Baltimore Colts Memorabilia Appraisal

Johnny Unitas Autographed Black and White Photo from Golden Arm Restaurant

This item is a black and white photograph featuring legendary NFL quarterback Johnny Unitas in his playing uniform, posed in a throwing motion. The photograph, likely printed on thick matte or semi-gloss photo paper, has dimensions consistent with an 8x10 inch print, with a white border framing the image. Unitas is depicted wearing his iconic high-top cleats, striped socks, and his jersey number, '19', is partially visible on his shoulder. The background appears to be an outdoor setting, possibly a practice field, with a blurred sky and some sparse trees, suggesting an authentic candid or staged action shot rather than a studio portrait. The most significant feature is the prominent blue ink autograph across the lower-center portion of the image. The inscription reads 'To Susie, Best Wishes, Johnny Unitas'. The autograph is bold and clear, indicating good ink flow and possibly a dedicated signing session. Below the photographic image, within the white border, is a printed logo for 'Johnny Unitas' Golden Arm Restaurant', with 'RESTAURANT' written in smaller text beneath. This branding suggests the photograph may have been distributed as a promotional item from Unitas's business venture, possibly during the mid-20th century, consistent with his playing career and 'Golden Arm' nickname. The overall condition appears excellent, with no visible creases, tears, or significant discoloration. The white border is clean, and the image itself retains good contrast, typical of a well-preserved vintage photograph. The sharp detail in Unitas's face and uniform, along with the crispness of the autograph, indicate high-quality printing and careful handling over time. This item represents a piece of sports memorabilia, valuable for both its historical significance and the personal inscription from a revered athlete.