The "Duke" name brand as it relates to surfing and the restaurant chain is so ingrained in the fabric of our culture that most people may not realize it is inspired by a real person. "Duke" Kahanamoku from Hawaii was a cultural icon who made a name for himself as the world's most celebrated waterman. At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm Duke won the gold medal in the 100 meter freestyle (as well as silver in the 4x200m relay). But it was his monumental efforts to popularize and legitimize the sport of surfing--spreading its liberating vibes and establishing competitions from Huntington to North Shore to New South Wales---and his acts of heroism--rescuing eight fishermen after their boat capsized off Newport Beach--that further solidified his legendary status. There is a chain of restaurants named after him in California Florida and Hawaii (Duke's of course!). The "Waterman" (as the book and film made about his life are fittingly called) died in 1968 at the age of 77.

Presented here is a splendid large-format photo signed and dated "To Jim | Aloha | Duke | 5-25-66" by Kahanamoku. Interestingly enough the "Jim" he's referring to is none other than the late Jim Murray and hail from the famous sportswriter's estate. The 11x14 black and white photo of Duke looking dapper in his old age has some corner wear and comes with a Beckett LOA.