Autographed Postcard Walter Chiari – Cut-Out Theatrical Mask Ortolan Paris – 1950s – COA Included

The autographed postcard of Walter Chiari: a unique composition with a cut-out theatrical mask and a long handwritten dedication, signed by the Veronese showman in Paris in the 1950s

A collector's item of absolute creative and documentary uniqueness: this postcard is not a simple press photo but an original, unrepeatable composition, created according to a typical production method of Parisian show artists of the 1950s. Walter Chiari's smiling face is cut out in the shape of a theatrical mask — almost a homage to the ancient tradition of commedia dell'arte masks — and glued onto a horizontal sheet of light photographic paper on which a long handwritten dedication in faded ink extends across almost the entire left surface: "To Enzo, with my sentimental kindness / of friendship / perhaps / made / Walter Chiari" — a poetic and intense, personal and reflective text, revealing the unusual sensitivity of the Veronese showman beyond his usual comedic image. The "ORTOLAN PARIS" stamp at the bottom right certifies the Parisian origin of this exceptional document. The dimensions of 13.5x8.5 cm correspond to the format of promotional postcards of the era. Excellent condition for a document of this rarity and originality.

The protagonist: Walter Chiari

Walter Chiari, stage name of Walter Annicchiarico (Verona, March 8, 1924 – Milan, December 20, 1991), was one of the greatest and most versatile showmen, actors, and comedians of Italian post-war cinema and entertainment. Endowed with a natural talent for brilliant and refined comedy, he acted in over a hundred films between the 1940s and 1980s, working with the greatest directors of Italian and international cinema. His presence on the Parisian scene in the 1950s — attested by the "Ortolan Paris" stamp on this document — is part of an international career that led him to perform on Broadway and in major European theaters. Having passed away in 1991, every autograph of his is now an unrepeatable relic.

Certificate of Authenticity COA

This autograph comes with the free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and the COA Certificate of Authenticity issued exclusively by the most authoritative independent third-party certification bodies in the collecting sector worldwide (PSA, JSA, Beckett, Epperson, Autograph COA or Autografia Association) — both included in the price.

What is an original autographed postcard?

An original autographed postcard or photograph is a unique document where the protagonist's signature has been directly affixed to the surface with certified presence, without intermediaries. In the case of original creative compositions — such as this cut-out mask with an extended handwritten dedication — the collecting value is exponentially amplified: it is not a simple signed photo but a unique artistic object, conceived and created by the artist himself as a personal gift. To these elements are added the free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and the COA included in the price, for internationally recognized protection.

Authenticity and MTM guarantee

MTM Memorabilia is the Italian reference point for demanding collectors of authentic sports and cultural memorabilia. Each piece is selected with rigorous quality and provenance criteria by our experts. The originality of the medium is guaranteed directly by MTM, while the provenance and veracity of the autograph are declared by the free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA). Every shipment takes place with rigid, shock-proof, and humidity-proof packaging to ensure maximum protection during transport. Express courier with delivery within 24/72 hours from payment confirmation, both for Italy and abroad.