Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Autographed Photo of Rudolph Valentino

This is an excellent example of a personalized autographed photo, these are getting more and more difficult to find. The prices on these autographed photos are starting to go up in the thousands, even over $10,000. I would say the average range is $1000 to $5000. It all depends on the photo, the condition of the photo, the size of the photo, if it is personalized and if the signature is still bold or faded.

11 comments:

  1. Is it still possible to obtain an authentic autographed photo for $5000 or less?

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    1. I have a sepia photo of R.V. ( 7 1/2" x
      9 1/4" )with an inscription to Alice Tildsey, a silent film co-star. Left to me by my sister. Am Asking $4500 as I saw one sell for over $6000 on Christies. Henry Waxman photo.

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  2. Ana,

    Great question, absolutely! I have seen cut signatures for a few hundred. Cut signatures are cut out of a autograph book. Years ago collectors carried around autograph books to get signatures, today people cut them out of the pages in an effort to sell each one individually. Furthermore, you can still find autographed photos for reasonable prices. Reasonable meaning in the $800 to $1500 range. If an autographed photo is personalized, it diminishes the value; however, many of Valentino's signed photos are personalized and to someone like myself, I could care less if it is personalized. My suggestion to you is to watch ebay; but, be careful, there are some questionable ones out there, it still seems to be the most reasonable place to find them. If you are able to buy one send me a photo to post on the site. Good Luck!

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  3. Brad,

    Thank you very kindly for your prompt and very helpful response. There is currently a listing on ebay for an inscribed photo (doesn't bother me a bit either) for about $1500 that I am excited about. Even though I've been a Valentino fan since my teens, this is the first time I've been able to even consider purchasing an autograph. Its a little scary. By the way, I just love your blog and I'm so happy to see that I'm far from alone as a younger Valentino/silent film fan.

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  4. Ana,

    Thank you for the kind words. I really enjoy working on this blog, when I have the time. I looked at the autographed photo on ebay. I think it is the 7 x 9 photo from the UK. It looks legitimate, it is offered at a very reasonable price. If this is the same one you are considering, I would make them an offer of $1000 or so. The fact they have a best offer option means they are willing to come down from the $1500 price. Good luck keep me posted!

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  5. Brad,

    I won the bid and my photo is on it's way!! I got it for less than $1100 including shipping. I'll be sending you pictures as soon as I receive it, as I'd love to know what you think.
    Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

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  6. Wow! How exciting, you did very well. I find it very cool to own something Valentino owned himself or touched. Definitely send me a photo to post when you receive it. Congratulations!

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  7. Hello... Congratulations in your wonderful find. I have one of my own and I am preparing to put it on eBay myself. I was researching to get an approximate value and where I could go for authentication. I came across his photo (8x10) and saw it was signed. It appears to be a studio photo my grandmother must have had. There is also an 8 x 10 of Ramon Navarro, Sophia Loren, Gina Lolabridgia and a couple of others. But Rudy's is signed. May be a stamp from the studio... But from what I see... It is worth about the same as a pen signature, right?

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  8. My dad, Jimmie Fidler, was Rudolph Valentino's press secretary very early i his career and I have several early photos of Valentino that are in very good condition. My dad had told me they were one of a kind. Unfortunately, none are signed. Any idea what they might be worth?

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  9. Hi Brad ,
    Many years ago in an antiques market I bought this item. It measures approx 3.5ft x 2.5ft. I believe it would have been used in a cinema to promote the film 'The Sheik' in the 1920's.
    It is a hand tinted photograph tacked onto a wooden frame. I cannot find another online and welcome any ore information on it should you be interested in purchasing it.
    Condition is very good and the colours are all still bright.
    It is slightly worn around the edges, which arguably could add to the authenticity. Also,
    Regards

    Sara Jane Haggerty

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  10. email address re The Sheik hand tinted poster: sara@sarajanehaggerty.com

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