Eleven (11) Signatures / Unsigned Booklet

One of the Chicago Bears' most legendary rosters was that of 1963, when their record stood at 11-1-2 and they defeated the New York Giants to win the NFL Championship Game. Fine pictorial 18-page booklet, "Chicago's Last World Champions: The '63 Bears," reprinted by the Chicago Tribune in 1977. This 4to (8½" X 11") softbound memento reprints a handful of journalist Don Pierson's articles on the team -- and is accompanied by a collection of 10 bold ink signatures on fine, matching heavy stock 5" X 3" cards and one signed photograph. Alphabetically: Doug Atkins (1930-2015), Tom Bettis (1933-2015), Jim Cadile, Larry Glueck, Bobby Joe Green (1936-93), Bob Jencks (1941-2010 -- with lengthy inscription and noting "1963 World Champions"), Ted Karras (1934-2016), Roger Leclerc (1936-2021), Earl Leggett (1933-2008) and Larry Morris (1933-2012). All ten signers date their cards, all but one (1989) in the 1970s. Conditions range from fine to very good. Original transmittal envelopes are present for all but one (Atkins). The single signed photograph is Mike Ditka (born 1939) -- who went on to coach the Bears to their first Super Bowl win in 1986. Glossy 5 3/4" X 4", this color picture postcard shows Ditka in 1988 seated at a table in front of an enormous steak at his trendy Chicago restaurant, message portion on verso bearing a printed greeting. He signs boldly in black fineline alongside his image. A delightful, unusual sampling from almost a dozen members of one of this team's most memorable rosters.