SCARCE MLK Signed Time "Man of the Year" Cover - One of Only a Couple Known to Exist!The greatest civil rights leader of the 20th century became the first African-American named Time magazine's "Man of the Year". The January 3, 1964, issue carries a portrait of the youthful King and celebrates his memorable successes of 1963.
Presented here in this special auction offering is the said cover, 8.25" x 11", featuring a distinguished image of King, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To my Friend, Chuck Stone, With Best Wishes and Warm Personal Regards, Martin Luther King, Jr.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 15.5" x 18". In very good condition, with handling wear to borders (most noticeably scuffing to upper left corner); the front cover is still attached to its original back cover by pieces of small clear tape and the back cover has been permanently affixed to the mat. None of this detracts from the overall presentability of this spectacular piece. Only a handful of MLK signed Times covers have been offered for sale, and this particular example is just about the best condition you will find, with the usual obstructing mailing label not present.
Accompanied by terrific provenance in the form of a letter from Chuck Stone's widow (King's friend whom the piece is inscribed to) in which Mrs. Stone recalls how the autograph was acquired, stating in part: "Chuck called Martin and said 'you are on the cover of Time magazine. Please autograph the cover.' MLK said 'well, if I am the cover, maybe you will come work for me.'"
A final solid document of support accompanies the piece in the form of a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.