March 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, March 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2020
Rare trio of signed items by Jim Thorpe, considered one of the greatest all-around athletes in history. In addition to playing professional football for the New York Giants and other teams, Thorpe was also a professional baseball and basketball player, and won two gold medals in pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Summer Olympic games. He was in fact the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States. Lot includes (1) Jim Thorpe signed 3.5'' x 5'' glossy photo, inscribed to the son of Henry ''Heinie'' Benkert, fellow Giants teammate who Thorpe lived with briefly in the early 1940s. Thorpe writes, ''4/11/42 / To Henry Paul / Keep your chin up when things go wrong / With very best wishes / Jim Thorpe''. Photo is mounted to board. Some creasing, overall very good condition. (2) Collage of athletes' photos and signatures, including a photo of Jim Thorpe with his signature underneath, ''Jim Thorpe / 1942''. Document measures 13.75'' x 11''. Verso has Henry Benkert's name and address, along with his alma mater of Rutgers, and a Rutgers ribbon pinned to document; Benkert was a coach on the Rutgers football team in the 1940s. Some chipping to document, overall good condition. (3) Document entitled ''Friends of Mine'', filled out with dates, signatures and other information. Thorpe's signature appears at top, ''Jim Thorpe Apr 24-1942 Dearborn, Mich. Ford Plant''. Document measures 13.75'' x 11''. Some toning and chipping to edges, overall very good condition. With an LOA from Henry Benkert's grandson.
Jim Thorpe Lot of Three Signed Items, Including a Rare Signed Photo -- Considered One of the Greatest Athletes of All Time, Thorpe Was the First Native American to Win an Olympic Gold Medal for the US
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