Ben Turpin Signed Photo. One of Mack Sennett's most vivid slapstick attractions was Ben Turpin (1896-1940), famed for his cr...

Description

Ben Turpin Signed Photo. One of Mack Sennett's most vivid slapstick attractions was Ben Turpin (1896-1940), famed for his crossed eyes (he had an insurance policy with Lloyds of London that they wouldn't uncross!), backwards tumble (he called it "the 108") and spirited take-offs on the great stars of the silent film (e.g., Rudolph Valentino in 1923's The Sheik of Araby). This is a superb matte finish portrait of Ben, sporting his derby, chomping his cigar and signed in black ink to Mabel Normand's secretary Betty Coss -- "To my pal Betty Best Wishes Ben Turpin Los Angeles 5/18/23." The still-sharp autograph looks as if it were signed yesterday. There's a pin hole at the center of the top border, flanked by two small pencil marks very slightly protruding into the picture near Ben's derby; also very minor surface creases, and some residue on the verso from the picture's apparent attachment in a scrapbook. None of this detracts from the terrific overall Very Fine+ impact of this wonderful Turpin portrait, which virtually screams "Mack Sennett comedy." Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.

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