This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/4/2018
Enormous canvas advertising banner for Crown Gold gasoline featuring Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. The banner pictures Unitas striking a throwing pose as a member of the Baltimore Colts, below which is his printed endorsement: “I Fill Up With Crown Gold For Action!” Unitas has signed the banner in gold paint pen (grading “9”) in the lower right corner of his image. Although no year is listed, the lettering along the base makes note that Unitas is “Most Valuable Pro-Football Player, Quarterback, NFL.” Unitas was the NFL MVP on three separate occasions: 1959, 1964, and 1967; thereby conclusively dating the banner to the 1960s. This is just the second example of this banner we have ever seen, and first we have offered, making it one of the rarest Johnny Unitas/Baltimore Colts display pieces in the hobby. The banner (44 x 82 inches), which would have been displayed outdoors at a local Baltimore Crown Gold gas station, shows wear commensurate with its age and former use, including moderate staining and foxing. Additionally, there is an area of heavy staining along the entire right border and minor rippling from its having been stored rolled these past many years (the banner will be shipped rolled). In Good condition overall. LOA from James Spence/JSA.
(11M0072)
(JSA Auction Letter)