This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Lenny Bruce (D. 1966) was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist. He was renowned for his open, free-style and critical form of comedy which integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity. His 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon, the first in the history of New York state, by then-Governor George Pataki in 2003. Bruce is renowned for paving the way for future outspoken counterculture-era comedians, and his trial for obscenity is seen as a landmark for freedom of speech in the United States. In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him third (behind disciples Richard Pryor and George Carlin) on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.
Offered is this twice signed “Cosmopolitan National Bank of Chicago” deposit slip from December 17, 1962 that has been filled out with his addresses in L.A. and Chicago and signed twice by Lenny Bruce in blue ink. Just two weeks before this bank visit, Bruce was arrested for obscenity for his performance at The Gate of Horn in Chicago. He was convicted after an eight-month trial.
Rare historical piece from one of the most important people in comedy history and even more important when it comes to our rights to FREE speech.
Measures 3.5” x 8.5”
Encapsulated authentic by PSA/DNA