Signed book: The Queen Elizabeth. Later printing. London: Winchester Publications, 1947. Hardcover, 9.5 x 11.25, 148 pages. Signed in various ink on the reverse of the first free end page, half-title page, index introduction page, and last free end page by 65 celebrities, dignitaries, and crew members, between 1948-1949. Notable signers include: Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock (adding a small profile self-portrait), Greer Garson, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosalind Russell, Jascha Heifitz, Anna Neagle, Brian Aherne, Michael Wilding, Janet Gaynor, Gregory Peck, Charles Boyer, Alexander Fleming, Thomas Beecham, Kathleen Ferrier, and some of the ship’s crew. Several signers have also inscribed to Jean, some wishing her a happy birthday. In very good to fine condition, with some scattered light soiling to signed pages, some scattered light wear to covers and slightly-loose spine, and a small edge tear to the last page of the book.
The original owner of this book (”Jean”) was most likely a well-to-do passenger who sailed the high seas during the late-1940s. As a wealthy guest, she had access to the assembled onboard cast and, with book in hand, requested a signature from her fellow travelers—who just happened to be some of the most famous names in the entertainment industry! Judging by the dates, she took multiple trips from late 1948 to the end of 1949. To that end, the scriptings, some of which have been dated by the celebrity or crew member, were acquired in a variety of ink types and colors. Together with the Queen Mary, the Queen Elizabeth dominated the transatlantic passenger trade until their fortunes began to decline with the advent of the faster and more economical jet airliner in the late-1950s.
An interesting ensemble of star-studded autographs from a bygone era! RRAuction COA.
