The auction doesn't state that the artwork is by JRRT. But it is certainly not his in any case. Looks a lot like Rodney Matthews' work. Therefore, one would have to ask "Why would JRRT sign something that is not his work?"

Going to the signature, the JRR part of it is all wrong. He almost invariably did not pick up his pen when writing the JRR. On this item, all three letters are separate. Even more, the downstroke of the R does not finish horizontally.

Lastly, one can just make out the K in Tolkien. JRRT finished the first part of Tolkien with a long upstroke on the K that finished well over the i or e. He would then finish the K with a separate down stroke (which may or may not have continued on into the i - but you can't see the i. So that's moot.) The K on this item is two separate strokes: one for the stem, the other for the < part. It's all wrong.

The seller even states "This needs a lot more research". So I think that the seller is has no clue as to the authenticity of this item. I won't attribute to dishonesty that which is easily explained by ignorance. Still, that does not excuse asking 'a bunch' for an item whose only value is that little scribble in the lower right corner!

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

A bit "after the fact", but still pertinent I believe.

Before any such acquisition, eBay (especially) or not, one should contact the seller and ask for a letter of provenance. If they can not or will not provide one, pass on the item. If the provenance is incomplete or suspect, pass on the item. That letter is critical to prove its authenticity and its value. When you have an authentic item, you hold something that the man held, and it doesn't matter how much you paid (at least for us Tolkien enthusiasts). When you buy a fake, it doesn't matter how little you paid for it. So be cautious and take your time. There will "always" be another such item to consider purchasing.

Here is my experience with a signed item:

I acquired a 1974 calendar signed by the professor. I know, "He passed away in September 1973". However, the calendar was issued in August 1973. I asked for and received a detailed explanation before the auction and a personalized and absolutely wonderful letter from the seller after. You may read it and check out his signature (and a short inscription) on my website:

www.angelfire.com/tn3/tolkiencalendars

Away from the Green Hill Country,

Parmastahir

It has been a while since I posted. Hope everyone's summer is going well.

I have updated the Calendar of the Month feature on my website. This month's calendar is a particular favorite of mine as I noted on the website. Please stop by! As always, am very interested to hear from you if know of or have any "new" (previously uncatalogued) calendars.

Away from the Green Hill Country,

Parmastahir

(At the risk of double-posting, as I posted this message under the Calendars, Posters, and Other Artwork forum, also)

Happy July to Everyone!

I have updated my Tolkien calendar website with a few additions and the Calendar of the Month feature. That calendar is the 1976 issue illustrated by the Brothers Hildebrandt in respect to Tim Hildebrandt who passed away on 11 June. Check it all out at:

www.angelfire.com/tn3/tolkiencalendars

Would be pleased to hear from anyone with comments or a discovery!

Away from the Green Hill Country,

Parmastahir

Happy July to Everyone!

I have updated my Tolkien calendar website with a few additions and the Calendar of the Month feature. That calendar is the 1976 issue illustrated by the Brothers Hildebrandt in respect to Tim Hildebrandt who passed away on 11 June. Check it all out at:

www.angelfire.com/tn3/tolkiencalendars

Would be pleased to hear from anyone with comments or a discovery!

Away from the Green Hill Country,

Parmastahir