Vintage Autograph Book with Jean Harlow

by Gary
(Denver, Colorado)

I acquired an autograph book from a former employer. This person grew up in Los Angeles in a family of considerable means in the 20s and 30s. Her family belonged to a country club, which is where she obtained most of the autographs. Some are written in pencil.

Some were written on scraps of paper and then "cut and pasted" into the book. Many are inscribed to the owner, and a couple have caricatures drawn to go with their signature.

All of the celebrities have passed on. Some are dated, with the dates falling between the late 20s and early 30s. There are over 40 signatures, including: Jackie Cooper, Jack Pickford, James Kirkwood, Harold Lloyd, Charlotte Greenwood, Edna May Oliver, Ramon Novarro, Joel McCrea, Lew Ayres, Al Jolson, Janet Gaynor, Loretta Young, Clara Bow, Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Gilbert, Marlene Dietrich (I think; quite illegible), Norma Shearer, John Wayne, Ruby Keeler (signed Ruby Keeler Jolson), May Robson, Joan Crawford, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, H. B. Warner, Ginger Rogers, William Haines, Jean Harlow, and Theda Bara, among others.

I would like to sell this book, but have no idea how to go about it. Would anyone be able to offer me advice? It will be much appreciated.
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If those are authentic autographs you will not have any trouble selling them. Find dealers through the Internet. Make sure you find one that you are comfortable with. Ask for references and check them out. I would give extra consideration to a dealer without driving distance. You might want to look into an auction house also.

Jean Harlow is a rare autograph. Most that are offered for sale were actually signed by her mother. An authentic signature is worth more than $1500. That's the prize of the bunch, but toy have some more good ones.

Signature values for:

John Wayne - $700+
Joan Crawford - $75
Marlene Dietrich - $75 (Her autograph is hard to read)
Clara Bow - $150
Loretta Young - $75
Theda Bara - $125
Jackie Cooper - $75
Edgar Rice Burroughs - $250
Ginger Rogers - $50
Al Jolson - $125
Norma Shearer - $75
Ruby Keeler - $25 (maybe more signed "Jolson")
May Robson - $50
Douglas Fairbanks Jr - $50

Those prices are for nice autographs. The cutting and pasting might affect value.

.......... Bill