Description:

Katharine Hepburn
n.p., n.d.
Katharine Hepburn Deadpan Christmas Card: "I have a creche and have lost the Christ child - 2 Kings + the donkey"; With Bonus Signed Card & Envelope
ALS
A delightful collection of three items engrossed by American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) including two holiday cards, one an autograph letter signed and one an autograph note signed, both as "Kate"; in addition to an original transmittal envelope. N.d., n.p. Expected wear commensurate with age but generally very good to near fine; individual condition issues will be elaborated below. The largest item, the Christmas market scene holiday card, measures 5.75" x 4.125."

All three items are addressed to Hepburn's friend Laura Dubman Fratti (ca. 1925-1993), the classically trained concert pianist who had mentored Hepburn during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love" (1947), a movie about the life and work of German composer Robert Schumann. Hepburn and Dubman Fratti remained friends and correspondents during the decades following their work collaboration, and Hepburn became the godmother of Laura's daughter Valentina Fratti.

The lot includes:

1. A Christmas Originals partly printed holiday card depicting a Christmas market scene on the front cover, signed and inscribed by Hepburn as: "For Laura - a happy + merry - day + year full of Joy + Christmas cheer. I have a creche and have lost the Christ child - 2 Kings + the donkey. And maybe thats whats [sic] wrong with the whole thing - Anyway my love, Kate." Slight curling, else near fine.

2. A Manville partly printed holiday card depicting pipe-playing shepherds on the front cover, signed and inscribed by Hepburn as: "Merry Christmas + deep love / to dearest Laurie / Kate." Gently toned, with a few extra wrinkles and isolated ghost ink impressions within, else very good to near fine. 4.25" x 3.75."

3. An original transmittal envelope engrossed by Hepburn as "Laura -" on the front cover. Expected wear including toning, scattered water stains, old tape residue, and isolated loss to the top letter-opened edge, else good. 5.75" x 4.5."

Over Katharine Hepburn's 66-year-long acting career, she would star in dozens of films, television movies, and stage productions. Named the leading female actress of Hollywood Classic Cinema by the American Film Institute, Hepburn also won four Academy Awards (1934's "Morning Glory," 1968's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1969's "The Lion in Winter," and 1982's "On Golden Pond") and racked up eight further Oscar nominations. Hepburn was as comfortable in serious theatrical dramas as she was in screwball comedies or period pieces.

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: largest item: 5.75" x 4.125"
  • Medium: ALS

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April 10, 2024 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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