Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #1059
James Dean

After wrapping East of Eden, Dean visits a Hollywood jewelry store

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

After wrapping East of Eden, Dean visits a Hollywood jewelry store

American actor (1931–1955) best known for his star turns in three 1950s screen classics: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. His untimely death in a high-speed car crash came to represent the very embodiment of the ‘live fast, die young’ philosophy—and elevated him to the status of a legend that remains unique in the annals of Hollywood. Rare and highly desirable bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Dean, payable to Lee Diamond Co. for $131.00, September 22, 1954. In fine condition, with expected bank stamps and cancellation holes, a couple lightly affecting first stroke of the signature. Dean was in Hollywood around this time finishing work as Cal Trask, the troubled son of a wealthy businessman, in the film East of Eden. This very month, Eden director Elia Kazan wound up screening a rough cut of his film for colleague Nicholas Ray, director of Rebel Without a Cause, who was so impressed by Dean’s on-screen presence that he offered the star the famed role. Just slightly more than a year to the day after this jewelry store visit, Dean was killed in his Porsche 550 Spyder. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: August Monthly
  • Dates: #390 - Ended August 15, 2012





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $150.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.