I was wondering what you guys thought about these letters. Do you think they are legit? They just seem a little off to me--no dates and the signatures look almost too clean compared to the paper. In addition, the content is so nonspecific ("south coast" & "down south"). I'm interested in your thoughts. Just trying to spark up some discussion.

http://www.biblio.com/details.php?dcx=249424090&aid=aa&t=1#

Josh

They certainly seem to have gone up in price a lot, one was bought on Ebay for $238 in June.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 26183352#ebayphotohosting

The letters look appropriately aged and weathered. However, Tolkien's personal stationary had his name and address pre-printed at the top. Also, there should be a Basildon Bond watermark visible when the letter is held up to the light. The lack of a date is also odd.

Jim.

Can I ask why you say that the letters ought to have a Basildon Bond watermark?

Tolkien's personal stationary was Basildon Bond for many years (during late 50's and 60's and possibly later). The lack of the watermark does not mean the letters are fake. But the mention in the description that the letters were typed on Tolkien's personal stationary would cause me to look for the BB watermark. The lack of a date on the letters is odd to me also, just an observation.

Jim.