This 14k gold bracelet from the 1940s was a token of affection from Judy Garland to Mickey Rooney. Garland would often refer to Mickey as ‘Mick’ or ‘Mike’ and Rooney nicknamed her ‘Jootes’.
Inscribed on the bracelet reads as: ‘Dear Mike. Here’s hoping we’re stuck with each other for many more years to come. Jootes’.
This listing is for a rare estate find - A gift from one legendary Hollywood star to another...
an engraved golden bracelet personally given by Judy Garland to Mickey Rooney.
Mickey and Judy appeared in 10 films together and remained dear friends for the rest of their lives. Judy Garland, Spencer Tracy and others on the MGM lot called Mickey "Mike". Judy's pet names for Mickey were "Mike" and "Mick". His pet name for Judy was "Jootes".
John Fricke's book "Judy: A Legendary Film Career" is an example of where Judy is called "Jootes" by Mickey:
"At that time, I was hopelessly discouraged with my screen work. ... The first morning on the Hardy set, I sneaked into my dressing room to read over the lines. I didn't want to see or talk to anyone. Suddenly, there was a violent knock on the door. Mickey burst in and said, "Jootes, I think this is going to be it. I think this picture is going to be swell. But, look, let's have a sort of pact with each other. Let's never try to steal a scene. Let's work with each other, not at each other. That's the way to make a good picture." This philosophy put me completely at ease, and after Mickey left, I thought, Good heavens, Judy, you've been trying too hard. Relax. Don't throw all of your energy into every scene. Take it easy and see what happens. Well, something did happen. Watching the rushes, I saw that my scenes were more sincere and believable. I've kept that thought in mind ever since. I learned from Mickey Rooney to be natural, to be myself before the cameras." - Judy Garland
The bracelet offered in this listing is featured in the first photo section of the book, "The Life and Times of Mickey Rooney" by Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes.
The bracelet is marked 14K and weights 12 grams.
It measures 8 & 1/4 inches in length.
It has a round clasp closure.
The medallion itself measures approximately 1 & 1/4 inches long by 1/2 inch wide.
The medallion has a natural ruby which measures 1/8th of an inch across.
It is engraved on the front with "Mick" in script.
The back is engraved in capital block letters with
"DEAR MIKE HERE'S HOPING WE'RE STUCK WITH EACH OTHER FOR MANY MORE YEARS TO COME. JOOTES"
Included, is a certificate of authenticity signed by the authorized representative of the estate of Mickey Rooney's second wife.
