LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Oct. Sig. Entertainment Memorabilia #648  / 

21284

Peg Leg Bates Signed Photo and Letter

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:80.00 USD Estimated At:320.00 - 480.00 USD
Peg Leg Bates Signed Photo and Letter
<B>Peg Leg Bates Signed Photo and Letter.</B></I> A dynamic 8" x 10" photo of Peg Leg Bates, in top hat and tuxedo, peg leg in evidence; signed in black fountain ink, "To Little Donnie Dunagan Wishing you life's most valuable gift 'happiness.' Sincerely - Peg Leg Bates." Also a letter on Bates' 8" x 10" professional letterhead (with photo and list of recent engagements), dated January 26, 1939 in Philadelphia, written in black fountain ink and signed in full, which accompanied the picture. Donnie had met Bates during a personal appearance, and had obviously written to him; Bates' return letter is kind and charming, with Bates promising to see Dunagan's "new picture" (which must have been <I>Son of Frankenstein</B></I>). The life of Peg Leg Bates (1907-1998) was fascinating, as he overcame his handicap (losing his leg in a cotton gin accident at age 12) to become a world-famous dancer who performed for the Queen of England, appeared at least ten times on <I>The Ed Sullivan Show</B></I> and danced until the night before he died (at age 91). There are pin holes in the picture's upper borders and tiny chips in the lower border edges, and a small chip in the right edge of the letter; overall Very Fine condition. A fine tribute to a show business legend. <I>From the Donnie Dunagan Archive</B></I>.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot