Bob Hope
Legendary Comedian, Actor, and USO Entertainer · Entertainment - Film, Television, and Vaudeville
NBC / USO (United Service Organizations)
Era
Late career - Signed circa 1980
Item Type
First Day Cover (FDC) / Philatelic Souvenir
Condition
Excellent (EX); the envelope is crisp with no visible staining, and the signature is bold with no fading or bleeding.
Rarity
Common; Bob Hope was a prolific signer throughout his long life and frequently signed First Day Covers for fans.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, high-quality example of a Bob Hope signature on a charming thematic item. It is ideal for a classic Hollywood or comedy collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic with 95% confidence
Signature Style
Standard stylized signature, including his typical 'Bob' loop and the rapid, rising 'Hope' scrawl
Signature Characteristics
Fluid, rapid motion; the 'B' in Bob is large and looping; the 'Hope' is abbreviated into a rhythmic scrawl with a sharp upward trajectory.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (likely Sharpie) on cardstock envelope
Item Description
A Colorano 'Silk' Cachet First Day Cover honoring W.C. Fields, postmarked January 29, 1980, in Beverly Hills, CA. The item features a 15-cent Performing Arts series stamp of W.C. Fields.
Estimated Value
$50.00 - $100.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This signature is a textbook example of Hope's late-period signing style, matching numerous verified exemplars from the early 1980s.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive upward slant and the 'H' in Hope that often looks similar to a 'k' or a series of humps. Authentic examples show very high pen speed.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA; due to the low value, a 'Basic Cert' is sufficient.
Red Flags
No significant red flags; the ink aging and pen pressure are consistent with a genuine felt-tip signature from the 1980 era.
Provenance Notes
Commonly acquired at charity events or through the mail; documentation of a Beverly Hills connection during the 1980s adds context.
Historical Context
The item commemorates W.C. Fields, a contemporary and friend of Bob Hope. Hope frequently signed items related to his peers in the entertainment industry.
Market Trends
Stable but soft; as the generation that grew up with Bob Hope ages, demand for his standard autographs has plateaued.
Investment Potential
Low; this is a 'collector grade' item rather than a 'high-growth investment' piece due to the high supply of Hope signatures.
Similar Autographs
George Burns, Milton Berle, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball.
Display & Preservation
Store in an acid-free PVC-free sleeve; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the black marker from fading to brown.
Interesting Facts
Bob Hope lived to be 100 years old and was known for being one of the most accessible celebrities for autograph seekers in Hollywood history.