Hope you are having a great week!
I’m searching for the world's greatest collectibles, and exploring the journey of legendary creators and icons.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the last few days -
He had a totally unique combination of skills. The power of a Babe Ruth-type slugger, and the speed of Ty Cobb.
And he was beloved and respected by fans, players and coaches. Willie Mays created his own category.
Spectators said his amazing plays were, “guided by some divine spirit.”
They said, “Willie Mays forged his own era by creating a new standard, the five tool player.”
“With Mays contributing glittering heroics each day with his basket catches, his rubber arm, booming bat, and, most important, his contagious, irrepressible zest...”
-Sportswriter, Grantland Rice, June 1954
It’s the spirit of Victor David Brenner that hooked me into this story.
From nowhere in the middle of Lithuania, immigrated to New York City when he was 19, with nothing but his skills as an engraver that his father taught him.
And created the most reproduced piece of art in world history…
It’s officially the most popular piece of art ever. His engraving of Abraham Lincoln, which was on that coin, has been created over 427 billion times.
And the story of Victor David Brenner is amazing.
“I am delighted,” Mr. Brenner added, “that so much attention has been directed to the new cents. That pleases me, but the taking of my initials off takes half the satisfaction away.”
In late 1946, a classified advertisement in ‘The Times’ caught his eye, offering a “High Class Motor Business” for sale.
The asking price was £30,000, but following negotiations, David Brown acquired the company for £20,500.
Aston Martin famously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1959, after 10 years of struggle. This story didn’t have the ending I was expecting, which made it even more fascinating…
“As we took off, we looked down at the circuit and David’s remark to me was, “Thank God we need never go back to that bloody place again.” -John Wyer
I’m searching for the world's greatest collectibles, and exploring the journey of history's greatest creators.
My search for the full story leads me to the oldest, most obscure sources… rare books, forgotten interviews, and even hand-written letters.
The incredible stories about the amazing people who were driven to create. Against all the odds - to leave their mark.
Let me know what stories you would like to hear next, I’d love any suggestions.
Please subscribe and share this with someone who might enjoy it.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
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