Versatile Native American athlete (1887–1953), widely regarded as the finest all-around athlete of the twentieth century, who won two Olympic gold medals and excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. His Olympic medals were stripped from him for an ostensible violation of the amateur-status rule (Thorpe had earlier played minor-league baseball) but were posthumously restored to him in 1983. Vintage fountain pen signature, “Hollywood, Calif., Oct 21st, 1943, With very best wishes from Jim Thorpe,” on an off-white 5 x 3 card. Card is affixed to a slightly larger mount and framed with a color portrait of Thorpe throwing a discus to an overall size of 10.5 x 16; the frame back bears the printed certificate of authenticity label and red wax seal of noted dealer Charles Hamilton. In fine condition, with a uniform shade of mild toning, not detracting from the bold signature and sentiment. Thorpe found small parts in many films during the early part of the 1940s, often in uncredited roles as Native Americans or parts of larger crowds. A rare signature of one of the most talented and revered athletes in American history. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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