Judge Robert W. Gollmar
Presiding Judge of the Waushara County Circuit Court, Author, and Judge in the 1968 Ed Gein Trial · True Crime & Legal History
Wisconsin State Judicial System
Era
Post-trial publication period - circa 1981
Item Type
Book - True Crime
Condition
Excellent condition with clean ink, no smudging, and minimal paper aging
Rarity
Scarce, as Judge Gollmar is a niche historical figure primarily collected by true crime enthusiasts
Overall Assessment
A fascinating and authentic personalized piece of true crime history, ideal for collectors of horror inspiration lore and legal ephemera
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on comparison of handwriting style, provenance typical of true crime author signings, and consistent ink flow.
Signature Style
Cursive, full signature including professional title prefix 'Judge', fluid and legible with personal inscription 'Best Regards to Dan & Karen'
Signature Characteristics
Consistent slanting script, fluid loops in the 'R' and 'G', natural writing speed with no hesitation marks
Ink & Medium
Black ballpoint pen ink, clean application with standard age-appropriate absorption into book paper
Item Description
Signed first page or half-title page of a book about Ed Gein titled 'Edward Gein: America's Most Bizarre Murderer', authored by Robert W. Gollmar
Estimated Value
100 to 250 USD depending on the specific edition of the book and market demand for true crime ephemera
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the known exemplar signatures of Robert W. Gollmar found in inscribed copies of his Ed Gein biographical book
Authentication Tips
Compare letter forms, loops, and baseline stability against known judicial documents or signed copies of his book
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA due to their extensive experience with historical figures and literary autographs
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; handwriting matches expected characteristics of an older judicial professional signing a book
Provenance Notes
Personalized inscription to 'Dan & Karen' provides inherent baseline provenance typical of book signings or direct gifts
Historical Context
Robert Gollmar presided over the 1968 trial of Ed Gein, whose horrific crimes inspired iconic horror films like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs
Market Trends
True crime memorabilia and literature related to infamous serial killers like Ed Gein have seen steady, niche appreciation
Investment Potential
Stable niche investment with consistent appeal among serious true crime collectors and horror pop culture historians
Similar Autographs
Autographs of Robert Bloch author of Psycho, police investigators, or jurors involved in famous mid-century American criminal trials
Display & Preservation
Store away from direct sunlight to prevent page yellowing and ink fading; frame with UV-protective glass if displayed
Interesting Facts
Judge Gollmar wrote the definitive insider account of the Ed Gein case after presiding over the proceedings that determined Gein was legally insane at the time of the murders