lot n°46001: A Marilyn Monroe Signed Black and White Photograph, Circa 1956
A Marilyn Monroe Signed Black and White Photograph, Circa 1956. An original print with a matte finish, depicting the star in one of her legendary glamour poses, her blue fountain pen ink inscription on the right side reads "To Roy, / Love & Kisses and - / thanks for keeping me / out of the clink! / Marilyn Monroe." (Please note there are slight creases in all four corners, especially the lower left one, plus a few minor chips to the surface, but the overall image and signature are not affected.) 14" x 11"
PROVENANCE: The "Roy" noted above was Beverly Hills police officer, Roy Garrett, who joined the force in 1946, and who had a habit of asking movie stars to send him an autographed photograph (which most did - see various lots throughout this auction). He evidently let Marilyn go without a ticket as he received this from her in the mail a few days later.
Sold: $31,250.00
Lot 46002: A Marilyn Monroe Signed Black and White Photograph, Circa 1955
A Marilyn Monroe Signed Black and White Photograph, Circa 1955. An original print with a matte finish, depicting the star in her most famous headshot, her white fountain pen ink inscription in the lower right corner reading "To Vern / It was a pleasure / to work with you / Love and Kisses / Marilyn Monroe;" "Vern" being Vernon Rickard, a bit player and "gofer" in the early days of Hollywood. (Please note there are many creases and wrinkles on lower margin that somewhat affect the autograph and there is a slight dent in the upper right corner.) 10" x 8"
Sold: $11,250.00
Lot 46003: A Marilyn Monroe Likely Final Signed Check, August 4, 1962
A Marilyn Monroe Likely Final Signed Check, August 4, 1962. From the star's personal checking account at City National Bank of Beverly Hills, check 281, penned in blue ballpoint ink (in another hand, possibly Eunice Murray's, MM's caretaker) reading "Aug 4 62 / Pilgrim / $228.80 / Two hundred twenty-eight and 80," signed in same ink in Marilyn's own hand "Marilyn Monroe," a red stamp on front reads "Paid / Aug 6 1962 / 901-1606," further stamps on back read in part "For Deposit Only / Pilgrim Modern Furniture" and "Santa Monica Bank.../ Aug 6 62;" included is a photocopy (not the original) of an invoice that Pilgrim's Furniture gave to MM (see below footnote). 3" x 6"
Coincidentally, two years ago, Heritage Auctions sold the original invoice that was given to Marilyn by this company [Pilgrim's Furniture then at 12217 Wilshire Boulevard in West Los Angeles] in Sale 7018, Lot 50225. That invoice was also dated August 4, 1962, so it appears that Pilgrim's made a delivery to MM's house and that she paid for her "Chest Roman white" on the spot with the above check from her personal checkbook. Interestingly, on that invoice, the evident delivery man wrote "Rec'd Check #281 in amount $228.80 / Payment in full / Earl Shero." At this point in time, this seems to be the last check Marilyn ever signed as she died that night, August 4, 1962. This check can be used to argue the point that Marilyn did not commit suicide -- would one be concerned with new furniture on the last day of one's life? Probably not!
Sold: $15,000.00
Lot 46005: A Marilyn Monroe Signed Note, 1952
A Marilyn Monroe Signed Note, 1952. Typed on one page, dated "October 27th, 1952," to the "Wm. Morris Agency, Inc.," reading in part "...you are no longer authorized to represent me," signed in blue fountain pen ink on the lower right side "Marilyn Monroe;" two-hole punch marks on top margin. 11" x 8 1/2"
Sold: $5,312.50
Lot 46006: A Marilyn Monroe Signed Menu, 1953
A Marilyn Monroe Signed Menu, 1953. From the famous Cocoanut Grove nightclub inside the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles (infamous for being the place where RFK got assassinated in June, 1968), menu is dated "Sat., June 27, 1953," signed in blue ballpoint ink on the inside left side "Marilyn Monroe." 13 1/2" x 11"
Sold: $2,375.00
Lot 46007: A Marilyn Monroe Group of Mostly Never-Before-Seen Black and White Negatives, 1950.
A Marilyn Monroe Group of Mostly Never-Before-Seen Black and White Negatives, 1950. Thirty-three total, all originals, each depicting Marilyn at age 24 posing in a fancy backyard during one photo session; 14 show MM wearing a black turtleneck, white shorts, and black strappy sandals as she sits on a chaise lounge chair; 18 show MM wearing a light-colored bikini and same sandals as she poses by a swimming pool; and one shows MM wearing a dark-colored bikini by the same pool; two depict other people in the shot with MM, evidently the photographer's assistants. (Please note some of these negatives are somewhat dirtied and scratched, but they still print up beautifully and MM is quite clear and vibrant-looking in all the shots.)
Each Negative: 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
These photographs of Monroe were taken on October 10, 1950 by Bob Beerman, a staff photographer at 'Modern Screen' magazine. A few of the images did appear in a 1951 issue of the magazine, though not all of them. Additionally, the current owner published seven of them online, but the majority of these photographs have never before been seen.
Sold: $11,875.00
Lot 46008: A Marilyn Monroe Pucci Blouse, Circa 1962
A Marilyn Monroe Pucci Blouse, Circa 1962. Made of hot pink silk jersey, boatneck, long sleeves, inside labels read "Emilio Pucci / Florence, Italy / 12" (though seeming to be a modern-day Size 6) and "Made in Italy Exclusively for / Saks Fifth Avenue;" included with a typed signed letter reading in part "This blouse by the Italian designer... / was given to me by Marilyn Monroe. It had become too / large for her. / Joan Greenson Aebi," "Joan" being the daughter of Dr. Ralph Greenson, MM's longtime psychiatrist. (Please note there are sweat marks and other minor staining evident due to age, but overall condition is still good.)
Sold: $12,500.00
Lot 46009: A Marilyn Monroe Pair of Jax Pants, Circa 1962
A Marilyn Monroe Pair of Jax Pants, Circa 1962. Made of black silk, in the cigarette style, inside label reads "Designed by Jax," no size evident but seeming to be a modern-day size 4; included with a typed signed letter reading in part "These black pants were given to me by / Marilyn Monroe. They had become too / large for her... / Joan Greenson Aebi," "Joan" being the daughter of Dr. Ralph Greenson, MM's longtime psychiatrist.
Sold: $6,875.00
Lot 46010: A Marilyn Monroe-Received Letter from an Associate, Circa 1960
A Marilyn Monroe-Received Letter from an Associate, Circa 1960. Two pages, handwritten in blue ballpoint ink on 'American Airlines' in flight stationery, a general newsy letter with some highlights reading in part "darling Marilyn / ...I read Lillian Hellman's / new play and I saw Clifford's [Odets] / movie. I was shattered by the play... / I think Ralph Roberts would be of / great help to you. He is at Beverly / Wilshire.../ I do wish I had a script of 'Misfits;' interestingly, MM took the advice of this friend and ended up hiring Roberts to be her personal masseur. 10" x 7"
Sold: $750.00
Lot 46011: A Marilyn Monroe-Received Letter from Eunice Murray, 1962
A Marilyn Monroe-Received Letter from Eunice Murray, 1962. One page of lined notebook paper, handwritten on both sides in green ballpoint ink, dated "Monday nite / Feb. 5," outlining various ideas for home renovations that Murray was evidently researching for the star such as a "wardrobe dressing / room on the front of the house - using the front / window of (MM's) bedroom as the doorway," among others, Murray ends the note with "I would suggest / concentrating on the interior in the way we originally planned...E.M," additionally, two business cards of contractors are stapled to the front of note. 11" x 8 1/2"
Sold: $1,750.00
Lot 46012: A Marilyn Monroe-Received Note from William Inge, 1959
A Marilyn Monroe-Received Note from William Inge, 1959. One page, typed on personalized notepaper, dated "April 6, 1959," from the famous playwright [who wrote "Bus Stop"] who was evidently a big Marilyn Monroe fan, signed in black fountain pen ink in the lower right corner "Bill Inge." 8" x 6"
Sold: $391.25
Lot 46013: A Marilyn Monroe-Received Group of Business Letters, 1950s-1960s
A Marilyn Monroe-Received Group of Business Letters, 1950s-1960s. Five total, all sent to the star by various professional associates including ones from: 1) Harry McIntyre, on Twentieth Century-Fox letterhead, dated "December 22, 1958," regarding rights to a novel the studio bought from MM; 2) Hugh French, on Hugh French Agency letterhead, dated "11 January 1961," regarding a television show he wanted MM to star in; 3) Matthew Fox, on his personal letterhead, dated "June 23, 1961," regarding a production he thought would be good for MM and Elizabeth Taylor (!); 4) Milton A. Rudin [MM's lawyer], on Gang, Type, Rudin & Brown letterhead, dated "December 19, 1961," regarding a special screening of the Bette Davis film, "Of Human Bondage;" and 5) Richard S. Meryman, Jr., on Life letterhead, dated "February 10, 1962," regarding an interview for the magazine and how MM would be able to "destroy negatives" (of photos she didn't like); months later, Meryman finally did get his interview, but sadly, it would be Marilyn's last one. 11" x 8 1/2"
Sold: $937.50
Lot 46014: A Marilyn Monroe Group of Documents, 1962
A Marilyn Monroe Group of Documents, 1962. Including: 1) six typed letters between Cherie Redmond [MM's Los Angeles secretary] and a travel agent, dated from February to April 1962, regarding an ongoing issue about a refund MM needed for unused airline tickets; 2) a pale yellow 'Inter-Office Correspondence' memo to MM from Redmond, dated "7/25/62," regarding funds in the star's various banking accounts; and 3) a similar memo, dated "8/1/62," regarding overdraft protection MM needed in order to pay August's bills. 11" x 8 1/2" and smaller
Sold: $1,062.50
Lot 46015: A Marilyn Monroe Group of Documents, 1950s
A Marilyn Monroe Group of Documents, 1950s. Three items including: 1) a receipt from the 76 Union gas station at 14478 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, dated "5/1/54," in the amount of "$7.07," signed off by a "Vic Masi for Mrs. M. DiMaggio;" 2) a single page typed with Monroe's dictations for a telegram to Inez Melson [her business manager], dated "June 10, 1959," regarding "Clyde," a pet bird; and 3) a newspaper clipping of a short article about MM's fashion sense (likely from The Los Angeles Times, April 29, 1958). 11" x 8 1/2" and smaller
Sold: $437.50
Lot 46016: A Marilyn Monroe Legal Form, 1953
A Marilyn Monroe Legal Form, 1953. A pale yellow quadruplicate copy titled "Notice of Attachment," reading in part "Matter of Shaeffer [sic?] Plaintiff / Marilyn Monroe Defendant / on Monday, 2-2-53 12:01 PM;" two hole punch marks on top margin. 9" x 4"
This is an odd document, possibly relating to MM's voice and musical coach, Hal Schaeffer, though the last name is spelled differently on this form. Schaeffer, who was having an affair with MM as she was divorcing Joe DiMaggio, unwittingly became part of the infamous 'Wrong Door Raid,' but this piece pre-dates that event by almost two years -- perhaps it relates to a different person altogether.
Sold: $212.50
Lot 46017: Two Marilyn Monroe-Received Fan Letters, 1950s-1960s
Two Marilyn Monroe-Received Fan Letters, 1950s-1960s. The first typed on a single page, dated "May 5, 1959," reading in part "I am a clergyman who is enthusiastic about all / your performances... / and would / like very much to have an autographed photograph...;" a penciled annotation (not in MM's hand) on the lower margin reads "Mae - I sent him one - But I / thought Marilyn would get / a kick out of the idea;" the second typed on a single page, dated "Janury [sic] 18, 1962," reading in part "I have written a novel which I think would make a / very good movie for you to star in;" a red penciled annotation (not in MM's hand) on the lower margin reads in part "To Cherie / Just reply not..." 11" x 8 1/2" and smaller
Sold: $375.00
Lot 46018: A Marilyn Monroe Group of Never-Before-Seen Black and White Snapshots from Korea, 1954
A Marilyn Monroe Group of Never-Before-Seen Black and White Snapshots from Korea, 1954. Nine total, all vintage prints with a glossy finish; three depicting the star wearing military coveralls (though just the top of her blonde head can be seen in one); three depicting her posing for soldiers before she goes onstage; and three depicting her onstage at the microphone; consigned directly by the soldier who shot these photographs 58 years ago when Marilyn famously entertained the troops while she was on her ill-fated honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio. (Please note the snapshots are in poor condition now with tape residue, bends, slight tears, and fold marks, but one can still see MM in each image.) 5" x 4"
Sold: $1,875.00
Lot 46019: A Marilyn Monroe Never-Before-Seen Black and White Snapshot, 1955
A Marilyn Monroe Never-Before-Seen Black and White Snapshot, 1955. An original print, depicting the star standing next to a woman (likely Amy Greene) at the premiere of "East of Eden" which took place on March 9, 1955 at the Astor Theatre in New York City. (Please note there are a few light creases but overall image is not affected.) 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
Sold: $375.00
Lot 46020: Two Marilyn Monroe Black and White Publicity Photographs, Circa 1953
Two Marilyn Monroe Black and White Publicity Photographs, Circa 1953. Both original prints with a glossy finish, each depicting the star in classic cheesecake poses taken at the height of her career. 10" x 8"
Sold: $312.50
Lot 46021: A Marilyn Monroe Acetate Record of 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy' from "Let's Make Love."
A Marilyn Monroe Acetate Record of 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy' from "Let's Make Love." 20th Century Fox, 1960. With a 20th Century Fox Film Corp. label typed with "F13 - Let's Make Love / 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy' / DS 25 / Monroe-Group-Orch. / 33 1/3;" Marilyn's version of the Cole Porter classic, this one being slightly different than the one she sings as "Amanda Dell" in the film co-starring Yves Montand and Tony Randall; condition is very good. Diameter: 12"
Sold: $3,125.00
Lot 46022: A Marilyn Monroe-Related Vintage Lapel Button, 1956
A Marilyn Monroe-Related Vintage Lapel Button, 1956. Made of tin, featuring an image of the star surrounded by text reading "Gentlemen Prefer Marilyn Monroe," copyright information on bottom reads "MMNM 1956." (Please note there is some discoloration due to age.) Diameter: 1 3/8"
Sold: $325.00