Featured is a fascinating piece of sports and pop culture history. The passport photograph Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio took prior to their infamous honeymoon in 1954. Derived from the Joe DiMaggio Collection, the photo measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" and exhibits exceptional contrast and quality with minimal overall wear. Not long after this photo was taken, the newly weds took to the skies on their way to Tokyo for their honeymoon.
Story has it that as the flight was making it's descent into Tokyo a Major General Charles W. Christenberry approaced the couple's seats and asked, "How would you like to visit Korea for a few days and entertain the American Troops currently stationed in Seoul as part of the UN occupation force?"
"I'd like to," DiMaggio replied, "but I don't think I'll have the time this trip."
"I wasn't asking you, Mr. DiMaggio," the general replied. "My inquiry was directed at your wife."
Monroe looked up and said, "I'd love to do it. What do you think Joe?"
DiMaggio told Monroe, "Go ahead if you want, it's your honeymoon."
This interaction and Monroe's decision to oblige certainly foreshadowed the rocky marriage ahead. Encapsulated and Graded Type I by PSA/DNA. (Check out lot 356 for another Type I of Monroe from the famous Korea trip.)