Rather slimmer than he is seen in the later films that are perhaps his principal memorial, this ink self-portrait by the comedian, juggler and actor WC Fields dates from his earlier, vaudeville years.
Signed and dated Liverpool, 1910, when he was aged 30, it is inscribed “To Phyllis/ Very best wishes” and he has drawn himself holding out a ragged top hat, as if asking for spare change. It sold for $3200 (£2285) in a March 22 autographs sale held by Swann (25/20/12% buyer’s premium).