Lot 293

Elizabeth Taylor Signed 1st Ed. "National Velvet", Book Based on First Film Success

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Elizabeth Taylor Signed 1st Ed. "National Velvet", Book Based on First Film Success

Estimate: $400 - $500

Current Bid: $140

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Elizabeth Taylor
n.p., ca. 1976-82
Elizabeth Taylor Signed 1st Ed. "National Velvet", Book Based on First Film Success
Signed book

A first edition copy of Enid Bagnold's equestrian novel "National Velvet", signed by Elizabeth Taylor. New York: William Marrow and Company, 1935. 302pp. The actress signs her name on the free front endpaper as "Elizabeth Taylor Warner", evidently during her marriage to Senator John Warner. Original unclipped dustjacket maintained, showing only light wear and tearing near edges. Previous ownership bookplate present on front pastedown. Expected age toning to interior pages, with isolated discoloration to the left of signature. Overall, near fine. A great addition to any literary or Hollywood collection!

Taylor was cast in her first starring role at the age of 12 when she was chosen to play the part of Velvet, an adolescent girl who wants to compete as a jockey in the exclusively male Grand National. The film was a box office success following its release in December 1944, and thus acted as a springboard for Taylor's rise to stardom in the mid-late 1950s. She later called it "the most exciting film" of her career.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.75" x 8.5" x 1.5"
  • Medium: Signed book

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000