Autographed snaps of Hollywood stars over the last 100 years – from Charlie Chaplin to Harrison Ford – are selling for £85,000.
Over 2,500 items are in the sale.
The actors and actresses featured also include Rudolph Valentino, Laurel and Hardy, Raquel Welch and Clint Eastwood.
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The collection was the lifetime work of Eric Booth – described as the most dedicated autograph hunter ever.
Eric, who died earlier this year, built on his father’s early collection and made the hobby a full-time occupation after he built up his contacts in the film industry.
From the age of six, Eric and a friend would regularly attend the Ritz Cinema in Wigan, Lancs, as reported by What’s The Jam.
By the time he was 10, he had already gathered an impressive collection and was trading the autographs of early Hollywood stars.
Every day, Booth wrote to actors, actresses and their agents, sending them letters and photographs requesting signatures with return envelopes.
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Many of the photos in the collection are accompanied by the replies sent to Eric by the stars or their representatives.
Most were obtained directly, with many dedicated to Eric or to him and his daughter.
He was known to make phone calls to follow up on requests, every day typing letters on his typewriter, which is also included in the sale, and posting them to the stars.
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Auctioneer Andrew Ewbank said: “Eric Booth followed his passion for more than 60 years.
“His approach was very successful.
“Rarely does a collection of autographs of this scale, comprising such important names and with such strong provenance come to market.
“It is offered here complete, aside from a handful of Eric’s favourites retained by the family, who have consigned the collection.”
Estimates range from just £30-50 for some lots and up to £300-500 for others.
The collection is being sold by Ewbank’s Auctions in Woking, Surrey on 24 July.
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