Substantial leatherbound autograph album compiled as a chronicle of the 1920s entertainment industry, measuring a hefty 10.5 x 13.5 x 5, and containing over 300 signed items, including letters, photos, and signatures affixed within. The collection was originally gathered by Clarence E. Bissell (1893–1976), who served under General John J. Pershing during the Pancho Villa Expedition and First World War. He married Margaret Maines in 1922 and created this scrapbook as a gift for her, a gifted dancer and pianist in her own right and lover of all things musical and theatrical. Bissell meticulously arranged the collection by alphabet within individual categories, including producers, moving pictures directors, band leaders, famous musicians and conductors, noted jazz orchestra leaders, opera and concert stars, Shakespearian players, blackface comedians and minstrels, noted clowns, magicians, vaudeville artists, noted stage stars, and screen stars.
The main attractions are undoubtedly a Harry Houdini signature, and signatures of the four Marx Brothers on a single slip, with Groucho and Zeppo using their given names: "Julius H. Marx," "Herbert Marx," "Chico Marx," and "Harpo Marx"; an additional slip is signed by Harpo using his real name, "Yours truly, Arthur Marx." Additional highlights include: D. W. Griffith (signature), John Philip Sousa (signature), Eddie Cantor (signature), Fred and Adele Astaire (signatures), Noel Coward (signature), W. C. Fields (signature), Mabel Normand (signature), Bert Lahr (signature), Basil Rathbone (ANS), Tom Mix (signature), and O. P. Heggie (signature).
Among the other prominent signers are Preston Sturges (signature), Edward G. Robinson (ANS), Barbara Stanwyck (SP), George Arliss (signature), Faye Bainter (SP), Jules Bledsoe (ALS), Fanny Brice (signature), Joe E. Brown (signature), Leo Carrillo (signature and ALS), Katharine Cornell (signature), Helen Hayes (signature), Walter Huston (signature), Louis Wolheim (signature), Bebe Daniels (TLS), Richard Dix (SP), Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (signature), Olive Thomas (SP), and Ona Munson (signature).
In overall very good to fine condition. A more comprehensive list is available for download or viewing by clicking here. This is a magnificent assemblage of autographs that truly captures the essence of the entertainment world during the ‘roaring twenties,’ containing a number of rare and sought-after figures. RR Auction COA.
