1941 Jim Thorpe Autograph Two-Page Letter

Sold For:

$3,480

Year:

1941

Auction:

2005 Spring

Lot #:

477

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

All Jim Thorpe letters are extremely rare, but the fact that this one is signed "The Old Injun, Jim Thorpe" ("10") makes this extraordinary two-page handwritten letter of even greater note. The letter, on two sheets of Newark, New Jersey's Hotel St. Francis stationery (6 x 9.5 inches), is dated "Feb 5th 1941" and is beautifully written in black fountain pen. The content of the letter relates to a potential promotional arrangement between Jim Thorpe and Atlantic Oil. The letter reads in part: "...Our proposition we talked over regarding Atlantic Oil Co, I have been talking to friends in New York and they say its a natural for the company also. I am in a position to think it a good deal for myself. Newspaper men are waiting to break the news Radio-Publicity - and my personal appearance would mean a lot..." When Thorpe won both the pentathlon and the decathlon at the 1912 Olympics, King Gustav of Sweden, the host country, said, "Sir, you are the greatest athlete in the world." Sadly, Thorpe had to return his Olympic medals when it was discovered he'd played professional baseball in a low minor league for about $60 a month in 1909. Signed by the Giants in 1913, Thorpe played six seasons in the Major Leagues. Thorpe was twice All-American at Carlisle Indian School, and his later professional football career earned him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both sheets have numerous pencil notations on the reverse which appear to be Thorpe's addition of various expenses. Normal mailing folds. In Excellent condition. Signature, salutation, and all writing are flawless ("10"). Thorpe's signature is exceedingly rare in a substantial form such as a handwritten letter, particularly one of this quality. LOAs from Mike Gutierrez/GAI and James Spence & Steve Grad/PSA DNA. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000. SOLD FOR $3,480.00