Rare and just terrific vintage 5x7-inch black and white portrait, boldly signed and inscribed in black fountain pen in 1936, at the age of 9. In good condition for its age, with some staining to the right border, intruding slightly into the image. Carl Switzer was one of the most beloved stars of the Our Gang comedy series of the 1930s and 1940s, unforgettably playing Alfalfa, with his squeaky voice, freckled cheeks and indomitable cowlick. Having settled into character work by late adolescence-- for instance, as the bratty teen who opens up the swimming pool beneath a large gathering in It's a Wonderful Life (1946)-- he took up work as a dog breeder, and, while living in obscurity, was tragically shot to death during a dispute over money. He was only 31.

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