the series, as well as in the spinoff feature film, Batman: The Movie (1966). Robin was the source of the famous ‘Holy’ catchphrase (such as 'Holy Hole in a Donut, Batman!’), and his revealing costume was a source of controversy with the Catholic Legion of Decency. The Batman series was a huge success, both domestically and internationally, but it was canceled after three seasons due to the high cost of production. Its enduring popularity has long outlasted its initial run, with Burt Ward still drawing huge crowds at public appearances.

Provenance: Western Costume Star Collection

Estimate: $8,000 - 10,000