Outstanding collection of twelve photos of various sizes, each signed by a different notable actor or actress, including: Irene Bordoni, Tallulah Bankhead, Neil Hamilton, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Helen Hayes, Gladys Cooper, Ethel Merman, Leon Errol, Desi Arnaz, Ed Wynn, Dick Powell, and Ann Pennington. Accompanied by an additional TLS from Neil Hamilton. In overall fine condition. Individual descriptions are as follows:
Irene Bordoni: Vintage matte-finish 5.75 x 12.25 mounted full-length photo of Bordoni by Apeda of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Georges and Olive with my love, the best! Irene Bordoni, 1922.” In fine condition.
Tallulah Bankhead: Vintage 3.75 x 9 magazine photo of a young Bankhead in a short skirt, signed in fountain pen. Photo is affixed to a 7.5 x 9.75 white board. In fine condition.
Neil Hamilton: Glossy 8 x 10 Paramount Pictures promotional photo of Hamilton as he appeared in The Great Gatsby, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Sherman Emery, Good luck, Neil Hamilton, ’78”; and a TLS, one page, 5.75 x 7.75, December 27, 1978, in part: “The ‘Great Gatsby’ still brings to mind a director I enjoyed working for, Mr. Herbert Brenon, not that I didn’t enjoy working for ALL of them…My first three were for Mr. D. W. Griffith, starting back in 1922 with ‘The White Rose’—and D. W. was a man I loved, great and FAMOUS as he was, he was also one of the kindest, most gentle people I’ve ever known.” Photo in very good condition, with a noticeable tear to right edge, scattered creases, and paper loss to corner tips; letter in fine condition.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.: Vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Fairbanks sketching at an easel, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Harold Merry, With best of wishes to you from Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.” In fine condition, with a small crease near top and a bit of irregular ink adhesion to signature.
Helen Hayes: Vintage matte-finish 6.5 x 8.5 photo of Hayes from the beginning of her career, signed in fountain pen, “Sincerely yours, Helen Hayes 1919.” Trimmed edges and two missing corners, otherwise fine condition.
Gladys Cooper: Color-tinted vintage matte-finish 8.5 x 10.75 portrait of Cooper, prominently signed in fountain pen. A couple noticeable creases to the left side and brushing to signature, otherwise fine condition.
Ethel Merman: Vintage matte-finish 4.75 x 6.75 portrait of Merman, boldly signed and inscribed against the bright white background in fountain pen, “To Ernest Fred Manfred, from Ethel Merman.” In fine condition, with a slight diagonal crease to the left side.
Leon Errol: Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Errol in a fancy costume, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Joe Rock from Leon Errol ‘just a clown.’” In fine condition, with a missing top right corner tip.
Desi Arnaz: Vintage glossy 8 x 10 head-and-shoulders photo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Howard, Best wishes, Desi Arnaz.” In fine condition, with a few scattered light creases and surface impressions.
Ed Wynn: Vintage pearl-finish 8 x 10 photo of Wynn in a humorous pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To—Joan McGrath, Sincerely, Ed Wynn, 1943.” In fine condition, with a crease to the lower right corner.
Dick Powell: Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Powell in a sports jacket and fedora, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Barbara, Best wishes, Dick Powell.” In fine condition.
Ann Pennington: Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Pennington dancing in a revealing outfit, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To—‘Billie,’ with all good wishes from, Ann Pennington.” In fine condition, with moderate contrast to signature against the dark background. RR Auction COA.
