Charlie Chaplin in the Movies #No. 316
M.A. Donohue & Co. • Charlie Chaplin in the Movies (Donohue Series)
Writer
Elzie Crisler Segar (based on Chaplin film personae)
Interior Artist
Elzie Crisler Segar
Cover Artist
Elzie Crisler Segar (E.C. Segar)
Publication Date
1917
Cover Variant
Regular (Landscape Format)
Printing
First Printing (based on copyright 1917 indicator)
Comic Description
Humorous comic strips featuring the 'Little Tramp' persona of Charlie Chaplin. These stories were originally syndicated in newspapers and collected here in book form.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Heavy edge wear including chipping and fraying along all borders. Significant corner rounding and blunting. Visible surface soiling and tanning/browning of the paper stock consistent with age. Multiple creases and possible spine splitting/deterioration typical for this cardstock format.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100 - $250 / Graded (CGC 2.0-3.0): $350 - $600
Recent Sales
High-grade copies of this Platinum Age book have sold for over $1,500, but low-grade copies usually sell in the $150-$250 range at auction due to the fragility of the paper.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, grading is recommended despite the low condition because this is a rare 'Platinum Age' book by E.C. Segar (creator of Popeye). Authentication and slab protection are vital for items of this age.
Notable Features
Art by E.C. Segar, who later created Popeye. One of the earliest examples of movie character licensing in comic books. Published during the silent film era while Chaplin was at the height of his fame.
Authentication Notes
Displays legitimate 1917 copyright by J. Keeley and M.A. Donohue & Co. logo. The paper stock appears period-accurate for the early 20th century, showing natural oxidation/browning.