J. Paul Getty Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
J. PAUL GETTY
Born: December 15, 1892 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Died: June 06, 1976 in Sutton Place, Guildford, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
When JEAN PAUL GETTY (1892-1976) was born in 1892, his father, George F. Getty, had a net worth $150,000; by January 1917, the elder Getty had accumulated $1,621,590.14. The previous year, the Gettys had incorporated the Getty Oil Company and J. Paul made his first million dollars from speculating in Oklahoma oil leases with money lent to him by his father. When George F. Getty died in May 1930, less than three years before this letter was written, he left his son only $500,000 of his estate, valued at more than $10 million. Getty's mother, SARAH GETTY, controlled two thirds of George F. Getty, Inc., which she sold to her son before the year was out (Christmas 1933) for $4.5 million. J. Paul, who had earlier secured the use of his mother's larger portion to buy stock (he controlled Pacific Western Oil Corporation by 1932), paid for the corporation in notes, not cash. Over the next few years, Getty acquired more than 100 companies, accumulating a personal fortune of more than $1 billion by 1976. It is interesting that Getty is writing this letter while on a vacation. Although he "retired" at age 24 after making his first million, Getty quickly shunned the "life of leisure" to return to the excitement of oil prospecting in 1918. Although he became one of the world's richest men, Getty had a legendary reputation for miserliness. Partly because of the frugal lifestyle he had lived when his father gave him only a small living allowance. Getty indulged in few luxuries and only gave up living in inexpensive hotel suites at an advanced age. However, he shared his multimillion dollar collection of art and antiquities with the public by establishing the J. Paul Getty Museum-the largest endowment granted to an art museum at that time.
Film Credits
1995-Biography (Other)
Style
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J. PAUL GETTY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 205408Letter signed by J. Paul Getty requesting $100 from his father for car improvements. Written on letterhead imprinted J.P.G., it addresses Dear Papa and discusses the need for funds to finish car repairs.Price: $1,800.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/09/1934 - HFSID 266409Autograph letter signed by J. Paul Getty, dated August 9, 1934, discussing monthly payments to Miss Maxine Dalgleish. Signed as “Paul.” Written on Hotel Du Palais letterhead, detailing financial arrangements for payments and detective fees.
Sale Price $995.00
$1,200.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 01/09/1942 - HFSID 270769Check signed by J. Paul Getty in blue ink, dated January 9, 1942, payable to Western Union Telegraph Company for $8.37. It includes a stamped endorsement on the verso and was drawn on Getty's account at Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles.
Price: $300.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 01/27/1948 - HFSID 172812Check signed by J. Paul Getty on January 27, 1948, in Santa Monica, California, payable to Southern Counties Gas Co. for $18.31. Signed during Getty's negotiations for oil rights in Saudi Arabia, which led to his establishment as head of Pacific Western Oil Corporation.
Sale Price $795.00
$950.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED - HFSID 48513Envelope signed by J. Paul Getty, featuring the inscription, "J P Getty". This commemorative envelope honors Canadian postage stamps and includes imprinted text stating FIRST DAY OF ISSUE/JOUR D'ÉMISSION above the cachet.
Price: $240.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED - HFSID 83408Envelope signed by J. Paul Getty, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Armistice, is autographed in black felt tip with the inscription, "J P Getty". It includes a 5-cent stamp and features an imprinted cachet stating FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
Price: $240.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - CONTRACT SIGNED 01/14/1937 - HFSID 187757Document signed by J. Paul Getty, F.W. Dye, J.J. Deaner, and five others, dated January 8, 1937. Headed "Casinghead Gas Contract," it outlines a gas purchase agreement related to oil wells in Oklahoma, highlighting Getty's early oil ventures.
Sale Price $925.00
$1,100.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - DOCUMENT FRAGMENT SIGNED - HFSID 261597Document fragment signed by J. Paul Getty, detailing an agreement with the Julian Petroleum Corporation regarding oil delivery discounts. Also signed by company officials and initialed by the legal department. Contains historical context about Getty's oil empire.
Price: $1,450.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - DOCUMENT SIGNED 03/25/1963 - HFSID 250711Document signed by J. Paul Getty, appointing Joseph Peeler as attorney for his son, Eugene Paul Getty, dated March 25, 1963. Headed “State of California, Office of Franchise Tax Board, Sacramento,” and includes signatures from two witnesses.
Price: $950.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - DOCUMENT SIGNED 04/01/1948 - HFSID 250710Document signed by J. Paul Getty in ink, dated April 1, 1948. The item is a carbon partly printed document addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission, outlining his recent role as a beneficial owner of Mission Corporation.
Price: $1,000.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - DOCUMENT SIGNED 12/31/1974 - HFSID 260562Document signed by J. Paul Getty, dated December 31, 1974, forgiving loans totaling $4,800 to Mrs. Gloria Bigelow. The typed document is on Getty's business letterhead and instructs the preparation of necessary tax returns.
Price: $500.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - FIRST DAY COVER SIGNED - HFSID 42720First Day Cover honoring the UN International Year for Human Rights, signed by businessman J. Paul Getty in black felt tip. Pictorially postmarked in New York on November 22, 1968, featuring a 6-cent stamp.
Price: $220.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - STOCK CERTIFICATE SIGNED 07/15/1922 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 350438Stock certificate signed by J. Paul Getty as President and H. M. Hoffnagle as Secretary, representing 1000 shares in Oklahoma Oil Corporation. Features various oil-related vignettes and a large gold seal. Signed in ink, providing historical significance.
Sale Price $2,150.00
$2,500.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 07/12/1966 - HFSID 2090Typed letter signed by J. Paul Getty, dated July 12, 1966, discussing the review of a biography draft with his attorney. Accompanied by a facsimile letter explaining the correspondence's background. Getty's significant contributions to business and art are noted.
Price: $400.00
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J. PAUL GETTY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/18/1961 - HFSID 265100Typed letter signed by J. Paul Getty, dated August 18, 1961, requests assistance in forwarding a letter to Gloria Gartz. The letter is written on personal letterhead and expresses gratitude for help, showcasing Getty's communication style.
Price: $450.00
