Bogart Humphrey

Humphrey Bogart and Wife Mayo Methot Sign WWII Currency


An Allied Military Currency note signed by movie star Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957) as "Humphrey Bogart", and by his third wife, fellow actor Mayo Methot (1904-1951), as "Mayo Methot Bogart." Dedicated to an unknown autograph seeker, almost certainly an Allied serviceman, as "For Joe Coshante / Many thanks." The Series 1943 5 Lira note was issued with the serial number A56265793A. With a green border and stylized depiction of a wheat field in sepia recto, and FDR's "Four Freedoms" printed verso.  Lightly pencil inscribed along right edge. A little soiling and expected gentle wrinkles, else near fine. 3" x 2.625".


Following his tremendous success in Casablanca (1942), Humphrey Bogart traveled with the United Service Organizations and War Bond tours through North Africa and Italy between 1943-1944; he was accompanied on his travels by Methot. It's likely that the Bogarts signed this currency while entertaining troops abroad. The couple, married between 1938-1945, quickly gained notoriety for their heavy drinking and violent quarrels. The lucky autograph seeker caught the "Battling Bogarts" during a rare peaceful moment.


The Allies issued their own currency to troops in recently conquered territories in an effort to control destabilized currency. Allied Military Currency was eventually issued in Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and Japan.

 


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