Lifelong Laurel and Hardy fan and manuscripts expert Jim Spencer couldn’t believe his eyes when two autographs from his comedy heroes came into a free valuation day – at the same time.
And now the autographs, found at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Warwick Road, Kenilworth, are destined to make hundreds of pounds at auction.
Mr Spencer, head of the books, prints, maps, manuscripts and ephemera department at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers, said: “I couldn’t believe it. It was an incredible coincidence. I had just finished valuing one Laurel and Hardy autograph when the very next client waiting to see me had one, too.
“I have always been a huge fan of Laurel and Hardy, so it was wonderful that my first client of the day (April 12) walked up with an autograph album featuring the duo – including the trademark picture that often accompanies the signatures.
“The lady collected a number of autographs at the Coventry Hippodrome when she was a little girl. I valued the album at £200-300.
“My next client walked up and, inside an old movie scrapbook, I discovered a signed photograph of Laurel and Hardy. I described the moment as a ‘Double Whoopee’ because that was the name of one of their famous short films.
“The photograph is especially interesting and I have guided this at £200-300 on its own, but it could easily sell for £400-500.
“Their timeless comedy still makes me cry with laughter, actual tears. I grew up watching the films with my dad and grandad. I think each generation shares in the laughter, which is why they continue to remain popular. Memorabilia like this always fares well.
“If you have any wonderful autographs like this bring them along to our free valuations days. I’d love to see them.”
Laurel and Hardy were a comedy double act during the early classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Skinny Englishman Stan Laurel (1890-1965) teamed up with tubby American Oliver Hardy (1892-1957) to create slapstick comedy and films galore during the late 1920s through to the mid-1940s. Laurel played the clumsy and childlike friend of pompous bully Hardy.
The autographs will be sold in a Library Auction on Monday, July 2 at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. Entries welcome until June 8. Email [email protected] if you would like to arrange a valuation.
Hansons’ valuers will be back at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 110 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HL, on May 10 and June 14, 10am-4pm. TV celebrity and jewellery and silver expert Kate Bliss will be in attendance along with general valuers. To find our more, call Carol Jones on 07802 839915.
