On this day in 1812...
A boy was born with a pen in his hand.
(Metaphorically speaking, of course.)
He would become one of history's greatest authors.
A writer whose stories still entertain millions of readers around the world, more than 150 years after his death.
I'm speaking, of course, about Charles Dickens.
And I can think of few finer names to add to your collection.
Dickens' signature has always been one my favourite autographs.
It's beautifully signed, unmistakable, and it truly speaks to his character.
His energy, confidence, and his theatrical nature is captured in the flow, underlined with a bold flourish.
It's the signature of a man who finds joy in writing.
And today you can own one for yourself.
A letter from Dickens' own hand.
This unfortunately means that over the years, many of his signatures were clipped from their original settings.
So a fully intact handwritten Charles Dickens letter is a special thing.
And this is a very good example.
Written on a single sheet measuring approximately 8" by 10".
Presented in good condition, with only mailing folds and minor wear.
Dickens' words are clear on the page, unfaded in crisp black ink.
And his signature is large, bold and instantly recognisable.
Signed with his famous flourish - it's the Dickens autograph every collector wants to own.
The history behind the letter.
The story behind it is layered with Dickens' personal history.
The letter is dated June 19, 1857.
Dickens writes from the Gallery of Illustration, a performance venue in London.
He is preparing to stage a production of The Frozen Deep, a play he co-wrote with fellow author Wilkie Collins.
The four performances on July 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th were to raise money for the widow of Dickens' friend Douglas Jerrold.
The letter is addressed to the Scottish poet Charles MacKay (1814-1889) regarding the fundraising committee, and reads in part:
"...We beg to inform you that we have taken the liberty of adding your name to this committee, in the full assurance that you would readily extend that same time and support..."
Dickens signs off “We are dear sir, faithful friend, Charles Dickens”.
A Royal connection - and a secret romance.
Dickens cast the young actress Ellen Ternan in The Frozen Deep, and left his wife for her a few months later.
Dickens is regarded as the finest writer of the Victorian age.
And the first performance of The Frozen Deep at the Gallery of Illustration on July 4, 1857 is notable because it was attended by Queen Victoria herself.
She was so impressed by Dickens' performance, she wrote in her diary:
“The Play was admirably acted by Charles Dickens, (whose representation of Richard Wardour, was beyond all praise & not to be surpassed).”
Dickens later wrote that his performances in the play inspired him to write one of his greatest novels, A Tale of Two Cities.
And when Dickens staged the play in Manchester the following month, he first met the young actress Ellen Ternan.
The pair then began an secretive affair and Dickens left his wife in 1858, remaining with Ternan until his death in 1870.
When you know the context of this letter, it becomes much more enjoyable to own - and it adds greatly to your knowledge of Charles Dickens' life.
So the history makes for interesting reading...
And so do the numbers.
The figures behind the Dickens memorabilia market tell their own tale.
It's the story of stability, and a rise to riches.
As I mentioned, his signatures have been sought after by collectors for more than 150 years.
So the market is well-established, to say the least. And since 2000, the value of a Dickens handwritten letter has increased by 718%.
Auction prices remain equally strong today.
Most recently in September 2023, a handwritten letter on the origins of 'A Christmas Carol' sold above estimate for a very solid $40,000.
There are few people in history whose letters command those sorts of prices.
And it illustrates just how highly his handwritten material is valued by collectors.
So with the future in mind...
A Charles Dickens letter is a very useful asset to have in your portfolio.
Own this fine letter today.
Charles Dickens
And this is your chance to acquire one.
- Signed with an exceptional example of his famous signature
- Complete with a fascinating history
- Preserved in good condition for 116 years
A display piece that will also sit comfortably in your portfolio.
And it's available for just £2,950 ($3,700).
So secure this letter for your collection now.
You have 3 simple and secure ways to place your order.
- Email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
- Call me on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.
- Or click below to complete your purchase in our online store.
Purchase this letter now
Your personal guarantee.
I want you to buy with complete confidence, and build a collection you can be truly proud of.
That's why this signed letter comes with:
- Free global delivery
- A Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity
- And a Paul Fraser Collectibles Certificate of Authenticity
It's also covered by our 28-day returns policy, so you're free to return it if it doesn't suit your collection.
And remember:
If you have any further questions about this letter, or rare collectibles in general, I'll be happy to help.
You can email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
Or call me directly on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.
Until next time,
Paul Fraser.
P.S. This letter comes from the same remarkable hand that wrote A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations and David Copperfield. Rare autographs don't come any finer than this.
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