Timing is everything...

Dear Reader,

They say that timing is everything – which is particularly appropriate for the item that I want to offer you today.

If you are light on your feet and move fast, you have the chance to buy an exceptionally rare handwritten and signed letter from a ‘one of a kind' star.

Recently a collector snapped up a robe worn by this great man in response to one of our e-mails, so we have been searching for something else suitably impressive to offer to you.

You could own a letter handwritten and signed (twice) by Cassius Clay before he adopted the name for which he is now universally known – Muhammad Ali.

The letter comes complete with the original envelope, which is also signed, showing Ali's Louisville address and his amateur record (added at a later date).

Let me tell you why timing is so key to this item…

This letter was written by Clay to a fan named Keith in Ali's first year as a professional boxer. In the letter Ali talks about how he is yet to have some photographs of himself made up. It's hard to imagine such a wonderful self publicist not having photographs of himself to send out to his adoring public.

The timing is key to the fan's request for a signed photo. You see, if he had left it any longer, it is very unlikely that he would have received a handwritten response.

Ali, 19 at the time, had just been featured in an issue of the much heralded and widely read Sports Illustrated. He was just starting to get his first taste of fame – something that he alludes to in the letter, highlighting his need to have some photographs made up.

So, just as with landing a knockout blow, timing is everything when it comes to getting an unforgettable autograph.

Your timing is vital too. Firstly, there is only one of these items available, so you're going to need to be quick if you'd like to add it to your collection.

This is, in fact, the first handwritten letter by Muhammad Ali that we have ever seen.

What's even better is that letters from the great man signed as Cassius Clay (rather than Muhammad Ali) are exceptionally rare. It's the first one we've been able to offer you and it's actually the first one we have ever been made aware of.

And if you're thinking about Muhammad Ali material as an investment then your timing might just be perfect...

According to the Collect Autographs catalogues, the price of a document signed by Muhammad Ali has grown by 98% and a signed Muhammad Ali photograph has jumped in price by 153% in just 2 years. If the market continues to perform like this, now could be the perfect time for you to pick up premium Ali items. Again, it's all about timing.

This letter has just arrived at Fraser's Autographs (you won't even find it on the website yet). There's only one. It is available to you for £15,000.

If you're interested, call our Sales Advisor, Jayne Maggs today on
+44 (0)20 7557 4404 or email her at sales@frasersautographs.co.uk.

You can read the full transcript of the letter at the end of this email, complete with a couple of typos.

The letter is fascinating and its rarity makes it a real trophy piece - but you could add to it with something wonderfully eye-catching.

I am offering you an extra special deal today. As well as the letter, I'm also going to offer you a signed photograph of Muhammad Ali in his later years.

The famous photograph shows a roaring Ali standing over a prone Sonny Liston, almost daring him to get up, after the ‘phantom punch' in their world title fight in May 1965. The photograph is iconic; imagine it on your wall. The photographer's timing was also perfect, capturing the elegance, the power and the arrogance of Ali in one shot.

(Did you know - the fight was held in a small arena in Lewiston, Maine and remains the only heavyweight title fight to be held in the state of Maine. It also holds record for the lowest attendance for a title fight!).

This photograph is available to you for £1250 on its own or just £1000 if you buy it along with the never before seen letter, so the two together will be £16,000.

Get your timing right – Call Jayne today on +44 (0)20 7557 4404 or email her at sales@frasersautographs.co.uk.

Best Wishes,
 
Keith Heddle
Investment Director
Stanley Gibbons Group Plc  

PS. As promised, here is a full transcript of the letter postmarked Louisville, Kentucky, October 18, 1961 for you:

“I received your letter and it was very nice, I hope this letter finds you and your family well, you said that you would like to have a [sic] autographed photo of me. I am sorry but I have not had the time to have some made, but since I am becoming a National none [sic] person, I will have some made to send to my fans, I will have some made and when I do I will see that you get one, and it won't cost you nothing (smile). Your friend, Cassius Clay”.

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