Marx Brothers Autographs: Values, Examples & How to Sell

To auction, sell or consign your Marx Brothers autographs, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

Sell Your Marx Brothers Autographs

The Marx Brothers were an American comedy troupe who were active for nearly four decades beginning in 1905 to about 1949. Chico, Harpo and Groucho were the core three members, while Gummo and Zeppo performed with the troupe during their early years. The Marx Brothers are considered some of the most influential comedians of the 20th century. Some of their most popular films include “Duck Soup”, “Horse Feathers” and “Monkey Business”.

Some Marx Brothers Autographs We Sold:

Signed Contract by All Four Brothers for ”Duck Soup” — Sold for $10,693

Marx Brothers contract signed by all four brothers for their most famous film, ”Duck Soup”. Notarized agreement between the Marx Brothers and Paramount Pictures is dated 12 March 1940, representing the ”Settlement Agreement Re: ‘Duck Soup”’, approximately 6.5 years after the film premiered. Signed on the last page in fountain pen by ”Leo Marx”, ”Herbert Marx”, ”Julius H. Marx” and ”Arthur Marx”, who played Chico, Zeppo, Groucho and Harpo respectively. Countersigned by Paramount Pictures.

Signed MGM Contract By Chico, Harpo & Groucho — Sold for $2,500

Famed comedic troupe Marx Brothers signed MGM contract, dated 2 December 1937. Contract delineates payments to each of the Marx brothers for an amount of $3,450. Signed on signature lines, ”Chico Marx”, ”Harpo Marx” and ”Groucho Marx” in black ink. One page contract measures 8.25” x 13”. Top edge folded over and with uneven edges, foxing and toning throughout. Very good. With a PSA/DNA COA for all three signatures, which are all bold and strong. Sold for $2,500.

”The Marx Brothers” Book Signed by Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo & Zeppo — Sold for $2,500

“The Marx Brothers” book, signed by all five brothers: Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Gummo and Zeppo, along with a letter signed by Harpo Marx with a self-portrait sketch, recognizable as Harpo by his mound of curly hair and playing the harp. The letter and inscriptions are all to Charles Smith, likely the Marx Brothers’ lawyer, based on content of the Harpo letter. Signed upon the title page, the comedians poke fun at “Charlie”, writing, “To the Best coffee pot maker Smitty – Gummo Marx”; “I knew you when you didn’t have a pot – Regards / Groucho”; “Best wishes to Charlie / Zeppo”; “The mighty Smitty [?] / From His Friend / Harpo”; “A great [?] player / A good gin player / A fine bridge player / A good golfer / [scribbled out] / Chico”. Book is additionally signed on the opposite page by comedians George Burns who writes, “I read this book – ? What could I say there [sic] my friends. / George Burns” and George Jessel who writes, “I knew them well and I remember when they were hung / George Jessel”. “The Marx Brothers” by Kyle Crichton was published in Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1950, stated first edition. A few spots to boards, with hinges starting to separate, otherwise very good. Lot is accompanied by a typed letter signed by Harpo Marx, dated 11 October 1939 in which he writes to Charles Smith about an apparent business opportunity for a new type of paint. Signed boldly in black ink, “Harpo” with a self-portrait sketch of his Marx Brothers character playing the harp. Letter measures 8.5″ x 11″. Light toning and folds, with small separation along one fold; overall very good condition. A rare Marx Brothers lot, unusually signed by all five. Sold for $2,500.

Harpo, Chico and Groucho Signed Page — Sold for $1,566

Album page boldly signed in pencil by all three brothers of the famous comedy troupe, …Harpo Marx…, …Chico Marx… and …Groucho Marx…. Signed to off-white 6… x 4.5… album page. Collector…s pencil notation of 16 August 1940 to top edge. Accompanied by PSA/DNA COA. Mild toning, small binding holes to left edge and slight wrinkling, overall very good condition. Sold for $1,566.

Zeppo, Chico, Harpo & Groucho Signed Page — Sold for $1,367

Waterman’s Autograph Album containing autographs of four of the Marx Brothers on a single slip of paper. Inscription reads, “Best Wishes / Zeppo Marx / Chico Marx / Harpo Marx / Groucho Marx.” In 1932 the L.E. Waterman Company encouraged young people to create autograph albums, offering prizes for the best albums. In addition to the Marx Brothers, album contains more than a dozen cut autographs including, Eddie Dowling, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., Lillian Roth and “Buddy” Rogers. Accompanied by JSA letter of authenticity. Very good. Sold for $1,367.

Chico, Harpo & Groucho Autographs on 3 Separate Cards — Sold for $1,250

The signatures of ”Chico Marx”, ”Harpo Marx” and ”Groucho Marx”. Each signature rendered in black ink appears on one of 3 separate cards measuring 3.5” x 2”. Accompanied by the original envelope in which the autographs were mailed to a fan, postmarked 13 August 1941, the year of their last MGM picture, ”The Big Store”. Mild toning and some fading to portions of Harpo’s signature, else near fine. Sold for $1,250.

Signed Agreement Regarding “Animal Cracker” — Sold for $1,050

Marx Brothers agreement signed by Chico, Groucho, Harpo and Geppo Marx, with the brothers allowing Loew’s Incorporated to promote the stage production of “Animal Crackers” in concert with the upcoming Fred Astaire film “Three Little Words”. Dated 26 September 1949, document measures 8″ x 10″, double-matted and framed with a photo of the four to a size of 23.25″ x 15.25″. Uniform toning and some fading to writing, overall very good condition. Sold for $1,050.

To auction, sell or consign your Marx brothers autographs, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my Marx brothers autographs?
It’s never been easier to sell your Marx brothers autographs at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and images of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of Marx brothers autographs?
The value of your memorabilia can vary based on condition, subject matter and which autographs are included.