THELONIOUS MONK His rare signature on a letter of agreement with Columbia Records, concerning recorded distribution of his live performance at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival. Documentary Letter signed: "Thelonious Monk", 1 page, 8½x11. Forest Hills, N.Y., 1963 September 23. On letterhead of Columbia Records. Monk signs his assent to a letter referencing a prior agreement by him with Columbia Records (1962 July 30), and declaring that no additional compensation will be owed him for the recording of his performance at the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival unless the company issues a complete LP album featuring his performance exclusively. Jazz pianist and composer Thelonius Monk (1917-1982) has been called "the high priest of bebop," although his idiosyncratic style defies glib categorization. Several of his compositions, including Round Midnight and Blue Monk are classics of the genre. Although Monk had been performing since the early 1940s and had already written some of his classic songs, it was not until the mid-1950s that his avant-garde style began to attract a wide audience. In 1956 he released Brilliant Corners, considered one of the classic jazz albums of all time.
RITCHIE VALENS His two-sided hit record "Donna"/ "La Bamba," inscribed and signed on the label and framed in a display to 33x18. Record inscribed and signed: "Love/To Mary/Ritchie/Valens" on label of "Donna" side. 45-rpm record, produced by DelFi, "Donna" on one side, "La Bamba" on the flip side. Born Richard Valenzuela in 1941 in California's San Fernando Valley, the 17-year-old Chicano rocker was given the stage name Ritchie Valens before the release of his first hit, "Come On, Let's Go", which rose to Number 42 on the U.S. charts in October 1958. After this tune's regional success in the western states, Valens quickly followed up with two nationally popular songs. Written for his girlfriend, the sentimental and somewhat mournful "Donna" was a surprising contrast to the tune on the record's flip side, the vibrant "La Bamba", a Rock and Roll version of a Latino folk dance. "Donna" quickly rose into the Top 10,resulting in Valens' instant demand on the concert circuit. The song was released shortly before his death in a plane crash near Mason City, Iowa, February 3, 1959.
J.P. RICHARDSON [THE BIG BOPPER] Scarce photograph of the 1950s Rock 'N' Roller Rare Photograph inscribed and signed: "To / Reg - / Thanks / for the wonderful / hospitality / Big / Bopper". B/w, 6¾ x 8½. Publicity photograph by Van Dyck Studio, Beaumont (imprint at lower left edge). Ink lightly beaded (completely legible). Minor surface creases (most not evident head on) at background. Fine condition. Framed, not by the Gallery of History: 15¼x17¾. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. Mat has separated from frame, resulting in the photograph not being flush with glass. Frame is scratched and chipped, backing paper is torn at upper portion. "As is" framing. Jiles Perry Richardson (1930-1959) was a Texas disc jockey who called himself "The Big Bopper" after the latest dance craze, the bop. His song, "Chantilly Lace", which he wrote and sang, reached the "Top Ten" in 1958. In January 1959, The Big Bopper was booked on the Winter Dance Party tour that would cover most of the Midwest.
WINTER DANCE PARTY TOUR: BUDDY HOLLY, DION DiMUCCI and others 5x3 card signed by at least 5 members of the Winter Dance Party tour which claimed Buddy's life in 1959, framed with Holly's Greatest Hits album. Signatures: "Buddy Holly" in pencil and "Frankie Sardo" and, on verso, "Dion", "Carl Bunch/Drums/Crickets", and an unidentified signer in pencil, and in blue ink Dion", "To/Elliott/Love =/Debbie/Stevens", 5x3 card. Framed with an album cover for Buddy Holly's Greatest Hits. Holly had written many of the songs featured on the album, including "Peggy Sue", "That'll Be the Day" and "Maybe Baby". Holly, who was graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955, was recording for Decca Records within a year. Born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas as Charles Hardin Holley, the future recording star became known as "Buddy".His first record contract dropped the "e" in Holley, and he adopted the spelling.Before going to Lubbock High School, Holly had attended Lubbock's J.T. Hutchinson Junior High, where he met Bob Montgomery.
JULES MASSENET On the date of the premier of his comic opera masterpiece Manon, he penned and signed these four double bars from Act II. Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "J. Massenet”, in /Paris/1 er presentation op: comique/samedi 19 Janvier 1884 [1st presentation opera: comic/Saturday 19 January 1884]", in black ink, 9½x2½. The composer has drawn four double bars of music, and written in French: "Prelude de l'act II (Manon) [Prelude to Act II (Manon)]".This historical musical quote was written on the first performance of his comic opera, Manon, considered his operatic masterpiece. The opera, which premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, is a staple in the repertoire of many operatic companies and has been featured on numerous recordings, beginning with the historic first recording in 1923. Jules Massenet (1842-1912), who was extremely popular in his day, wrote numerous operas, but Manon established his reputation as a composer. Lightly creased with folds, vertical fold at 1 word of writing. Slightly soiled. Irregularly cut. Overall, fine condition.
EDVARD GRIEG and ERNESTINE SCHUMANN HEINK Both sign their names on this album leaf containing several bars of music drawn by Grieg Autograph Musical Quotation signed: "Edvard Grieg" 1p, 6x3½. Leipzig, 1891.Three bars of music labeled: "Andante" at top by EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907). Grieg was a Norwegian composer and pianist who learned how to play at the age of six and went on the attend Leipzig Conservatory. His works include music for Ibsen's Peer Gynt (1876) as well as many choral, orchestral, and chamber pieces. On verso is an Autograph Note signed: "Schumann Heink" in German, New York, 1902 January. From the late 1880s to the early 1900s, the exceptional contralto voice of ERNESTINE SCHUMANN HEINK (1861-1936) was heard frequently at concerts and festivals throughout Europe. She was primarily known for her interpretations of Wagner and Strauss. In 1905, she took out U.S. naturalization papers. Her German-language recording of "Silent Night" earned sales for Victor Red Seal records unmatched by any other artist. When the U.S.
JEAN SIBELIUS and IRVING BERLIN Framed Gallery of History display (35x25), including Berlin's signature on a card attached to a musical biography; and a typed letter signed by Sibelius in 1953, politely declining to answer the question of whether Berlin is "America's greatest composer". Typed Letter Signed: "Jean Sibelius" in English, 1 page, 6x8½. Järvenpää, 1953 June 4. To Cyril Clemens, President, The International Mark Twain Society.In full: "Many thanks for your latest letter with your account of my life and career. It was very well written, indeed, with much ability and sympathy. Please accept my cordial thanks for it. The article about Irving Berlin I have read with much interest. His works are indeed performed here very often. If he is America's greatest composer, is of course difficult to say. America has many prominent composers by now. It is almost impossible to say such a thing about any composer. With all my kindest regards". Mid-horizontal fold, not at signature. Fine condition. In this letter to Cyril Clemens of the Mark Twain Society, JEAN SIBELIUS (1865-1957) expressed the difficulty of calling any one composer a country's "Greatest Composer".
BUDDY HOLLY Notebook page with his handwritten answers to a high school English quiz, signed by him at the top with the original spelling of his name ("Holley") Autograph Manuscript signed: "Buddy Holley" at upper margin, 1 page, 8x10½ lined sheet. Holly's answers to a ten-question test, likely for an English class as the answers refer to types of sentences. He answered seven questions correctly. Holly, who was graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955, was recording for Decca Records within a year. Born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas as Charles Hardin Holley, the future recording star became known as "Buddy".His first record contract dropped the "e" in Holley, and he adopted the spelling. Before going to Lubbock High School, Holly had attended Lubbock's J.T. Hutchinson Junior High, where he met Bob Montgomery. The duo quickly became known for their musical talent and lack of stage fright. Buddy, Bob and a friend, Jerry Allison, began performing at school functions, and by September of 1953, Buddy had a regular show on Lubbock radio station KDAV.
VERDI WRITES TO MARIA WALDMANN WHO APPEARED IN HIS FIRST PRODUCTION OF AIDA IN MILAN GIUSEPPE VERDI. ALS: "G. Verdi", 1p, 4½x3½. Sant'Agate, 1889 November 18. To his close friend, Maria Massari Waldmann.In Italian, partially translated. In part: "Thank you, my dear Maria, and thanks to your kind Duke for the affectionate remembrance...Greetings to the Duke and a warm handshake...." On February 8, 1872, mezzo-soprano MARIA MASSARI WALDMANN starred as Amneris in the Milan premiere of Aida under Verdi's direction. At the time of this letter, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) spent part of the year at the Villa Verdi at St. Agata diBusseto, close to his birthplace in Le Roncole, and part in Genoa in an apartment in the Palazzo Doria. Inscription on verso of Verdi's letter, in Italian: "To my dear/friend Margherita/from/Maria Massari/Zavaglia/Ferrara, 22-1-905". There is a collection of nearly 100 letters from Verdi to Waldmann in La Biblioteca del Conservatorio "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy. Lightly stained. Overall, fine condition.
FOR THE VICTOR TALKING MACHINE COMPANY'S RECORDING OF HIS 1929 PERFORMANCE OF AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GERSHWIN RECEIVES ROYALTIES OF ONE CENT PER RECORD SOLD! GEORGE GERSHWIN. Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin", 1p, 8x10. No place, 1929 November 1.Headed:"Victor Talking Machine Company/Statement of Royalty Due on Selections by/George Gershwin". The statement is titled: "Sold by the Victor Talking Machine Company for period ending Sept. 30, 1929". Two different records were sold: An American in Paris - Parts 1 and 2 (8331 copies), $83.31 royalty and An American in Paris - Parts 3 and 4 (8327 copies), $83.27 royalty. Total: $166.58 royalty. Gershwin was paid royalties of a penny per copy! He has signed beneath this statement: "I accept the above statement of my royalty account for records of my performance in accordance with my contract dated March 13, 1929 and acknowledge the receipt of the amount for the period shown on said statement in full and final settlement of said account." An American in Paris, inspired by Gershwin's time spent in the French capital, was a groundbreaking symphonic 
PAUL MCCARTNEY The Beatles guitarist penned his signature on this Union Jack guitar after a 2006 concert in Columbus, Ohio. Not played or owned by Paul McCartney. Guitar Signed: "Paul McCartney" on the Union Jack pick guard. Squier Tele electric guitar by Fender, cream-colored body, with a red, white and blue pick guard patterned after the British flag. Accompanied by a black fabric, zippered carrying case with strap, and a letter of authenticity from the man who obtained the signature in person in October 2006, after a concert in Columbus, Ohio. Perhaps the most successful singer/composer in rock 'n roll history, Sir Paul McCartney (b. 1942) will always be remembered as a member of the Beatles, the band which took America by storm during its 1964 tour. The Beatles were one of many popular British bands part of the "British Invasion"; other bands who got major exposure in the United States include the Dave Clark Five, the Rolling Stones, and the Who. Before they broke up in 1970, the band released some of the greatest albums of all time, including three albums certified Diamond (at least 10x Platinum) by the RIAA: Sgt.
TAX DOCUMENT REVEALS THAT GEORGE GERSHWIN GOT 60% AND IRA GERSHWIN RECEIVED 40% FROM THEIR COLLABORATIONS GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN. Carbon Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin" and "Ira Gershwin", 1p, 8½x13. Los Angeles, California, 1936 September 30. In part:"GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN each, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is one of the parties to the written agreement dated July 29, 1936, executed by and between RKO STUDIOS, INC. and GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN, under the terms and conditions of which the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin are employed by the said RKO Studios, Inc. and under the terms and conditions of which thecompensation payable to the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin is paid to them jointly, without any allocation between them. That under the terms and conditions of an agreement existing between the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin all compensation received by them pursuant to the terms and conditions of said contract, Music | Checks
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REX ALLEN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 04/10/1959 - HFSID 293128REX ALLEN Check for $9.62 written to the famed Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, gathering place of movie stars Check signed: "Rex E. Allen", in blue ink, 8½x3¼. Hollywood, California, 1959 April 10. Check #6885, drawn on the account of Rex E.Sale Price $315.00
$350.00
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REX ALLEN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 10/15/1959 - HFSID 83370REX ALLEN The actor signs a check for $19.54 to pay Lowell Thomas Check signed: "Rex Allen", 8½x3¼. Beverly Hills, Cal., 1959 October 15. Drawn on his account at the Bank of America, payable to Lowell Thomas for $19.54.
Sale Price $315.00
$350.00
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 01/04/1965 - HFSID 297077LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $590.89 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in blue ink Paycheck endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in blue ink. 6x3½. New York, N.Y. January 4, 1965.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 01/27/1965 - HFSID 296912LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $1,507.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in black ink Paycheck Endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in black ink. 6x3½. New York, N.Y. January 27, 1965.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 05/11/1964 - HFSID 297362LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $699.70 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in blue ink Paycheck endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in blue ink. 7x3¾. New York, New York. May 11, 1964. Check No.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 03/13/1954 CO-SIGNED BY: MAX RUDOLF - HFSID 297363LUCINE AMARA and MAX RUDOLF She endorses a $204.60 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, signed by conductor Rudolf Check signed "Max Rudolf", endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 7x3½. New York, New York, 1954 March 3. Check No. 1-74/210, on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 06/23/1969 - HFSID 297494LUCINE AMARA She endorses a $685.17 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 8x3½. New York, New York, 1969 June 23. Check No. 100559, on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., at The Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Amara for $685.17.
Sale Price $144.00
$160.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 12/10/1954 CO-SIGNED BY: MAX RUDOLF - HFSID 298102LUCINE AMARA and MAX RUDOLF She endorses a $292.60 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, signed by Rudolf Check signed "Max Rudolf", endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 7x3½. New York, New York, 1954 December 10. Check drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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CESARE BARDELLI - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 03/17/1966 - HFSID 296913CESARE BARDELLI He endorses a $300 paycheck from the Metropolitan Opera Association Paycheck endorsed: "Cesare Bardelli", 7½x3¾. New York, N. Y. 1966 March 16.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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INGRID BJONER - CHECK ENDORSED 12/14/1962 - HFSID 297080INGRID BJONER She endorses a $2,250 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association. Check endorsed: "Ingrid Bjoner", 6x3½. There is a second (illegible) endorsement. New York, N.Y., 1962 December 14. Check #11867, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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LUCREZIA BORI - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 05/12/1933 - HFSID 250694LUCREZIA BORI She signs this check to pay Farran Zerbe for one cent! Check Signed: "Lucrezia Bori," 6¼x3¾. New York, 1933 May 12. Drawn on The National City Bank of New York, payable to "Farran Zerbe" for one cent. Never cashed.
Sale Price $414.00
$460.00
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SMILEY (LESTER) BURNETTE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 09/29/1958 - HFSID 83373SMILEY BURNETTE The actor who played Gene Autry's sidekick Frog Milhouse used this check to help pay off a loan Check signed: "Smiley Burnette", 7x3. Studio City, California, 1958 September 29. Check No.
Sale Price $252.00
$280.00
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SAMMY CAHN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 03/17/1972 - HFSID 270886SAMMY CAHN Sammy Cahn signs a check to pay Plymouth Music Company $1.79. Check signed: "Sammy Cahn", 7½x3½. Los Angeles, California, 1972 March 17. Drawn on his account at City National Bank of Beverly Hills, payable to Plymouth Music Co. Inc. for $1.79. Stamped endorsement on verso.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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SAMMY CAHN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 06/21/1974 - HFSID 345568SAMMY CAHN This check was signed by the immensely popular songwriter to pay a business associated with his theater work Check Signed: “Sammy C.” in black ink on a 6x2¾ check. Dated June 21, 1974. Payable to “Charlie's Rest.” for $30.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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SAMMY CAHN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 09/01/1972 - HFSID 271127SAMMY CAHN Sammy Cahn signs a check to pay Flower Fashions of Beverly Hills for $8,400.00. Check signed: "Sammy Cahn", 7½x3½. Los Angeles, California, 1972 September 1.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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SAMMY CAHN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 12/22/1972 - HFSID 280548SAMMY CAHN $51.75 check signed by Oscar and Emmy Award-winning songwright Sammy Cahn in 1972, the year that he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Check signed "Sammy Cahn". 7¼x3½. Dec. 12, 1972.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 03/26/1964 - HFSID 297367ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $6,622.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 6x3½. New York, New York, 1964 May 26. Check No. 19993, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Bank of New York, payable to Colzani for $6,622.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 05/25/1964 - HFSID 296918ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $100 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 7½x3¾. New York, N.Y., 1964 May 25. Check #54326, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Anselmo Colzani for $100.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 05/28/1965 - HFSID 297510ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $7,540.71 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 6x3½. New York, New York, 1965 May 28. Check No. 25550, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at The Bank of New York, payable to Colzani for $7,540.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 12/06/1965 - HFSID 297085ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses an $856.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 7½x3¾. New York, N.Y., 1965 December 9. Check #42597, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Anselmo Colzani for $856.50.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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NADINE CONNER - CHECK ENDORSED 03/20/1942 - HFSID 297086NADINE CONNER She endorses a $75 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association. Tour Account check #19! Check Endorsed: "Nadine Conner", 8½x3½. New York, N.Y., 1942 March 20.
Sale Price $162.00
$180.00
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AARON COPLAND - CHECK ENDORSED 08/15/1977 - HFSID 156223AARON COPLAND The composer endorses this check from Magic Lantern Books Check endorsed: "for deposit/Aaron Copland", 8¼x3. Koskiusko, Mississippi, 1977 August 15. Check No. 1299. Drawn on the account of Magic Lantern Books at the Attala Bank of Kosciusko, payable to Copland for $2.00.
Sale Price $270.00
$300.00
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RICHARD CROOKS - CHECK ENDORSED 10/31/1941 - HFSID 83278RICHARD CROOKS The American Tenor endorses this check for $1,500 Check endorsed: "For deposit/Richard Crooks", 8¼x3. White Plains, New York, 1941 October 31. Check No. 4846, drawn on the
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 02/22/1970 - HFSID 263103DORIS DAY She signs a check to Katie Mattox for $28.56 in 1970 Check signed: "Doris Day Melcher", 7¼x3. North Hollywood, California, 1970 February 22. Check No. 751.
Sale Price $288.00
$320.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 03/12/1971 - HFSID 342509DORIS DAY Day's signature as "Doris Day Melcher" on a PSA/DNA certified check for $6.00. Extremely rare! Check signed: "Doris Day Melcher", in red felt tip, 6x2¾ encased in 9¾x4¾ PSA/DNA capsule.
Sale Price $315.00
$350.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 04/18/1951 - HFSID 345824DORIS DAY The famous actress and singer who began her entertainment career as a dancer signed this check made out to Beverly Dairies Check Signed: "Doris Day" in blue ink. 6x3½. Dated April 18, 1951. Paid to Beverly Dairies in the amount of $22.
Sale Price $288.00
$320.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 05/16/1951 CO-SIGNED BY: JEROME BERNARD ROSENTHAL - HFSID 346029DORIS DAY and JEROME B. ROSENTHAL The popular actress signs this check for $2.45, which is also countersigned by the lawyer she later sued for $23 million for mishandling her affairs Check signed: "Doris Day" and "Jerome B. Rosenthal" both in blue ink, 6x3½. May 16, 1951.
Sale Price $288.00
$320.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 05/18/1950 CO-SIGNED BY: JEROME BERNARD ROSENTHAL - HFSID 280386DORIS DAY and JEROME B. ROSENTHAL The Oscar-nominated actress signed this $9,905.25 check in 1950 to pay off a second mortgage, countersigned by the lawyer she later sued for $23 million for mishandling her affairs Check signed: "Doris Day", "Jerome B. Rosenthal", 6x3¼.
Sale Price $288.00
$320.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 07/10/1947 - HFSID 226764DORIS DAY Doris Day signs a check to Century Artist for $375.00. Check signed: "Doris Day", 6x2½, matted to a 16x12 board. Also included are two unsigned color photos size 6¼x6¼ and 6¼x9½. Hollywood, California, 1947 July 10.
Sale Price $306.00
$340.00
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DORIS DAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 07/13/1947 - HFSID 254832DORIS DAY Doris Day signs a check to pay Hollywood Plaza $32.75. Check signed: "Doris Day", 5¾x2½. Hollywood, California, 1947 July 13. Bank check, Bank of America, payable to Hollywood Plaza for $32.75.
Sale Price $288.00
$320.00
