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Ben Turpin Signed Photo

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:140.00 USD Estimated At:560.00 - 840.00 USD
Ben Turpin Signed Photo
<B>Ben Turpin Signed Photo.</B></I> One of Mack Sennett's most vivid slapstick attractions was Ben Turpin (1896-1940), famed for his crossed eyes (he had an insurance policy with Lloyds of London that they wouldn't uncross!), backwards tumble (he called it "the 108") and spirited take-offs on the great stars of the silent film (e.g., Rudolph Valentino in 1923's <I>The Sheik of Araby</B></I>). This is a superb matte finish portrait of Ben, sporting his derby, chomping his cigar and signed in black ink to Mabel Normand's secretary Betty Coss -- "To my pal Betty Best Wishes Ben Turpin Los Angeles 5/18/23." The still-sharp autograph looks as if it were signed yesterday. There's a pin hole at the center of the top border, flanked by two small pencil marks very slightly protruding into the picture near Ben's derby; also very minor surface creases, and some residue on the verso from the picture's apparent attachment in a scrapbook. None of this detracts from the terrific overall Very Fine+ impact of this wonderful Turpin portrait, which virtually screams "Mack Sennett comedy." <I>Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.</B></I> <BR><BR><B>Important no