*James Stewart, c.1960s – Autograph on Card with Period Certificate of Authenticity*
An original hand-signed autograph of James Stewart (1908–1997), one of Hollywood’s most respected and enduring screen actors. The signature is boldly executed in black felt-tip marker on a clean, unlined off-white card, displaying Stewart’s characteristic large, flowing hand with prominent looping initials and an extended terminal flourish. The autograph is well placed, confident, and visually strong, making it ideal for framing or inclusion within a classic cinema autograph collection.
The autograph is accompanied by its original yellow Certificate of Authenticity issued by Robert W. Chase, a mid-20th-century American autograph dealer based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The certificate is dated June 1964 and identifies the signature as that of James Stewart, offering period provenance consistent with Stewart’s lifetime and known autograph-signing practices.
Historical Note: James Stewart remains one of the defining figures of Hollywood’s Golden Age, celebrated for iconic roles in It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Rear Window, Vertigo, and numerous collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock and Frank Capra. In addition to his film career, Stewart served with distinction in the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve.
Loose autograph cards such as this are typical of Stewart’s later autograph output and were frequently signed for admirers, collectors, and charity requests during the post-war decades, often using felt-tip pen.
Certificate of Authenticity: The accompanying certificate is a period dealer-issued COA from Robert W. Chase, dated June 1964, and includes Chase’s signature and business address. While not equivalent to modern third-party forensic authentication, such certificates are widely regarded as period provenance and are commonly encountered with genuine Hollywood autographs from the era.
*Condition* The autograph card is in very good condition, with light handling wear only. The ink remains bold and well defined. The certificate shows original folds and minor age-related wear consistent with storage, but remains complete and fully legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
