BENNETT, Bruce (born 1909)

Signature

This early Tarzan ("The New Adventures of Tarzan," 1935) also starred in the first "Lone Ranger" serial (1938) and had roles in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and "Mildred Pierce." Handsome signature, dated 1984 November 27, on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 19667

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BENTON, Curtis (1885-1938)

Inscription and Signature

This silent film actor turned screenwriter in the 1920s, and his credits include W.S. Van Dyke's "Half-a-Dollar Bill" (1924) and Hoot Gibson's "The Phantom Bullet" (1926). Bold and nice "Stay away from all the / 'Eves' --.-- they are full / of apple-sauce / Curtis Benton / K.N.X." on a beige 6" X 3 3/4" autograph album leaf, n.p. n.y. Though place and date not indicated, this was obtained by noted collector Preston Sawyer (1899-1968), California journalist and historical writer, in San Francisco around 1930. Benton went into radio announcing after talkies took over from silent films, so "K.N.X." is likely a radio station reference. .

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Book number: 25825

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BERENGER, Henry (1867-1952)

Autograph Letter Signed

This influential French politician and long-time senator, that country's ambassador to the United States (1926-27), headed high-level foreign affairs committees in the 1930s and in 1932 was appointed French delegate to the League of Nations. ALS, 1p, 5¼" X 8¼", Paris, France, 6 October 1934. On letterhead of the "Commission des Affaires Etrangeres," Berenger handsomely pens a patriotic if ill-fated sentiment in English in dark purple ink, presumably to an American: "Independence has been the foundation and maintenance of our two Democracies. They have never ceased to strive for greater right and justice among all citizens and all men. They are now exerting a like effort towards the end of all war and the establishment of lasting peace among all peoples of good will." Boldly signed at the close, with his title "ambassador of the French Republic.

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Book number: 44906

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: World Leaders & Statesmen

BERESFORD, Charles, 1st Baron Beresford (1846-1919)

Letter Signed

Known as "Lord Beresford," this British admiral is remembered for his part in the bombardment of Alexandria in the Egyptain War of 1882 and the Nile expedition (1884-85). LS, 1p, 5" X 8", Chicago, IL, 1899 February 19. Addressed to Miss F. Maryanna Neumann. Very good. Moderately age toned, with mounting traces at corners. "I have much pleasure in sending you my autograph," he notes, signing large and bold. A nice example. .

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Book number: 26952

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Military

BERGEN, Edgar (1903-78)

Inscribed Photograph Signed

Candice's father was America's leading ventriloquist in vaudeville, in films, on radio and on television for over half a century, performing with everyone's favorite dummy, Charlie McCarthy. IPS, 5" X 7", n.p. n.y. [ca. 1965]. Near fine. Handsome half-length portrait of a young McCarthy in tails and cape and top hat, speaking on a phone, with a similarly-clad McCarthy alongside him. Boldly inscribed in blue fountain pen along the top: "Hello, Don Burnell! / All the best from / Edgar Bergen & Charlie." A fine example. .

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Book number: 17980

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BERGEN, Edgar (1903-78)

Signed Postal Cover

Candice's father was America's leading ventriloquist in vaudeville, in films, on radio and on television for over half a century, performing with everyone's favorite dummy, Charlie McCarthy. Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Chicago, Illinois, on February 16, 1973. Near fine. 8-cent "Pharmacy" stamp at upper left. NOT a First Day Cover, but an imaginative collector had this cover cancelled in Bergen's hometown on his 70th birthday from the Chicago Philatelic Center, which used an unusual pictorial cancellation. No distracting recipient's name/address -- but Bergen signs exceptionally large, bold and attractive in blue fountain pen on the "sweet spot." Small portion of original transmittal envelope present. Accompanied by a superb 10" X 8" modern glossy photograph, a film scene showing a suspicious Bergen and Charlie McCarthy (dressed as a detective) eyeballing a comely young lady who's wooing a smitten Mortimer Snerd. .

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Book number: 21371

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BERGHOF, Herbert (1909-90)

Signature

This Austrian-born character actor appeared in numerous stage productions and was an influential drama instructor; he did do a few films, though, such as "Five Fingers" and "Cleopatra." Signature and date (1988 November 25) on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 18918

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BERGMAN, Dave (1953-2015)

Signature

This college baseball star played first base and outfield for the New York Yankees (1975, 1977), Houston Astros (1978-81), San Francisco Giants (1981-83) and Detroit Tigers (1984-92). Choice bold signature in blue fineline on a special 5" X 3" heavy card, n.p. 1988 July 8. Fine. With original envelope. A superb eample, signed at the height of his fame -- he hit a career high of .294 for the Tigers in '88. .

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Book number: 39535

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Athletes

BERKELEY, Lennox (?-1989)

Signature

British composer. Lovely signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. 1980 November 30. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 13959

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: AUTOGRAPHS" Music Music

BERLE, Milton (1909-2002)

Inscribed Photograph Signed

Uncle Miltie," a prolific comedian who began in vaudeville and became America's top television personality with "The Milton Berle Show" (1948-56). Color IPS, 8" X 10", n.p. n.d. Near fine. Handsome half-length printed portrait wearing tuxedo and typically inane grin, boldly inscribed and signed in a light portion at upper right in thickish black marker: "To Marshall / Bean / Love / Milton / Berle." A superb example. .

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Book number: 28976

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: AUTOGRAPH, AUTOGRAPHS Film & Theater

BERLE, Milton (1909-2002)

Signed Postal Cover

Uncle Miltie," a prolific comedian who began in vaudeville and became America's top television personality with "The Milton Berle Show" (1948-56). Signed Postal Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at New York, NY, on July 12, 1973. Near fine. 5-cent "Voice of America" stamp and 3-cent "Francis Parkman American Historian" stamps at upper right. NOT a First Day Cover, but an imaginative collector had this cover cancelled on Berle's 65th birthday (he was born July 12, 1908) in the city of his birth (New York, NY). No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address -- but right on the "sweet spot" Berle signs bold and large (4¼"!) in black fineline. Given Berle's early popularity as a radio figure, the "Voice of America" stamp makes this an appropriate cover. Small portion of original transmittal envelope present. Accompanied by a 4½" X 7" glossy color postcard reproduction of the front cover (featuring his caricature) of the 1948 paperback printing of his 1945 book "Out of My Trunk. .

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Book number: 21370

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: AUTOGRAPH, AUTOGRAPHS Film & Theater

BERNARDI, Herschel (1923-86)

Signature

Best known as Tevye in the stage play "Fiddler on the Roof," this character actor played innumerable cops and robbers on film and television. Bold signature, dated 1969 January 4, on a heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. [New York, NY]. Fine. With original envelope. .

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Book number: 18912

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater

BERNSTEIN, Rae (?-?)

Inscribed Photograph Signed

This Chicago pianist -- no relation to Leonard -- debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in January 1928 and proved a popular soloist; her gigs included a stint with the Woman's Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, one of the first all-female orchestras in the U.S. IPS [Moffett], 8" X 10", n.p. 1928 March 20. Near fine. A striking head-and-shoulders closeup in flapperish bobbed hair, boldly signed and inscribed in black ink in a light portion at upper left: "To John G. Leiser, / With kindest regards, / Rae Bernstein, / 3/20/28." Quite uncommon. .

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Book number: 13919

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: AUTOGRAPH, AUTOGRAPHS "MUSIC Music

BERRY, George L. (1882-1948)

Printed Document Signed

The long-time president of the International Pressmen and Assistants' Union of North America (1907-48) was appointed U.S. senator from Tennessee by that state's governor at the death of Senator Nathan L. Bachman in 1937 to complete his term, but served only until 1938, failing in his bid for election. Printed DS, 4pp (rectos only), 8" X 10½", n.p. 1936 December 12. Very good. Light even age toning; tiny staple hole at upper left corner of each, not affecting text. "Excerpts from speech of Major George L. Berry, Coordinator for Industrial Cooperation," a mimeographed press release intended "For Release / Morning Papers." In this NBC radio broadcast, Berry addresses President Roosevelt's Council for Industrial Progress. Huge, bold full signature (using what must have been an enormous-nibbed fountain pen) near the top of the first page. Most unusual in this format. A tremendous example from the height of his fame. .

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Book number: 28824

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Labor & Reform

BEST, Edna (1900-74)

Photograph Signed

This British-born actress, once married to Herbert Marshall, starred on stage and in English and American films such as "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "The Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." PS, 5" X 7", n.p. n.d. Good plus. Heavy mounting traces on verso. Vintage matte finish closeup of a young Best, signed at the bottom. .

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Book number: 15576

Catalogue: Autographs

Keywords: Film & Theater