AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a professionally framed, limited edition commemorative sports lithograph titled 'Never Punt' by renowned New Orleans artist Michael Hunt. The piece captures the iconic moment New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked an Atlanta Falcons punt during the first game in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. The artwork is printed on high-quality archival paper and features a double-matted presentation in black and gold, reflecting the Saints team colors. The outer frame is a classic gold-toned wood or composite with beading detail. Notably, the print is hand-signed in ink by both the subject, Steve Gleason (including his jersey number 37), and the artist, Michael Hunt. A limited edition numbering is visible in the lower left corner (noted as 5/200), indicating rarity. The graphical composition includes a 'Never Punt Steve Gleason' header with stars and fleur-de-lis accents in the corners of the inner border. The condition appears to be excellent, with the frame intact and no visible signs of foxing, sunlight fading, or humidity damage to the paper. The craftsmanship represents a high-end sports memorabilia piece intended for collectors, likely produced within the last 10-15 years as part of a charitable or commemorative series.

I have carefully examined the high-resolution images of the 'Never Punt' limited edition lithograph by Michael Hunt. This piece is a significant cultural artifact within the realm of New Orleans Saints history, documenting the iconic 2006 Superdome reopening. Based on my visual inspection, the item is in excellent condition; the archival paper shows no evidence of foxing or UV degradation, and the professional double-matting appears free of acidic 'burn' lines. The signatures by both Steve Gleason and Michael Hunt appear consistent with known exemplars, and the low edition number (5/200) significantly increases its secondary market appeal compared to later open-edition runs. Market demand for Gleason-related memorabilia remains exceptionally strong due to his enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience. Comparable Michael Hunt sports lithographs typically range from $400 to $800, but the addition of a verified Gleason signature and the specific rarity of this early edition elevates the valuation. High-end framing and the inclusion of both subject and artist signatures place this in the upper tier of regional sports art. Note that this appraisal assumes the signatures are authentic and not autopen or printed. Because this is a remote examination, I cannot verify ink depth or the physical integrity of the framing materials. A full authentication would require an in-person inspection of the ink under magnification, a review of a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable source like Hunt Studios or PSA/DNA, and an inspection of the back of the frame for original gallery labels or provenance documentation. Without these, this remains an estimate based on visual representation.