This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2011
Each year, the Heisman Trophy is awarded to college football's finest. Some of these bestowed with the prestigious award go on to NFL glory and the Hall of Fame. Others end up as serviceable gridiron greats and some fall by the wayside.
Then there is the legend of Nile Kinnick. After winning the Heisman in 1941, Kinnick had to decide between professional baseball, football, continuing his education or joining the military. Kinnick opted for law school but eventually joined the navy.
During a flight in 1943, Kinnick was lost at sea, his body never recovered. When Kinnick was a star at Iowa, autograph collecting was in its infancy. College autograph collecting was almost non-existent. According to Collection Sports Legends The Ultimate Hobby Guide, written by PSA/DNA (page 324), "So scarce are Kinnick signatures, that less than 20 are known to exist."
MEARS is proud to offer a fresh to the hobby Kinnick signature. Our consignor took it upon himself to get this treasure framed (18" x 17"), along with a Charlie Brock cut. The reverse has a 1938 party invitation, American League 1940 White Sox schedule and ticket from an Aug. 11, 1940 contest. Our guess is the Kinnick signature may have been obtained at the baseball game. The consignors father was a boyscout and obtained the signature in person.
The signature (5" x 1 1/2" exposed) is endorsed in pencil and has a few stain marks visible. A few creases appear on the autograph, although it is clearly readable.
True gridiron aficionados know the significance of scoring a Kinnick signature, a void in all but a precious few collections.
j0222
(JSA Auction Letter)