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An original 8x10" vintage photo (NOT a modern reprint) from a large collection of hundreds of hand-signed photographs that we acquired from the estate of a collector named Al. From an analysis of his collection it appears that he collected the vast majority (or all) of these in person or via mail.
Due to the consistency, spot verifications we made, and size of this collection we are confident in the autograph's authenticity and are happy to warranty the full price of your purchase to this fact.
Photo Overview
A charming and highly collectible hand-signed studio photograph of Jane Withers, one of Hollywood's most beloved child stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Withers is shown as a young girl in a classic studio pose, flashing her trademark wide, gap-toothed grin, her curly hair styled in pigtails. She wears a casual dress with a white collar and a decorative button or medallion. The photograph is personally inscribed to collector Al in blue ink in Withers' own hand, reading 'Al - So Nice To meet you!' followed by her signature. This is a wonderful piece of classic Hollywood memorabilia from the estate of collector Al.
Historical Notes
Jane Withers (born April 12, 1926, in Atlanta, Georgia) burst onto the Hollywood scene at age eight as the scene-stealing antagonist to Shirley Temple in the 1934 film 'Bright Eyes,' playing the unruly Joy Smythe. Her natural comedic talent and uninhibited energy made her an instant fan favorite, and Fox quickly signed her to her own starring vehicles. Throughout the late 1930s, she was consistently ranked among the top ten box office draws in Hollywood - an extraordinary achievement for any child performer, let alone one who played against type as a mischievous, funny child rather than a sweet ingenue. After her child-star years wound down, Withers reinvented herself as a character actress, appearing in films such as 'Giant' (1956) alongside Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. She later became a cultural touchstone of a different kind as 'Josephine the Plumber' in a long-running series of Comet cleanser television commercials that aired from the 1960s through the 1970s, keeping her face and personality in front of new generations of fans. She remained beloved by classic Hollywood collectors throughout her long life.
Text Present
Front of photo (upper right, handwritten in blue ink):
"Al -
So Nice To
meet you!"
Followed by signature: "Jane Withers"
Print analysis
This appears to be a Type 1 original photographic print, almost certainly produced contemporaneously with the signing. The matte silver gelatin surface, tonal quality, and paper stock are consistent with an original studio print from the 1930s or early 1940s, and the hand-signed inscription further supports that this was produced at or near the time of the photograph being taken. No reproduction dot pattern is visible. The blank back is consistent with a personal fan photo rather than a press-distribution print.
Condition
In good to excellent vintage condition. Please see scans of the image we have provided for the most accurate and complete state of the photo.
