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Lot #630
Bruce Lee Autograph Letter Signed to Drug Dealer and Fist of Fury Co-Star Robert Baker: "I hope you will send me the 'quality' stuff"

"I hope you will send me the 'quality' stuff"—Bruce Lee writes to his dealer and Fist of Fury co-star

Estimate: $15000+

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Server Time: 11/23/2024 12:33:23 AM EST
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Description

"I hope you will send me the 'quality' stuff"—Bruce Lee writes to his dealer and Fist of Fury co-star

ALS signed “Bruce,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 11, no date. Handwritten letter to friend and actor Robert Baker, in full: "Been resting and reading your book that you’ve sent. By now you should have received my money order. Though I feel that it might be a slight delay because of your friend’s situation, I hope you will send me the 'quality' stuff you said you will send ('it has never been from the street'). In the meantime, I’m getting a 'quality' spoon and a Quadrabeam scale. Do send it 'Air-Mail' like yesterday (HA! HA!). Take good care, my friend." On the reverse, he adds a postscript: "Bob, deep regrets for your friend being busted—I’ve received your book and know more about it and come to respect it—you know what I can do and what I won’t do. Friend, rush the sparkle 'quality' lots!” In fine condition.

Robert Baker is best known for portraying the Russian villain Petrov in the 1972 movie Fist of Fury, a role he landed thanks to Lee, his Jeet Kune Do instructor, who hand-picked Baker to play the character due to his height and ‘tough guy’ appearance. In addition to being his pupil and confidant, Baker, for a time, also served as Lee’s personal drug dealer. While some in Hollywood suspected Lee of using drugs, his correspondence with Baker during this time period all but confirms it, with Lee sending this thinly veiled request for 'quality stuff'—before proceeding to comment candidly on the acquisition of related paraphernalia. These secret habits may have contributed to Lee’s early death at the age of 32.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Science & Technology and Animation
  • Dates: November 22, 2024 - December 11, 2024





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