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Jean Gabin anybody?

Hello everyone,

I found this sig of french cinema legend Jean Gabin. Looks good to me and very much like the one I have, but the (reputable) seller did make some mistakes in the past, so one should have a second look. Anybody familiar with Gabin? Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on January 8, 2022 at 7:23am

I’m a very big Gabin fan and French cinema in general. The signature is authentic IMO but I cannot for sure say the dedication is, I imagine it is but I can only speak for the signature. I just added a Belmondo (RIP) to my collection and in the future would love a Gabin.

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Permalink Reply by KaiMi on January 8, 2022 at 9:38am

Thanks for taking a look, Nick!

I also tend to yes, especially compared with the Gabin album page I already own. So meanwhile I thought:" Why own two autographs of the same kind from the same Star?"

If you're interested in this one, it is for sale on kotte-autographs.com for 200 € which is a reasonable price.

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Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on January 8, 2022 at 10:33am

Thanks, I will have to check it out. Also looking to add a Jean Pierre Melville and Jean Renoir to my collection if you ever see them around. Kotte prices aren’t in my wheelhouse this early in the year, tax time lol.

The French tend to be more meticulous with ephemera than we do. Sometimes an autograph will look like it was signed recently and was signed 50 years ago. French paper is very good quality and taken care of.

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Permalink Reply by Eddy on January 8, 2022 at 9:01am

KaiMi - What kind of ink is that? Looks extremely clean for a vintage item. Does the seller have a image of the sheet unframed? Sometimes there are big surprises in store with matted items that we can't see the whole of.

Besides those questions, it looks very off IMO (too studied). Check out some of the examples from RR auction past sales.

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Permalink Reply by KaiMi on January 8, 2022 at 9:28am

Etienne, thanks for taking a look!

I see the problem and danger with mattes items. Concerning the cleanness, I do own some pieces that are as clear as this one. I bought them from Markus Brandes, so I'm at ease with them.

As for the studied Look: I don't know. The writing seems to fit to the dedication. And does a forger who as such has some effort copyying a signature give an additional dedication that has to fit in writing and might spoil the whole procedure?

At the end of the day I might as well be satisfied with the Gabin I bought from Brandes several years ago. Why own two examples of the same kind?

Nevertheless, thanks for the look, Etienne!

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Permalink Reply by Eddy on January 8, 2022 at 10:01am

Hi KaiMi -

Looking at it more, it may indeed be fine and perhaps I was a bit hasty. As I said, matted items without seeing it's original state raises alarms for me. Ultra clean looks on what would be vintage stuff does it to me as well.

I'm more comfortable with siding with you and Nick since it's coming from Kotte Autographs. They're a PADA member and first rate. Like any dealership, mistakes can be made. Having said that, PADA members offer an authenticity guarantee without time limit so that is an assurance.

I also understand that question about owning more than one exemplar from a particular signer. I usually don't do that either. I'm fortunate to have acquired more than one of some particular very favorites but don't as a general rule.