Arnold Palmer finally receives letter from Norman Rockwell via Norb Novocin
When I found out Mr. Palmer, one of my boyhood heroes, won the auction, I was thrilled
Eastern Shore, DE (PRWEB) July 12, 2012
Estate Auctions Inc. is proud to announce the completion of one of their most memorable auctions to date. A one-of-a-kind original hand written letter from Norman Rockwell to Arnold Palmer was acquired through a local auction in Southeast Pennsylvania and then listed on eBay for sale to the highest bidder. The letter was written regarding a portrait Norman Rockwell painted of Arnold Palmer in 1972. The Letter reads as follows: Dear Mr. Palmer, Here is my portrait of you. I worked hard on it and enjoyed the work. I sure hope you like it. Cordially, Norman Rockwell P.S. It still has some undryed paint on it and should not be permanently varnished with fine artists' Mastic Varnish for several months. Please let me know how you like it. N.R.
15 year eBay veteran and Estate Auctions Inc. owner Norb Novocin originally purchased the item to sell on eBay. Anticipating Norman Rockwell collectors would show interest, Mr. Novocin was thrilled with the find, as well as the unexpected bonus discovered on the back of the frame, full documentation explaining why Arnold Palmer didn't receive the letter. After the 10 day auction began on June 22, 2012 the interest was minimal but within a few days the bids increased and the 99 cent starting price was just a formality.
On the final day of the auction it was apparent the final bids were being placed by two collectors, one of which had a special interest in Norman Rockwell. As the final night drew to a close a third (very determined) bidder appeared and after the final bid of $1,925.00 was placed, the auction closed and moments later it was confirmed that Arnold Palmer was the winning bidder.
"When I found out Mr. Palmer, one of my boyhood heroes, won the auction, I was thrilled. The feeling at the end of this auction was unlike any we have ever completed. The fact that after 40 years, a letter as unique as this, with all the circumstances surrounding it and I get to be the one who makes it possible for Mr. Palmer to have this on his wall beside the actual painting done by Norman Rockwell...Wow!" says Norb Novocin, Owner of Estate Auctions Inc. of Delaware.
Arnold Palmer graciously allowed Mr. Novocin to personally deliver the letter and during the visit the full journey of the letter was revealed. As Mr. Palmer and his staff listened to the amazing tale smiles and amazement filled the offices of one of the greatest players in the history of men's professional golf.
The completed auction can still be seen on eBay and if there is ever to be an Arnold Palmer Museum the painting and the letter would most likely be seen there.
To learn more about the Novocins and Estate Auctions, Inc. visit them on eBay, user ID EstateAuctionsInc or follow them on Twitter @KnowsEbay. You can find their new book Getting Sold On Ebay, The Treasure Hunter’s Guide To Making Money at http://GettingSoldOnEbay.com or Amazon.com.