Arthur Conan Doyle

“I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.”

Along with the creation of the world’s only consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle saw great success as a writer of fantasy, science fiction, comedy, and mystery. While mostly associated with his Holmes stories, Doyle introduced audiences to more original characters like Professor Challenger and Brigadier Gerard. The mystery of the Mary Celeste also caught more public attention due to Doyle’s short story, J. Habakuk Jephson’s Statement. Still, the character of Sherlock Holmes remains his most recognizable and continues to be adapted on paper and film more than 100 years after his debut. At RR Auction, you’ll find that we have sold several Doyle pieces with tremendous success.

For $4,520, RR Auction sold an outstanding vintage photo of Doyle in a head-and-shoulders pose. Another scarce portrait of Doyle in profile affixed to its original photographer’s mount and signed by the author realized $3,957.

Due to the popularity of the great detective, Doyle pieces linking him to his iconic creation do extremely well at auction. In August 2020, RR Auction saw an ultra-rare example of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes was featured in our Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction. This example is an American first edition from the second printing of the novel, and is signed on the title page in ink, “Yours cordially, A. Conan Doyle.”

RR Auction also sold this handwritten letter by Doyle to journalist Samuel Sidney McClure for an incredible $6,399. Doyle directly references the famous detective in this correspondence, “Of course the Holmes stories are all criminal studies.” Holmes’ method of scientific investigation was a brand new practice for the era. This new way of thinking began being implemented in criminal investigations towards the end of the 19th century, causing Holmes to be considered the father of scientific criminal investigation.

Give us a call at 800-937-3880 or click the button below – Our team of seasoned professionals will help you solve the mystery of what your Arthur Conan Doyle memorabilia is worth.