Marilyn Monroe autographed photos are highly sought-after and coveted by collectors around the world. Marilyn’s allure and mystique seem to grow greater with each and every generation. She is the ultimate example of a “beloved” movie star attaining a status of superstardom few others if any has reached. It seems the public’s fascination with Marilyn is eternal.
Marilyn’s autographs are very rare as the only opportunity “fans” had to encounter Marilyn would have been in person during her too-short life. As a result, most examples are signed in autograph albums. The most common form of Marilyn’s autograph is either on a bank check or a contract. Only a few hundred have seemingly survived the ravages of time.
In 40 years of collecting Marilyn signed photos, I can account for only 50 or so signed 8” x 10” photos and perhaps a dozen oversized, signed photographs. A majority of authentically signed Marilyn Monroe photographs are printed on double-weight paper with a matte finish. Marilyn took great pride and discretion in who she signed and presented photographs to. Most examples I have encountered since I started collecting in the 1970s come with great stories of Marilyn’s relationship to the person the photo was inscribed to. The larger, oversized photos are exceptionally rare as they would not have survived the mail and were often hand-presented by Marilyn to a special person.
The Marilyn Monroe autographed photo we are offering in our November auction is superlative, as it meets so many criteria as the “best of its kind.” First off, it’s a custom 11” x 14” print on double-weight paper with a matte finish. The photo is boldly inscribed “Jack My love, My thanks, My appreciation and my everything forever, Marilyn.” You won’t find a better example anywhere.
Preview this autographed Marilyn Monroe photo and other items for sale in our November 2021 auction.
-Joe Maddalena
Executive Vice President, Music and Entertainment
That is so ❤️ beautiful. She loved and cared about a lot of people.
Hello Sir:
I have an autographed photo from Marilyn Monroe to “Jim,” that came from Orange County. I read the description you wrote about the qualities of authentic Marilyn autographed photos. The one I have has the small white Matte around an 8×10 picture that appears to be the thickness you described. I’ve looked carefully through a magnifying glass to determine whether this was written with consistent writing with the pen used. Meaning there weren’t any tiny breaks as what would happen if someone were to attempt to trace the writing. The writing has no breaks. Of course, I understand it still could be forged, but comparing it closely to the autographed photo you have posted, and it is shockingly close. I’m wondering what your fee is to determine its authenticity. I’m live on a small income, so even though I’m really wanting it authenticated, I may not be able to pay to have it done. Just hoping I can afford to have it done. I’ve collected memorabilia for several years of Marilyn items, so I’ve seen countless pictures of her. I can honestly say, I don’t remember ever seeing this specific picture of her. It would be in a close time period of the one you have which is evident due to the specific hair style, about the same health of the hair, so not overdone, or too many years of processing. I will hope to hear from you
I’m not wanting to sell it, so I’m not in a hurry as far as getting it authenticated.
Thank you,
Teresa
Thank you for reaching out to Heritage Auctions!
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