Jack Sharkey
World Heavyweight Boxing Champion · Boxing
Professional Boxing
Era
Vintage - circa 1930s-1950s
Item Type
Signed cut autograph
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with natural paper toning appropriate for age; signature remains clear and dark with strong contrast.
Rarity
Scarce in vintage signed cuts, especially with desirable hometown and inscription details.
Overall Assessment
A wonderful, certified vintage cut autograph of a 1930s heavyweight champion, ideal for dedicated boxing and sports heritage collections.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic, backed by professional third-party certification from PSA/DNA with certification number H56109.
Signature Style
Full cursive signature with personalized inscriptions reading 'Best Wishes' above and 'Boston, Mass.' below.
Signature Characteristics
Smooth pen strokes, natural flow, consistent slant, and confident pressure indicative of an authentic vintage hand.
Ink & Medium
Fountain pen ink on a vintage paper cut.
Item Description
A vintage cardstock cut featuring a handwritten signature and inscriptions by Jack Sharkey, professionally matted and presented alongside a PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity dated April 28, 2008.
Estimated Value
$200 - $400 USD depending on the venue and platform.
Comparison to Known Examples
Exemplifies classic Jack Sharkey signature traits from his post-championship era with matching letter proportions.
Authentication Tips
Compare letter formations against certified PSA/DNA exemplars, specifically focusing on the looping J and distinct connectivity in Sharkey.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA (already certified as indicated by certificate H56109).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; accompanied by a verifiable PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity.
Provenance Notes
Accompanied by PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity H56109 dated April 28, 2008, establishing foundational market provenance.
Historical Context
Jack Sharkey (born Joseph Paul Zukauskas) was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1932 to 1933, famous for his historic bouts with Max Schmeling and Joe Louis.
Market Trends
Stable collector demand for vintage heavyweight boxing champions from the golden era of the sport.
Investment Potential
Stable long-term holding; classic boxing champions maintain steady niche appeal among sports historians.
Similar Autographs
Autographs of contemporary heavyweight champions such as Max Schmeling, Primo Carnera, and Gene Tunney.
Display & Preservation
Display away from direct sunlight using UV-protective glass and acid-free framing materials to prevent further paper degradation.
Interesting Facts
Sharkey took his ring name from his idol Tom Sharkey and heavyweight sailor Jack Dillon; he was also an accomplished U.S. Navy veteran.