Vintage 7x9" glossy photo shows founding member of the Three Stooges and brother of Moe and Curly. He was the third Stooge in the early years of the act, rejoining the trio again in 1946, after Curly Howard's stroke. Photo shows Shemp wearing a "Guard" cap and holding a butterfly net over his shoulder. Photo has been boldly signed in blue ink "To Hal, Couldn't Get That Bread & Butter Without You. Best Wishes, Shemp Howard." It is possible that the Hal the inscription refers to is Hal Roach, whom Shemp worked w/during his solo years, though we cannot confirm that. Photo was trimmed and has some minor margin wear which blends somewhat, but neither issue affects inscription/signature. Scattered lt. handling wear, w/some touch-ups to upper left corner of photo around, but not affecting inscription. If framed, photo would display VF. This same item previously sold at auction for $3,500. Individual signed photos of Shemp from any period of his career are quite uncommon, and combined w/a humorous inscription, this example makes for an excellent addition to any Three Stooges collection. Comes with Hake's COA and JSA LOA.