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Lot #738
Greta Garbo Thrice-Signed Document and Passport Photo

Garbo seeks U.S. citizenship—the actress' 1940 naturalization document and passport photo, boasting three signatures

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Estimate: $10000+
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Description

Garbo seeks U.S. citizenship—the actress' 1940 naturalization document and passport photo, boasting three signatures

DS, signed “Greta Lovisa Grabo,” with an affixed twice-signed passport photo, one page, 8.5 x 10.5, October 29, 1940. A "Declaration of Intention" to become a citizen of the United States of America, filled out in type for fields like personal residence “165 Mabery Road, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Calif.,” occupation “motion picture actress,” age “35,” sex “female,” color “white,” complexion “light,” eye color “blue,” hair color “lt. Brown,” height “5´ 7″,” weight “127 pounds,” race “Scandinavian,” and nationality “Swedish.” Garbo states that she was born in Stockholm, Sweden on September 18, 1905, and that she emigrated to San Diego aboard the SS Annie Johnson on April 30, 1933, with the name Greta Lovisa Garbo. Signed at the conclusion in bold black ink by Garbo. The affixed 2 x 2 passport photo of Garbo is signed twice by the actress, “Greta Lovisa Grabo” and “Greta Garbo.” In fine condition.

Despite this preliminary declaration of her intention to become an American citizen in 1940, it was not until 1951 that Garbo finally received her citizenship. In 1941 she appeared in her final film, Two-Faced Woman—interestingly, an unsuccessful attempt to 'Americanize' Garbo—and retired from Hollywood to lead a famously reclusive life. A rare and unprecedented document package signed a total of three times by Garbo, including twice with her rare full signature.

Provenance: From the estate of Greta Garbo; Julien’s Auctions, Hollywood Legends, April 2014, Lot 860.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Classical Music
  • Dates: #661 - Ended April 12, 2023





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