Found My Great Uncle's Autograph Collection

by James Petrie
(Hibbing, MN. )

My great uncle passed away a few months ago, and we found some autographs of some old movie stars in a box of old family photos in an envelope. Most are written on postcards of the Hollywood Canteen - such stars as Bob Hope, Ruby Keeler, Pinto Colvic (Grumpy from Disney's Snow White), and a note to my great uncle's wife from Joan Crawford and Phillip Terry. I was wondering how I can find out if they are of any value.

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Found My Great Uncle's Autograph Collection

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Sep 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Autographs of Bob Hope, Pinto Colvig, Joan Crawford
by: Bill

From what you have described, it sounds like you have authentic autographs. The Hollywood Canteen, created by Bette Davis and John Garfield, was a place where Hollywood stars entertained and mingled with United States military servicemen during World War II. This didn't cost the servicemen anything. Even the food was free, provided they were in uniform.

The biggest names in Hollywood - Cary Grant, James Cagney, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Shirley Temple, to name a few just to get an idea of who showed up there - volunteered their time. The actresses even danced with the service members.

You probably have signatures on Hollywood Canteen postcards, not postcards depicting the stars. Signatures of Bob Hope from that time frame would retail in the $40-$50 range. Ruby Keeler, about $25.

The signatures on the cards might appeal to collectors of Old Hollywood and the military, not just autograph collectors, so they might carry a pretty good premium over the values of simple signatures.

The name of the voice actor who did Grumpy was Pinto Colvig, not "Colvic." I think this signature could be valuable. A Disney collector would love to have it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to put together a collection of the voices behind the Seven Dwarfs - very, very difficult. You'd have to test the market for an autograph like this one.

Philip Terry was one of Joan Crawford's four husbands. John Crawford was a prolific note and letter writer, even during the years when she was a major star. Philip Terry was a B-movie actor and not even a star of B's. The two autographs, if they are authentic, on a note might retail at around $300.

If you have a scanner, I'd like to see that Pinto Colvig autograph.

Were those the only autographs that you found?

Joan Crawford Autographs on eBay
Sep 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Actor Paul Finch (Paul Smith) ?
by: Bonnie Bartel Latino

Bill, you are a wealth of information on so many topics! Do you have any idea where I might go to find a photo of the original Marlboro Man, (screen name)Paul Finch? He was born in Atmore, AL in 1912 as Paul Smith. He was in over one hundred movies and TV series from around the 1940s until the mid-1960s.

He is being honored posthumously in November in Atmore by our "Hall of Fame." The committee doesn't have a photo of him. I've looked online but maybe you could suggest somewhere I might look.

Many thanks!
Bonnie in Bama

Paul Birch, the Marlboro Man, Autographs on eBay
Sep 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Paul Birch - The Marlboro Man
by: Bill

Bonnie, Thanks for checking in here.

The Marlboro Man's screen name was Paul Birch. He had a recurring role in one of my favorite TV series "The Fugitive."

Ads and other promotional material are easily found on eBay. Away from the tobacco, I'm sure Paul Birch promo material is for sale somewhere - it will just be harder to find than the cigarette ads. I check eBay from time to time for things. If I see something I'll let you know.

Sep 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE: Autographs of Bob Hope, Pinto Colvig, Joan Crawford
by: Anonymous

Yes, the autographs are from when he was in the military, and yes I can send photos. It really sent a chill up my spine when I saw he had pictures of Bob Hope's home and one other that I can't remember, but I can let you know. He also had a picture of a young Dinah Shore - my mom said it was one of his "stories." Mind you he died at the age of 92 or 93.

The Pinto Colvig autograph explains it all... it's on the back of a photo of a breakfast place where servicemen obviously ate and sang "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean".

Being a young age of 43 next week, I'm really impressed to find you because I'm new to the internet. I will get you the photos as soon as I can - probably this weekend. Keep me in touch!

Joan Crawford Autographs on eBay
Sep 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pinto Colvig ( Grumpy from Snow White)
by: jim petrie

Bill, can I get your e-mail address so i can send you a picture of the Pinto Colvig (Grumpy from Snow White) autograph? Mine is jpetrie66@yahoo.com

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