This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
ADDENDUM: Image updated from catalog. Lot includes only the 1932 program signed by Duke Kahanamoku.
Offered here is rare autograph by one of the most important pioneers in the history of surfing, native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku. "The Duke" or "The Big Kanuna" as he was called is largely credited as the man who brought surfing from Hawaii to mainland USA and Australia during his 1912-14 travels He popularized the sports of surfing by organizing exhibitions and competitions from Australia to Southern California. Duke was a law enforcement officer, a popular actor, a beach volleyball player and businessman. But before all of this, he was a world-class swimmer who went on to win five Olympic medals for the U.S. At the 1912 Stockholm Games, he won gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the 4 x 200-meter relay. At the 1920 Antwerp Games, he won gold in both the 100 meters and the relay. He took silver in the 100 meters at the 1924 Paris Games at age 34, and later served as an alternate for the U.S. Water Polo squad at the 1932 Los Angeles Games. The guy could do it all!
His signature in 6/10 pencil comes on a 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics Complete Program of Events, along with seven others. Among these recognizable are 3-time track & field gold medal winner Frank Wykoff and Argentinian marathoner Fernando Ciccarelli. The program itself remains in VG-EX condition, with creases front and back, grease marks on the edges, a slight tear in the back, but all pages intact.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum. Autograph deemed inconclusive by PSA/DNA as they were unable to find enough examples.