To auction, sell or consign a Howard Hughes autograph or a Howard Hughes autograph letter signed, please email [email protected] or call Nate D. Sanders at (310) 440-2982.

Howard Hughes Autograph

A Howard Hughes autograph is not very rare but is also not very common.  A Howard Hughes autograph on a photo is rarer than the rest of the forms although a Howard Hughes autograph letter signed is not so prevalent either.  We at NateDSanders.com Auctions have sold a few Howard Hughes autograph items.  Here they are with descriptions, picture and price:

Classic Howard Hughes Autograph on an Aviation 8″ x 10″ Photo

Howard Hughes autograph on an 8″ x 10″ photograph, circa 1935. Iconic black and white photo captures the attractive billionaire maverick standing in front of his history-making test plane the Hughes H-1 Racer – the very aircraft Hughes used to break the land plane speed record. Signed and inscribed in black ink by Hughes: “To W.W. Howes with my most cordial greetings and sincere appreciation for past kindness / Howard Hughes.” Hughes signature very bold and clear. Designed by Hughes and Richard Palmer, the Hughes H-1 racer was developed as the fastest landplane in the world by Hughes’ team of engineers, led by Glenn Odekirk. On 13 September 1935, Hughes achieved his goal by flying the H-1 to a new world speed record of 352.322 mph at a Santa Ana, California test course. While the Hughes H-1 was designed for record-setting purposes, the test plane also influenced aeronautical design for decades to come. Since 1975, the plane has been housed in the Golden Age of Flight gallery of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Mild overall toning to photo and mat, otherwise in fine condition. A dazzling, iconoclastic image of a young, intrepid Hughes.  Sold for $7,200

Howard Hughes autographed 8×10 signed photograph, circa 1935.

Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed — Displaying His Savvy Business Acumen in Developing Las Vegas — “…I want you to make an all out effort to do something about the threat of excessive competition…”

Howard Hughes autograph letter signed, undated, though presumably circa 1968 as he was developing real estate in Las Vegas. Here, Hughes writes to his assistant and confidant Robert “Bob” Maheu while he was in the process of buying several hotel casinos: “…I want you to do something for me and it is very important. I want you to make an all out effort to do something about the threat of excessive competition. Now, Bob, I don’t care if this takes the form of some action in connection with Parvin or the Bonanza or both…Concerning Parvin, I think you should contact the governor [Paul Laxalt] tomorrow, even tho it is Sunday, and tell him the publicity stink on Parvin is just plain destroying the fine image you and I have been able to bring to Nevada and in which everybody has a huge investment. Bob, I think you must make an effort, a real effort to scuttle completely the Parvin Dorhman empire and force divestiture. If you could accomplish this, I see no reason why the new company I want created to take over the hotels should not acquire on, at least, of the P.D. hotels. If this could be accomplished, I would not feel so adamantly about the Bonanza. However, I want you to go all out to abort the Bonanza, until some success on the P.D. deal is assured…1. one of the P.D. hotels is not on the Strip. 2. the public ownership of the hotels is bound to bring a more tolerant attitude about monopoly…Anyway, Bob, I truly implore you not to brush me off on this over all issue. I know you are not in sympathy, but it is tremendously important to me…” Signed “Howard.” Letter measures 8.5″ x 13″ on two sheets of yellow legal pad paper, with staple holes at top left. Near fine.  Sold for $4,859.

Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed — Displaying His Savvy Business Acumen in Developing Las Vegas — “…I want you to make an all out effort to do something about the threat of excessive competition…”

Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed to His Partner — Likely Jean Peters — While Living in the Same House as Her — “Dearest sweetheart, I adore you so very much. My baby, we will see each other tonight.”

Fascinating Howard Hughes autograph letter signed during a reclusive period of his life, undated though either 1965 or 1966, where he writes to his partner (likely his wife Jean Peters), seemingly while she lived in the same house as him. In this rambling letter, penned on his typical yellow-lined legal notebook paper, Hughes’ thoughts run stream-of-consciousness with notes jotted down on the sides of the paper and upside down. In full, “Dearest Sweetheart, I adore you so very very much. I just wanted to be sure you are aware of this. My baby, we will see each other early tonight so we can permit you to get to bed at 12:00 if you feel sleepy then. I will send you S.S. from T.F. before 11:00 so if you feel well I will be standing by and loving my little ‘Tinkle-Brook.’ I have decided that is your name, Howard. / Dearest Love, I’m studying German. – this week – Will be most happy to see you early tonight. I missed my favorite show – ‘Trials of O’Brien.’ I love you very much & send for me before the stream runs dry – Love Again J. / I’ve seen Stewart beat up so many men who could twist him into a pretzel. Are they Japanese? / I know you want to be able to grow things. We could have a house too.” Hughes continues his thoughts on the verso, “It has finally penetrated – I got it at last. / This is supposed to be very erudite. SKF. It’s all about a man with anti-violence beliefs who is forced into a violent situation. Well it’s after Pearl H. and they are in Frisco. Well I have to be truthful – this one is shot at sea on one of those beautiful naval vessells [sic] – but the other sounds like so many westerns we have seen. Let’s just wait until we get to sea. Then if ‘it doesn’t improve, we will switch immediately.’ And I can bring you up to date on the ‘River’ as I have seen it. But we’ve never seen this and I am a little curious about it [Hughes draws a box here]. I can’t stand her and share your disliking for Ladd. / You mean the Allied pilots? Well why does Keenan want to throw them back in the drink? Germans.” 8.5″ x 14″ letter is in near fine condition.  Sold for $2,930.

Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed to His Partner — Likely Jean Peters — While Living in the Same House as Her — “Dearest sweetheart, I adore you so very much. My baby, we will see each other tonight.”

Intriguing Joan Fontaine Engraved Bracelet and Joan Fontaine Regarding Howard Hughes Autograph Letter Signed by the Star — Bracelet, Engraved “Love, Howard”, Likely a Gift From Howard Hughes to Fontaine

Autograph letter signed by Joan Fontaine to a good Samaritan who found and returned an engraved bracelet, included in the lot, to the star. Letter, dated 12 September 1996, reads in part: “It was kind and thoughtful of you to return the bracelet which I wasn’t aware I’d lost. Do keep it…Joan Fontaine”. The bracelet is engraved “Joan Fontaine” on the front and “Love, Howard” on the back, presumably by Howard Hughes, who proposed to Fontaine multiple times. Letter is damaged and taped on verso, bracelet is scratched. Overall very good.   Sold for $2,916.

Intriguing Joan Fontaine Engraved Bracelet and Autograph Letter Signed by the Star — Bracelet, Engraved “Love, Howard”, Likely a Gift From Howard Hughes to Fontaine

Howard Hughes Autograph on a Letter From 1953 — Also With Telegram From Hughes’ CEO Noah Dietrich

Howard Hughes autograph on a letter from 1953 regarding cancellation of a loan. Composed on stationery from 7000 Romaine Street, the location of Hughes’ empire, Hughes signs ”Howard R Hughes” on 17 February 1953. This was a busy time for Hughes, as 1953 saw the formation of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the sale of RKO Theaters and continued involvement in aircraft production during the Korean War. Lot also includes a telegram from Noah Dietrich, CEO of Hughes’ company, as well as 3 additional letters, including one signed by Nadine Henley, Hughes’ personal secretary, regarding a payout check for $11,835.62. Letter with Hughes’ signature measures 7.25” x 10.5”. File holes at top, notes in pencil and a docketing stamp, overall very good condition.  Sold for $1,875.

Howard Hughes Letter Signed From 1953 — Also With Telegram From Hughes’ CEO Noah Dietrich

Howard Hughes Autograph on a Typed Letter After Acquiring The RKO Studio and Cleaning House For Communists — “…Thank you for your letter and for your interest in my recent action…”

Howard Hughes autograph on a typed letter. Dated 23 April 1952, McCarthyism era letter is a response to one Mr. Robert Thompson, who initiated the correspondence, sending a letter praising Hughes for his patriotism in acquiring RKO Pictures and firing suspected communist sympathizers. Letter on Hughes’ personal stationery reads in full, “Dear Mr. Thompson, Thank you for your letter and for your interest in my recent action. I am greatly encouraged to know that I have such support. Sincerely, [signed] Howard Hughes”. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a ticket to Thompson’s movie theater. Single-page letter measures 7.25″ x 10.5″. Creasing and some smudging to verso, else near fine.  Sold for $1,854.

Howard Hughes Typed Letter Signed After Acquiring The RKO Studio and Cleaning House For Communists — “…Thank you for your letter and for your interest in my recent action…”

Howard Hughes Autograph on a Menu From a 1939 Dinner Held in Honor of His Round The World Flight

American mogul and aviator Howard Hughes autograph on a menu from a dinner held in honor of his record-breaking 10 July 1938 flight around the world. In just 91 hours he and his Global Circumnavigators crew flew a Lockheed Super Electra round trip beginning in New York. The 1939 New York World’s Fair board of directors hosted the banquet, and the dishes on the menu feature names in keeping with the theme such as ”Surprise Howard Hughes” and ”Salade Fairbanks”. His 15-member crew also sign. Measures 6.5” x 9”. Toning in blocks, else near fine. An excellent signed tribute to the great Hughes’ achievements in aviation.  Sold for $1,562.

Howard Hughes Signed Menu From a 1939 Dinner Held in Honor of His Round The World Flight

and currently for sale:

Howard Hughes Autograph on a Program From the 19th Academy Awards Honoring the Best in Film of 1946 — With PSA/DNA COA

Howard Hughes autograph on an Academy Awards program from the 19th Academy Awards in 1947. Program is inscribed upon the title page by the mogul in blue ink, reading, “to Alice / best wishes / Howard Hughes”. Runs 8pp., listing the nominees in each category, among them famous winners “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “The Yearling”, “The Best Years of Our Lives” and “The Razor’s Edge” as well as heavyweight names Laurence Olivier, Anne Baxter, Lillian Gish, James Stewart and more. Accompanied by two glossy photos of Hughes in the cockpit of his “Hercules” aircraft in November of 1947 after surviving the infamous crash of the XF-11 the year before. Program measures 9″ x 12″. Toning, edge wear and minor surface abrasions, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA certifying that the Howard Hughes autograph is authentic.

Howard Hughes Signed Program From the 19th Academy Awards Honoring the Best in Film of 1946 — With PSA/DNA COA

To auction, sell or consign a Howard Hughes autograph or a Howard Hughes autograph letter signed, please email [email protected] or call Nate D. Sanders at (310) 440-2982.

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