Margaret Hamilton
American Character Actress and the 'Wicked Witch of the West' · Film & Television / Theater
MGM Studios / The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Era
Late career/Retirement - circa 1970s-1980s
Item Type
Autograph card or index card
Condition
Good to Very Good. The card shows significant toning and 'foxing' (brown spots), likely from moisture or acidic storage, but the signature remains bold and legible.
Rarity
Moderate. While she was a generous signer, items with the 'W.W.W.' inscription are more desirable to collectors than those without.
Overall Assessment
An excellent, authentic example of a legendary Hollywood signature. The 'W.W.W.' inscription makes it a 'must-have' for fans of the 1939 classic.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic based on consistent letter formation and characteristic inscription.
Signature Style
Full name signature in cursive script, featuring her iconic '(W.W.W.)' inscription standing for Wicked Witch of the West.
Signature Characteristics
Features a fluid, rhythmic script. Notable for the looped 'g' in Margaret and the tall, un-looped 't's. The 'Hamilton' is often written with slightly more compression than 'Margaret'.
Ink & Medium
Blue or dark purple felt-tip or marker-style pen on paper.
Item Description
A standard white/off-white index card or cardstock slip, often used at theatrical appearances or through the mail.
Estimated Value
$250.00 - $450.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This example perfectly matches late-life exemplars where she frequently added the character acronym to satisfy The Wizard of Oz fans.
Authentication Tips
Look for the flat-topped 'M' in Margaret and the specific way she cross-bars the 'H' in Hamilton which often flows directly into the 'a'. The parentheses around the inscription are usually quite sharp.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA are highly recommended for Golden Age of Hollywood autographs.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink flow shows natural speed and the aging of the card is consistent with materials from her late-signing period.
Provenance Notes
Commonly found in private collections from the 1970s convention circuit. Letters of provenance mentioning theater appearances or 'through-the-mail' (TTM) requests are typical.
Historical Context
Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch in 1939 is considered one of the greatest cinematic villain performances of all time.
Market Trends
Values for Wizard of Oz cast members remain very stable or appreciate slowly, as the film is a perennial cultural touchstone.
Investment Potential
Solid long-term hold; iconic film memorabilia rarely loses value and Hamilton is the primary representative for the film's villains.
Similar Autographs
Ray Bolger (Scarecrow), Bert Lahr (Cowardly Lion), and Jack Haley (Tin Man).
Display & Preservation
Should be framed with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing of the paper and fading of the marker ink.
Interesting Facts
Despite her scary screen persona, she was a former kindergarten teacher and known to be one of the kindest people in Hollywood; she added the W.W.W. inscription as a nod to her most famous role.