Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephen Duncan on December 10, 2009 at 4:45pm

Hi Geoff, one thing to do is to be ready to identify each autograph that you can, and those that you can't with a scan of each. Also, be ready to detail a bit more how a nurse for a movie studio was able to obtain autographs/have celebrity contact. You further might want to contact WB and get a roster of who was under contract for that year as to help identify. You also may want to get "proof on actual employment" of the nurse to authenticate that she actually worked there. You have a some loose ends that must all be tide together to both finish the names that you are missing, and to prove the authenticity of these autographs. The biggest question that must be proved (should your story all check out), is did this nurse get all these signatures in person, or by proxy( ie: secretary, autopen, etc... ). Keep in mind, even back then there were bags of secretary sig's that were circulated. Once you tie up these loose ends, and all checks out proper, ....you may very well be sitting on a treasure chest.
Good Luck,
Stephen Duncan -- www.rockandrollcollection.com

Permalink Reply by Geoff Keyes on December 10, 2009 at 6:56pm

As I said, we have identified about 75 of them, mostly from online examples. In fact we have been able to identify a number of them by their placement in the book, as in, from one good sig, find out what movies that person was in 1946-47 and see who else was in the cast. We have proof of employment for the war years, and the fact that she worked both on set and in the infirmary.

The sigs are in an album, directly on the pages of the album, and many of them are inscribed, my favorite is "To Maisie, love and kisses, Bob Mitchum".

What I'm trying to find out is a way to price the archive. I understand the difference between wholesale and retail, and I'm not expecting to retire on the proceeds, but I do need to know what is fair.

Thanks for the info,

Geoff

Permalink Reply by Tricia Eaton on January 16, 2010 at 11:15am

Hi Geoff,

My name is Tricia Eaton and I work for RR Auction (www.rrauction.com). I specialize in vintage Hollywood and have written a few cover articles for Autograph Magazine. If you send me some scans of the names you're unable to identify, I would be happy to help!

Best to you,
Tricia (tricia@rrauction.com)

Permalink Reply by Irvin J. Gelb on May 20, 2010 at 6:32am

Hi Geoff,
I've been an autograph collector since the early 1970s and extended my hobby into a business a few years ago starting to sell my own collection and others that I purchase. I would be glad to help identify the autographs for you if you send me scans.
In general, here are some tips regarding autograph books or albums:
1. it's better if each autograph is on one page rather than back to back.
2. If an A star level autograph is on the back of a lesser one then the value of the better name will be considered.
3. There are some stars who signed a lot and are therefore not as valuable as rare ones such as Bogart, Gable, Garbo, James Dean, Monroe, etc.
4. Generally, unless the autographs in the album are all top level it's better to split the album up and sell them individually. For example, an album from the early 1900s including autographs of classic music artists might be best intact rather than splitting them up because the signatures are classic and will only increase in value.

I would be glad to help if you email me at irvingelb@dslextreme.com

Take care,
irv
MY MOVIE MEMORABILIA AND MORE