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Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on December 11, 2021 at 10:00pm

Etienne, very nice piece! I see nothing wrong with it as it pertains to authenticity. I usually see Valentino checks for sale and it is very rare to have a piece like that also signed by his wife. I have seen dual autographs with Valentino and June Mathis and even Rex Ingram but never Natascha. Keep me in mind if you want to unload it, lol.

Also, what’s the deal with celebrities of the early 20th century loving to sign in green ink? Valentino always did and so did Ty Cobb and there are a few others that I’m blanking on right now. 

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Permalink Reply by Eddy on December 11, 2021 at 10:28pm

Thanks for taking a look, Nick.  I'll definitely keep you in mind if I end up putting it up for grabs.  At the moment I'm enjoying having it.  Believe it or not, I had another signed piece by Valentino and Rambova...it was a cut from a hotel registry.  I had traded that off and had always kind of regretted it ...and then this one came along unexpectedly. 

I don't know what it is about green ink.  Valentino seemed to use it almost exclusively in his early 1920's correspondence and sometimes in signing for fans.  I will say this, he has my vote for the most elegant penmanship in the Silent Era!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Dimeo on December 11, 2021 at 10:39pm

I have everyone from the silent era in my collection except Valentino and Lon Chaney Sr. I could pick up a check of Valentino at any time for around $1500 but I’d like to find a unique piece like what you have found (twice!) Yes, Valentino had quite an elegant writing style but a lot of others from that period did too. I think back than cursive was more important in schools than it is now. Enjoy the piece, it’s certainly a highlight of any collection.

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