Muhammad Ali
Three-Time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and Cultural Icon · Boxing - Professional Sports
Professional Boxing / Nation of Islam
Era
1970s - 1980s
Item Type
Event program or menu card
Condition
Very good condition with light toning, edge wear, and multiple prominent fountain/ballpoint ink signatures overlapping the card surface.
Rarity
Moderately rare due to the multi-signed British charity context combined with Muhammad Ali's premier signature.
Overall Assessment
An impressive, multi-signed British charity event card highlighted by a bold, highly displayable Muhammad Ali signature in strong overall condition.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on signature flow, looping style, and comparison with period-correct exemplars from British events and sporting dinners.
Signature Style
Large, sweeping, confident ballpoint signature with vertical elongation, displaying classic Ali manuscript hand and upward trailing baseline.
Signature Characteristics
Sprawling vertical letter forms, smooth continuous loops, consistent pen pressure with gradual tapering at terminals, and fluent stroke execution.
Ink & Medium
Blue ballpoint pen ink, showing natural pooling and pressure variations consistent with period writing instruments.
Item Description
Printed dinner program or table card featuring printed text reading 'Table Number 5' and 'ALL PROCEEDS IN AID OF TYNE & WEAR BOYS CLUB', with multiple British boxing signatures alongside Ali.
Estimated Value
1500 - 3000 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches well with authenticated 1970s and 1980s Muhammad Ali exemplars, especially those signed during UK appearances or banquets.
Authentication Tips
Examine the fluid rhythm of the capital 'M' and looping 'A', check for natural hesitation marks, and verify the contextual validity of the accompanying British boxing figures.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the surrounding multi-signed context strongly supports authentic in-person acquisition at a charity event.
Provenance Notes
Originates from a UK sporting charity event or dinner associated with the Tyne & Wear Boys Club; provenance tracking via event ticket stubs or original attendee history recommended.
Historical Context
Reflects Ali's extensive international charitable appearances and his massive global cultural footprint outside of the United States.
Market Trends
Demand for Muhammad Ali autographs remains extremely robust and steadily appreciating, particularly items with unique vintage context.
Investment Potential
Strong long-term hold; Muhammad Ali memorabilia consistently outperforms general sports collectibles due to his transcendent historical status.
Similar Autographs
Other multi-signed boxing programs, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Robinson autographs.
Display & Preservation
Frame with UV-protective glass, acid-free matting, and store away from direct sunlight to preserve the blue ballpoint ink.
Interesting Facts
Ali was famously generous with his signature later in life, often including religious inscriptions like 'H.Q.' (Quran) alongside his name.