Rare and super early DS, signed “Norma Jeane Dougherty,” one page, 8.5 x 11, August 26, 1946. Document by which Monroe instructs the cashier of 20th Century Fox Film Corp. to deliver all payments to the National Concert and Artists Corporation. In part: "You are hereby notified that I have authorized National Concert and Artists Corporation to accept deliver of any and all checks and/or sums of money which may from time to time be or become payable to me from you; and I hereby authorize you to deliver all such checks and/or sums of money to the representative of the above agency." In very good to fine condition, with areas of faint toning, partial erasure to a red pencil cancelation notation, and staple and filing holes to the top edge.



On this date, the 20-year-old Norma Jeane Dougherty signed a half-year, $125-a-month contract with Twentieth Century-Fox, and by this document directed her pay to be remitted to her talent agency. Shortly after signing, the starlet met with Fox executive Ben Lyon, who loathed the young actress's name and suggested 'Marilyn'—after 1920s performer Marilyn Miller—as a new moniker. For her part, Norma Jeane suggested her mother's family name, Monroe. Lyon liked the alliteration of Marilyn Monroe, and an immortal legend was born. This ultra-early document, pre-dating any of her screen appearances, represents her start in Hollywood.