Susan Hampshire
Emmy-Award Winning British Actress · Entertainment - Film & Television
BBC / Masterpiece Theatre / Disney
Era
Modern to Late Career - likely 1990s to early 2000s based on signature refinement
Item Type
Signed card or index card mounted with photographs
Condition
Excellent; the signature remains crisp with no fading, and the mounting board shows minimal wear.
Rarity
Moderate; she is a generous signer through the mail and at events, but high-quality thematic mounts are desirable.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, well-presented autograph of a respected British screen icon, ideal for collectors of classic television memorabilia.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95% confidence). The signature displays the natural flow, letter formation, and spacing consistent with verified Susan Hampshire autographs.
Signature Style
Soft, cursive, full-name signature with a 'With all best wishes' inscription; legible and elegant with a characteristic 'H' and trailing 'e'.
Signature Characteristics
Slanted baseline, rounded lowercase letters, and a distinctive 'H' that often lacks a closed loop at the top, followed by a fluid, connected 'ampshire'.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip or fiber-tip pen on white textured card stock, exhibiting light ink absorption and consistent pressure.
Item Description
A signed white card with inscription, custom-mounted on a black board beneath two black-and-white promotional/glamour photographs of Hampshire from the 1960s-70s.
Estimated Value
USD $30 - $50 (Retail value in a curated mount)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-quality through-the-mail (TTM) examples from the 1990s perfectly, particularly the inscription style.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinct loops in the 'S' and the specific way she connects the 'p' to the 's' in her surname. Her handwriting is typically very consistent.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence) or Beckett (BAS) for formal certification, though the low market value may prioritize PSA/DNA QuickOpinion.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink flow and pressure indicate a natural hand-signed origin rather than a print or autopen.
Provenance Notes
Likely acquired via a private collection or TTM request. Documentation of the original postmark would add context but is not essential at this price point.
Historical Context
Susan Hampshire is a three-time Emmy winner, primarily known for her definitive roles in classic Masterpiece Theatre dramas.
Market Trends
Stable; demand is driven by nostalgia for classic British television like 'The Forsyte Saga' and 'The Pallisers'.
Investment Potential
Low; it is a high-quality collectible for fans but unlikely to see significant appreciation outside of extreme scarcity shifts.
Similar Autographs
Glenda Jackson, Diana Rigg, Judy Parfitt
Display & Preservation
The current mount is suitable for display; keep behind UV-protective glass to prevent the blue ink from fading over time.
Interesting Facts
She is known for her beautiful handwriting and often includes polite inscriptions like 'With all best wishes' or 'Yours sincerely'.