Bidspirit auction | Superman Metropolis Certificate + George

Superman Metropolis Certificate + George Ryan Pins - From the estate of George H. Ryan.     ”Superman of Metropolis Award” certificate (1972 National Periodical Publications, Inc copyright), naming George H. Ryan Secretary of State of Illinois as a ”Superman of Metropolis” on 26 April 1997. Signed by ”Clark Kent”, Charles Taylor (President of the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce) and Mayor of Metropolis Beth A. Clanahan. Lower left has foil impressed corporate seal of Metropolis Certificate measures 11” x 14”. Edges show browning, wear, and some tears.     This lot also includes two of Governor Ryan's business cards, two Secretary of State pins, two governor's pin, and two 1999 inauguration pins.     This certificate serves as something of the ”Key to the City” of Metropolis, Illinois, a town in far southern Illinois that is the adoptive home of the legendary Superman. While early certificates were signed by the creators of Superman (and an actor who played him), this iteration is instead signed by the real president of the chamber of commerce, and the real mayor. George Ryan was the Illinois Secretary of State in 1997, and would be elected governor of Illinois in 1999.