There are some autographs that you just never see.
The kind of items that, if a collector asked you for one - you'd be left scratching your head where to look.
(Even when you've been in the business as long as I have.)
You can't just go out and find them. All you can do is wait...
And if one ever pops up on the market – you grab it there and then.
This Charlie Chaplin signed photograph is one of those items.
I've handled several Chaplin signed photos before, but never one of these .
In over 40 years as a dealer, this is a first for me.
And the reason they're so rare is fascinating...
We all know Charlie Chaplin as an icon of silent movies, in his most famous character the 'Little Tramp'.
But this photograph depicts Chaplin in a very different role, in his 1947 film Monsieur Verdoux.
It's a black comedy, in which Chaplin's character marries and murders wealthy widows for their money.
It was based on the real-life case of Henri Désiré Landru, a French serial killer nicknamed the 'Bluebeard of Gambais' who went to the guillotine in 1922.
Chaplin called it “the cleverest and most brilliant film of my career”.
Critics agreed. But audiences hated it.
Because back in 1947, they hated Charlie Chaplin as well.
In the late 1940s his reputation in America had been destroyed by scandal.
He was the victim of a smear campaign by the notorious FBI Director J.Edgar Hoover, who disliked his political views.
Chaplin was falsely accused of fathering an illegitimate child, and even worse - being a Communist.
So when Monsieur Verdoux was released it was his first flop. Chaplin was booed at the premier. And the studio quickly pulled the film from theatres.
Chaplin's fall from grace was described as "the most dramatic in the history of stardom in America".
His career never recovered, and he eventualy left America and spent 20 years exiled in Europe.
Due to this negative publicity he signed very few Monsieur Verdoux photographs.
So to discover a surviving example is incredibly exciting.
Let's take a closer look.
The photograph is a publicity shot of Chaplin in costume as Henri Verdoux.
(And did you know, this was the first film in which he grew a real moustache instead of wearing a fake?).
It measures approximately 5” by 7” and features a pre-printed autograph and inscription “Yours truly, Charlie Chaplin”.
It was common for studios to publish these pre-prints, especially for stars such as Chaplin who had little time to sign autographs himself.
However, this one is different.
Because Chaplin has also signed this one by hand.
It's a wonderful inscription in blue ink: “Best wishes, Charlie Chaplin”.
The original owner clearly wanted more than just a printed autograph.
They wanted the real thing, and - luckily for us - they were determined enough to get it!
I've personally examined the signature, and compared it with dozens of genuine examples (including some in my own collection).
I can guarantee it's 100% authentic.
What's more, it's a really nice example of Chaplin's autograph - clear and bold with no fading, smudges or damage.
The photograph is professionally matted and handsomely framed to an overall size of 9.5" by 11.5".
Altogether, it's a truly impressive display piece.
And it's ready to hang on your wall the moment you receive it.
When it comes to collecting autographs, I'm sure you're like me...
You want to own that rare piece nobody else has.
The unusual item with a story to tell.
That's what I love about this Charlie Chaplin Monsieur Verdoux signed photograph.
It tells the story of one of the darkest and most fascinating periods in his career.
And its rarity is beyond compare.
It's like finding a signed copy of Abbey Road by The Beatles.
They're virtually non-existent.
I know of only two similar examples that have appeared at auction in the past 10 years.
And neither were as good as this one.
If you have a passion for cinema history, this is a truly significant piece.
The Charlie Chaplin autograph that nobody else has.
Make it part of your collection today for only £3,500 ($4,937).
BUY THIS ITEM NOW
As always, this photo comes with my Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee and my Certificate of Authenticity.
So you can buy in complete confidence for the future.
Own it today, treasure it for years to come.
(And show it off whenever you get the chance!)
To reserve it for your collection, just reply to this email with your details.
You can also contact me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
Or call me on +44 (0) 117 933 9500.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Stay safe, and thanks for reading,
Paul.
