Hollywood Silent Film Stars.

by Vilma Banky, George Bancroft, John Barrymore, Richard Barthelmess, Monty Blue, Clara Bow, William Boyd, Lon Chaney (Sr), Charlie Chaplin, Maurice Chevalier, Ronald Coleman, Dolores Costello, Bebe Daniels, Marion Davies, Richard Dix, Dolores Del Rio, Reginald Denny, Billie Dove, Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Farrell, Gret Garbo (secretarial signature), Janet Gaynor, John Gilbert, Corinne Griffith, Emil Jannings, Harold Lloyd, Tom Mix, Colleen Moore, Conrad Nagel, Ramon Novarro, Mary Philbin, Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer, Milton Sills, Gloria Swanson, Norma Talmadge, and Ernest Torrence, most items inscribed to H.G. Davey, folio (360 x 295mm), limp reverse calf with gilt inscription to Davey ("Compliments | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | To the Visiting | British Journalists"), dated Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, 7 November 1928, covers scuffed and spotted

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A rare and prestigious album from silent-era Hollywood, signed by many of the greatest stars of the '20s, presented to a visiting journalist. H.G. Davey, editor of the Worcester Daily Times, was part of a delegation of fourteen British journalists who had a two-month tour of the USA in 1928, funded by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as an attempt to improve Anglo-American relations. This presentation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (founded in the previous year and yet to award its first Oscar), was a centrepiece of their reception in Hollywood. There was much hostile British press in the late '20s at  through the cultural dominance of Hollywood leading to "Americanisation", and this was an opportunity for Hollywood to charm potential critics. 

A full list of names is available online and by request.