"Sir" Alec Guinness signature

Have a question. I have a Alec Guinness signed personal stationary card bearing his signature along with the envelope it was sent in. My question is not about the signed card but rather the envelope. On the back of the envelope where a person would sometimes put their return address he simply signed, "Sir Alec Guinness". I haven't seen him sign with the added "Sir". Is this uncommon or usual? I've only had one other mailing envelope of his before and it was not signed at all. Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on February 19, 2016 at 3:44pm

Does the signature appear to be a free frank?  That may explain the "Sir" designation.  I would love to see an image of it.

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 19, 2016 at 3:59pm

Thanks for your response. Currently, all I have is a copy of the back of the envelope. I purchased it and it's on it's way to me. Should be here in a day or two and I will scan it and place it up for viewing. It appears to be written and the writing is "From: Sir Alec Guinness". I do note that the signature is in the same small writing style of his mid to late '90's era. Although the "A" in his first name is block rather than cursive and the "G" in his last name is a bit different. The rest looks just like his normal writing. It may be a stamp though, do they put their free franks on the back of the envelopes? 

Time will tell.

Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on February 19, 2016 at 5:40pm

Yes.

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 19, 2016 at 5:47pm

It may be a stamped. Can't tell by the xerox copy I have in my possession. I didn't purchase it for the signed envelope anyway; it just came with it. Once I receive it I will be able to tell if it is a stamp. If it's hand written, I will scan it and put it up here. Just thought it was interesting.

Thanks Mike!

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 20, 2016 at 12:12pm

Mike Shepherd,

I received the Alec Guinness signed note and stationary today and would like you to tell me what you think. I have included the front and back of the note and envelope. As you can see, the envelope is stamped and the note and envelope was written using the same utensil and handwriting. The note looks typical of Guinness and the envelope is signed a bit differently although it looks to be signed by him.

Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on February 20, 2016 at 2:41pm

A free frank is typically located on the front of an envelope.  It may also be found on the back of an envelope occasionally.  This does not appear to be a free frank since he obviously paid for postage.  I have no idea why he decided to sign the back of the envelope.  It does not appear to be a stamp.  All of the writing on the piece that you have posted images of appears to be signed by Alec Guinness.  It is a very interesting addition to any autograph collection.  Congratulations Joe W.

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 20, 2016 at 2:42pm

Thank-you. In my limited experience I've not seen a Sir Alec Guinness signature before.

Permalink Reply by Richard Booth on February 20, 2016 at 2:53pm
Hi Joe,

All the writing and signatures are from Alec's hand.

Best wishes, Richard.
Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 20, 2016 at 2:56pm

Thanks, Richard. Hope you are doing well.

Permalink Reply by Richard Booth on February 20, 2016 at 2:58pm
Thank you, hope you are well also my friend.
Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on February 20, 2016 at 2:56pm

Very nice!

Permalink Reply by Joe W. on February 20, 2016 at 2:59pm

Thanks, Steve. Appreciate your kind words. I think it's neat. Believe it or not, I wasn't paying that close of attention to the envelope, then....the light bulb went off. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed sometimes...

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