A spectacular, one-of-a-kind presentation, consisting of inscriptions, sketches, original verse, and signatures on an off-white 10.25 x 15.5 sheet, February 17, 1928. The sheet, evidently created as a guest-book entry at a dinner the brothers attended, is titled in Groucho’s hand along one edge, “4 [Marx] Brothers,” Groucho substituting a scattering of ink marks for “Marx.” He has also signed and inscribed, “Two Duncans and a Marx! Who cares—Groucho.” Harpo has signed, “Half Man and Half Women, Harpo Marx, 2-17-28,” adding a self-portrait sketch. Zeppo signs, “Germany must pay, Zeppo and Marion [his wife].” Chico signs as “Chico ‘Jackie’ Marx” and pens an amusing original verse, reading in full: “Your artichoke was wonderful, your roast beef was divine, your cheesecake just a thing of art, the whole damn thing was fine. This I must say about you in this book with a table between us: You look just like Venus. Oh! God! How that woman can cook.” The bottom of the page is also inscribed and signed by Betty Marx (Chico’s wife), and the reverse contains two inscriptions from a different occasion, one from singer Nora Bayes, the other from renowned classical pianist Benno Moiseiwitsch. This item represents one of the earliest known examples of all four Marxes signing together—their first film, The Cocoanuts, was still a year away—and certainly one of the most amusing! In fine condition, with mild, even toning, light horizontal fold, a few scattered adhesive remnants to edges (away from the brothers’ inscriptions) and a few light stains to top edge, touching two words of Harpo’s inscription. PSA/DNA COA and R&R COA.
