Marilyn Monroe Autograph Note Signed "Norma Jeane", PSA Encapsulated & Graded EX-MT 6

A small card inscribed overall and signed by Norma Jeane Mortenson, aka Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), as: "Heres [sic] a little salt / for someone who is / 'The salt of the earth' / Love, / Norma Jeane". Some feathering of "Norma Jeane" but PSA graded EX-MT 6. The card, printed "Bullock's" at upper left, shows some isolated light stains, surface abrasions at top, and gentle folds, else very good to near fine. The card measures 3.375" x 2.5" overall within a slab measuring 5.25" x 3.125". The card is accompanied by its original transmittal envelope (not enclosed in the slab.) Provenance: From the Collection of Dr. Goodman Basil Espy III.

The card is undated but is probably early. Monroe's use of her given name "Norma Jeane" almost certainly places it in the mid-1940s or earlier, before she and 20th Century-Fox Studios executive Ben Lyon created her stage name "Marilyn Monroe". The recipient of the card (and presumably the salt that once playfully accompanied it) is unknown. Monroe's pun suggests a keen sense of humor.

Marilyn Monroe was born and raised in Los Angeles, and would have been familiar with all of its cultural landmarks. One of these was Bullock's, a high-end Los Angeles department store first opened in 1907. The store created its own heraldic crest and motto "Suprema Regnant Qualitas" [trans: "Quality Reigns Supreme"], which appears on Marilyn's note card. The store's marquee location on Wilshire Boulevard offered regular fashion shows and a fifth-floor tea room in its Art Deco towered edifice.

A lovely artifact from the young starlet's early life!

Provenance

Dr. Goodman Basil Espy III is a Georgia-based collector whose collection--amassed over 70 years--was just liquidated. His primary interests included Hollywood memorabilia, especially anything pertaining to Marilyn Monroe; sports legends of football, boxing, and baseball; and vintage radios.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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