Winter Auction 2015 closing February 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2015
Presented is a unique James dean artifact that includes twelve signatures in various forms. This three-ring binder was used by Dean in the course of his fifth grade education, circa 1941. The sixteen pages of notebook paper still in the notebook include history, geography, spelling, and math homework -- as well as a few doodles -- plus four loose pages, one of which features eleven practice signatures by "Jimmie" Dean; (6) Jimmie Dean (2 apparently written left-handed), twice signed "Jimmie" crossing each other, once signed "Jimmie" and two signed just Jim. The most stunning signature is on the inside back cover. Dean had been enrolled in Brentwood Public School until his mother died of cancer in 1940; at age nine, his father sent him to live with his aunt Ortense and Uncle Marcus Winslow on a farm in Fairmount, Indiana, where he was to complete his education. The binder College Loose Leaf Note Book is brittle but in good condition with major wear and cracking along the spine. The pages are all in Very Fine condition with mild to moderate wear and tanning. The notebook is housed in a custom made that resembles a fine leather-bound edition perfect for shelf display in any library. If one wished to use the book for break up value, with 12 signatures going for about $2000 each, plus the doodles, you could be looking at $30,000+. LOA from James Spence who have authenticated 9 Dean signatures. LOA from University Archives signed by leading historical autograph expert John Reznikoff authenticating 12 signatures of Dean.