Seller Story: Dick Schneider, Boston, MA
Richard N. “Dick” Schneider is best known for his work on television, directing programs such as Jeopardy, and national broadcasts like The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and The Rose Bowl Parade. “He was a Drama major in college, before serving as a Naval officer during WWII. After the war, he moved to New York and worked at NBC Television for the next 20 years. He started out as a page, eventually working his way up to becoming a producer,” remembers his life partner, Jim Maher.
“Dick’s work in television has earned him numerous awards, including 11 Emmys. He’s worked with five presidents, one of them being President Ronald Reagan during the 1981 Rose Bowl Parade,” Maher recalls. “That day, Dick asked Reagan if he’d like to wish a Happy New Year message to everyone, and he did. It was a really nice presentation.”
To be the man behind some of the most viewed live national broadcasts and most beloved television programs makes him an unseen figure and fixture in the homes of so many Americans. “One night at about 7:30, we were in a plane flying over the United States and he looked down and said, ‘Just imagine, America’s watching Jeopardy right now. I’m so happy that I could be a part of it and bring happiness to so many people.’ It was quite a powerful statement.”
Ghurka Garrison No. 147 Briefcase
Directors Chair Belonging to Dick Schneider
Hand-Knotted Persian Karaja Wool Accent Rug
Chanel Tweed Coat Dress with Scarf
1930s "Seuss Navy" Cloth Flag
James Maher Oil Portrait of a Woman
Brass Sculpture of a Falling Man
Antique Photographs of a Man and a Woman with Cases
Cauldon China Dinner Plates
Hermès Grey and Pink Horse Bit Link Silk Tie
Tan Cashmere Overcoat by Hickey-Freeman
Sterling Silver Tableware Featuring S. Kirk & Son
1921 "Rip Van Winkle" Illustrated by N. C. Wyeth
1950s Pressed Steel Buddy L. Texaco Tanker Truck
Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 25 Bag
1970s Dresden Miniature Porcelain French Commander Figurines
1912 "The Poetical Works of Edgar Allan Poe" Illustrated by Edmund Dulac
Montblanc Retractable Pens
Antique Minton Blue Transfer Printed Plates Circa 1879
Original Suess Navy "Nuzzlepuss" Figurine
Maher Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base of Nude Figure
Lithograph After a Photo of Babe Ruth Signed By Ruth's Granddaughter
1950s Lasko "Toastove" Toaster and Warmer
Meissen "Blue Onion" Serving Platter
Vintage Copeland Spode Britain WWII Themed Porcelain Pitcher
Signed Bronze Sculpture of a Female Head
Watercolor and Gouache Painting on Paper of Snow Scene
Danbury Mint 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk
1930s "Seuss Navy" Admiral Hat
Antique "Polygamy, or the Mysteries and Crimes of Mormonism" by J. H. Beadle
Assortment of Pressed Steel Cars
Signed Original 1888 Fantastical Graphite Drawing on Paper of Monsters
Signed Second Printing "Seven Years in Tibet" by Heinrich Harrer
Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Spoons
Copper Tray with Hammered Woodland Scene
Danish Mid-Century Upholstered Stool Pair by RYA
Metal Chocolate Dove Mold
Lithograph on Paper After Marc Chagall's "The Tribe of Benjamin"
Cloisonné Handled Pocket Knife and Bottle Opener
James Maher Plaster Bust on Marble Base
Hermes Visionaire No. 32 Travel Photo Book
Julia Elko Cohen Oil Painting of a Female Figure
Vintage Victorian Style Twin Size Walnut Headboard and Footboard
Nautical Theme Wooden Bookends
Antique Rustic Cabinet with Stepback Hutch
Vintage Machine Made Graphic Shag Area Rug by Rya
Antique Brass and Mixed Wood Music Stand
Needlepoint of a House
NBC Television, Press and Annie Badges and Pins from Dick Schneider
Farmhouse Style Bench
James Maher Oil Painting of a Landscape "Pacific Sunset"
Vintage Gold and Silver Tone Compact Keychain
Smith Corona Travel Skyriter Typewriter
Commemorative Champagne Flutes
Assorted Men's Bow Ties
Ermenegildo Zegna Men's Tuxedo Suit
Pair of Vintage Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Liquor Jugs
Figural Copper Sculpture by James Maher
Men's Burberry Trench with Fleece Insert
Pair of Photographs of Figurative Scenes
How did you and Mr. Schneider first become friends?
We met while doing volunteer work in the church and became good friends, and were together for about forty years.
As the person closest to the man behind the scenes, how would you describe him to the television audience that never got to see him on screen?
He was very caring, very generous and concerned about everyone. He put everyone else first, he knew it was important to treat others with decency and respect above his own personal interests. He had such a tremendous interest about everyone and everything.
I bet that quality came in handy for Jeopardy!
He was very interested in every subject. What he didn’t know about, he read up on. He was a very intelligent, well-rounded, and well-read man.
