Signatures

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia
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Here is a collection of Arthur Conan Doyle's signatures from his letters or from his dedicaces.

Conan Doyle usually exclusively signed "A. Conan Doyle" until 1903 and a mix of "A. Conan Doyle" and "Arthur Conan Doyle" after 1903, but he also signed on rare occasions "A.", "A. C. D.", "A. C. Doyle", "Arthur Conan Doyle, M.D." But he never used "Sir" in a signature (actually only once in a dedicace).



Authentication

His signature is easy to authenticate. Here is some basic rules :

  • The A of "Arthur" existed in 2 forms : curved (1893~1925) and straight (1889~1904 and 1925~1930) .
  • The "t" bar of "Arthur" is almost always separate from the "t" and placed to the "right" of the "h" .
  • The D of "Doyle" has a typical form : the bottom has two curves and the top a loop linked to the "o".
  • The "o" and "y" of Doyle are always linked. With "y" like a "4" . Often the "le" was clearly separated from the "Doy".
  • The form of the "Doyle" evolved in 3 phases :
    • "Doyle" with a well written "y" (1880s-1904)
    • "Doyle" with an "y" as a single line (1904-1925)
    • "Doyle" not very well written with an "o" and "y" as a single sign (1926-1930)

There is exceptions to all this rules. Better written when Conan Doyle tried his best or when he had time, and worst written when he was in a hurry. A complete authentication must be supplemented with the study of the rest of the letter or dedicace.


How he "autograph" and how he "doesgraph"

In a Daily Mirror article (11 april 1904), Arthur Conan Doyle was asked how he should autograph and how he does autograph :


The Daily Mirror (11 april 1904, p. 13)


However the truth is rather a mix of both forms as seen below.


Conan Doyle's signatures written by himself

Below are only dated signatures. Click on images to see the full letter.


1889


1890


1891


1892


1893


1894


1895


1896


1897


1898


1900


1901


1902


1903


1904


1905


1909


1910


1911


1912


1914


1915


1916


1919


1920


1921


1922


1923


1924


1925


1926


1927


1928


1929


1930


Conan Doyle's signatures written by Alfred H. Wood

Alfred H. Wood was the secretary of Arthur Conan Doyle from 1897 to 1930. Conan Doyle dictated him some letters which Wood will sign for Arthur Conan Doyle with most of the time his tiny monogram "W." then "A.H.W." underneath the signature.


1904


1906


1907


1908


1924


1925


1926


1927


1928


Conan Doyle's signatures written by others

These were written for Conan Doyle by unknown (yet) writers. Most probably his wife(s) or children.


1895


1900


1902


1903


Undated (ca. 1897-1907)