Invest in the spirit of America
Oh say can you see... A great American investment
Imagine owning part of American heritage. And, even better, getting a great return on it.
We’re offering you the chance to invest in the spirit of America with a collection of people that you may be aware of… Great Americans from George Washington to Muhammad Ali.
We are celebrating the best of America with a truly remarkable and eclectic collection of items from some real American greats.
So, to honour (or should that be ‘honor’) all things red, white and blue, here is what we believe to be the ultimate investment collection of American icons, from stars of the silver screen to pioneers whose influence is still being felt today.
Great American Pioneers
Orville and Wilbur Wright will forever be synonymous with flight after inventing and constructing the world’s first successful airplane in 1904.
We have two pieces available today signed by Orville, the younger of the Wright brothers. There is a hand written and boldly signed bank cheque, but the piece that you will be relishing having on your wall is this awe-inspiring cardstock photograph of the Wright brothers’ first flight, signed by Orville. It’s a fantastic memento of a standout moment from the 20th century.
Arguably the world’s most prolific inventor, Thomas Edison deserves his place alongside other great American pioneers. We have Edison to thank for motion pictures and, most famously, the light bulb.
When you consider that he was working in the 1880s, a time when Dostoevsky and Mark Twain were the key authors and Queen Victoria was on the throne in England, you can really start to appreciate what a great pioneer Edison was.
Genuine signed Edison items are very rare, but we are lucky enough to have a selection of signed photos that we have just bought in. We know that they won’t be in stock long, so act quickly.
Finally, if we are talking about pioneers, we have to pay tribute to the Apollo 11 crew. We have already told you about the investment potential of space memorabilia (and been proved right), so we’re not going to do that again, but we have to share these great items with you.
We have a pair of stunning and rare first day covers marking the moon landings signed by Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and ‘Buzz’ Aldrin.
Click here to see the collection of Great American Pioneers.
American Presidents
Whatever your political standpoint, you have to appreciate the mark made by the people that have held the position of ‘most powerful person in the world’ at one time or another. You certainly have to appreciate their investment potential.
We have individual items from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman and John F Kennedy – the 1st, 16th, 33rd and 35th Presidents of the United States of America, in case you were wondering, and a photograph of Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, signed by all four men.
There is one item that I just have to highlight. I still can’t believe that we actually have this item. This is a photograph of John and Jacqueline’s wedding in 1953, signed and inscribed by both of them. It’s a breathtaking piece and it is so rare to find a photograph signed by both Kennedys, let alone one of this magnitude.
Click here to see the complete collection of American Presidents.
Hollywood Icons
Ever since Hollywood’s first film studio opened in 1911, ‘Tinsel Town’ has been the place where the stars of silver screen shine brightest and America has had more stars than anyone.
It’s impossible to pick a leading man and lady for the generations, but that’s what we have tried to do… From a straw poll in the office, I can tell you that the most famous leading man that Stanley Gibbons employees can think of is… Steve McQueen.
“The King of Cool” McQueen appeared in 39 films, with his most famous turn coming in Christmas favourite, “The Great Escape”. As a style icon, it seems only right that you have the chance to own a pair of jeans worn by McQueen in “The Sand Pebbles”. This is a truly unique item that will astound anyone you show it to.
On to our leading lady… The office has gone for the most obvious choice… Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn appeared in 33 motion pictures. She was beautiful and will always be remembered for her turns in iconic movies of the 20th century as well as her premature and controversial death.
Pay your tribute by owning one of the rare and interesting pieces we have available for this amazing actress.
Click here to see the complete collection of Hollywood Icons.
American Legends of Music
With regards to American music, you have to start with “the King”. Elvis Presley represented so much to so many – rebellion, soul, rhythm, lust, revolution – the man known the world over by his first name is an icon for generations past, present and future.
Sadly, the King is dead, but long live the King… You have the chance of buying into the legend of Elvis with a stunning selection of extraordinary items available today, including this amazing promotional photo dedicated “to Joan”, signed by “the King” himself.
The investment potential of Elvis memorabilia is undeniable. He was a cultural icon who died tragically young, but he was not the only one. Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Holly both died long before their 30th birthdays, but both had a profound impact on American music.
You have the chance to own an extremely rare album page signed by the three original members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and an incredible page of Buddy Holly’s handwritten homework. This one off, in which Holly has written answers to what appears to be a test on early American history, is sold with a beautiful photograph of Buddy Holly and his band. It’s a remarkable piece.
I personally can’t move on from the greats of American music without mentioning Bruce Springsteen. For a while, with the release of his 1984 album ‘Born in the USA’, he was the embodiment of working class America.
Having just turned 60, Springsteen shows no sign of letting up. Indeed, I saw him live last year in London and it was an amazing show. I recommend you do whatever you can to see him live whilst he is still touring. I certainly recommend the incredible item we have available, a book signed by Springsteen and members of his E-Street Band.
Click here to see the complete collection of American Legends of Music.
American Sporting Heroes
The American public has had its fair share of sporting greats over the years. I have decided to limit my selection to just 3 sportsmen. The criteria? They must be acknowledged as the best in their field.
As an added bonus, these three sporting greats were also great innovators, whose fame and standing was not limited to the world of sport.
Muhammad Ali had the confidence, presence and natural good looks of a Hollywood leading man. So much more than “just a boxer”, Ali stood up for his beliefs and became a hero for millions. The fact that he was Heavyweight Champion of the World 3 times and had a near flawless boxing record is almost an aside, but certainly adds to the appeal of Ali memorabilia.
George Herman Ruth, Jr may not sound like he belongs in the same league as Muhammad Ali, but when I tell you that he ranks third on the all time Major League Baseball home run hitters list, you may start to believe me. Of course, you, and the majority of the world, know him as Babe Ruth.
Widely accepted as one of the best baseball players ever, Babe Ruth is certainly a name that springs to most people’s minds when they think of baseball. Genuine items signed by the ‘Hall of Famer’ are very hard to come by, so if you’re a baseball fanatic you really can’t afford to miss out on the only signed photograph we have available.
And finally, an American great who continues to raise the bar in his chosen sport. Did you know that Tiger Woods, the world’s finest golfer and youngest player to ever win the ‘Grand Slam’, is actually the world’s second rarest living signature?
Reason enough to snap up any items as they become available. Look at this signed cap, sold with a certificate of authenticity. You won’t find many of these.
Trust me, this item has great investment pedigree. We have seen the prices of Tiger Woods items rise at auction consistently in the last few years.
Click here to see the complete collection of American Sporting Heroes.
So there you have it. That’s our little tribute to all things American.
I’m sure that you would have included someone else. Who knows, we may just have that American great that you’re interested in, so don’t be afraid to call one of our Investment Advisers on +44 (0)1481 708 270.
Likewise, if you are interested in any of the items in this eclectic collection, please contact us immediately.
Call on +44 (0) 1481 708 270
email investment@stanleygibbons.co.uk
TOLL FREE from the USA 1 866 644 6146
PS. The full collection of American Greats is available as a complete investment. Click here to see the whole portfolio. You may want to build your own portfolio based on your personal interests. Give one of our Investment Advisers a call if you wish to discuss building your own personal investment portfolio.