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Judy Garland Authentic 1954 Vintage Fountain Pen Signature, 1960 & 1965 Ballpoint Signatures with C. 1961 Fan Club Autopen

Hello All,

Here are some scans I came across of some vintage Judy Garland signatures I used to have. This also a decent sample of some of her signing styles over the years.

The first is a signed "TV candid" from the Grace Cunningham Collection of TV Candids showing Garland, according to Scott Schecter who worked with Liza, during the second broadcast premiere of The Man with the Golden Arm. Blue fountain pen. Typical elongated letters, "y", "g" and "d" of the period. That is Grace's "X" in ballpoint showing where to sign. My goal was something close to A Star is Born of the same year.

The next is the song list from a complete program from 1960, signed in ball point with a signature typical of this period with the in person extreme slant and now typical "d' form - seen even in the Autpen below. This was my favorite example - clean and strong.

The next item is a program from Canada, Saturday, 2.13.65, matinee. Signed on the same image below, but a printed version, by Garland and also then husband Mark Herron. This is rather late and legible for Garland. Loose but well formed with an even lighter than usual hand, by 1968 more of a scribble.

Last is her C. 1961 Fan Club 5x7 photograph which I have seen sell as hand signed more times than I care to say. Under a glass the jagged nature of all curves is readily apparent. i have seen this in both blue and black with varied placement. I value these, with envelope and letter, at $50 to a collector. A detail of the signature is proved - I wish I had a larger scan to show the jagged curves - they are very visible with a glass or scanner.

Detail of Autopen signature:

I hope this is useful.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on December 8, 2015 at 4:21pm

Hi Eric

With signing comes a bit of invention.

I mean, when I went to L.F.C.C. last summer, a guy brought a prop replica of the nuclear box that was used in the first Back To The Future.

He managed to get the vast majority of the cast to sign it and since it is a unique item, I can see this selling for a lot of money but the collector wasn't really interested - getting something unique signed will always add to the value. It was a fantastic item as well.

The thing is, you never know in the long run whose autograph will be valuable because anything can happen in the meantime.

I was thinking going to L.F.C.C. with something unique to get signed but I'm not sure I'd be able to maintain it properly but for me, the hobby is not about the money you make from autographs, I do it for the enjoyment of collecting - I got so excited when I managed to get a Harrison Ford autograph from OPX 4 years ago as I never really believed I had a shot at that whatsoever and meeting people like Michael J. Fox was a major coup as people like me never meet these types of people normally and it was an honour to meet him and other stars besides - Showmasters really pulled out all the stops last summer.

I am always careful now who I buy from.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 8, 2015 at 4:28pm

I'm sorry - I got Robin's and Joe W's name mixed up back there.

I agree - the excitement!

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on December 8, 2015 at 4:36pm

Since I got done with a Ford dud in Las Vegas in 2005, I wanted a real Ford so I went to the source - I was hesitant initially but bit the bullet and that was that - about a month later, a beautiful Ford OPX turned up on my doorstep, was quite a surreal moment.

Sadly, it will be hard to get money back on that now as it will on some of my other duds as well but that was when I was rusty with collecting - the problem is, even when you think you're doing the good thing by going through reputable dealers, or so you think, you find they can sell fakes, too, so its really knowing your seller and asking for advice and never commit until you are 100% sure and if you do, always remember the autograph code and forever you'll be fine if anything happens in the future.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 8, 2015 at 4:39pm

For me, I don't rely on any sellers, opinions or papers.

Eric

Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on December 8, 2015 at 4:29pm

I'd like a Judy Garland autograph and if money was no object, I would get every autograph I could. Unfortunately, for most of us, we are restrained by money and therefore, that gives us challenges to face in life.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 8, 2015 at 4:33pm

True, but vigilance and patience can still yield a $68 Garland, or a $160 Vivien Leigh, or a $5 vintage Carney, or a Canada Lee playbill from Native Son for $5 with ticket...Garland is by no means scarce IMO.

Eric

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Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on December 8, 2015 at 4:38pm

If I had the chance, I'd do for a vintage Garland autograph.

I'm into my Star Wars right now. Oscar Isaac and John Boyega are not an issue, its Daisy who is as she is the most expensive but as you say, time and patience, will yield result.

At the moment, its not meant to be.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 8, 2015 at 4:38pm

I agree. Patience pays. Never seen it fail yet.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on December 8, 2015 at 4:41pm

I take all things into consideration. But, the bottom line, I am responsible for what I buy. No excuses and I don't play the blame game. Ever.

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Permalink Reply by Robin McKay on December 8, 2015 at 4:45pm

I am responsible for what I buy but I want to make sure I do the right things when I do and take action should the item turn out to be a forgery, whether it is the fault of the seller or not.