Jack Elam
Character Actor · Film & Television
Hollywood Western Films
Era
Mid-to-Late 20th Century
Item Type
Autograph card / Album page
Condition
Very Good - aged paper with slight yellowing around the edges but clean ink lines
Rarity
Moderate - signed items are reasonably accessible to western memorabilia collectors
Overall Assessment
A pleasant, clean example of a classic Hollywood character actor autograph well-suited for a western film collection
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on comparative handwriting analysis
Signature Style
Cursive, casual autograph often accompanied by a title or inscription
Signature Characteristics
Flowing cursive with a distinct rightward slant and consistent pen pressure
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink on vintage paper
Item Description
Vintage paper slip housed in a protective plastic binder sleeve containing a handwritten signature and descriptor
Estimated Value
50-150 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with authentic vintage Jack Elam signed index cards and album pages
Authentication Tips
Compare baseline slant, distinct cursive loops, and the accompanying "writer" or descriptive inscription
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed
Provenance Notes
Typically sourced from vintage autograph collections or fan mail archives
Historical Context
Jack Elam was iconic for playing memorable villains and scoundrels in classic American westerns
Market Trends
Stable market demand among classic western and character actor collectors
Investment Potential
Modest, stable appreciation suited for niche genre collectors
Similar Autographs
Other classic Western character actors such as Strother Martin or Walter Brennan
Display & Preservation
Keep away from direct sunlight in an acid-free frame or UV-protected sleeve
Interesting Facts
Known for his distinct lazy eye, which was the result of a childhood pencil-poking accident