Boris Karloff Signature framed photo, signed caricature

You are bidding on a beautiful, quality presentation of a unique autograph for Boris Karloff, an ink signature written across a pencil sketch of the Frankenstein monster.

The signature piece, which measures approximately 5 inches by 3.75 inches, is presented with a publicity photo, probably from the early 1930s. The viewable portion of the photo measures approximately 5.5 inches by 7.5 inches. The piece also includes a plaque with the following information:

Boris Karloff

1887 - 1969

Master of Horror

British actor Boris Karloff found his acting niche when he portrayed Mary Shelley's monster, the creature of Dr. Frankenstein in Frankenstein (1931). The kindly man, who loved children and scared adults, signed this caricature of him as the monster. For his dark, foreboding appearance, Karloff was cast as stereotyped villains until he created sinister characters for the horror film genre. The veteran of more than 140 movies had made his debut in 1916 in The Dumb Girl of Portici, starring Anna Pavlova. Karloff went on to perfect such roles as the title characters in The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932), The Mummy (1923) and Mr. Wong - Detective (1938). His impressive filmography includes The Raven (1935, remake 1963), Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and The Body Snatcher (1945).

The frame is maroon with gold beveling. The mat is black cloth with a linen texture. The frame and glass are in excellent condition, and the hardware is attached so it is ready for hanging. The overall dimensions are approximately 20 inches by 16 inches.

This is a real autograph, NOT a reproduction. This was purchased at The Gallery of History in the early 1990s when they had a retail store in Denver, and the price was several times the very modest reserve of $400 for this auction. According to the Gallery of History, they purchased the piece from the late Charles Hamilton in 1982, one of the best known personalities and authorities in the field of autographs and manuscripts.

Thanks for looking and bidding. I'm happy to answer any questions or supply more information if I can.