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A fantastic original photostat model sheet from Top Cat (Hanna-Barbera, 1961-1962) featuring the complete cast lineup: Benny, Spook, Brain, Top Cat, Choo Choo, Fancy Fancy, and Officer Dibble.
This production photostat served as the definitive character reference for animators throughout the series, ensuring consistency across all 30 episodes. The detailed ink specifications and color notations in the upper left corner provide crucial guidance for the painting department, specifying "New color, except FL1-0, 2-0, 3-0, SFL1-0, 2-0, one coat." A photostat was the standard method for reproducing and distributing model sheets throughout the studio - essentially a photographic copy that could be mass-produced for animation departments while preserving the original artwork.
The character poses capture each cat's distinct personality: Top Cat's confident leadership stance, Benny's innocent charm, Spook's nervous energy, Brain's perpetual confusion, Choo Choo's eager enthusiasm, and Fancy Fancy's sophisticated demeanor. Officer Dibble looms over them all, representing the authority they constantly evade and outwit.
Top Cat represented a creative peak for William Hanna and Joseph Barbera during their transition from theatrical shorts to television animation. The series was essentially The Phil Silvers Show with cats, transplanting Sergeant Bilko's fast-talking schemes to a New York alley. Arnold Stang's voice work as Top Cat perfectly captured the character's street-smart charm, while the ensemble cast created television animation's first truly sophisticated character dynamics.
Model sheets from Top Cat are exceptionally rare in the animation art market. The series' brief original run means limited production materials survived, while its enduring international popularity has made any authentic artwork highly sought after.
A remarkable artifact preserving the artistic foundation of television animation's smoothest operator and his gang.
Estimate: $400 - 800