Two items: 1) Frank Sinatra’s original State of New Jersey driver’s license for 1944, measuring approximately 4 x 2.25, signed in ink “Frank Sinatra.” The license includes such personal information as address (220 Lawrence Ave in Hasbrouck Heights), age (28), weight (136), height (5 ft. 9 in.), “color” (i.e., race, white), hair (brown) and eyes (blue, naturally). 2) Sinatra’s vintage owned and used bifold wallet, measuring approximately 3.25 x 5, made of snakeskin and leather with 14-kt gold corners and an applied facsimile of his signature on the exterior (presumably also of gold), bearing the maker’s stamp “Sulka, New York” on the interior. 1944 was an especially eventful year for Sinatra, beginning in January with the birth of his son, Frank, Jr. (though “Junior” was actually named “Franklin,” after the president). Exempted from military service because of a damaged eardrum, Sinatra threw himself into the war effort on the home front, touring the country to entertain troops. After Sinatra, an ardent Democrat (though he later changed his party affiliation) sent a letter to FDR, he met with FDR at the White House and pledged his support for Democratic voter drives. His allegiance to Roosevelt, in fact, led to an aggressive smear campaign against him in the right-wing Hearst newspapers, as well as the creation of an FBI file on him after he pleaded for tolerance during nationwide tours to raise funds for housing for returning veterans. All the while, Sinatra’s show-business star continued to rise. In February, columnist Walter Winchell reported that Sinatra’s income from various sources, including a new $1.5 million deal with MGM, made him the highest-paid person in the world. In the same year, Sinatra also launched his own radio show, appeared in the film Step Lively (which included his first on-screen kiss, with Gloria DeHaven), and made Anchors Aweigh (with Gene Kelly; released in the following year). The license and wallet have remained in the possession of the family until the present and have never before been offered for sale. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Frank A. Sinatra, the son of Frank H. Sinatra (1912–1979), first cousin of the legendary performer. The license is in fine condition overall, with light toning and soiling, a somewhat fragile vertical fold (through first name; short edge separations), and expected light handling wear. Apart from only the mildest suggestion of wear from use, the wallet is clean and fine. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
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