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We had the honor of featuring a James Dean Collection from his agent Jane Deacy in May 2023. Please see our prices realized for James Dean autograph items below:

James Dean Contract Signed & Also Initialed 48 Times with Warner Bros. for ”East of Eden”, ”Rebel Without a Cause” and ”Giant” — The Contract that Made James Dean a Hollywood Legend

The film contract that made James Dean a Hollywood legend: Warner Bros. contract signed by Dean for ”East of Eden”, also giving Warners the option to extend Dean’s contract for several more films, which it did with ”Rebel Without a Cause” and ”Giant”. Signed by Dean (”James Dean”) on the last page, and also initialed an additional 48 times throughout by Dean.

Dated 7 April 1954, contract runs 45pp., covering every aspect of Dean’s relationship with Warners, including his pay, promotional obligations, duty to conduct himself morally, filming dates and many other clauses. On page two, contract establishes that Dean will take on ”the role of ‘Cal’ in the motion picture to be produced by Producer tentatively entitled ‘EAST OF EDEN’…” Dean was to be paid at least $10,000 for the film, with a weekly salary of $1,000 for not less than 10 weeks of filming. It then gives Warners the option to extend Dean’s contract for nine additional motion pictures, two of which it exercised with ”Rebel Without a Cause” and ”Giant” before Dean’s passing. Dean’s pay rate rose to $1,250 per week for the second film and $1,500 for the third film, progressively increasing to $4,000 for the ninth film. Contract is signed ”James Dean” on the last page by Dean in blue fountain pen, with an additional notarized page authenticating Dean’s signature. The initials ”JD” throughout are also rendered by Dean in blue fountain pen. Entire contract is bound at top by staples to a blue paper backing, measuring 9” x 14”. Contract is well preserved, with only light wear, in very good to near fine condition. One of the highlights of Golden Age Hollywood. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy.

All pages can be seen here. Sold for $22,958.

James Dean autograph

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James Dean Signed Agreement with Warner Brothers for ”GIANT”

James Dean signed agreement with Warner Brothers to exercise its option for a third motion picture with Dean, named in the agreement as ”GIANT”. Dated 2 April 1955, just as ”Rebel Without a Cause” began filming, agreement reads in part, ”…the motion picture in which you are now rendering services tentatively entitled ‘REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE’). / You are hereby advised that we elect to and do hereby exercise the right or option granted to us…the motion picture tentatively entitled ‘GIANT’, with you portraying the role of ‘Jett Rink’…” Signed ”James Dean” on the second page in blue ballpoint. Two page letter on two sheets measures 8.5” x 11”, stapled at top left and with a typed note paper-clipped. Very good to near fine condition.

Agreement is accompanied by a letter from Warner Brothers to Dean’s LA agency, Famous Artists, ”Re: JAMES DEAN”, with explanation of the agreement, ”…This amendment, in effect, exercises our option for an additional picture and terminates Dean’s present contract term when he finishes ‘REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE’…You will also note that Dean’s next picture will be GIANT…” Single page letter measures 8.5” x 11”, with note paper-clipped at top. Very good condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $15,679.

James Dean autograph

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James Dean Signed 8” x 10” Silver Gelatin Photo — Without Inscription

James Dean signed 8” x 10” silver gelatin photo, penned in bright blue fountain pen, ”best wishes / James Dean”. Glossy headshot photo was taken by Talbot Studios, with Talbot’s backstamp to verso. Minor creasing to edges, overall in very good plus condition, with excellent contrast to signature. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $15,101.

James Dean autograph

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James Dean Signed Photo ”To Mom / My heart and thanks / Jim” — Large Photo from the Famous Motorcycle Session Measures 13.5” x 10.25”

Large silver gelatin photo signed by James Dean, with an endearing inscription to his ”Mom”, aka his agent Jane Deacy: ”To Mom / My heart and thanks / Jim”. Large photo by Phil Stern from the iconic motorcycle session in 1955 measures 13.5” x 10.25”. Half-matte, mounted to board, with Stern’s backstamp on verso. Signed by Dean in ballpoint, with inscription in dark blue and signature in black. Some edgewear and light scratching, overall very good. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $15,101.

James Dean autograph

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James Dean Signed 8” x 10” Silver Gelatin Photo — Without Inscription

James Dean signed 8” x 10” silver gelatin photo, penned in bright blue fountain pen, ”best wishes / James Dean”. Glossy headshot photo was taken by Talbot Studios, with Talbot’s backstamp to verso. Minor creasing to edges and faint discoloration along lower edge. Overall in very good condition, with excellent contrast to signature. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy.

We sold a signed copy of ”Giant” by American novelist and Edna Ferber who published the book that the film is based upon in 1953. Sold for $12,479.

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James Dean Autograph Letter Signed to His Agent Jane Deacy — Charming Letter Shows Dean on the Brink of Fame — ”…Very brown and healthy looking, Kazan is pleased. I love you…”

James Dean autograph letter signed to his agent Jane Deacy, showcasing Dean’s very charming personality. Undated, letter was written by Dean shortly after he arrived in Los Angeles to film ”East of Eden”, circa mid-April 1954, and reveals his anxieties around filming such an important movie. Addressed to ”Mom”, his term of endearment for Deacy, letter penned in blue ballpoint reads in full:

”Dear Mom, / Like always I can trust your judgement. I am very happy with the office you chose for me. Dick Clayton is a prince of a guy. Old man [Charles] Feldman is in equal rights a prince. The rest of them are patronizing and nice (think I’m a weird one of course, as always, they will catch on.) If I would louse up the picture Dick would still talk to me.

I haven’t quite settled down yet but will soon. Rented a car. Very brown and healthy looking, Kazan is pleased. I love you.

Send Mr. Feldman a copy of my contract so he can see whats up. Please as soon as you can. Love / Your little monster / Jim”.

Single page on Famous Artists letterhead measures 7.25” x 10.5”; Famous Artists, headed by Dick Clayton and Charles Feldman, is the LA based agency that Deacy selected to represent Dean on the west coast. Creasing to letter, else near fine. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $10,706.

James Dean Autograph

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James Dean Autograph Letter Signed, Shortly Before ”East of Eden” Started Filming — Affectionate Letter with Self-Portrait Discusses Living at Home with His Stepmother, Seeing an Analyst & More

James Dean autograph letter signed to his agent, Jane Deacy, whom he considered a second mother. In this affectionate and humorous letter written shortly after Dean moved back to Los Angeles to film ”East of Eden”, Dean mentions a variety of topics, including his relationship with his stepmother, seeing an ”analyst”, stopping smoking and drinking, and running out of money. He even hand-draws a small self-portrait showing his ”pigmented” tongue. Undated, though circa late April 1954, letter reads in full:

”Dear Jane / I had a wire sent to my bank (Chase) and their reply to my frantic question was $121.00. Sure went fast. I had to give up the rented car idea. It cost me $138.00 the two weeks that I had it. I hope that I still have the checks from Danger coming. I can’t live with my stepmother another minute and I’ll have to find a mode of transportation. As you know without a car your [sic] good as dead in Calif. I hate this place anyway. Please tell me that I still have the Danger checks because I love you.

Have found a good dentist after a long and discreet search. Cliffton Webbs dentist (oh well). Have been going to a throat specialist because of a pigmented tongue [self-portrait drawing]. Too much smoking. Has stopped completely, also stopped drinking. Taking vitamins also. I was really run-down. I’m fatter now and feel much better. Tear myself up in New York. Build myself up in Calif. (health and maybe career huh?) The address at my fathers place is 1667 So. Bundy Drive, L.A. 19, Calif. or write to Dick Claytons office address and tell me that I have still the Danger checks. Returning home after picture to find analyst. (Is that spelled right, doesn’t look right). Miss you / Love / Jim”. Two-page letter is penned in blue fountain pen on a single sheet measuring 7.25” x 10.5”. Minor toning and wear, else near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $10,706.

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James Dean Signed Contract for ”The Immoralist” with Additional Initialed Rider — The Play That Caught Elia Kazan’s Eye & Launched Dean’s Film Career

James Dean signed contract for ”The Immoralist”, with additional rider initialed by Dean. Dated 25 November 1953, contract specifies that Dean will play the part of Bachir, a role that caught the eye of Elia Kazan, who then tapped him for ”East of Eden”. Dean actually gave his two weeks notice on 9 February 1954, the day after the play debuted on Broadway, so that he could film ”East of Eden”. Single page contract is signed ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint, countersigned by the play’s producer Billy Rose, and accompanied by an additional rider initialed by both Dean and Rose, also in blue ballpoint. Two page contract on one sheet measures 8.5” x 19”, with loose rider measuring 8.5” x 5.25”. Folds and chipping at top, overall in very good condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $8,848.

James Dean autograph

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‘Giant” Cast-Signed Book — Signed Twice by James Dean & Also by Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Director George Stevens & More

Cast-signed ”Giant” novel, signed by several lead actors of the iconic 1956 film, including James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. New York: Pocket Books, Inc., 1954. ”Giant” would be the last film that James Dean starred in, earning him a posthumous Academy Award nomination in 1957. Dean signs twice, ”James Dean” and also ”James”, in this book, additionally signed by Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Jane Withers, Mercedes McCambridge, director George Stevens and special effects designer Harold Webb. All signatures appear on the inside front cover and flyleaf of the paperback book measuring 4.125” x 6.25”. Several signatures are inscribed to Don, with the label of Don Russell applied to inside rear cover, along with handwritten details about the crew, and location of signing (in Marfa, Texas on set for the film). Light wear, some creasing, and abrasion to rear cover. First leaf is absent. Overall in very good condition. Accompanied by a custom clamshell case with gilt tooling on spine. NOT from the Jane Deacy estate of James Dean items. Sold for 5,625.

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James Dean Letter Signed to ”The Immoralist” Producer, Terminating His Agreement After Elia Kazan Tapped Him for ”East of Eden”

James Dean letter signed ”James Dean”, to Billy Rose, producer of the play ”The Immoralist”, with Dean giving two weeks notice. Elia Kazan saw Dean in previews of the ”The Immoralist” and immediately offered him the role of Cal Trask in ”East of Eden”. Letter is dated 9 February 1954, the day after the play’s Broadway premiere, signed by Dean in bright blue fountain pen. Single page letter measures 8.5” x 11”. Minor toning, chipping, creasing and type offset. Fold and discreet closed tear through tail of signature. Overall in very good condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,991.

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James Dean Signed Contract from 1954 for the TV Show ”Danger” — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security & Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with CBS Television, dated 1 November 1954 for the TV Show ”Danger”, episode ”Padlocks” which aired 9 November 1954. Completed in bright blue fountain pen, Dean signs ”James Dean” and also handwrites his social security and telephone numbers. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Creasing and small closed tear at lower right fold, overall in very good condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,538.

James Dean autograph

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James Dean Letter Signed to His Agent Jane Deacy in 1955

James Dean typed letter signed to his agent Jane Deacy, dated 25 July 1955 after Dean hired a business management firm to take over his finances. Until that point, Deacy had been paying his bills and lending money to Dean in between acting gigs. Signed ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint, letter reads in part, ”I am sure you will be happy to learn that I have employed the firm of Coulter and Gray as my business managers. I feel confident they will relieve you of a lot of the problems in my behalf which you have handled for me in the past. Their function, of course, is strictly in a business management capacity and will not, in any way, conflict with your activities as my agent…” Somewhat formal letter was likely written, as least in part, by Coulter and Gray, as it then gives Dean’s authorization to transfer sensitive documents to the company. Single page letter measures 8.5” x 11”. Minor creasing, overall very good to near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,538.

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James Dean Signed Contract from 1952 for a Television Role — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security & Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with CBS Television, dated 5 May 1952 for the 13 May 1952 episode of ”Crime Syndicate”. Completed in black fountain pen, Dean signs ”James Dean” and also handwrites his social security and telephone numbers. Contract is with the Louis Shurr agency (misspelled Lester Shurr), where Jane Deacy worked before she represented Dean through her own agency. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Very good to near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,125.

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James Dean Agreement Signed with Warner Bros., Agreeing to Repay a $700 Advance on His Earnings from ”East of Eden”

James Dean signed agreement with Warner Bros., agreeing to repay an advance on his salary of $700 from ”East of Eden”. Dated 30 April 1954, letter reads in part, ”Dear Mr. Dean: You have requested that we advance you the sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700) as an accommodation to you in order that you may take care of certain personal matters…” Signed at the conclusion by Dean (”James Dean”) in blue ballpoint. Two page letter on two separate sheets measures 8.5” x 11”. Light creasing, overall in very good plus condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,125.

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James Dean Signed Contract for G.E. Theatre in 1954 — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security and Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with MCA, which produced the CBS show ”G.E. Theatre”. Dean signs ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint, also handwriting his social security and telephone numbers. Dated 8 November 1954, contract is for the episode ”I’m a Fool” which aired 14 November 1954, also starring Natalie Wood. Single page contract plus four additional pages measures 8.5” x 11”, stapled at top left. Near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,125.

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James Dean Signed & Initialed Theatrical Motion Picture Agency Contract from March 1955 with Jane Deacy

James Dean signed three-year Theatrical Motion Picture Agency Contract with his New York agent Jane Deacy, dated 13 March 1955. Six page contract is signed ”James Dean” on the last page in bright blue fountain pen and additionally initialed ”JD” by Dean on a rider stapled to the third page. Contract measures 8.5” x 11” on three sheets, stapled along left side. Minor toning, overall in very good to near fine condition with a bold signature. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,125.

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James Dean Signed & Initialed Theatrical Motion Picture Agency Contract from March 1955 with Jane Deacy

James Dean signed three-year Theatrical Motion Picture Agency Contract with his New York agent Jane Deacy, dated 13 March 1955. Six page contract is signed ”James Dean” on the last page in bright blue fountain pen and additionally initialed ”JD” by Dean on a rider stapled to the third page. Contract measures 8.5” x 11” on three sheets, stapled along left side. Near fine condition with a bold signature. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $4,125.

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James Dean Signed Contract with CBS Television from 1952 — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security & Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with CBS Television, dated 23 May 1952 for the episode ”Abraham Lincoln” on ”Studio One”. Completed in blue fountain pen, Dean signs ”James Dean” and also handwrites his social security and telephone numbers. Contract is with the Louis Shurr agency, where Jane Deacy worked before she represented Dean through her own agency. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Very good to near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Television Contract for His Role as Bob Ford in ”The Capture of Jesse James” — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security & Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with CBS Television, dated 6 February 1953. Contract binds Dean to perform as the character Bob Ford in the episode ””The Capture of Jesse James” for ”You Are There”, which aired 8 February 1953. In addition to signing his name, ”James Dean” in blue fountain pen, Dean also handwrites his social security and telephone numbers. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Minor edgewear, overall in very good condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Agency Contract from March 1953 with Jane Deacy — Dean Also Initials First Page of Contract

James Dean signed one-year contract with his agent Jane Deacy, dated 13 March 1953. Six page contract is boldly signed ”James Dean” on the last page by Dean in bright blue fountain pen, and also initialed on the first page in black fountain pen. With dated stamp from the Screen Actors Guild on last page. Contract measures 8.5” x 11” on three sheets, stapled at top left. Chip to lower right edge of first page, otherwise near fine. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Contract for ”Martin Kane, Private Eye”, the TV Show Where He Was Fired for Not Taking Direction

James Dean signed contract from 6 August 1953 with Kudner Agency, Inc., which produced the NBC show ”Martin Kane, Private Eye”. Dean was famously fired on this show by the director on the second day of rehearsals for supposedly not taking direction, although it didn’t slow down his TV career. Dean signs ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint. Single page contract measures 8.5” x 11”. Light creasing, overall very good plus condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Contract from 1953 for the TV Show ”Danger” — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security & Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with CBS Television, dated 7 August 1953 for the TV Show ”Danger”, episode ”Death Is My Neighbor” which aired 25 August 1953. Completed in black fountain pen, Dean signs ”James Dean” and also handwrites his social security and telephone numbers. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Contract for G.E. Theatre in 1954 — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security and Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract with MCA, which produced the CBS show ”G.E. Theatre”. Dean signs ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint, also handwriting his social security and telephone numbers. Dated 8 November 1954, contract is for the episode ”I’m a Fool” which aired 14 November 1954, also starring Natalie Wood. Single page contract plus four additional pages measures 8.5” x 11”, stapled at top left. Light creasing, else near fine condition. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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James Dean Signed Contract for a TV Role in 1955 — Dean Also Handwrites His Social Security and Telephone Numbers

James Dean signed contract for a TV role in 1955. Dean signs ”James Dean” in blue ballpoint, also handwriting his social security and telephone numbers. Contract is with The Theatre Guild, producer of ”The United States Steel Hour” for the role of Fernand in the episode ”The Thief”, airing 1 January 1955. Single page measures 8.5” x 11”. Minor creasing, else near fine. From the estate of James Dean’s agent, Jane Deacy. Sold for $3,750.

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We also sold these James Dean items previously:

Incredible Crew-Signed Copy of ”Giant” — Signed by the Movie’s Director & Cast Including James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson & More

Mass market paperback is signed upon the inside of the pictorial front cover and fly-leaf by the stars of the film adaptation, ”James Dean”, ”Elizabeth Taylor”, ”Rock Hudson”, ”Jane Withers”, ”Mercedes McCambridge” and by the director ”George Stevens” and special effects designer ”Harold Webb”. Webb, Withers and McCambridge add a dedication in their hand.  Sold for $5,625.

James Dean autograph James Dean autograph James Dean autograph
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Previously, we auctioned a brown wool sport coat worn by in “East of Eden” for an incredible $11,858.40  His pants from the film auctioned for another $11,595.60, and a shirt an additional $11,858.40  – making the star’s screen-worn outfit worth over $30 thousand dollars.

James Dean autograph

James Dean autograph

The Screen-worn “East of Eden” shirt  has a cool sewn-in Warner Brothers production tag dated 27 May 1954 and marked ”Jim Dean.” (Click on shirt below)

James Dean autograph

From “East of Eden,” Dean’s career took off as he landed a starring role as troubled Los Angeles teenager Jim Stark in “Rebel Without a Cause.” The film cemented his reputation as a cultural icon, and as a direct result of that movie, t-shirt sales soared in 1955.

We auctioned the original “Rebel Without a Cause” T-shirt  Dean wore in the film for a whopping $6,082.80.

James Dean autograph

via Filmsite

The t-shirt, obtained from make-up artist Gordon Bau who did Dean’s make-up in three of his films, personified his bad-boy image — and though it’s just a white t-shirt, the fact that Dean once wore it makes it value worth a whole lot more than the simple cottons threads it’s made of. (Click on photo for item details)

James Dean autograph

We also sold just a plain James Dean autograph authenticated as genuine by PSA/DNA.  Here it is:

James Dean signs a portion of a 1954 Broadway show program in which he starred. On the verso of ”The Immoralist” program, Dean writes, ”to Barbara with love and best wishes. James Dean”. The young actor took minor roles in a number of commercials and TV shows before training at New York’s famed Actors Studio. His role in this early 1954 Royale Theatre production earned him the Theater World Award for 1954 and the positive reviews helped land him a role in the Hollywood version of ”East of Eden.” Dean’s Oscar for ”East of Eden” was presented posthumously because of his untimely death in 1955 in a high-speed car crash which elevated him to the status of Hollywood legend. Light toning and paste residue to the 4.5” x 2.25” autograph, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA.  Sold for $3,355.
James Dean autograph
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FREE APPRAISAL.  To appraise, auction, authenticate, buy, consign or sell James Dean memorabilia or a James Dean autograph, please email your photos and description to [email protected].

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