George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States and 46th Governor of Texas · Politics - U.S. Presidents
Republican Party / State of Texas / United States Government
Era
Governor of Texas Era - dated September 18, 1995
Item Type
Personal/Official Correspondence Letter
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The ink is bold with no visible fading or smudging. The paper appears crisp with minimal handling wear.
Rarity
Moderate. While he signed many items during his presidency, authentic personal letters from his pre-presidential Governor years to high-profile figures are scarcer and highly desirable.
Overall Assessment
This is a premium-tier presidential autograph due to the specific recipient (Jerry Jones) and the clean, bold nature of the signature. It is a highly desirable piece for both political and sports historians. Highly Recommended.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature displays the characteristic fluid motion, letter formation, and 'W' loop consistent with Bush's mid-90s executive style. The context of a letter to Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys owner) aligns perfectly with his tenure as Governor.
Signature Style
Stylized 'G W Bush' featuring a high-ascending 'G', a looping 'W' that drops below the baseline, and a condensed 'Bush'. It is a formal yet efficient executive signature.
Signature Characteristics
Spontaneous flow; lack of 'shaky' lines associated with forgeries; the 'W' acts as a central anchor with a rhythmic downstroke; the 'sh' at the end of Bush is a quick, rising horizontal flick.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (likely a Sharpie) on high-quality cream bond paper/letterhead. The ink shows natural absorption into the paper fibers without the digital pixelation seen in printed copies.
Item Description
Typed letter on personal or gubernatorial letterhead addressed to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, regarding business or sports expansion in Texas/Mexico. Includes a typed name block below the signature.
Estimated Value
$800.00 - $1,500.00. Letters with significant historical or sports-crossover content (such as a sitting Governor writing to a famous NFL owner) command a premium over standard cards or photos.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified 1994-1996 Texas Governor specimens perfectly, specifically the simplified 'W' loop that he shortened compared to his father (George H.W. Bush).
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'triangle' shape in the upper portion of the 'G' and the fluid connection between the 'W' and 'B'. Autopens were common during his presidency (2001-2009), but less so for personal correspondence in 1995.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication). These are the industry leaders for presidential and crossover sports-related memorabilia.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink shows natural 'start-and-stop' pressure points inconsistent with a stamp or autopen.
Provenance Notes
The recipient (Jerry Jones) is a world-famous figure; a copy of the full letter text or a mailing envelope would further solidify the provenance and value.
Historical Context
Signed in September 1995, during Bush's first year as Governor of Texas. This was a pivotal time for both the Dallas Cowboys (who would win the Super Bowl that season) and Bush's rising political career.
Market Trends
Presidential autographs remain the blue-chip sector of political collecting. Items with 'crossover' appeal (Politics + NFL) are currently trending upward in value.
Investment Potential
Excellent. Handwritten or signed letters to major historical figures are superior long-term holds compared to generic signed photos.
Similar Autographs
George H.W. Bush, Jerry Jones, and signatures of other Texas-affiliated Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson.
Display & Preservation
Frame using Museum Grade UV-Filter glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent the black marker ink from fading or 'browning' over time.
Interesting Facts
George W. Bush was a former part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, making his correspondence with other sports owners like Jerry Jones a natural part of his personal and professional network.
Notes
Signed at the bottom of a letter to Jerry Jones September 18 1995.