375 - Nelson and Winnie Mandela Signatures

Nelson and Winnie Mandela Signatures Ballpoint inscription and signatures, "To John Martin, With compliments and best wishes, N. R. Mandela, 2-7-90" and "Winnie Mandela," on a boarding pass for flight EI182 from Dublin to London. In very good condition, with overall creasing and a delicate central vertical fold. The consignor reports that he was on the flight with the Mandelas: "I noticed lots of security and asked cabin crew what was the occasion, to be told Nelson and Winnie Mandela were on board. I was already a huge fan so you can imagine the excitement. I then asked cabin crew to ask for a signature on my business card which he kept and asked for my boarding pass to sign and the rest they say is history. Mr. Mandela also addressed the Irish government and was awarded the Freedom of Dublin five months after being released from jail." The Dublin visit marked an early stop on Mandela’s international 'Freedom Tour' following his release from prison, with Ireland selected in recognition of its strong popular and political support for the anti-apartheid movement. From there, Nelson and Winnie Mandela continued to London, where he was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and address members of the British government.