Jack Kerouac's Personally Owned Vintage Shirt, with Impeccable Provenance

A vintage shirt personally owned and worn by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the famous American writer who brought us On The Road (1957). Provenance: The piece will be accompanied by an estate certification signed by John Shen-Sampas, executor of the Kerouac Estate by descent. John Shen-Sampas is the son of John Sampas, who was the brother-in-law of Jack Kerouac, and the brother of Stella Kerouac, Jack's wife.

Kerouac was nearly 5'9" and had a stocky, athletic build. Judging from his clothes, his head, feet, and legs were larger than average, and he typically wore either L or XL sized clothing. While Kerouac prioritized comfort and practicality over most sartorial considerations, his taste for Bohemian shirts reveals a surprising interest in the latest fashion. The ornately patterned shirt was derivative of early 1960s mod fashion, yet anticipated the counterculture fashion of the 1970s.

The lot includes a "Brent Montgomery Ward" L (41-44) dress shirt, cream with geometric pattern in turquoise and café au lait, with 3/4 length sleeves and a pocket over the left lapel. Unevenly stained on right bosom, else very good to near fine. Approximately 20" wide at the shoulders, 27" long from collar to hem, and with sleeves measuring 27" long.

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.

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