Versatile Native American athlete (1887–1953), widely regarded as the finest all-around athlete of the twentieth century, who won two Olympic gold medals and excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. His Olympic medals were stripped from him for an ostensible violation of the amateur status rule (Thorpe had earlier played minor-league baseball) but were posthumously restored to him in 1983. Printed admission ticket to a Jim Thorpe Dinner at Carlisle Barracks Mess [Pennsylvania], 3 x 2, January 26, 1950, signed in blue ink, “Jim Thorpe.” By 1950, Thorpe was destitute and nearly penniless; when he underwent surgery for lip cancer in the following year, he was admitted to the hospital as a charity case. In very good condition, with light scattered soiling, very faint staining, and partial, unobtrusive bends. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
