First May Pickup Thread

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Scott,

Glad the Clemente reached you safely and am happy that you are enjoying it as much as I did. It's the earliest one I've ever owned.

Mark,

In response to your query, Clemente used that style of "C" in his early days. However, it should be noted that he would sometimes decide to use it well into the 1960's, but only on the rarest of occasions. In such cases (normally on single-signed balls), you could tell that Clemente was signing the item for somebody who he really liked/respected, as he took great care in crafting his signature to present in the most appealing way possible. There aren't many such examples from the 1960's, but I have seen a small handful. Clemente would also sometimes draw ornate paraphs on either side of his autograph, as well. This variety is absolutely gorgeous and highly coveted by Clemente buffs. It's really sad to view the degeneration of Clemente's signature as demands on his time turned what was once a true work of art into a nearly illegible 45 degree-angled scrawl.