Posted 13 years ago
mimi30236
(3 items)
This lithograph of Super Bowl III from 1969, signed by Joe Namath to my Fiance' in 1991 was signed at a Conair promotion signing at a mall in Atlanta.
The lithograph was given to my Fiance' by his father who supplied the ink for this piece. It remained in on his wall as a little boy and he put it away for safe keeping until 1991 when he brought it to the mall for Joe Namath to sign.
The artist of the litho is Gary Thomas and is still creating amazing lithographs of all types. The last picture shows the credit to Mr. Thomas and type of machine that was used to print the lithogram. It is also signed by Mr. Thomas, seen on the bottom right near Joe's right foot.
We are very curious to know if anyone has ever seen one of these prints. . . I have looked high and low on the internet with no success. I know that with a PERSONALIZED signature that seems to be more desirable . . . and a sweet story to go with it. The condition, well, it isn't the best. Pin holes in the corners where it hung on a little boys bedroom wall, and creases where it was stored for 20 some odd years. . . Does anyone have any idea of the value?
Thanks for any input! Will keep bringing goodies I find that have been handed down. . . I love this site! :) HAPPY COLLECTING!
Mimi
I dont know about its value but here is a funny story. My father gave me the same print over 30 years ago and I have been looking for one ever since. My dad worked in the print shop in NJ where these were being printed and brought one home for me and I hung it up on my wall. I must have thrown in out when I went to college and have never seen one till your post. Great memories, how lucky that he still has this..by the way my name is Mark also so I really enjoyed the personalized note by Namath to "Mark"- very cool!
Hi Mark! Yes, a funny story indeed! I love it! I have to tell you that I spoke with the artist of this piece via email! I was so delighted that he took the time to respond to me! Here are his words from his email that I would love to share with you . . .
Dear Mimi,
That illustration was done way back in the 70's. It must be almost 40 years ago! I remember doing some football illustrations for the MultiCraft printing company to promote a new small printing press they were selling. That was one of them....I can't remember the others. I have no idea what happened to the original art, and I'm sure that whatever prints I had were given away to friends. I did that a lot back then. Evidently I was asked to sign some of the prints, probably for the MultiCraft Company. I don't have any copies of that print, like so many others that I did so long ago, and I have forgotten all about them. Lately, I have had numerous inquiries about art that was done so long ago, and I've been surprised at some of those that I don't even remember.
I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. However, I think the fact that Joe signed it would add some value to it, but I couldn't guess how much.
Thanks for your nice words, I'm glad you like my work.
Gary Thomas
Anyway, thank you Mark for sharing your story with me and I can't wait to tell my Mark! :) I hope that the email from Mr. Thomas gives you a little bit of insight into the piece. . . I am so sorry it got thrown away though. . it's times like that we should be "hoarders" right? hehehe... Thanks again Mark and perhaps our paths will cross again on a different "collectible"! Take Care! Mimi
Hi Mimi,
I also have this print from way back in 1969 when my father gave it to me after the Super Bowl. My print is not signed and is rolled up in excellent condition. This is a very difficult piece to find and I would suspect it is pretty valuable. Usually an unsigned mint print carries more value to a collector than a signed piece. But I would never sell it if mine was signed by Broadway Joe. I would say it would be very valuable up in the NY/NJ area regardless of ssigned or not.
Take Care,.
John