This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
As kids many of us grow up idolizing famous athletes and sports figures, some serving as secondary role models well into adulthood. However, American and world history books will, for the most part, skip over these men and women who, after all, were essentially glorified for being great at a sport or game. Esteemed autograph seekers must go beyond the depths of a Mickey Mantle or Wilt Chamberlain in the hobby to find a historical icon whose accomplishments impacted the lives of everyone around him and changed the world as we know it. Martin Luther King, Jr. is such an icon. Finding any signature of the man who died so young and so tragically while leading the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's is beyond difficult. That's what makes this offering such a tremendous opportunity for collectors.
In many eyes a personalized message will often devalue an important autograph, but in this case the inscription to a young African-American police captain on the rise represents MLK's positive influence and lasting impression on the black community. Signed "To Captain Edwards With Warm Regards Martin Luther King Jr." in 6/10 black ballpoint on a 6 1/4" by 8" cut-out photo, the piece was a gift to Richard T. Edwards as he was climbing the ranks on the police force in Philadelphia in the mid 1960's. According to our consignor, Edwards' son, King was indebted to Captain Edwards for serving as his primary security detail during an important political rally (see attached photo of the two). In 1967 Captain Edwards was named Deputy Police Commissioner of Philadelphia, the first African-American to achieve such position (see attached photo when he was sworn in). We have removed the photo from the frame in which it came and left it matted to its thick beige backing. A truly special piece for any human to own and cherish.
Includes letter of provenance from consignor, the original recipient's son. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.