Vintage orignal 5x7 in. US single-weight glossy photograph of American big band leader, trumpeter, and actor HARRY JAMES c.1940's. He is depicted in a close shot holding a trumpet and looking off-camera. This photograph was signed in blue ink by Harry James ("Best Chesterfield Wishes - Harry James"). The photograph is in near-fine condition with a light horizontal crease through the top border and signs of wear on the top corners; a 1.5 in. diagonal crease beneath the top left corner that goes into the background area; a light 4 in. vertical crease starting on the top edge and going downwards through his sideburns; and signs of wear on the bottom left corner. His signature is fresh and bold. 

Also included is the original mailing envelope that this photograph was mailed in to a fan in Patterson, NJ.

Harry Haag James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an American musician who is best known as a trumpet-playing band leader who led a big band from 1939 to 1946. He broke up his band for a short period in 1947 but shortly after he reorganized and was active again with his band from then until his death in 1983. He was especially known among musicians for his technical proficiency as well as his tone, and was influential on new trumpet players from the late 1930s into the 1940s. He was also an actor in a number of films that usually featured his band.