Celtics Legend Bill Russell Help Please

[Tuna82]

This was in a lot of items I bought and though I think the world of the man, I know nothing about his autographs...Any help would be greatly appreciated. It is a personalized book signing which seems like an odd thing to forge but I also know Mr. Russell puts very little value in autographs and crooks will do anything for a buck....

[powderfinger]

While you're right about Russell being a reluctant signer, the book seems alright to me based on the fact that I have a copy of The Russell Rules that I got at a book signing in Milwaukee back in 2001. The line was long and it took forever to get to the table, but that was because Russell was one of the most gracious signers I had ever met. The guy in front of me had the Celtics logo tattooed on his bicep, and when he showed it to Russell, the big guy exploded into that famous laugh of his that was a sheer pleasure to experience up close! I didn't know what to expect going in -- after all, the man famously refused to sign momentos for teammates in the locker room but he could not have been friendlier that afternoon in Mikwaukee. You've got a 100-percent real/legitimate Bill Russell autographed book, as it looks just like mine.

[mr2686]

I'm not a Russell expert by any means, but I do know that Rich Altman has done a number of signings with him and he has several examples on his website. Just doing a real quick look, I think yours is definitely in the ball park. http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/

[Tuna82]

Originally Posted by powderfinger

While you're right about Russell being a reluctant signer, the book seems alright to me based on the fact that I have a copy of The Russell Rules that I got at a book signing in Milwaukee back in 2001. The line was long and it took forever to get to the table, but that was because Russell was one of the most gracious signers I had ever met. The guy in front of me had the Celtics logo tattooed on his bicep, and when he showed it to Russell, the big guy exploded into that famous laugh of his that was a sheer pleasure to experience up close! I didn't know what to expect going in -- after all, the man famously refused to sign momentos for teammates in the locker room but he could not have been friendlier that afternoon in Mikwaukee. You've got a 100-percent real/legitimate Bill Russell autographed book, as it looks just like mine.

Great story and I really appreciate the help!

[Tuna82]

Originally Posted by mr2686

I'm not a Russell expert by any means, but I do know that Rich Altman has done a number of signings with him and he has several examples on his website. Just doing a real quick look, I think yours is definitely in the ball park. http://www.hollywoodcollectibles.com/

I knew he signed for Hollywood and forgot...thanks for the reminder. I am feeling like I got a pretty cool "throw in" for lack of a better word