The Autographs and Collectible Memorabilia Blog

Marilyn Monroe Memorabilia - The Testament of an Icon

Marilyn Monroe was an icon. Even today, nearly 60 years after her death, Ms. Monroe's legacy endures and likely always will. Despite numerous efforts to replicate her fame — Marilyn Monroe, nee Norma Jean Mortenson, stands out among Hollywood royalty. Here she is depicted in a famous scene in the...

Strange Collectibles: Odd Things that People Collect

From rare coins and autographs to vintage comic books and valuable documents, collectors carefully acquire and catalogue a wide variety of items. Hobbyists often see collecting as an enjoyable way to spend their free time. Some collectors are motivated by the investment value. Others do it for the sheer love...

Opera Memorabilia: Tosca - The Tumultuous Premiere of a Puccini Classic

Some operas seem destined to take a firm place in the repertoire from their premiere, and Tosca can certainly be said to be one of these. Tosca opera memorabilia is widely sought-after, and a new production is something that is always guaranteed to sell well, or if cast with international...

Maria Callas Authentic Autographs: A Guide

The star Greek-American soprano (1923-1976), a legend in her time and today, has left many signed photos, programs, letters and signed records. A Maria Callas signature is today one of the most sought-after modern autographs in the opera memorabilia world. Thanks to demand, the market is full...

Vienna Philharmonic 1926 – Large Original Etching by Ferdinand Schmutzer

Ferdinand Schmutzer (1870-1928), an Austrian artist, printmaker and photographer produced this etching , in 1926, featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, in rehearsal, under the baton of conductor Felix Weingartner (1863-1942). A number of texts have been written regarding this exceptional print, notably “Dermusikerportraits of Ferdinand Schmutzer”, Barbel Holaus , Vienna, 2001,...

Renata Tebaldi – Mario del Monaco - Signed Handkerchief from Otello

Collecting opera and classical music memorabilia not always focuses strictly on the usual autograph photos, letters, books, programs, and playbills. Over the years, we have seen many unusual items that can become treasured collectibles by the music fan. They include signed ballet pointe shoes, conductor´s batons - signed and unsigned...

Marc Chagall´s Poster “Die Zauberflote”

We love it when customers frame their purchases from us and send us a picture! Here is one of a poster we sold unframed, our customer was nice to send us a picture of the final product, beautifully framed. Back in 1966, five thousand of these posters were created in...

Fragment from the Opera Comique collected by Massenet!

An especially interesting and unique historical item just added to our inventory is this fragment of wallpaper from the Paris Opera Comique collected and preserved by the great French composer Jules Massenet. This was collected by Massenet himself or at least treasured by him after the Opera Comique was burned in...

Met Opera on European Tour 1910 – Signed Sheet!

In 1910, the Metropolitan Opera from New York went on their first tour to a foreign country. The chosen destination was Paris. Many of the Met Opera stars and crew members boarded in May 1910, the "Norddeutscher Lloyd", a ship from a German cruise company. This was a trip...

Sign Here: Collecting Signed Opera Magazines

For a long time, opera fans have been turning to opera-related publications such as programs, librettos, scores and even opera magazines, all for the purpose of getting them autographed by their favorite artists. Opera magazines offer a good option, since most feature beautiful photographs of opera stars in their covers....

Sign Here: Autograph Books!

An autograph book is simply a small notebook where someone collects autographs from others. Shown here is an autograph album page, signed by opera singer Claudia Muzio, with a short text quote from the opera "Tosca". They started to be used as early as the 16th century among students in...

Marie Taglioni, Celebrated Ballerina – Playbills

Born in Sweden from Italian parents, Marie Taglioni (1804-1884) was by far one of the most famous ballerinas of all times. Taglioni rose to fame when her father (also a dancer and teacher) created for her the famous ballet La Sylphide in 1832. Taglioni was also famous for the use...

Caruso Porcelain Figurines

Made at different times, porcelain figurines of the superstar Italian tenor (1873-1921) are valuable, sought-after collectibles that one can find in antique shops, auction houses and even flea markets around the globe. Top Line (from left to right): Caruso as Canio in Pagliacci, his signature role, first 2 from the...

Opera & Concert Scrapbooks: A Window to the Past – The Biggest One Yet?

In the 19th and early 20th century, people who regularly attended opera, music concerts and theater performances many times kept a scrapbook with clippings from programs. Keeping the full program from performances demanded space and especial care, so using a good pair of scissors to cut out the cast page...

Vintage Composer Toy Music Boxes by ANRI Toriart, Italy!

One very cute article that some collectors love is the famous set of composer toy music boxes by the company ANRI Toriart, Italy. Another company called Reuge (recognized as the leader in "the art of mechanical music") from Switzerland created the inside music box. Each bust sits on a solid Oak base that...

Porgy & Bess World Premiere Program & Score, 1935

With music by George Gershwin (1898-1937), libretto by DuBose Heyward and lyrics also by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin, Porgy and Bess was world premiered at the Colonial Theater in Boston on September 30th, 1935. A rare program from that performance is here The same year, the full score was published,...