Walter Bond
NBA Professional Basketball Player · Baseball - NBA
Dallas Mavericks
Era
Early career - circa 1993-1995
Item Type
Trading card
Condition
Excellent; card has light edge wear, but the signature is bold with virtually no fading and high contrast against the light background.
Rarity
Moderate; Bond was a role player and is not a common subject for modern professional authentication, though he was accessible to fans during his career.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, well-preserved mid-90s autograph of a notable Mavericks role player; ideal for team historians or 1990s set collectors.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; 95% confidence level based on marker flow and consistency with the card's 1993 release.
Signature Style
Stylized script; features distinct 'W' and 'B' loops with a trailing horizontal stroke on the 'd'.
Signature Characteristics
Strong verticality in the capital letters, high-speed execution, fluid connectors, and a tapered end stroke.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie style); ink shows natural saturation and age-consistent luster.
Item Description
1993-94 Upper Deck NBA trading card, reverse side showing 1992-93 season statistics and biographical text in English and Italian.
Estimated Value
$15 - $40 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified examples from the early 1990s Upper Deck and SkyBox era precisely in slant and scale.
Authentication Tips
Look for the characteristic high loop of the 'W' and the sharp descent of the 'B'. Check for fluid speed without hesitation dots at the start of letters.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication).
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink shows proper transition over the glossy card surface.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained in-person at a game or promotional event; cards from this specific Upper Deck set were frequently used for autographing during the 1993-94 season.
Historical Context
Walter Bond was notable for being the first rookie free agent to appear in an opening-night lineup for the Dallas Mavericks.
Market Trends
Stable; value is driven by team collectors (Mavericks/Jazz/Pistons) and 90s basketball completionists.
Investment Potential
Low; primarily a sentimental or completionist piece rather than a high-growth financial asset.
Similar Autographs
Jim Jackson, Jamal Mashburn, Derek Harper signed memorabilia.
Display & Preservation
Store in a PVC-free recessed holder (one-touch) or a top-loader with a penny sleeve to protect from surface scratches and UV light.
Interesting Facts
Bond later became a successful motivational speaker and author, often signing books with a similar but slightly more evolved signature.