Groucho, Gummo Marx autographed book Value & Appraisal

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Posted by pcparanormal

11 years ago

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Description

I have a 1950 book titled The Marx Brothers by Kyle Crichton. I recently found it at a thrift shop in NC. It wasn't until after returning home from my vacation that I read the handwriting on the title page. From what I can tell, it reads:

"N.B.C. is much closer to the Brown Derby - and I hope I wind up that close."

It says "to McConnell" and is supposedly signed by both Groucho and Gummo Marx. I contacted Stefan at marx-brothers.org and he believed the writing and signature was similar to Groucho's. He sent me a link to a published letter by Groucho referencing someone named McConnell and mentioned Gummo contacting this person regarding some matter, so I believe McConnell is someone who Groucho knew personally. I did my own research and the handwriting is similar and the signature is as well, though I found two different types of verified Groucho signatures online, so I'm not sure why he used a variation.

Thank you for looking into this!

UPDATE: I typed in a search for McConnell and Brevard, NC, where I bought the book. Apparently Joseph McConnell was the president of NBC from 1949 to 1952, and also had a home in Brevard, where I purchased this book. I believe the inscription from Groucho is to the NBC president.

Category Autographs

Medium Book

Distinguishing marks Groucho, Gummo signature

Condition Good

Date Period 1950s

History No previous history known, except it must have come from the estate of McConnell and donated to the thrift shop in western NC.

Price Paid (If known) $1 - at a thrift shop. I believe the autographs were overlooked

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