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Freeman’s sale of pop culture and memorabilia on September 3rd auction will feature both contemporary and classic sports, music and entertainment memorabilia, alongside new emerging markets such as Punk and Hip Hop, Designer Toys, and Street Art. This variety of genres will appeal to a broad audience, including movie buffs, sports fans, and urban art enthusiasts alike.
A highlight of the auction is a remarkable two-page letter from Frank Sinatra to Chicago Daily News writer Mike Royko, written after Royko criticized Sinatra and his relationship with the Chicago police. The letter, with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-15,000, was famously penned and copyrighted by Sinatra in May 1976.
Another piece of New York nostalgia sure to bring Manhattanites to the Philadelphia sale room is an autographed baseball signed by seven of the 1927 New York Yankees, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, for $15,000-20,000.
In addition to the letter and baseball, this auction will include more than 310 items from celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and the Beastie Boys, props and costumes from movies like Blade Runner and Terminator 2, and original graffiti art from underground artists. In total, there is something for any fan of current and past movie, music and sporting traditions.
FRANK SINATRA LETTER
Remarkable two-page typewritten and signed letter dated May 4, 1976 on Frank Sinatra stationary to Chicago Daily News writer Mike Royko. The historic letter came in response to Royko’s criticism toward Sinatra and the Chicago police, whom he felt were paying more attention to the superstar than to the citizens of Chicago. Royko also accused Sinatra of punching a man outside a bar. Sinatra hearing about the criticism famously penned this letter, cc’ed Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and others, as well as copyrighted it.
Let me start this not out by saying, I don’t know you and you don’t know me. I believe if you knew me:
First, you would find immediately that I do not have an array of flunkies.
Secondly, neither myself, nor my secretary, nor my security man put in the request for police protection. It is something that is far from necessary.
It’s quite obvious that your source of information stinks, but that never surprises me about people who write in newspapers for a living. They rarely get their facts straight. If the police decided that they wanted to be generous to me, I appreciate it. If you have any beefs with the Chicago Police Force, why not take it out on them instead of me, or is that too big a job for you?
And thirdly, who the hell gives you the right to decide how disliked I am if you know nothing about me. The only honest thing I read in your piece is the fact that you admitted you are disliked, and by the way you write that I can understand that. Quite frankly, I don’t understand why people don’t spit in your eye three or four times a day.
Regarding my “tough reputation” you and no one else can prove that allegation. You and millions of other gullible Americans read that kind of crap written by the same female gossip columnists that you are so gallantly trying to protect; the garbage dealers I call hookers, and there’s no doubt that is exactly what they are, which makes you a pimp, because you are using people to make money just as they are.
Lastly, certainly not the least, if you are a gambling man:
a) You prove, without a doubt, that I have ever punched an elderly drunk or elderly anybody, you can pick up $100,000.
b) I will allow you to pull my “hairpiece”; if it moves I will give you another $100,000; if it does not, I punch you in the mouth, How about it?
Sinatra
Upon receiving the letter, Royko announced he would auction it off, with all money going to the Salvation Army. The winning bid of $400 was submitted by Vie Carlson, and the letter was put on display at the Carlson’s Western Town in Rockford, IL.
Framed with Royko’s original newspaper clippings regarding the letter. A portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Framed, 20 1/2 x 30 in.
Estimate $10,000-15,000
