Sam Bass
NASCAR's First Officially Licensed Artist · Sports Art / NASCAR Racing
NASCAR / Hendrick Motorsports / Joe Gibbs Racing
Era
2013 (Contemporary Era)
Item Type
Kasey Kahne Farmers Insurance NASCAR Poster/Print
Condition
Condition: Good/Very Good. Poster shows visible creasing and handling wear near the top edge and surface scuffing. Signature remains clean and bold with no smudging.
Rarity
Lower Rarity. Sam Bass was a prolific signer and a mainstay at tracks for decades; however, demand has increased slightly since his passing in 2019.
Overall Assessment
This is a genuine, bold signature from a legendary figure in NASCAR history. While the poster condition isn't mint, it is a quintessential example of Bass's work and autograph style from his later career.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic (95%+ confidence level). The signature exhibits the fluid, habitual flow of a professional artist, matching verified exemplars in letter formation and its specific year-dating style.
Signature Style
Stylized script; full name including stylized 'S' and 'B' with a circular flourish encompassing the year '2013'. Highly legible and consistent with his artistic branding.
Signature Characteristics
Initial 'S' creates a large base loop. The 'B' is distinct and leads into a flattened 'ass'. The year is enclosed in a tight circle drawn in one continuous motion from the 'B' or 's'.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on a heavy semi-gloss poster paper. Excellent ink saturation with no observable fading or bleeding into the substrate.
Item Description
A Sam Bass illustrated commemorative poster featuring Kasey Kahne's #5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet SS. Includes red, white, and blue patriotic motifs with fighter jets, likely for a Memorial Day or Independence Day race event.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard 2010-2015 era Sam Bass examples perfectly. The horizontal elongation and the circular enclosure of the year are his signature trademarks of this period.
Authentication Tips
Look for the characteristic circular loop Sam used to house the date. His signatures are fast and rhythmic, never shaky. Forgeries are rare as the value is low, but look for 'drawing' movements rather than fluid writing.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. While valid, the cost of authentication may exceed the item's current market value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink pressure and speed are consistent with an authentic hand-signed piece.
Provenance Notes
Sam Bass frequently signed at his gallery in Concord, NC, or at the track. Proof of purchase or a photo from a race weekend signing would enhance value, but the signature itself is highly consistent.
Historical Context
Sam Bass was the most influential artist in NASCAR history, designing paint schemes (notably Jeff Gordon's Rainbow Warrior) and posters that defined the sport's aesthetic for 30 years.
Market Trends
Stable. Since his death in 2019, fans have begun holding onto Bass memorabilia more tightly, leading to a slight floor increase in price for his original prints.
Investment Potential
Low/Moderate focus on sentimental value. While not a high-dollar investment, original Sam Bass signed items are considered 'essential' for NASCAR historians.
Similar Autographs
Kasey Kahne (Driver), Rick Hendrick (Owner), or other NASCAR artists like Garry Hill.
Display & Preservation
Frame under UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the colored inks. Store flat and avoid high humidity to prevent the poster paper from waving or rippling.
Interesting Facts
Sam Bass was a diabetic and faced significant health struggles; he was famous for being exceptionally generous with his time, often staying at his booth until every fan received an autograph.