On 31 March, Chaucer Auctions is holding one of its specialist ‘Select’ auctions, replete with over 150 varied autograph lots. From the British Royal Family to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, to members of the Star Wars, Star Trek and James Bond universes and more, the auction boasts varied signatures from near and far. Ideal for serious collectors and novices alike.
Chaucer has seen auction prices rising against inflation, and in spite of the circumstances surrounding COVID. New bidders continue to join the ranks of regulars who see the value in investing in signed collectables. With continued low interest rates, collectors are looking for a better return on their investment, and autographs and signed memorabilia are proving a popular solution.
Unsurprisingly, given the publicity regarding the Royal Family in recent weeks, Chaucer has seen particular interest in a Princess Diana signed and dated page from a visitors book.
In addition to Princess Di, the house also has signed items from Queen Elizabeth II, Sarah Duchess of York, and a pair of Rafel Tuck prints (dated 1950) of King George and Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother, both of which are signed.
Amongst the other star items in the auction is a Scottish archive of signatures contained within The Lord Provost's Visitors Book Perth, dating from 1945-51. Signatures include those of visiting Royals, Dignitaries, military personnel, politicians, singers and actors. Included are the signatures of Winston Churchill, Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Earl Wavell, Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, 51st (Highland) Division Notable commanders Victor Fortune, Neil Ritchie, Douglas Wimberley, plus Danny Kaye, Anna Neagle, Greer Garson and many others. There are over 900 signatures in total, plus a scrapbook containing telegrams, letters and photographs. This is a lot that requires more research into all the names in the book, and Chaucer has no doubt that there are many names of value that they have not yet been spotted.
On the music front, notable names in auction include a rare signed vinyl album by the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, plus albums signed by The Style Council, and the late James Brown.
Diving into film and television, fans of Laurel and Hardy will enjoy this signed autograph album page. This was collected in person by the seller at the Nottingham Empire 1953, and includes a small vignette picture of the comedy legends.
Set in a stunning mount is this rare, dual signed William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) autograph display. It consists of a 10"x8" photo, hand signed from the classic original Star Trek TV show, which is highly sought after. This has been mounted with a logo beneath the photo, and the overall size of the mounted display as 14 inches x 11 inches.
On the sporting front are Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Leon Spinks, James Hunt, World F1 Champions Jim Clark and Graham Hill, Phill Hill and Jackie Stewart, and a host of football names including the Lisbon Lions and the England World Cup winning team of 1966. Astronauts Ed Mitchell, Walt Cunningham and Buzz Aldrin plus Cosmonauts and Taikonauts.
As is always the case with purchasing at Chaucer, the items come with a lifetime guarantee. Chaucer does all of their own post and packaging, so postage fees are kept to a minimum.
