Muhammad Ali Rare Large-Signature Display

Enormous Muhammad Ali signature example professionally matted together with a large color photo (15.25 x 15 inches; visible dimensions) of Ali taken by John Stewart (produced from the original negative). Ali scripted this large signature example in 1977 for an unspecified promotional project that never came to fruition. Ali's signature, rendered in black marker, grades "9" and measures 13.5 inches in length, making it one of the largest Ali signatures in the hobby. The sheet (13.75 x 3.75 inches; visible dimensions) displays several light creases and is in apparent Very Good to Excellent condition. The photo is in apparent Near Mint condition. Total dimensions: 20 x 24 inches. Full LOA from Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).

History of the Muhammad Ali Signature Displays

In March 1977, Muhammad Ali created a series of signatures and quotations with the purpose of documenting the finest, clearest, and most characteristic examples of his personal writing style for use in future marketing and advertising projects. To that end, he was given large sheets of white paper upon which he proceeded to create the signatures and passages offered here. For the signatures, Ali scripted his name numerous times on a single sheet, much like ballplayers did on their Hillerich & Bradsby bat contracts, so that the finest example(s) could later be chosen for the intended project(s). He then did the same for certain words and "trademark" sayings. The larger, more extensive passages are unique and reflect his personal sentiments with regard to life and religion. In conjunction with the signing session, Ali was paired with John Stewart, who was one of the field's top commercial photographers. During that four-day period Stewart photographed Ali extensively, often composing images that reflected the spirit of Ali's philosophy and most famous sayings. Unfortunately, whatever project(s) the signatures, passages, and photographs were intended for never came to fruition. As a result, all of the material produced at the time was kept in storage and did not reappear until over twenty years later, when it was sold at public auction. It was at that time that our consignor purchased not only the sheets containing the numerous Ali signatures, words, and sayings, but the original John Stewart photographs of Ali and all of the negatives. Ali was still boxing champion of the world when he completed this project, and his penmanship shows no evidence of the debilitating physical problems that would greatly diminish the quality of both his speech and handwriting a few short years later. These are unquestionably the premier Ali signature displays in the hobby today and Robert Edward Auctions is proud to have been chosen by our consignor to offer them in this ideal form to the collecting community.

Spring 2020 - Item detail

Muhammad Ali Rare Large-Signature Display