Bette Davis - Your opinions on authenticity?

[JMS1223]

Sorry but this is the only picture I have

[Eric Keith Longo]

I think mine was about $350 or so but it is from All About Eve. I paid for quality.

[Eddy]

Keep your eyes open on eBay..... you never know what might fly under the radar!  

[Eric Keith Longo]

Certainly true! I bought a vintage 1933 non secretarial Davis signed matte photo for a friend for $50 on eBay!

[Eric Keith Longo]

Here is the 1933 Davis I selected for a friend - it was $50 or a bit less.

[JMS1223]

That looks very nice. I think most people just assume her 1930s autographs are all secretarial so they didn’t even bother to look at it. So, Bette Davis occasionally signed authentically in the 1930s? Definitely need to carefully look at each and every one available in case there is a gem among the pile of fakes. 

[Eric Keith Longo]

Yes, there is an authentic example of the same photo on eBay for $300 or BO and one at RR for $200 (starting).

This is her 1930's secretarial which still sells on eBay. It is easy to spot - that "D" is always the same. Click for full image:

[Eddy]

This little mail-in 30s fan photo recently sold for $39.  The auction says it is 'likely authentic'.  I'm not fully persuaded that it is.  I've seen these floating around frequently at low prices over the years.  But it's a cute little piece.....even if secretarial!

https://auctions.emovieposter.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&...

[JMS1223]

I agree. Even secretarial signed photos can be collectible. Sometimes you just want a nice vintage photo from her office/studio. Still an official piece of memorabilia. 

[Eddy]

Can't go totally wrong for $39!  And it's quite lovely at that!

[Eddy]

Here's what I believe is an authentic 30s Bette from that era that those little fan photos also come from.  No surname on this one, but I think some suble differences seen from what may have been from 'Ruth', 'Bobby' or another in that period:

[Eddy]

She's tricky .. even in the 30s era.  How her family signed for her seems even closer than how the studio was signing for her.  

[Eric Keith Longo]

That is genuine. That is the example Ray Regan has for $300 or Bo. Tom K, my research, and others agree. I followed the form of her letter formations from period writings.