Question for the auto experts

[ChiefBenderForever]

I have a queston about this but I don't know anything about autos but really like this letter, especially since the lady it is written to is from Brockton, Ma. It looks real from what I can tell but have no clue. I am assuming since it is a hand written letter it has more value but also the crease through his name might bring down the value a little. My question is, is it real and what is a fair price to pay for something like this in your opinion ? Thanks for any help !!

[perezfan]

It is indeed good, and worth between $450 - $550 IMO. The crease right through Benders signature would indeed bother me, but probably only devalues the piece by perhaps 20%.

The crease is normal/expected, and is not very intrusive... but just the fact that it has to reside right there would drive me nuts. I'm a perfectionist, and would end up looking more at the positioning of the crease than at the overall letter itself.

If it bugs you too, you may want to hold out for another. Bender signed items are somewhat rare, but do turn up with relative frequency.

[docpatlv]

The sig does look good to me as well. But I have to disagree with Mark on the crease. It doesn't bother me at all. I would rather have a signed letter with a crease through the sig than a perfect cut signature. Signed letters seem more personal to me and I'm sure are much more difficult to obtain. As for price, I would defer to Mark's opinion.

Mike

[ChiefBenderForever]

Thanks for the info, it's to bad the fold goes right through the middle of his name, I wish the envelope it was sent in was still with the letter that would be really cool. I hear you Doc, the crease doesn't bother me as much since it is a folded letter, but is funny how it does go right through his name.

[docpatlv]

Johnny,

If you have the oppurtunity to purchase it, I think it would be a great item to have and personally, if you found a nice vintage photo to frame it with, it could be an outstanding display piece.

Mike

[docpatlv]

Also,

There are not many items that display more nicely than a signed photo or photo display. One of my favorites (sorry not pre-war), and it doesn't bother me at all that there is a crease in the photo or that it is personalized to "Dick", which is not my name, although I'm sure I've been called that in the past....

[ChiefBenderForever]

The Clemente piece is amazing !! I do have a great photo, hoping it is a type 1 but don't know anything about photos either but this is a great picture of Bender ! I also have a few business cards and was hoping they would match the letter head on this letter but they are from Howards Clothes so still not sure how Browing King & Co. is affiliated with Howards or if his store just changed names but still cool.

[perezfan]

Just want to clarify that I completely agree with docpatlv.... the crease is not bad at all, and is completely normal/expected on a tri-folded letter like this. I am in the vast minority, by being bothered by this. I actually seek out letters in which the crease does not penetrate the name. It is more of a personal "OCD" thing than anything resembling normal collecting protocol.

That said... this is a VERY nice letter with a clean Bender autograph (and would be a terrific acquisition!) To pair it with that gorgeous photo would be visually stunning. Please be sure to post the final product if you are able to acquire it!