John Wayne Help

Hello autograph friends. I have been collecting John Wayne signatures for over 25 years now. The item that started my obsession is a signed Hondo photo inscribed to "Dave", my middle name. This was purchased from a very well known California dealer from which I hold a lifetime LOA. As I built my collection over the years, I would talk myself into believing that it was authentic, but as my exemplars build my confidence in this piece diminishes. I must sadly admit that I now feel that the signature is a secretarial. I would love to get a few more opinions. Thank you all so much!

John D Gurk

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john wayne dave.JPG, 1.1 MB

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Permalink Reply by Robert Zarrillo on July 20, 2011 at 10:29am

The "o's" seem right - but the separation between the letters in not. There is a strange "feminine" roundness and preciseness to the letter formations that also isn't right. I think secretarial is very likely true.

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Permalink Reply by John Gurk on July 22, 2011 at 12:48pm

I appreciate all the help. I've gone ahead and placed a call to the original dealer, but with Comic Con taking place this week, their response had been delayed. I'm certain that I won't have any trouble in getting a refund.

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Permalink Reply by Kyle M. on July 22, 2011 at 5:31pm

I don't care for it. I think the J should be longer and not so tight. Wayne is a Hollywood icon. I'm shocked that there isn't someone in the field that is a "John Wayne Expert." Or,, is there?

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Permalink Reply by kevin conway on July 23, 2011 at 11:46am

Def a secretarial. Signature is off in several areas, but even more so the inscription def not in his hand.

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Permalink Reply by John Gurk on July 23, 2011 at 12:58pm

Thank you Kevin. It's a bit embarrassing, but I always thought that I was pretty well versed in Duke's signature. I at this time have numerous pieces that I've acquired over the years that I am certan are authentic. Again, this was the very first piece that I purchase and it started a Wayne signature passion for me. This particular item was featured in a SCD ad from a MAJOR dealer in the industry. I do agree with you..."Def a secretarial"!

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Permalink Reply by John Gurk on July 23, 2011 at 1:13pm

Just so every knows that I'm not completely nuts!...here's a few of the best John Wayne pieces that I'm proud to own! This is a handwritten Thanksgiving card to his mother and a working script from "The Shootist" signed by the entire cast! This script was given to the Carrington family whos home was used during the filming of the movie. Enjoy

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Permalink Reply by John Gurk on July 23, 2011 at 1:31pm

A few more for your enjoyment. Duke signed 1935 "short snorter" , "True Grit" photo and a letter to Hal Wallis signed as "Rooster". Again, thanks to all who answered my call for help! John

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Permalink Reply by kevin conway on July 23, 2011 at 1:57pm

Amazing letter , Very Nice !!

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Permalink Reply by John Gurk on July 26, 2011 at 1:24pm

To follow up...I was able to talk to the fine dealer who sold me the piece. They agreed accept a return and issue a full refund. Again, this was originally purchased in 1995! Outstanding integrity! Thanks to all who helped! John.

Here's a few more Wayne pieces for your viewing pleasure...

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