Rare original 1948 Chesterfield retail advertising display signed by four of the six players featured: Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Ewell Blackwell. This display has long been considered one of the premier advertising pieces of the era and has always been highly prized by collectors in the fields of baseball, advertising, and tobacco memorabilia. The offered example is especially significant, however, not just because it is the only signed example we have ever seen, but because of what the players have written, and to whom. This piece once resided in the legendary Barry Halper Collection and it was Halper who had each player personally sign it. The advertisement, as one can plainly see, promotes Chesterfield Cigarettes, with four of the players cheerfully puffing on a Chesterfield. When Halper first asked DiMaggio to sign it many years later, in 1987, a time when attitudes toward smoking had changed, DiMaggio felt compelled to write: "Barry - Haven't had one in thirty-six years - Joe DiMaggio 7/7/87." Following DiMaggio's lead, the other players inscribed it in a similar manner. Musial has written "Barry - Gave them up many years ago - Stan Musial 4/19/91," while Blackwell has added "Barry - Quit over ten years ago - Ewell Blackwell 5/4/91." Ted Williams gave the most emphatic rejection of smoking in his inscription, which reads "Barry - I'm going to give the money back - Ted Williams $5,000." Each of the inscriptions has been rendered in blue Sharpie and grades 10/10. The cardboard sign (21x22"; visible dimensions) displays several moderate creases and small edge tears, but the colors remain bold and vibrant. Technically in Good to Very Good condition, but closer to Excellent in its overall appearance. Framed to total dimensions of 23x24". This was one of Barry Halper's favorite pieces and one of several items he chose not to include in the famous sale of his collection at Sotheby's in 1999. It is also the first time it has ever been offered at auction, making it new to the hobby. One point of distinction must be made. This is the original cardboard retail display and should not be confused with the more commonly seen magazine-page advertisement featuring the same design. Given the signatures, it is a unique piece and one that would be the highlight of any advanced baseball advertising or autograph collection. Full LOA from PSA. Please Note: The size and/or weight of this lot will necessitate an increased shipping charge.