Bogart. Forty years after his death the name still endures as the premier movie tough guy we all loved and admired.

Born in New York City on January 23rd 1899 to a privileged household, his father was  Doctor Belmont DeForest Bogart and his mother was renowned artist Maude Humphrey.

His first fling with fame was when his mother's drawing of him was submitted and accepted by an ad agency and used in the promotion of baby food. The Maude Humphrey Baby as it was known became an overnight success.

During Humphrey's teenage years he became rebellious and joined the navy by lying about his age. Having been wounded in World War I, Bogart developed  a permanently numbed lip which caused the unique speaking lisp that later became his trademark.

After leaving the Navy Bogart went in to show business. With the help of some friends he became the manager of a theatrical company as well as an all purpose understudy. Contrary to popular belief, Bogart developed quite a good reputation during these years on the stage. His performances got better and better as time went by until he was sought out by producers to appear in various stage productions. This pinnacled when Bogart was cast with Leslie Howard in the stage production of "The Petrified Forest". Bogart's role as psycho killer Duke Mantee captivated audiences and impressed his costar.

In 1936 when Warner Brothers bought the movie rights to the play, Howard insisted that the only one to play the role of Duke for the film, was Humphrey Bogart. After the success of the film Bogart became a celebrity not just an actor.

His career with Warner Brothers continued for a few years where Bogart distinguished himself by portraying tough guys in all guises. From convicts to hard-boiled detectives Bogart did it all with a unique style.

Bogie went on to do such memorable films like "Dead End", "Angels with Dirty Faces', "Dark Victory", "The Maltese Falcon", "Sahara", "The Big Sleep", "To Have or Have Not", "Key Largo", "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre", "The Caine Mutiny" and "The African Queen" for which he was given the Academy Award as Best Actor.

Of course Bogart is probably best known for his role as Rick in the 1942 movie classic "Casablanca" with Ingrid Bergman. To this day it is considered to be one of the best films ever made and Bogart's performance to be one of his best.

Humphrey Bogart was married four times. Lastly to actress Lauren Bacall who was with him up to his untimely death on January 12th 1957.

Humphrey Bogart was an American legend. Larger than life and as tough as nails. His films are more popular today then they were during his height proving true talent has no time frame.

Bogart's autograph is uncommon and is actively sought by collectors worldwide.

The problem is that very few collectors know the difference between a real Bogart signature and a fake.