Rare matte-finish 6 x 8 Walter Benington photo boldly signed and inscribed on the 8.5 x 11.5 mount in black fountain pen, “With all thanks for kindness shown, Arthur Conan Doyle, New York, June 3rd, 1914.” Benington’s blindstamp is present on mount. A prominent British photographer who later freelanced for Elliot and Fry Studio, Walter Benington’s work is featured in London’s National Portrait Gallery and Doyle is among his most well-known subjects. In fine condition.
In September 1914—three months after the 55-year-old author signed this photograph—the Strand Magazine published portions of The Valley of Fear, Doyle’s fourth and final Sherlock Holmes novel. This particular piece is notable in not only its exceptional autographic rarity and size, but also it’s relation to Doyle’s personal and professional life. On August 4, 1914, a mere two months after signing this image, Britain declared war on Germany, forever changing the future of the author’s career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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