A collection of rare Tintin comic albums is set to go under the hammer in Paris Wednesday, featuring several signed by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé himself. One notable inscription reads, "Tintin is just another version of me," on the flyleaf of a personal copy.
Among the 75 graphic novels being auctioned is a unique edition of "Tintin in America," first published in 1932, which has an estimated value of 200,000 euros.
This special copy was dedicated by Hergé in 1933 to his friend and mentor, Charles Helsen, the chaplain of his Brussels scout troop.
Hergé wrote: "To Mr. Abbot Helsen, in memory of the good years spent under his supervision, discovering Adventure…Tintin is just another version of me, who would have continued on that path, all the way."
Daniel Perez, the auction house expert covering the sale, noted that Hergé likely requested a special printing of this edition for Helsen, making it a one-off printing.
75 graphic novels
The sale of 75 graphic novels at the Tajan auction house will break up a collection built over generations by the family of Felipe Ortiz-Patino, whose Bolivian great-grandfather started the mania.
Perez said he put together the lots for sale from the collection after Ortiz-Patino "switched interests for various reasons".
Many of the books on offer are in near-new or very good condition, displaying the original colours of their cover illustrations.
Among the highlights is a first-edition copy of "Tintin in the Congo," published in 1931 - of which only a few thousand were printed - with an estimated value of 100,000 euros.
This edition features Hergé’s signature, alongside that of his fiancée, Germaine, who signed as "Milou" - the French name for Tintin’s loyal dog, known as "Snowy" in English.
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Also on offer is a rare, unsigned pop-up version of "Red Rackham's Treasure," estimated at 60,000. euros.
In November, Tajan plans to offer one of Herge's original 1941 illustrations for "The Shooting Star", another Tintin adventure, estimated at up to 500,000 euros.
(With newswires)
