On the evening of June 4, 1968, a young political item collector, Michael L. Wayne, hitched a ride from Kennedy staffers to the Ambassador Hotel. Seeking an autograph he found his way into the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel. Wayne was a motivated collector, singularly focused on obtaining an autograph of candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Los Angeles Police Department records note that he "managed to stop Kennedy at one point and get his signature on a roll of posters.” The moment was documented by LIFE magazine photographer Bill Eppridge only 15 frames before his iconic image of the slain Kennedy with bus boy that would soon dominate news publications across the globe. The image shows Wayne in action, as a distracted RFK scribbles out what became his final signature, as Kennedy moved towards the Embassy Room to give his victory speech. Wayne remained in the kitchen "attempting to get a Humphry (sic) tie clasp" from a fellow attendee. Determined to obtain another signature Wayne positioned himself for another attempt as RFK exited from his victory speech, but it was not to be. Unbeknownst to either party, the poster Wayne clutched that is presented here, is the very last Robert F. Kennedy autograph, a nearly unfathomable story the likes of which are generational.

In the moments after shots were fired, Wayne attempted to locate a phone desperate to aid the fallen candidate. Unable to do so, he ran toward the Venetian room, poster in tow. Numerous people witnessed a man with a rifle shaped object running through the hotel. Wayne eerily matched the circulating rough description of the shooter that had circulated amongst law enforcement in the chaotic moments as reality set in for those present and was handcuffed during his pursuit for help by a member of hotel security. A photographer snapped a photo of the moment, Wayne in hand cuffs distraught and desperately clutching this poster. He was subsequently interviewed by LAPD, Secret Service and the FBI and cleared of any wrongdoing. His testimony under questioning is peppered with descriptions of other participants wearing campaign paraphernalia & theirs in turn mention his insistence in acquiring said material. His is the story of passionate collector turned accidental participant, the unlikely bystander whose insistence nets a mournful one-of-a-kind artifact.

SPECIFICS: 24.5x37" on thin paper. Classic 1968 campaign poster bearing felt tip marker signature along left lapel as viewed under hopeful, smiling portrait and simple "KENNEDY" lettering in commanding red color. Signed in the moments before entering the Embassy Room at the Ambassador Hotel, shortly after midnight, June 5th, 1968. Shows evidence of being tightly wound, 3" tear at top right of poster, 2" tear to left of longer tear, copper colored toning or staining on verso & edgewear, Fine. Supplementary materials all have moderate handling, VF, and include: 2.5x4" supporter card signed "Michael L. Wayne", 4.75x6.5" (2 "People for Kennedy" promotional mailings in envelopes addressed to Wayne's 1968 residence), 4.25x9.375" (two envelopes from CA "Kennedy For President" campaign addressed as above), accompanying LIFE magazine with Bill Eppridge photos documenting signature of the poster & assorted documentation related to Michael Wayne's involvement in the RFK assassination and chain of custody along with JSA LOA.

Rarely does a political item have documentation within the American consciousness. 8.5 million people received Life magazine in 1968, collectively gazing at Robert F. Kennedy as he signed his last autograph. Note that the placement of the autographs are aligned, the rushed signature corresponding to his distracted gaze. Wayne continued collecting throughout his life, expanding his collection to include music memorabilia. Unpaid debts on his storage locker forced the sale of its contents and this poster was among them. Brian Douglas was the buyer of the unit and subsequently contracted his friend Christopher Chatman of Beyond Records to sell the poster.