This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2010
This rare and desirable advertisement pictures a young Willie Mays enjoying a Chesterfield smoke. Madison Avenue clearly recognized the talented and charismatic Mays, along with Jackie Robinson, as the first highly marketable African-American athletes of their era. The surface area of this 21” by 22” piece exhibits a few minor dings, most prevalent at the corners (likely from mounting), but the bright original color remains vibrant. There is evidence of light expert restoration at the corners. This overall visual quality of this particular piece is substantially better than most of the limited example known in the hobby. Apparent EX-MT condition. Professionally double-matted and framed to an overall size of 29" by 30".