Summer Slam Collectibles Aug'26
Lot 140:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! Notre Dame Legends Multi-Signed Wilson Official NFL Football featuring Johnny Lattner and Urban Meyer
This is a multi-signed Wilson Official NFL football, featuring two white autograph panels and two traditional brown pebbled panels. The ball bears the stamped signature of NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, dating the manufacture of the ball to the 1989-2006 era. The football is signed in black marker by a diverse group of former Notre Dame athletes and coaches representing multiple eras of the university’s sports history. Key signatures include 1953 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lattner, former head coach Gerry Faust, and three-time national championship head coach Urban Meyer (who served as a Notre Dame assistant from 1996-2000). The collection of signatures also includes Paul Mainieri (former Notre Dame and LSU baseball coach), All-American wide receiver Thom Gatewood (#44), and 1988 National Championship team members Wesley Pritchett (#34) and Frank Stams (#36). Other identified signers include Ryan Leahy, Mike McCoy, Jerry Groom, Jim Leahy, Creighton Miller, Tom Longo, Peter Schivarelli (#68), Greg Mattison, Tony Yelovich, Chuck Lanza, and Tom Krug (#11). Manufacturer marks stamped on the ball include Wilson, Made in USA, H, Inflate 13 LBS, and Official NFL. The item is housed in a clear acrylic cube display case and is accompanied by a handwritten identification key on yellow paper.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
The football is in good display condition. The signatures are generally bold and legible, with only minor instances of fading consistent with age on a few examples. The ball appears to be properly inflated. The acrylic display case is clear with no significant scratches or cracks visible. No third-party certificate of authenticity is present.
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