Inscribed Photograph Signed

Who would guess that the most hackneyed of cheesy come-on catchphrases, "Come up and see my etchings" -- used as evidence in a breach-of-promise lawsuit -- originated with the Russian-American violinist who was perhaps the most popular of all radio violinists throughout the 1930s and '40s, playing his celebrated Stradivarius violin. IPS, heavy stock 8" X 10". Near fine. Striking sepia-tone half-length portrait of Rubinoff in tuxedo, right hand clutching the famous Strad and bow and left hand characteristically shoved in his pocket. In a dark area just below center he boldly inscribes and signs in white ink: "To: Arnold Gates / Sincerely, / David Rubinoff" in his lovely flamboyant hand -- and with superb contrast and none of the flaking sometimes seen with white inks. Undated, but lightly pencilled note on verso dates it 4 December 1933, placing it at the height of Rubinoff’s fame. Arnold F. Gates (1914-93) was a noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar.