1915 Joe Jackson Signed Recognizance Bond

Sold For:

$44,062

Year:

1915

Auction:

2007 Spring

Lot #:

640

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Extraordinary signature example of Joe Jackson, perhaps the scarcest and most legendary signature in all of sports, appears at the top of this document section. The document section (4.75 x 8.5 inches) is actually a separated section of a 1915 Recognizance Bond, which was signed twice by Jackson, and which was one of only several legal documents known to exist signed by Jackson. The complete document was once a part of the legendary Barry Halper Collection. It appeared as Lot #2348 in the famous Halper sale, where it sold for $29,900. Because the document was signed twice, and because of the extreme rarity of authentic Joe Jackson signature examples, the document has since been separated into two sections, to allow two individuals to own this highly prized signature rarity. Such drastic measures are necessary for very few signatures, but there are so few authentic Joe Jackson signatures that this measure was deemed a valuable service. Part of the legend of Joe Jackson, of course, was that he was illiterate and could not sign his name. In fact, he could sign his name, which he learned to do by copying his wife"™s "Joe Jackson" signature. But he could sign only with great effort, and did so only when absolutely necessary. The signing of this legal document was one of these rare instances, requiring Jackson"™s signature, as Joe guarantees $400 for the future court appearance of his brother, Dave Jackson, who signs on the verso. Jackson has signed in the upper right, "Joe Jackson" ("9") in bold, blue ink. We estimate that far fewer than ten Joe Jackson signatures are known to exist on legal documents. The document section exhibits some light toning from age and two light folds, one horizontal and one vertical, mentioned strictly for the sake of accuracy, which do not detract from appearance of the piece, or in the least affect the virtually flawless signature. One of the finest and one of the few, verifiably authentic document signature examples of the legendary Joe Jackson. Very Good to Excellent condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000/$15,000. SOLD FOR $44,062.50