A. C. Astor (Arthur C. Astor) – Signed Album Page, Johannesburg, April 1938, with Matching Campbell‑Gray Real Photo Postcard

A paired item from Arthur C. Astor, the British variety ventriloquist, globe‑trotting performer, and later theatre proprietor, active from the 1920s–40s. Astor was one of the early ventriloquists to appear on BBC radio in the 1920s, performing alongside his stage dummy in pioneering broadcast programmes. His professionally‑issued Campbell‑Gray, London W. real‑photo postcards were used for theatre publicity and advertising during his touring years.

This lot comprises:

• Handwritten autograph on an album sheet: “Best Wishes / A. C. Astor / Johannesburg / April 1938” — a strong, clear inscription dating from his South African tour, part of the Commonwealth circuits frequently undertaken by British speciality acts.

• Matching Campbell‑Gray real‑photo postcard of Astor, printed with his name and studio credit. This is the correct period publicity portrait, issued for his variety engagements and ventriloquism act (including shows such as The Dummy).

Astor’s family later connected directly with the Lupino Lane theatrical dynasty: his daughter Kathleen Astor married Laurie Lane (son of comedian Lupino Lane) in 1946, a wedding photographed with cast members and props from their West End production Sweetheart Mine. This gives Astor’s material an additional line of interest for collectors of British theatre history.

A fine interwar ventriloquism / variety item, combining a dated overseas inscription with a correct studio RP postcard — ideal for collectors of British entertainment, BBC broadcast history, and the Lupino Lane circle.

Condition as photos. Guaranteed Original. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described.


  • PROVENANCE:

    • One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil. 

    Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004. 

    Complete with digital .jpg CoA - as photo - for you to print if needed

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