Sell or Auction Your William Desmond Taylor Autograph for up to Nearly $5,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your William Desmond Taylor autograph that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your William Desmond Taylor Autograph
Below is a recent realized price for an autograph from silent film actor and director William Desmond Taylor. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
William Desmond Taylor Autograph. Sold for Nearly $5,000.
Here are some related items we’ve sold:
Oscar statue awarded to Joan Crawford for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role as the title character in the 1945 film “Mildred Pierce”. Joan Crawford currently ranks in the American Film Institute’s top ten actresses in the history of cinema. After rocketing to stardom in MGM’s pictures “Sally, Irene and Mary,” “Our Dancing Daughters” and “Untamed,” Crawford became one of the biggest movie stars of the day, the flapper ideal for the modern woman. Her reign as so-called “Queen of the Movies” spanned the entire Great Depression era. She left MGM for Warner Brothers in 1943 and then, despite rumors that her career was over, convinced director Michael Curtiz, who had just won the Oscar for “Casablanca,” to cast her in the lead role as “Mildred Pierce.” The murder mystery film was adapted to the screen from the James M. Cain novel of the same name and produced by Jerry Wald and Jack Warner. Crawford’s character is the subject and driving force of the noir film, a divorced woman enslaved by her need to gain the approval of her spoiled, elitist teenage daughter, Veda. Ann Blyth plays Veda, and herself was Oscar-nominated for her supporting role. Joan Crawford’s role as Mildred Pierce was regarded as her triumphant comeback, and indeed, the winning of this Oscar ultimately proved to be the true pinnacle of her extraordinary Hollywood career; it is considered one of the Best Actress performances of all time. The plaque affixed to the front of the base is engraved: “Academy First Award / To / Joan Crawford / For Her Performance In / ‘Mildred Pierce’”. Gold-plated statue of “Oscar” standing on a film reel measures 10.25″ in height atop a round black base to an overall height of 13.25″. Base measures 5.5″ in diameter. Statue weighs 6 lbs. 2 oz. Light speckling and rubbing to finish and scattered chips to base, else near fine. With provenance from Christie’s. Sold for $426,732.
Orson Welles Screen-Used Trophy From ”Citizen Kane” — the Iconic Trophy That Orson Welles Holds During the Film, Symbolizing the Height of Kane’s Power & Ambition — Measures 1.5 Feet Tall
The rarest and most spectacular of all “Citizen Kane” props, the silver-plated trophy presented to Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane, which he holds in the critical scene upon his return from Europe, flush from acquiring diamonds and his first wife. This trophy is the singular one manufactured for the film (unlike the Rosebud sled, of which three were made), thus guaranteeing its use in the film, held by Welles himself as Kane. The trophy was given to Kane by the employees of his newspaper, which grew from a handful when Kane acquired the near-bankrupt “Inquirer,” to 467 at this point in the film. Trophy is engraved, “Welcome Home / Mr. Kane / From / 467 Employees / of the / New York / Inquirer”. Of course, this trophy also highlights the lack of real journalistic achievement by Kane’s tabloid newspaper, and rather the heaps of praise bestowed upon him by employees and sycophants. The scene in which it first appeared was considered so crucial to the film and so difficult to execute that Gregg Toland, “Citizen Kane’s” Oscar-winning cinematographer, considered it the proudest achievement of his career. The trophy appears once more in the film, at the end with Kane’s other possessions at Xanadu. In this scene, Jerry Thompson, the reporter, and Raymond, Kane’s butler, talk about the meaning of Rosebud while standing over the trophy; they even read the wording on the trophy during this scene. Silver-plated loving cup trophy measures a very impressive 17.5″ tall and 16.75″ wide, with scrolling leaf-clad handles and scrolling base, manufactured by the Barbour Silver Company. Though “Citizen Kane” is widely considered the greatest film of all time (having won “Best Film of the Decade” for two decades by both the AFI and BFI), it only won one Academy Award for screenwriting — a consequence of William Randolph Hearst’s blacklisting in his theatres. Its popularity and significance has steadily risen since its release in 1941, a time when movie studios retained very few of their movie props. As a result, only a handful of “Citizen Kane” props have come to market, with almost all of them from the final warehouse scene at Xanadu and having no significance to the film’s plot. This trophy, along with the Rosebud sleds and the snow globe (which has never been available and is considered lost or broken) are the handful of important props in the film. It is truly the most magnificent “Citizen Kane” screen-used prop one could ever hope to own, from the Golden Age of Hollywood that included such films as “Casablanca” and “Gone With the Wind.” Previous Christie’s auction provenance is also included. Some silver tarnishing to the trophy, and light wear, but overall in near fine condition.
The only two Academy Awards won by “Citizen Kane” (for Best Original Screenplay co-awarded to Orson Welles and Herman Mankiewicz) sold at Nate D. Sanders Auctions for $861,542 and $588,455. Several other “Citizen Kane” lots are included in this auction including memorabilia related to the trophy cup. Sold for $275,544.
Oscar presented to legendary Hollywood actress Mary Astor for Best Supporting Actress as Sandra in 1941’s ”The Great Lie.” Astor began as a star of the silent era and successfully transitioned into talkies. In this film, she plays a concert pianist caught in a love triangle with her costars George Brent and Bette Davis. Directed by Edmund Goulding, it was adapted by Lenore J. Coffee from the Polan Banks novel ”January Heights.” The Oscar ceremony was held at the Biltmore in Los Angeles on 26 February 1942, a landmark year for film, in which ”How Green Was My Valley” and ”Citizen Kane” took home Oscars. It was also a career-defining year for Astor, whose work opposite Humphrey Bogart in ”The Maltese Falcon” contributed to her lasting fame. Issued during the period when the traditional Oscar statue was only given to actors in leading roles, this bronze tablet-style award features the Oscar figure in relief. Beside it, the words ”Academy / of / Motion Picture / Arts & Sciences / Award of Merit / for / Outstanding / Achievement” appear. Mounted to a black marble base. A plaque on the front of the base is engraved: ”Presented to Mary Astor / In Recognition of Her Performance in / ‘The Great Lie’ / 1941”. Award measures 6.25” in total height, 5.75” across, and base measures 3.25” deep. Oxidation to metal plate near the base and to plaque around the edges. Tarnishing to plaque, and a few very small and shallow chips to base edges. In very good condition. Mary Astor’s only Academy Award. Sold for $171,089.
Bronze tablet Oscar awarded to Joseph Schildkraut for Best Supporting Actor in ”The Life of Emile Zola” directed by William Dieterle. The film also took home the Best Picture and Best Screenplay awards during the 10th Academy Awards held 10 March 1938 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Born in Austria, Schildkraut moved to America in the early 1900’s to become a Broadway performer, silent film actor and finally, a prominent film star in the Golden Age of Hollywood. His role as Captain Alfred Dreyfus in ”The Life of Emile Zola” became seminal to his career and his Oscar win here marked the first time a Jewish actor was awarded an Oscar. Dreyfus, the infamous French Jewish artillery officer falsely accused and convicted of treason in 1894, polarized the country in what became known as the Dreyfus Affair; writer Emile Zola put his life on the line in his famous public newspaper outcry ”J’Accuse” to help the eventual pardon of Dreyfus, as the film depicts. Symbolically, Schildkraut’s 1937 Academy Award represents not only the second issued Best Supporting Actor award in Oscar history but also the second Oscar awarded to a Jewish actor. Issued during the period when the traditional Oscar statue was only given to actors in leading roles, this bronze tablet-style award features the Oscar figure in relief. Beside it, the words ”Academy / of / Motion Picture / Arts & Sciences / Award of Merit / for / Outstanding / Achievement” appear. Mounted to a black marble base. A plaque on the front of the base is engraved: ”Presented to Joseph Schildkraut / In Recognition of His Performance in / ‘The Life of Emile Zola’ / 1937”. Award measures 6.25” in total height, 5.75” across, and base measures 3.25” deep. The presentation plate re-affixed to base has some glue residue, surface wear and one very small indentation to rear edge of tablet. Stamped on the verso ”Dodge Inc. L.A.”, the company who manufactured the awards at that time. Very good to near fine condition. Obtained from the Joseph Schildkraut estate. Sold for $92,866.
Marilyn Monroe signed photo measuring 11” x 14”, unusual not only for its size, scarcity and near fine condition, but also for its association to Marilyn’s most famous movie scene. Marilyn inscribes the photo in large blue ink, ”To Dru, It’s wonderful to work with you again / Marilyn Monroe”. Dru is the nickname for Drusilla Davis, who dances alongside Marilyn in ”Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” during the song ”Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, where Marilyn is outfitted in her pink satin dress, adorned with diamonds. Matte photo is near fine, with a bit of edgewear along margins. Contemporary note on verso reads, ”’Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ / March 6, 1953 / last day”. From the estate of Drusilla Davis and also with University Archives COA. Sold for $27,684.
Scarce Bruce Lee signed publicity photo from ”The Green Hornet”, Lee’s breakout role in 1966. In bright green felt-tip, Lee signs ”Best Wishes / Bruce Lee” and also draws the Chinese symbol for the dragon, which he often used as a signature. Photo is also signed by Lee’s co-star Van Williams who writes, ”All the best / Van Williams” in black felt-tip. Both men inscribe the photo to ”Mandy”, the consignor and then niece of a casting assistant for ”The Green Hornet” at 20th Century-Fox Television. Glossy photo measures 8” x 10”. Minute smudging to writing, and light wear. Overall very good plus condition. With an LOA from Mandy the consignor. Sold for $27,453.
In fact, most of the film’s completed footage remained unseen for many years. Monroe notoriously had missed a slew of shooting days due to a ”sinus infection” that disappeared at night, when she was photographed about town. This infuriated director George Cukor, and Twentieth Century-Fox went so far as to fire her on 11 June 1962 for missing 17 of the 30 shooting days. But, when co-star Dean Martin countered with, ”No Marilyn, no picture”, the studio relented and took her back, though she sadly died less than two months later. Script runs 161pp. long with 51 revised pages. Spine of script has the film’s title printed in black lettering with the date ”March 29, 1962.” Cover has ”Final / Confidential / For Planning Purposes Only” printed on it, as well as, ”Something’s Got to Give / March 29, 1962” and ”Property of / Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation” imprinted with the studio logo. Script measures 8.5” x 11” with some minor creasing, else very good. Housed in a custom-made red cloth box with a matching red leather slipcase. With Christie’s provenance. The most successful Marilyn Monroe script auction. Sold for $25,428
Moe Howard Twice-Signed Passport
Moe Howard twice-signed passport from 1955. Howard signs ”Moe Howard” over a photo of him and and his wife Helen, as well as on page three, ”Moe Howard”. Passport is for Moe, but notes that he’s accompanied by his wife, ”Helen B.” Green passport has a crease on back cover, else near fine. Sold for $25,154.
Joan Crawford’s hero dress from her magnum opus, “Mildred Pierce”. Joan Crawford currently ranks in the American Film Institute’s top ten actresses in the history of cinema. Polka-dot dress is worn by Crawford in the film’s promotional posters, in a still captured from the scene in the beginning of the film when she goes on a date, set at the Malibu beach house of her scheming beau Monte Beragon. Rayon dress, originally white, has since been dyed to a flesh tone color, with polka dots in a darker nude shade. Design features a slightly A-line cut shirt, long sleeves, pleated bodice and square neckline flanked by a simple bow on either side. A Warner Bros. Pictures label is sewn into the placket and has a hand note, “B – 2nd Dress / 18905-638”. Written inside the top in black felt tip is the note, “TBS / 209”. Dress fastens up the back and at the waistline with alternating snaps and hook-and-eye closures, also found at the cuffs. Discreet side zipper is placed over the hip. Likely altered for use in a later Warner Brothers film, dress measures 17.75″ from underarm to underarm, with 21″ sleeve and a petite 11″ across the waist. Original self-belt is absent; dress is accompanied by later grosgrain belt in brown with a cream stripe through the center. Scattered pinholes and stray threads, else near fine. A stunning piece worn by Crawford in her triumphant comeback role, where she delivered what is considered one of the Best Actress performances of all time. Provenance from Warner Brothers. Sold for $24,500.
Shirley Temple Screen-Worn Heart Dress From 1938 Film ”Just Around the Corner”
Shirley Temple screen-worn heart dress, worn as ”Penny” in the 1938 film ”Just Around the Corner”. Designed by Gwen Wakeling, the blue wool dress is pleated and has three hearts on the chest. Attached is a matching short sleeve silk blouse with a leaf and heart design and two prominent red hearts on the collar. Dress has two straps per shoulder and an adjustable belt in back. Measures 12” across the shoulders with 4” sleeves and 26” overall length. Comes with two vintage photographs of Shirley wearing the dress. Near fine condition. With a COA signed by the Shirley Temple estate. Sold for $15,625.
Moe Howard’s 30pp. Script Dated August 1940 for The 1941 Three Stooges Film ”An Ache in Every Stake” — Annotations in Moe’s Hand on Cover & Title Page — Very Good Condition — Sold for $13,589.
Marlene Dietrich Personally Owned Men’s Tuxedo — Quintessential Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich’s own men’s tuxedo. Dietrich’s signature androgynous look began onscreen with the taboo-crushing scene in her first American movie, “Morocco,” in which she dons a tux and kisses a woman. Off-screen she perpetuated the androgynous image the scene created, often dressing in men’s clothes. This ensemble dates to the 1970’s-80’s, during which she performed in tuxes in Las Vegas. Lot includes a navy blue double-breasted dinner jacket with black silk lapels, matching trousers and bowtie. Dietrich’s daughter Maria Riva quotes Dietrich, who said the following about the scene from “Morocco”, “…The best part of Morocco is when I am in my own tails…The audience, of course, is expecting the legs – so you see her in trousers first!…You know for some reason Garbo looks terrible in men’s clothes – which is strange, because everyone says she’s one of ‘the girls’. You know what I do in the tails? I go over to a pretty woman at a table and kiss her – on the mouth – then I take the gardenia she is wearing put in under my nose and inhale it…Then I flick the flower to [Gary] Cooper. The audiences go wild. Can you imagine if even Americans get that scene, What will happen once the film opens in Europe?…” Jacket measures 20″ across the chest. Pleated trousers measure 28.5″ at the waist with a 28.5″ inseam. Alterations have been made to jacket and trousers. Pants are missing a button and hem has been taken out. Some minor wear to fabric. Very good condition. From the estate of Marlene Dietrich. Sold for $7,200.
Original U.S. immigration and naturalization document thrice-signed by Greta Garbo, who was born in Sweden. ”Declaration of Intention” document administered by the U.S. Department of Labor Immigration and Naturalization is dated 29 October 1940. Document details Garbo’s intention to renounce her Swedish citizenship and become a U.S. citizen, listing her home address at ”165 Mabery Road” in Santa Monica, her occupation as ”motion picture actress”, her age as 35, her height 5’7 and her weight 127 pounds. Typed document is signed with her full name, ”Greta Lovisa Garbo”. A black and white photograph affixed to the lower left of document is also twice-signed ”Greta Lovisa Garbo” and ”Greta Garbo”. Single page document, front and verso, with U.S. stamp to verso measures 8.5” x 10.5”. Four holes punched, two horizontal folds and minor toning. Near fine. Sold for $7,000.
Captivating photo of Audrey Hepburn from ”My Fair Lady”, measuring 11” x 14”, and from Audrey’s personal collection. Photo is by Cecil Beaton, who won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for ”My Fair Lady”, as well as for Best Art Direction, with the stamp on verso: ”Please acknowledge photograph by Cecil Beaton”. Beaton first met Hepburn after the release of ”Roman Holiday”, and was instantly taken with her charm, commenting in his diary that ”She appears to take wholesale adoration with a pinch of salt; gratitude rather than puffed-up pride…” Hepburn’s ease, with Beaton as photographer, and her natural beauty is captured nicely in this photograph. Semi-gloss silver gelatin photo on double weight paper was taken for a US Vogue photo shoot in late 1963 prior to the release of ”My Fair Lady”, one of the most highly anticipated films in Hollywood history. Photo is in near fine condition. Sold for $4,375.
Joan Crawford Personally Owned Film Script for “Daisy Kenyon” — From Christie’s Auction of Crawford’s Estate
Leather-bound script for the 1947 film “Daisy Kenyon”, owned by movie star Joan Crawford. Romantic thriller directed by Otto Preninger featured Crawford flanked by fellow movie stars Henry Fonda and Dana Andrews. Script is bound in blue leather covers with titles and Crawford’s name in gilt. 130pp. script features nine 8″ x 10″ production still photos affixed throughout. Script measures 9″ x 11.5″. Some wear to backstrip. Very good condition overall. Originally lot 18 of the 1993 Christie’s sale of the Joan Crawford estate. Sold for $3,411.
Charlie Chaplin Signed Photograph as the Tramp — With JSA COA
Rare photograph signed by silent movie star Charlie Chaplin. Iconic and beloved actor signs ”Faithfully / Charlie Chaplin” to image of himself as the memorable Tramp. Black and white photograph measures 5” x 7”. Light toning and creasing, not affecting signature, which remains bold. Very good plus condition. With JSA COA. Sold for $3,125.
Humphrey Bogart 8″ x 10″ Handsome Signed Portrait Photo of Bogie Dangling a Lit Cigarette — With PSA/DNA COA
Exceptional signed photo by film icon Humphrey Bogart, here in full character as a dashing knockabout with cigarette in hand. 8″ x 10″ photograph is perfectly signed “For Bill Bissette / good luck / Humphrey Bogart”. On the verso is a piece of paper with the cast of “Dead Reckoning” and a stamp “Property of the News Library” with the date 27 January 1947. In very good condition with a few light creases, minimal spotting to the upper right portion and rounded corners. Absolutely stunning photograph accompanied by a COA from PSA/DNA. Sold for $2,623.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your William Desmond Taylor autograph that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
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