-
A signed self-portrait sketch by the screen icon Charlie Chaplin
-
Drawn circa 1919-20, and gifted to an employee at Chaplin Studios
This unique self-portrait was drawn by Chaplin circa 1919-20, and gifted to his office boy at Chaplin Studios in Hollywood.
The front features a studio publicity portrait of Chaplin, along with a printed facsimile of his signature.
The reverse features Chaplin's sketch of his famous character the Little Tramp, drawn and signed crisply in pencil "This is me, Charlie Chaplin".
Chaplin has also drawn an empty pair of his old patched-up boots, with the inscription "Nobody home".
The item measures 5" by 7" and is in fine condition, with some light staining on the reverse.
Comes complete with a letter written by the original owner Frank Traughber to Chaplin in 1973, in which he reminisces about his time at Chaplin Studios and specifically mentions the sketch.
In 1919 Traughber got a job as Chaplin's office boy, running errands around the studio and answering fan mail.
The 13-year-old served as an unofficial studio chauffeur, driving people around in the company Buick, and racing Chaplin down the street after he finished filming each day.
Traughber also kept child star Jackie Coogan company on set during production of the classic film The Kid, and spent a week as an extra in Chaplin's 1919 film A Day's Pleasure.
A superb item from one of the most iconic cultural figures of the 20th century.
Ex-Stanley Gibbons.
Free global shipping. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
