The Billionaire Collection
Rare Howard Hughes Signed 1954 Purchase of RKO Pictures Contract: “Do the impossible...”
$6,700.00
“Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies.” -Howard Hughes
His wealth was legendary. One of the richest men of his time. He’s been described as one of the most amazing, eccentric, intriguing, and controversial figures of the twentieth century. Howard Hughes was the billionaire head of a giant corporation, a genius inventor, a handsome playboy, a film director, producer, political insider, Las Vegas kingpin, and ace pilot. Ultimately he was a fascinating and complex man.
Born on December 24, 1905, in Houston, Texas to a successful oil-drill tool manufacturer. At 18yrs old he took over his family business in 1923.
Early on he had a huge passion for movies and began producing several films, including the World War I epic Hell's Angels (1930), which featured the most expensive aerial fight sequences in history, also Scarface (1932), and The Outlaw (1941). He purchased RKO Pictures, who had huge films at the time like “Citizen Kane” and “King Kong.” During his days in Hollywood, Hughes developed a reputation for being a playboy, dating actresses Katharine Hepburn, Ava Gardner and Ginger Rogers.
Hughes also developed an immense passion for flying and founded his own aircraft company. He also risked his own life several times testing planes and setting world air-speed records in the mid-to late 1930s. He is credited with many aviation innovations, such as the first retractable landing gear, and is also remembered for his massive H-4 Hercules, which the press nicknamed the Spruce Goose. The largest plane ever built at the time. Hughes also purchased controlling interest in “TWA” Airlines and later sold it for over $500 Million.
Because of Howard Hughes’ reclusive nature, his signature is virtually nonexistent. He didn’t sign much but when he did he was usually buying something big which is the case with this amazing single page document, dated March 31, 1954, originally part of a larger contract to purchase RKO Pictures. This beautifully executed signature, just above his signature line, has been hand signed by Hughes in blue ball pen, “Howard R. Hughes.”
Next to this incredible contract we’ve included an original antique “Time” Magazine, that perfectly compliments the document. This rare magazine is dated July 19, 1948 and colorfully features an illustrated Howard Hughes on the cover, and is titled “Money + Brains = Fun (sometimes)”
Below the document and magazine we've included a quote from Hughes that speaks to most entrepreneurs, and to Hughes’ constant battle to show the critics that he could create and do unbelievable things.
“Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies.” -Howard Hughes
All of this is beautifully framed in our hand built, contemporary, wide frame, enhanced with professional white matting.
As with all of our works, every piece is original. Only the highest quality materials have been used in the assembly of this item. Sourced from the best manufacturers around the world, we build every frame tailored specifically for the item it will hold. Protected with 99% UV museum quality glass, and carefully crafted with acid free paper whenever possible. Our premium wood moldings are cut using the newest technology and every single piece is assembled and inspected by our team here in Los Angeles.
All autographs have been authenticated by third party experts from the top authenticators in the country, and notarized certificates of authenticity are included in a black leather portfolio. Copies of the original authentications are kept on file with Billionaire Collectibles and can be retrieved by the original purchaser.
We stand 100% behind all of our works of art, and offer a lifetime guarantee on every piece, for as long as you own it.
