October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to go his entire career without a single defeat or tie. The champ of all champs held the Heavyweight Title from September 1952 to August 1956. In the interim he defended his belt six times against Jersey Joe Walcott, Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles (two times), Don Cockell, and Archie Moore.
Tragically, Marciano died in a plane crash the day before his 46th birthday in 1969. Today authentic Marciano signatures are quite rare and many of the examples found tend to be secretarial. Personal bank checks are one of the best options when searching out a real signature and this is a very attractive example. Written in black ball point, the check was made out and signed by the champ himself and he signs his birth name of Rocco Marchegiano. The check is dated "10-30 1964" to the "Golkin, Bomback Co, Inc" for the amount of $1,984.50. The memo line on the check notes "Transcontinental Life Ins" with an account number. The check measures 2 3/4" x 6" and is drawn on the American National Bank & Trust Co. of Fort Lauderdale. The front has a single vertical crease and several cancellation holes, none of which affects the signature. The back has the expected deposit and banking transaction stamps which have not bled onto the front in any way. The black ball point ink has faded a bit with age but still remains a quite strong example of a very difficult signature. Encapsulated and graded Authentic by PSA/DNA.