Early 'Judy Garland' (1939-1940) Opinions

Hello Everyone,

I am on the verge of making a decision on whether to go for an early Judy which has a few atypical characteristics. However, a very generous fellow collector has dedicated his time to reassure me that 'yes' It is authentic despite Its oddities. I highly respect and value this collector's opinion.

I have run out of time to seek a third-party authentication but hope to hear as many opinions as I can, In the time before the auction. Anyone Is welcome to contribute. personally, I have only seen such a clean vintage Judy come up for sale, no more than a handful of times In the past decade. But then again, this SP has an estimate of 2k which I envision it will surpass. So, I need to be certain, In order to feel confident In spending that much money.

Just for reference, my Issue with the photo Is mostly In 'Judy' and 'Sincerely'. I have gone through dozens of authentic examples and cannot find a defiant match. I will include a few of these examples for anyone who would like a closer look.

Grateful to anyone who helps out!

All the best

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eddy on May 10, 2022 at 11:14am

Dan - I did own a Garland many years ago. It was from this same period. Again, I am not a studied expert but I do know the presentation of this piece leaves me skeptical.

As has been pointed out, Judy typically had a lighter, (& with no sexism implied) more feminine hand than this. This is huge and gloppy. I admit I may be wrong, but that ink is so evenly applied and does not look 80+ years old IMHO. Always difficult to tell for certain of course without the piece being in hand.

Your points are well taken about 'sincerely' looking labored and slow as well as the pen lifts (pauses and beginning again) at the 'C' and the 'E's'. Also all of that grandiose looping going on.

Permalink Reply by Angus Ramaciotti on May 10, 2022 at 11:11am

You've been extremely kind and helpful, thank you, Dan. I will let you know whether or not I go ahead with the buy hopefully tomorrow.

Angus

Permalink Reply by Dan on May 11, 2022 at 4:14am

No worries at all Angus, feel free to PM me anytime. I hope you find the Garland you desire soon.

Permalink Reply by Angus Ramaciotti on May 10, 2022 at 11:10am

Hello Etienne,

Thank you very much for replying. I still think the condition of the picture Is immaculate but 'yes' I do have some concerns. I think It Is a little worrisome when 4 out of 5 people who I've heard back from think It Is most probably not authentic. I definitely still agree with a lot Erik has said. There are so many traits of hers I can notice In the autograph despite also looking stunted In certain areas. Possibly her on a bad day? who knows.

All the best and I hope to keep in touch

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 10, 2022 at 10:39am

Hi Angus,

I thought I'd post some of my previous Garlands. 1960 and 1965. The 1965 was superb and it has Mark Herron's signature as well (next to last husband). Also a flyer and the ticketstub with an entire review of the show in micro handwriting on the Reverse.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 10, 2022 at 10:47am

Hi Angus,

Note the letters of the last name are all the same angle but the "n", which lies a bit flatter as in all examples above, and the SP in question.

Permalink Reply by Angus Ramaciotti on May 10, 2022 at 11:15am

Very nice Erik. I know It took you a very look time to acquire your Garlands. Maybe I should also just wait until something comes up which Is striking and undisputedly authentic.

Thank you for keeping on posting and commenting on new things you find!

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 10, 2022 at 11:43am

Hi Angus,

You are very welcome. I agree - wait until you are comfortable. And of course you can't simply ignore the 4 of 5 ratio. This has been an excellent thread!

Permalink Reply by Angus Ramaciotti on May 11, 2022 at 4:18am

Yes, It has! It did start a bit slow but progressed quickly. A massive thank you to you, especially Eric, who kept this thread from falling Into the abyss. A big thank you to Dan and Etienne too, everyone's opinions were very helpful.

All the best guys, hope to talk again soon

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 10, 2022 at 11:05am

I was looking at the SP in question and and exemplar posted by Angus. I oriented them for comparision as I ofte do. There is a lot too look at. The matching hook up angle at the end of the first "y". Letter heights and angles are consistent. The bottom loop of the "G" is just the same. I've yet to see a forgery that works upside down and/or backwards. Looking this way allows you to dispense with the normal appearance of letter shapes and focus on the details from a different vantage. First the authentic and last the SP in question.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 11, 2022 at 3:41pm

At $1667 with 18 bidders and 52 minutes.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 13, 2022 at 1:54pm

Garland closed at $1667 plus juice I believe.

I was thinking, atypical autograph, signed in a transition period... What about this case?

The first is a 1976 Bowie of the "normal" style, but then he started to abbreviate to end up where he last did - it all started with this graph in red below (pardon the scan) which Andy has as one of the very first of its kind. There are very few 1976 with the start of the transition in this year and those are worth a premium. Any 1976 is very scarce.