Popular American actor (1883–1930) whose versatility in such silent-era classics as The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame earned him the moniker “Man of a Thousand Faces.” Scarce vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 12.25 photo (affixed to a same-sized heavy card) of Chaney in Marine dress uniform as he appeared in the 1926 film Tell It to the Marines, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Mr. Ralph P— with best personal regards of Lon Chaney.” Chaney singled out the film, in which he portrayed a tough-as-nails drill sergeant, as one of his favorites, and it was so well received that the Marine Corps made him its first honorary member from the motion picture industry. Photo mounted as noted, a very subtle hint of soiling, and slight trimming to edges (just touching one word of inscription), otherwise fine condition. Uncommon! PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
