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A mechanical stop-motion Necronomicon Ex-Mortis "animated face" used for the title sequence from Sam Raimi's Evil Dead II. Archaeologist Raymond Knowby (John Peaks) discovered the ancient book known as the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis or "Book of the Dead," studied it, and made recordings of reciting the passages, which unleashed the evil force of the Kandarian Demon.

The Book of the Dead was featured in all three films of the original Evil Dead trilogy. First referred to as the Naturom Demonto in "The Evil Dead," it was later renamed as the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis in "Evil Dead II" and "Army of Darkness." Evil Dead II, the higher-budget horror-comedy sequel to Raimi's cult classic horror film "The Evil Dead," solidified Raimi's and star Bruce Campbell's status as horror legends. The sequel introduced a number of the franchise's most celebrated elements, including Ash Williams' (Campbell) stump-mounted chainsaw hand and a redesign of the Necronomicon that many fans considered to be its most memorable and iconic iteration.

This Necronomicon Ex-Mortis was created for use in the film's opening stop-motion sequence as the cover came to life and bulged grotesquely with eyes and teeth after the book flew into frame. The eyes and teeth are all rigged to ball and socket joints so they could be stop-motion animated one frame at a time. The entire sequence took 14 hours to shoot and was done in one long day. This is the only stop-motion piece of its kind made and is the one visible in the opening sequence.

This puppet, from the personal collection of special effects artist Tom Sullivan, consists of a book-shaped wood frame with metal levers in the back and fiberglass facial features on the front. The cover skin was thin latex that deteriorated and is no longer present, but these are the original on-camera face pieces. The back of the puppet is hand-marked "Top" and "Bot" in black ink. This lot exhibits discoloration, a buildup of grime, splintered wood, and chipped paint. Dimensions: 8" x 8" x 10" (20.25 cm x 20.25 cm x 25.5 cm)

Additional Provenance: Letter of Authenticity from Tom Sullivan.

Contains mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $20,000 - 40,000