Alexander Autographs

Jlong wrote:
Some letters and signed books are available for sale through Alexander Autographs this month.

Tolkien signature:
http://auctions.alexautographs.com/as ... +++++1160+&refno=+++64308

This signature has been discussed on here before. I believe that quite a few collector's including myself have the same signed item and a very convincing reproduction it is too. I think they are trying to sell a very common reproduction here.

Here is another copy of the signed item.

http://www.hobbit.ca/UK111e-signed.jpg

Indeed I have a (very convincing) copy of the same signed note that was included (as a free token) with a book I purchased a few years ago.

I sent the following email to the Auction House about the item above.

I am concerned about one of the lots in your upcoming autograph auction on January 20-21st 2010.

Sale 40 Lot 1160 J. R. R. TOLKIEN (1892 - 1973) British author known especially for his works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Very fine A.N.S. on an oblong sheet measuring 8 1/2" x 3 1/2", in full: "If you would like a signature for 'The Lord of the Rings,' you can stick this in with my good wishes. J. R. R. Tolkien 20/6/73". Beautifully penned the year of his death with a fine flourished signature. Pristine condition. Estimate $ 1,000-1,200

The problem is that this item has been extensively reproduced to a very high quality, indeed I have the same 'signed' letter, and it is highly likely that the copy you have for sale is also a reproduction. A lot of Tolkien dealers gave away this reproduction with Tolkien books over the last twenty years.

I have put some more information on the Tolkien Collectors Guide Website about the issue including a picture of it being given away with another book https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/n ... ost_id=5721#forumpost5721 Regards Andrew

I think I have asked this before, but does anyone know who owns the original of this item.

I have one of those signed sheets, too. it's very nice - though in hindsight it might have been better if the seller had printed 'facsimile siganture' on the back. On the other hand; it could be said that it's obviously a copy, because of the 'feel' of the card.

Hi Trotter,

I may not be remembering correctly, but I think that at one point, David Miller had the original. And I think he subsequently sold it on. But I may not be correct on this.

Alexander Autographs are withdrawing that item and sent me the following email

Our consignor gave us this piece along with the other Tolkien items we are auctioning, and we relied on their expertise and reputation, quite frankly. I think, as you note, that the facsimile is both quite good and very specific, but, as was noted on your forum post, we should have known better with the heavy stock. At any rate, I explored your previous posts, and when I found this, it pretty much closed the case: http://www.hobbit.ca/UK111e-signed.jpg.

Please note that the item is being withdrawn from the sale; this change should be reflected very soon on the internet, and will again be noted on the day of the sale. You definitely have our thanks, and we would be quite grateful if you would take the trouble to post our admission and apologies onto your forum so that the Tolkien community can see that we take such errors very seriously, and do our best to correct them.

David Miller also sent me the copy that I have so he probably had a hand in producing them. I'd imagine it would be difficult to sell the original now as everyone would think it was a copy.

Well done, Trotter!

- wellinghall

Auction results

http://auctions.alexautographs.com/as ... +++++1110+&refno=+++64307

USD $2750

http://auctions.alexautographs.com/as ... +++++1111+&refno=+++64236

UNSOLD

http://auctions.alexautographs.com/as ... +++++1159+&refno=+++64306

USD $1400

Lot 1160

WITHDRAWN

Thanks Trotter!