Block of four five-cent stamps issued in 1963 to honor the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, 2.25 x 4, signed in blue ballpoint, “Best wishes, Martin Luther King.” Poor contrast of the signature against the background of the same color, otherwise fine condition. A fantastic association between important eras of progress in American civil rights, especially as King gave his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech during the year these stamps were issued. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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Impressive magazine cover from the January 3, 1964 issue of Time’s Man of the Year magazine, 8.25 x 11, featuring a distinguished image of King, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To my Friend, Chuck Stone, With Best Wishes and Warm Personal Regards, Martin Luther King, Jr.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 18. In very good condition, with handling wear to borders (most noticeably scuffing to upper left corner); the front cover is still attached to its original back cover by pieces of small clear tape and the back cover has been permanently affixed to the mat. None of this detracts from the overall presentability of this spectacular piece. Only a handful of MLK signed Times covers have been offered for sale, and this particular example is just about the best condition you will find, with the usual obstructing mailing label not present. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Signed book: Stride Toward Freedom. Later printing. NY: Harper & Row, 1958. Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.75 x 8.25, 230 pages. Beautifully signed and inscribed on the first free end page in fountain pen, “To Philip Linton Oxnam, With Best Wishes, Martin Luther King, Jr.” Autographic condition: fine to very fine. Book condition: VG+/VG. A fantastic example of this much sought-after Civil Rights leader. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Autograph manuscript, unsigned, in pencil, one page, 8.5 x 11, Montgomery Improvement Association, Inc., letterhead listing King as President, no date, but circa 1957–58. Second page of a longer draft reads, in full: “been barred from membership in certain unions, and denied apprenticeship training and vocational education. In every section of the country one may find local unions existing as a serious and vicious obstacle when the Negro seeks jobs or up-grading in employment. The AFL-CIO drive to organize the south has been virtually abandon [sic] because of the massive resistance of a significant portion of the organized labor oligarchy, many.” Page has been removably encapsulated in acid-free Mylar. In fine condition, with professional silking to reverse and a couple of smudges to letterhead.
Highly desirable vintage ballpoint signature, “Best wishes, Martin Luther King, Jr.,” on an off-white 5.5 x 7.5 sheet. Nicely triple-cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 22 x 15. Intersecting folds passing through the signature and light overall creases, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original collector, who notes that he obtained this in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1963. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
Signed book: Strength to Love. First edition. NY: Harper & Row, 1963. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6 x 8.5, 146 pages. Crisply signed and inscribed on the first free end page in blue ballpoint, “To Milton Gooch, With best wishes, Martin Luther King, Jr.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG-/VG+. Black cloth-covered spine and paper-covered boards; edges worn, with tears at corners; lightly rubbed and soiled with stain to rear; textblock edges yellowed; yellow staining scattered throughout. Dust jacket in protective mylar sleeve; small chips/tears and creases to edges; minor rubbing and soiling; minor yellowing. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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