LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Music & Entertainment #688  / 

31545

Playboy 1st Issue with Letter Signed Hugh Hefner

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Other Start Price:6,750.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Playboy 1st Issue with Letter Signed Hugh Hefner
<B><I>Playboy</B></I></B></I> <B>First Issue With a Letter Signed By Hugh M. Hefner.</B></I> A nice copy of the first issue of <I>Playboy</B></I> is cause enough for excitement, but this offering is also accompanied by a personal letter from founder Hugh Hefner! Having missed the first issue, early collector John Basil wrote to Hugh Hefner, offering $5 for the 50-cent premiere issue. To Mr. Basil's delight, Hef personally responded on November 21, 1955 with a warm letter that stated, "Anyone who would pay $5.00 for the first issue of <I>Playboy</B></I> thinks a good deal of the magazine and deserves to have that issue. I've dug this copy out of our editorial file, especially for you. Consider it a gift." The letter was typed by Janet Pilgrim, a longtime employee of Hefner, and a three-time Playmate of the Month. As Subscription Manager, Ms. Pilgrim personally phoned Mr. Basil later to personally congratulate him when he joined the Lifetime Playboy Club (see following lot).<BR><BR>Hefner's letter was folded and affixed onto the first page of the issue, and the tape holding the letter in place can still be seen. Tape remnants can also be seen at the top corners of the letter. Page 3 of this copy is numbered, unlike the majority of copies of the premiere issue. Overall, the magazine is in Fine condition with a small piece of tape at the bottom of the magazine's spine and some minor staining along the bottom edge of the front cover, which does not extend inside. With the personal letter from Hefner, this copy of the prized first issue becomes truly unique! <I>Accompanied by a COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I><B>Condition Report:</B> Normal signs of wear as appropriate with age. Fine condition with tape at lower left corner (no indication of rip.) There is minor staining at lower front edge, which does not go through to the inside cover.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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