1954 Willie Mays Signed Bowman Baseball-Card Contract

Sold For:

$3,000

Year:

1954

Auction:

2017 Spring

Lot #:

1582

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Two-page contract, dated October 14, 1954, between Willie Mays and the Bowman Gum, signed in black fountain pen by both "Willie Mays" (grading "9"), a Bowman Gum executive, and two witnesses. The contract grants the company the right to use Mays' name, likeness, and facsimile signature on its bubble-gum cards in exchange for a onetime sum of $10, plus $100 per year for the remainder of the agreement. The contract term is listed as beginning March 1, 1953 and ending February 28, 1958. This contract was signed by Mays during the height of the bubble-gum war between Topps and Bowman. Topps eventually won out and Bowman's last issue was in 1955. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds, staple holes, and tiny edge tears. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Pre certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).