Ball Lucille

Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Signed I Love Lucy-Era Checks

Two checks, one signed by Emmy Award-winning comedienne Lucille Ball (1911-1989) as "Lucille Ball Arnaz", and one signed by her Cuban-American television costar and real-life husband Desiderio Arnaz (1917-1986) as "Desi Arnaz".

1. Check No. 9245, issued from the Hollywood Main Office of the Bank of America, is signed "Lucille Ball Arnaz" at lower right. Dated February 11, 1959, it paid $199.50 to Ruser Jewels, a Beverley Hills jewelry design firm whose clients included Lana Turner, Joan Crawford, and Marlene Dietrich. The pink check is custom-printed with Ball's name as well as her North Gower Street Hollywood address. Also co-signed by Edwin E. Holly. Perforated and stamped verso. 8.25" x 3.125". $199.50 in 1959 currency is the equivalent of $1,750 in 2019 currency.

2. Check No. 3555 from the Hollywood Office of California Bank is signed "Desi Arnaz" at lower right. The check, dated December 29, 1952, is made out to $35 in cash. The goldenrod colored check is custom-printed with Arnaz's name and professional address. Also cosigned by Andrew G. Hickox. Perforated, stamped, and endorsed by the cashier of Desilu Productions, Lucy and Desi's TV production company. 7.875" x 3".

Lucille Ball co-starred with Desi Arnaz in the wildly successful television series I Love Lucy, which aired between 1951-1957. The two also headed up the Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (1957-1960). Lucy's check dates a little over a year before she filed for divorce from Desi, while Desi's check dates about 14 months after the premier of I Love Lucy.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!