2010 April Signature Sports Memorabilia Auction
| Sale Number: | 717 |
| Location: | Heritage Auctions - Dallas 3500 Maple Ave 17th Floor Dallas, TX 75219 |
| Auction Date: | April 22nd at 10 PM CT through April 23rd |
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Session 1
Non-Sport Cards
1887 G20 Allen and Ginter "The World's Champions" Advertising Banner. With gorgeous Victorian-era lithography and portraiture featuring an intriguing assortment of 19th century sporting legends, the N28 Allen & Ginter "The World's Champions" set is considered one of the true masterpieces of the early trading card hobby. Among the baseball stars pictured are eventual Cooperstown fixtures Cap Anson, John Clarkson, Charles Comiskey, Tim Keefe, Mike "King" Kelly and John Ward. John L. Sullivan anchors the roster of bare-knuckle pugilists, while "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Annie Oakley provide firepower for the gun enthusiast. Rowers, wrestlers and billiards players help to round out the cast of fifty names. The historical significance of the set as one of (if not the very) first to exclusively feature athletic subjects needs no further explication.
In an indication of the scarcity of the N28 issue, it should be noted that just eight completed sets have been entered into the PSA Set Registry. Though as uncommon as the sight of the full complement of fifty cards may be, such a collection is rendered downright ordinary in contrast to the images of these fifty cards as pictured upon the presented advertising poster produced to build consumer enthusiasm for the collecting process. Posters such as these would have adorned the walls of the local cigar shop back during the presidency of Grover Cleveland, encouraging smokers to puff their way toward fulfillment of the set.
While Heritage has had the good fortune of presenting other advertising posters from the Allen & Ginter family at auction, this offering marks the first appearance of the "World's Champions" representation, unquestionably the most coveted of the group. While the prospects of survival for a 16x28" poster crafted from lightweight paper well over a century ago were slim, the presented example has endured the passing decades remarkably well. As our catalog imagery will indicate, the majority of wear is confined to the golden borders of the poster, with small tears repaired with vintage tape on verso in some cases. Chipping at upper edges will likewise be apparent. Verso is age-toned with apparent adhesive residue, suggesting that the poster had been mounted at some point. A scattering of very small, unobtrusive holes, and light scratching within the central image of the poster cause little distraction. Heritage offers the poster in its original condition as found, though we note that a rather simple professional restoration job could effectively return the poster to a NRMT appearance. With stunning visuals and "hen's teeth" rarity, this is a poster which commands the rapt attention of the true collecting connoisseur. The physical embodiment of the nostalgist's lament, "They sure don't make them like they used to."
In an indication of the scarcity of the N28 issue, it should be noted that just eight completed sets have been entered into the PSA Set Registry. Though as uncommon as the sight of the full complement of fifty cards may be, such a collection is rendered downright ordinary in contrast to the images of these fifty cards as pictured upon the presented advertising poster produced to build consumer enthusiasm for the collecting process. Posters such as these would have adorned the walls of the local cigar shop back during the presidency of Grover Cleveland, encouraging smokers to puff their way toward fulfillment of the set.
While Heritage has had the good fortune of presenting other advertising posters from the Allen & Ginter family at auction, this offering marks the first appearance of the "World's Champions" representation, unquestionably the most coveted of the group. While the prospects of survival for a 16x28" poster crafted from lightweight paper well over a century ago were slim, the presented example has endured the passing decades remarkably well. As our catalog imagery will indicate, the majority of wear is confined to the golden borders of the poster, with small tears repaired with vintage tape on verso in some cases. Chipping at upper edges will likewise be apparent. Verso is age-toned with apparent adhesive residue, suggesting that the poster had been mounted at some point. A scattering of very small, unobtrusive holes, and light scratching within the central image of the poster cause little distraction. Heritage offers the poster in its original condition as found, though we note that a rather simple professional restoration job could effectively return the poster to a NRMT appearance. With stunning visuals and "hen's teeth" rarity, this is a poster which commands the rapt attention of the true collecting connoisseur. The physical embodiment of the nostalgist's lament, "They sure don't make them like they used to."
Baseball Cards
Circa 1887 Waltermire-Keith Lincoln Nebraska Team With Jake Beckley SGC 30 Good 2. Jake Beckley's career as a professional player began when he and Harry Staley were purchased by the Pittsburgh Alleghenys in 1888. In 1890 he went to the Pittsburgh Burghers of the newly formed Players League. Beckley would spend the next decade playing for Pittsburgh, New York, Cincinnati and St. Louis before retiring in 1907. His 2,930 lifetime hits was second only to the revered Cap Anson. Jake was honored with an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. Beckley played for Leavenworth in 1886 and went with Park Swarzel (also pictured) to the Lincoln Tree Planters of the Western League in 1887. That year the Tree Planters played to a 62-34 record to finish second. He played briefly for St. Louis in the Western Association in 1888 before going pro. The offered 6-7/16 x 4-3/16" cabinet card is a rare relic of an obscure league and team who by chance included a future Hall of Famer. Players depicted are Seibel, Miller, Hart, Swartzel, Brown, Beckley, Toohey, Herr, Hoover, Hall, Lange, Dolan, Rowe and Shafer. The card presents at an impressive excellent with only minor wear. The image area has some slight soiling and one approx. ΒΌ" crease in the paper seemingly before being pasted to the thick card mount. Advertising for Waltermire Studios and Keith Bros. distributors is clearly imprinted along the top and bottom. The SGC assessment is based solely on a "29856" pencil notation on the reverse. A rare and historic collectible few have seen before.
Circa 1887 F. Gutekunst Cabinet Photo Louis Biebeuer (?). Offered is a very scarce circa 1887 cabinet card of a Philadelphia Athletics player identified as "Bauer" and "2nd base" on the reverse. To the best of our research we have been unable to find a "Bauer" from that team but we did find "Louis Bierbauer" who played 2nd base for the Athletics that season. based on the few photos we have been able to find we are confident this is Bierbauer but can not confirm to 100% certainty. It is because of the lack of 100% identification that SGC would not slab the card. They have confirmed that the card is unaltered and could receive a numerical grade. The card itself is in close to excellent condition with some light surface soiling, clipped corners, pencil notation on the reverse and the hand written "Bauer" notation in black ink on the front. That large brown area in the upper right is in the photo. The central image has some fading but his cap, face and collar areas have retained nice contrast and detail. A rare 19th century portrait of a relatively obscure player.
1887 N172 Old Judge John Clarkson SGC 40 VG 3. This Hall of Famer and 300 game winner intended to pitch the 1895 season for St. Louis but retired instead, deciding to close out his career with a Cleveland Spiders team featuring Cy Young, Buck Ewing and Jesse Burkett. The offered N172 Old Judge of a fielding Clarkson has minor condition issues like some surface soiling or stains (reverse). The most notable is some wrinkles affecting the reverse. The "Stretching up/left, hands head high" pose has a full range of values and nice detail.
1887 N172 Old Judge Tom Deasley, Throwing-Hand at Neck SGC 60 EX 5. Tom Deasley played for eight seasons and batted a mere .244 lifetime. His lack of home runs (he never hit even one) meant he was never bound for glory and acclaim. His playing status contradicts the fact that he appears no fewer than 14 times in the comprehensive N172 Old Judge series. It seems the camera liked him more than the ball field. The card is pose #0426 - Throwing, right hand neck high (121-12) and has little to criticize. The corners have light wear and some soiling exists on the reverse. The low-contrast image is decent with good detail.
1887 N172 Old Judge Jay Faatz PSA EX-MT 6. Very strong high end N172 of Cleveland infielder Jayson "Jay" Faatz. Faatz appears three ways in the N172 edition, this is his "Bat at 30 degrees pose" (150-2). Physically, this is a great 120+ year old collectible with a semi light image which has retained some detail.
1887 N172 Old Judge Lev Shreve PSA EX-MT 6 - Pop 1 Highest Grade Known. The only example to grade this high with none higher! Physically impressive card with some slight toning and just some light corner wear.
1887 N172 Old Judge Mike Sullivan, Athletics PSA EX-MT 6 - Pop 1, Highest Grade Known. This card stands alone as the finest recorded copy of only three submitted to PSA. A much better hitter, Sullivan had a thankfully brief career as his fielding abilities had much to be desired. A physically sound card with a light image.
1887 N172 Old Judge Larry Twitchell PSA EX-MT 6. One of only two at this grade level with one higher. Nice high end physically superior card with a slightly faded image.
1888 A35 Goodwin Round Album Page of Charles Comiskey. The Goodwin Co. awarded a 12-page lithographed album as a premium to smokers of Old Judge and Dog's Head brands. Intact albums are extremely rare but the production of this album was so high quality that single pages are offered individually and gladly accepted by hobbyists. This 8" circular page made of thin card stock features Hall of Famer Charles Comiskey long before he was owner of the Chicago White Sox. The reverse of page shows various stats from the 1888 season and very slight staining, possible evidence of being glued into an album and one short tear into the left of the binding hole (as issued).
1888 N162 Goodwin "Champions" Cap Anson PSA EX-MT 6. The 50-card "Champions" edition is certainly one of the best tobacco card productions of the 19th Century with a sports theme. Featuring an array of athletes from various sporting endeavors, none are more sought after than the eight baseball players and the undisputed key subject is Chicago 1st Baseman Adrian "Cap" Anson. The offered example is bright and clean with minor condition issues including varying degrees of corner/edge wear and less than precise centering. Anson was a prominent member of the 19th Century baseball community and the N162 which bears his portrait is one of his best cardboard keepsakes.
1887 N184 Kimball "Champions" SGC-Graded Collection (16) With J.L. Sullivan. This series of "Champions of Games and Sports" was the Kimball & Co. response to the Allen & Ginter series of the same multi-sport theme. This set has much more color and creativity in design and a century later lacks the same availability in supply as the A&G cards have. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, Casey and Jordan; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Smith/Tagline and Warren/Tagline; SGC 40 VG 3: 8 cards, Beardsley, Cardiff, Ferrell/Tagline, Myers/Tagline, O'Leary/Tagline, Page, Rowe/Tagline and Stewart/Tagline; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, McLaughlin/Tagline and Sullivan-Pugilist/Tagline; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, Blatt/Tagline; SGC 10 PR 1: 1 card, Warren/Tagline.
Uncatalogued 1888 Stevens Art Studios Duke Farrell SGC 40 VG 3. Currently, the Stevens Studio Cabinet cards which feature players of the Chicago White Stockings and Pirates are dated to 1890. This card of Duke Farrell might change that as it clearly has a printed date of "1888" on the mount. Based on what we know currently, the reverse "Stevens Art Studio" design is found on the cards from the "White Stockings" series. Farrell played for the White Stockings in 1888 and 1889 but did in fact play for the Chicago Pirates of the Players League in 1890. The exact date aside, the 4-1/8" x 6-3/8" cabinet card is 100% a 19th Century item and has a crisp, well-detailed image with only light soiling and wear to surfaces and edges. The technical grade seems strict in our opinion. Regardless of condition, this is a very rare 19th Century collectible, currently uncatalogued and the only example of which we are aware.
Circa 1888 Marceau & Power Cabinet Henry Boyle SGC Authentic. Henry Boyle pitched for only five years and has some odd stats to show. In 1886 he went an abysmal 9-15 but had an impressive 1.76 ERA. In his last season he actually won 21 games, but lost 23 in the process. This 5-1/16" x 6-5/16" cabinet card has been slabbed SGC Authentic due to the right and top edges being trimmed. Henry is clearly named on the mount which has a few areas of adhesive(?) staining, two clipped corners and "Traitor Boyle" written on the reverse. The photo itself is only mildly affected by condition issues. Henry's image is sharp and clear with good detail and contrast. A attractive example of an obscure player from a rare 19th Century entry.
1890 Waldon-Smith Cabinet John Clarkson SGC Authentic. Extremely scarce Circa 1890 G. Waldon-Smith Studios cabinet card of Boston star pitcher John Clarkson. From 1885 to 1889 Clarkson won an exhausting 209 games but would be retired just five years later. During that historic span, his "worst" showing was the 33 wins he posted in 1888. By the time he retired in 1894 John had pitched over 4,500 innings and won 328 games. This rare 4-3/16" x 6-5/16" Clarkson collectible, aside from the clipped corners, has just a few condition issues, the worst being a small chip into the top edge. On the clean, blank back are the words "Copyrighted 1889" written in ink along the bottom. The front has the name "John L. Clarkson" noted in the bottom border area under the actual photo and shows general overall age toning plus some obvious staining. The central image is moderately affected and has retained sharp detail in the face. A faint "Boston" is still visible across his chest. A rare 19th Century collectible of one of the era's top performers.
1899-1900 M101-1 Sporting News Supplements Jimmy Collins BGS 1. This supplement series appeared during the critical era at the turn of the century when few insert card sets were produced. The 10"x 13" thin paper additions to issues of "The Sporting News" were made on glossy but very thin paper making high grade, wrinkle and crease free copies all but impossible to find today. This attractive example of Hall of Famer Jimmie Collins appeared Sept. 2, 1899 and has been graded BGS Poor 1. Although it does have creasing it shows but one short edge rip (usually there are several) and no taped repairs (another common occurrence for collectible this size). For the lack of major condition issues and strong visual appeal we must say the technical grade seems overly critical. A scarce collectible well over 100 years old.
19th Century Sports Theme Cigar Box Labels Pair (2) With John L. Sullivan and Ewing. Offered is a very rare pair of 19th Century cigar box labels showcasing top athletes of the era including New York pitcher Buck Ewing and Wild West celebrity Wild Bill Cody. The pair includes: 1) A 8" x 4-3/4" lid from a cigar box advertising "Big Run" brand cigars. Shows colorful graphics of various athletes and accomplishments. Presents VG/EX with wear to large tax stamp and border treatment; 2) A 9-7/8" x 6" thin paper label titled "Champions." The eight pictured athletes include Bill Cody, John L. Sullivan (pugilist) and Buck Ewing. Condition issue like tears (one shows a taped repair) and creases but none affect central graphics. Technically FR but visually impressive with great display value.
1902-11 W600 Sporting Life Honus Wagner - Uniform SGC 50 VG/EX 4. An exquisite Carl Horner photograph of the Hall of Fame shortstop acts as the centerpiece of this extraordinary 5-1/4" x 7-1/2" collectible. The dignified likeness is the same source employed on Wagner's famed T206 appearance, a storied piece with which this large and impressive cabinet unarguably holds a highly elevated level of rarity. This version depicts Wagner in uniform with a "John Wagner" caption, a less common variation (the other being John "Hans" Wagner). The hobby is indebted to the Sporting Life for producing these spectacular treasures. The portrait seems all too appropriate for upholding the regality needed to be one of if the most revered portraits in the hobby. As befits an awe-inspiring relic, this copy holds "1 of 1" distinction, standing close to the top of just four examples graded to date. It must be emphasized that this cabinet's Horner presentation of Wagner is close to perfection, having maintained dramatically sharp fidelity. A trio of very short surface impressions and light amounts of wear to corner tips is all that suggests the passage of the past century. The wear is superficial as corners remain fundamentally sound. The premium's grade accounts for these two elements as well as the almost wholly unobtrusive stain in the lower left corner. The back remains free surface damage or any ink/pencil notations so commonly found with this issue. Truly a premier item worthy of being revered among even within the most advanced collections.
1903 E107 Breisch-Williams Eddie Plank SGC 10 Poor 1. The E107 series was the only comprehensive set of baseball cards to appear between the N300 Mayos of 1895 and the dawn of the golden age of 20th Century cards which began in earnest in 1909. Because of when they appeared, the E107 set includes stars of both the 19th and 20th Century periods. The offered card is of Hall of Fame pitcher Eddie Plank of the Philadelphia Athletics. Plank was a durable lefty who made his debut in 1901. Upon retirement, Eddie would be the first lefty in baseball history to win 200, then 300 games. His 326 victories ranks him third on the all-time list for left-handed pitchers. The in-uniform but very formal portrait is the work of Carl Horner. This iconic image would be the basis for "Gettysburg" Eddie's renowned T206 card and his E95 Phil. Caramel card. This example is one of only eight graded by SGC. Soiling, creases and corner wear earn it a SGC 10 PR 1 grade and one can easily read "One of a hundred and fifty prominent Baseball players" on the reverse. Condition aside, this is a key subject one of the most historically significant productions in the hobby.
20th Century Baseball SGC-Graded Grab Bag Collection (138) - With Many Stars and HoFers! Offered is a really fun collection of 138 different baseball cards covering the evolution of a half-century of card production. Every card is SGC graded and they feature an extended list of stars and Hall of Famers from 20 different sets. Quality is also offered as much of the collection grades from 50 VG/EX to 88 NM/MT. This is just a short list of highlights. Includes: 1906 Fan Craze (5); 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders (5) - w/Mathewson-Bridwell; 1913 National Game (1) - Mack; 1914 Polo Grounds (1); 1934 Gold Medal Flour (9) - w/Frisch and Cochrane; 1936 Goudey (3) - w/Cochrane and Klein; 1936 S & S Game (26) - w/Ott, Cuyler, Hubbell and Traynor; 1938 Goudey (7) - w/#249 Foxx; 1939-46 Exhibits Salutations (2) - w/ Ted Williams/#9 Not Showing; 1941 Play Ball (4) - w/Vaughn and Keller; 1949 Remar Bread (12); 1950 Remar Bread (17); 1950-56 Callahan Hall of Fame (6) - w/Chance, Grove and Wagner; 1951 Topps Teams (6); 1951 Topps All-Time All-Stars (1) - Tris Speaker; 1951 Topps Red Back Panels (10) - w/Irvin, Wynn, Spahn and Snider; 1952 Red Man (4); 1954 Red Heart (7) - w/Ashburn and Martin; 1955 Topps Double Headers Unperforated (8) - All SGC 92 NM/MT+ to SGC 86 NM+ 7.5; 1961 Golden Press (3) - w/Bender, Cochrane and DiMaggio. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
Very Rare C. 1907 Schumann Studios Cubs vs Tigers World Series Real Photo Panorama Post Card. An absolute first time seeing one for this hobbyist is this 11" x 3-1/2" panorama format real photo post card showing a scene of a packed West Side Park between the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers from the 1907 or 1908 World Series. The image is credited to A.J.Shumann and although a note which reads, "Tekla (?), I hope Detroit is over it by this time. Chicago is just about coming to. Fred" written on the reverse but has not been sent through the mail. In the photo is the copy "World Series, Cubs-Vs-Tigers, Chicago, IL." and "27,000 people." Our research shows the attendance closest to that number (assuming it is close to accurate) was the 24,000+ who saw Game 1 of the 1907 Series possibly setting the scene as being from that game. The post card presents very nicely with a pair of creases in the upper left corner area and only little corner wear of note. A rare gem particularly for the post card and Chicago Cubs specialist.
Rare C. 1907 Schumann Studios "Cubs vs New York" Real Photo Post Card. This real photo postcard is the first example we have ever seen, let alone offered at auction. The scene is pre Wrigley Field in Chicago and is identified in the image "Cubs vs New York, Nat. League Ball Park, Chicago" along the top. Physically, the card is in excellent+ condition but receives its technical grade of SGC 20 Fair 1.5 for the hand writing on the reverse. The reverse also clearly notes the "A.J. Schumann" name. There is no postmark and we are speculating on the "1907" date based in the companion piece found with this rarity - the panoramic style real photo post card of the same maker and theme offered elsewhere in this auction.
1907-09 PC 805 Novelty Cutlery Art Devlin SGC 50 VG/EX 4. To date, only two examples have been graded by SGC and both have been judged 50 VG/EX 4. So far less than 50 total Novelty Cutlery postcards have been graded by SGC with not one subject showing a total population over four. This very scarce copy of New York Giants' Art Devlin has no major condition issue and only a small amount of corner crinkling accounts for the technical grade.
1907-09 Novelty Cutlery Roger Bresnahan SGC 50 VG/EX 4. To date, only three total examples have been graded by SGC and only one by PSA. The SGC pop report shows this being one of a pair at this grade with only one higher. This is one of the most difficult 20th Century Bresnahan collectibles. The slight wrinkling in one corner is the only condition anomaly of note. Striking "EX" appearance.
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Ty Cobb SGC 30 Good 2. Issued with sticks of caramel candy, the E90-1 set was produced by the American Caramel Co. from 1909 though 1911, with the bulk of the set being released in the first year. Ty Cobb captured the AL Triple Crown in 1909 and was a unanimous choice for MVP of the American League in 1911 after posting a .420 batting average for the season. The offered card displays no diamond cut along with no creases, wrinkles of surface loss. A bright and clean example, corner wear accounts for the technical grade.
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Ty Cobb PSA VG-EX 4. Issued with sticks of caramel candy, the E90-1 set was produced by the American Caramel Co. from 1909 though 1911, with the bulk of the set being released in the first year. Ty Cobb captured the AL Triple Crown in 1909 and was a unanimous choice for MVP of the American League in 1911 after posting a .420 batting average for the season. The offered card displays a severe diamond cut at top border, but rates higher than average in every other regard.
1909 E90-1 American Caramel Joe Jackson SGC 60 EX 5. We are proud to offer the true rookie card of the infamous slugger. While his exploits with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox are well-known, few realize that Jackson actually got his start in the big leagues with Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's in 1908. It is astounding that the American Caramel Company included Jackson in their 120 card issue as the much larger tobacco issues of the same years did not feature the young slugger. Jackson only played in 5 games each year before being sent to Cleveland for the 1910 season.
This is one of the most highly prized cards in our hobby. Not only are E90-1 American Caramel cards much more difficult to find than their tobacco counterparts, but Jackson is a particularly difficult card within the set, especially in collectible condition. Like most caramel cards, this one is composed of fragile stock that would have been next-to-impossible to preserve under anything less than optimal conditions. A glance at SGC's Population Report proves that point. Of the 49 examples that have passed through the grading room at SGC, only three have graded higher than the offered example and this one of only three to achieve the highly-desirable grade of "60 EX 5." This is a relatively strong example for this card with no creasing whatsoever, bold colors and limited corner wear for the grade. In addition, the lips of Jackson typically have registration issues, but on this cardboard treasure, the print is perfectly on line. The offered piece holds up admirably well among its excruciatingly limited demographic.
This is one of the most highly prized cards in our hobby. Not only are E90-1 American Caramel cards much more difficult to find than their tobacco counterparts, but Jackson is a particularly difficult card within the set, especially in collectible condition. Like most caramel cards, this one is composed of fragile stock that would have been next-to-impossible to preserve under anything less than optimal conditions. A glance at SGC's Population Report proves that point. Of the 49 examples that have passed through the grading room at SGC, only three have graded higher than the offered example and this one of only three to achieve the highly-desirable grade of "60 EX 5." This is a relatively strong example for this card with no creasing whatsoever, bold colors and limited corner wear for the grade. In addition, the lips of Jackson typically have registration issues, but on this cardboard treasure, the print is perfectly on line. The offered piece holds up admirably well among its excruciatingly limited demographic.
1909 E97 Briggs Cy Young-Boston SGC 40 VG 3. Offered is a visually pleasing example of the key player from the E97 Briggs series. The set was not particularly popular among collectors of the day as it only included three Hall of Fame players which may explain why it is very difficult to find them today. There are two versions of Cy Young in the set, on which his team affiliation is cited as either "Boston, Nat'l" or "Cleveland Amer." and the offered card's caption states the former. Particularly astute collectors will recognize that the image on the piece actually pictures Irv Young, a left-handed pitcher from the time. This card's corners exhibit light rounding with some surface chip on the upper right corner and along one brief segment along the top border; A slight wrinkle goes across the reverse at the level of "Birmingham." For a 100 year old piece of thin card stock and ink it retains strong colors and is well preserved. This is a nice chance for one lucky collector to place this tough Hall of Fame single into their collection.
1909 E101 'Set Of 50' Christy Mathewson SGC 30 Good 2. The stunning colors and professional composition of this the Matty horizontal pose is a hobby classic. No fewer than eight different hues combine to give us a timeless portrait of the pitching legend. This scarce E101 caramel card has a few different condition issues but none are significant distractions. A nicely centered example with visual appeal well above the anticipated level for the grade.
1909-13 M101-2 Sporting News Complete Set (100). Are you thinking you misread the title? No, you didn't. After going through our data base and print catalog collection we can say that this is the first time a complete set of M101-2 Sporting Life premiums has been offered at public auction. A few have come close but never complete. Each premium has been glued to an album page along the top and almost all have the "Coming..." ad which announced the next premium pasted to the back. The lineup is beyond compare. Included are Young/Criger, Mathewson, Cobb, Boston Amer. Team, Lajoie, Chance, Wagner, Jennings, Collins, Speaker, Brown, Joss, Cobb/Wagner, Mack, Plank, Johnson/Street, Philadelphia A's Team, Chicago Cubs Team, Bender, McGraw, Evers, Alexander, New York Giants Team, Wood, etc. all make appearances. The album is in poor condition and the album pages are fragile and brittle. The premiums themselves are still supple and range in presentation value from FR (some have major creases or are ripped) to excellent. Most condition issues are limited to outer border areas leaving the central images still visually appealing. a fantastic chance to acquire a complete set of these already condition sensitive premiums with tremendous star power.
1909 T204 Ramly Charley O'Leary PSA NM 7. One of only two at the NM 7 level with one recorded higher. Of the over 1,600 T204's submitted to PSA almost 90% failed to grade as high as this gold border stunner. The high quality Carl Horner portraits make the ideal compliment to the regal gold metallic decoration and frame of this 100+ year old Ramly production.
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal Collection (24) - All "350-460 factory 42 Overprints! What starts out as a seemingly traditional selection of twenty-four T206 cards becomes very enticing with the fact that each card is a Sweet Caporal series 350-460 "Factory No. 42 4th Dist. N.C." overprint. The cards are consigned to us from the family of the original purchaser who lived in a small town not far north of the American/Canadian border where the family still resides. His collection of T206s topped out at around 50 cards with almost half showing the scarce overprint bar and updated factory designation. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 2 cards, Elberfeld/Wash. Fielding and Stovall/Batting; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 4 cards, Bridwell/With Cap, Ford, Hummel and McIntyre/Brooklyn & Chicago; PSA VG-EX 4: 7 cards, Abbaticchio/Blue Sleeves, Ball/Cleveland, Griffith/Batting, McGraw/Portrait With Cap, Merkle/Throwing, Murray/Portrait and Payne; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Overall/Hands at Waist; SGC 40 VG 3: 4 cards, Dougherty/Arm In Air, Doyle/Portrait, Duffy and Schulte/Back View; SGC 30 GD 2: 3 cards, w/ Camnitz/Hands Above Head, Gandil and Snodgrass/Catching; Ungraded - 3 cards, Downey (GD), Needham (GD) and Seymour (GD). Grades VG to EX with a some lesser.
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal Ty Cobb, Red Portrait SGC 84 NM 7. The now iconic portrait we see of the "Georgia Peach" goes so far beyond just what the man looked like. His cold blue eyes and piercing gaze offer insight inside the man who was so incredibly talented on the baseball diamond but so much a victim of his own prejudices. This Sweet Caporal brand "Red Portrait of Ty Cobb is among the finer known examples according to the SGC pop report. To date, this is the only card graded at the impressive 84 NM level with a trio higher. The card has quality corners, close to precise centering and has better print registration than commonly found. An attractive card for both vintage and Cobb specialists.
1909-11 T206 Tolstoi Ty Cobb-Red Portrait SGC 40 VG 3. The SGC pop report is not complete in regards to the different Cobb poses that were submitted with the scarcer Tolstoi Cigarettes reverse. We do know a total of 21 have been graded of the four poses and only eight confirmed red portraits with Tolstoi backs are known. This is a solid middle grade copy with the all too typical lack of precise print registration but great colors and no creases or wrinkles.
1909-11 T206 Piedmont Ty Cobb, Bat of Shoulder SGC 60 EX 5. The four appearances of Ty Cobb in the T206 series are among the most recognizable image sin the hobby. The SGC 60 EX 5 "Bat Off Shoulder" pose of the "Georgia Peach" is as nice of a excellent level card you'll see. Slight surface rubs on the reverse (along the top) which lightly affects the boldly printed "Piedmont" reverse explains the technical grade. At first review the card presents as a attractive near mint copy.
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal Ty Cobb, Bat On Shoulder PSA EX 5. This classic collectible features Cobb displaying his signature choked up style batting grip. Offered is an attractive and clean specimen exhibiting quality corners and top to bottom centering appropriate for the grade. "Sweet Caporal - 150 Subjects" brand advertising reverse.
1909-11 T206 Old Mill Ty Cobb, Red Portrait PSA EX 5. "Old Mill" brand advertising reverse. The legendary tales of Ty Cobb, both on and off the field, have achieved an almost mythical level. The T206 White Border Series of 1909-11 honored the superstar with not one but four varieties in its Hall of Fame abundant subject roster. This example of the classic "Portrait with Red background" pose is nicely centered and offers vibrant colors and strongly aligned registration (which can be an issue with this card) resulting in an image of Cobb that loses little of that fiery determination he was so noted for. Anticipated corner wear, faint obverse edge chipping along the top and a clean obverse make this a solid example for the grade.
1909-11 T206 Old Mill Ty Cobb, Red Portrait PSA EX-MT 6. Scarcer "Old Mill" brand advertising reverse. Presented is one the most highly sought after portrait cards of any player from any release from any era. This example offers fantastic coloring, white borders and a problem free obverse surface. One small, light stain and faint residual ink do little to detract from the boldly printed Old Mill advertisement on its reverse. Centering is slightly low vertically and light wear exists at the four corners which account for the technical assessment.
1909-11 T206 Old Mill Ty Cobb, Portrait-Green SGC 40 VG 3. Cobb once explained. "I never could stand losing. Second place didn't interest me. I had a fire in my belly." The portrait of the young future Hit King is posed against a rich green backdrop representing the more difficult of the T206 portrait variations. His image is rendered with matchless registration -- often an issue with this card. Imperfect areas of surface have resulted in a lack of ink which "appear" to be surface loss but are not. Areas of surface roughness, likely the result of album removal, marginally affect the reverse which displays the tougher "Old Mill" brand advertising.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Sam Crawford, With Bat SGC 40 VG 3. "Wahoo Sam" Crawford was the star of the Detroit Tigers when a young talent made the team named Ty Cobb. Cobb would become the center of attention at the time but Crawford is widely remembered for being one of the greatest hitters of that era, and with good reason. Despite their differences, dead-ball era pitchers facing the Cobb-Crawford one-two punch must have felt like facing Ruth then Gehrig to the next generation of pitchers. This very scarce T206 of Sam Crawford in his "With Bat" variety at first seems like your typical SGC 40 VG 3 example until one marvels at the cool blue ink of the rare "Uzit, The New Mouth-Piece Cigarettes" reverse. This is the perfect accompaniment to the T206 Uzit Hughie Jennings offered elsewhere in this auction.
1909-11 T206 George Davis-Chicago PSA NM-MT 8. The chance that the supply of high grade T206 tobacco cards will be increasing in a noticeable manner is situated somewhere between "slim" and "none." This almost perfectly centered and very attractive "Sweet Caporal" is special not just because the PSA NM-MT 8 grade makes it among the top ten finest examples known, but it also displays the scarce "Factory No. 649 Overprint" stamp. Quite possibly the finest Hall of Fame G. Davis with this scarce distribution distinction. A full size problem-free beauty.
1909-11 T206 Piedmont Ed Foster PSA EX-MT 6 (MC). Ed Foster is lucky to have a card in the T206 series. His major league career is 21 innings in six games with a perfect 1-0 W-L record. Though his career is lost to the history books, he is a valued entry in the scarce 48-card sub set of exclusively Southern League players. T206 SLs as they are called are hard to find above the VG/EX level. This is a solid Ex-Mt card that has been poorly cut. The borders are bright, the surfaces are clean and problem free and the inks have retained a vibrant appearance. A qualified high end addition to any T206 collection.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Jennings & Seymour SGC-Graded Pair (2). Both cards do have creases and corner rounding but present nicely. The rare "Uzit" backs are large unaffected by condition detriments. The offered pair includes: Graded - SGC 10 PR 1: 2 cards, Hughie Jennings/One Hand Showing and Cy Seymour/Portrait. It's a nice position to be in where you can keep both or keep one and have some impressive trade bait.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Hughie Jennings. Both Hands SGC 40 VG 3. Hugh Jennings was one of a select group of players who had their careers span over two centuries. His contributions as both a player (was part of the 1894-1896 Baltimore dynasty) and as manager of the Detroit Tigers during their three-year run of American League pennants in 1907, 1908 and 1909. This newly discovered example depicts the fiery manager in his most famous depiction, cheering from the third base coach's box yelling "Ee-Yah," a cheer he is identified with. The card shows modest, even corner wear and a bend in the lower left corner. Of course what makes this copy so much more desirable is the rare "Uzit, The New Mouth-Piece Cigarettes" brand reverse. A very attractive middle-grade card ideal for the type-set collector.
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal Walter Johnson, Hands At Chest PSA NM-MT 8. Amazingly, most of the highest-caliber graded T206 sets on the PSA Registry still don't have a Walter Johnson "Hands at Chest" card presenting a grade higher than EX 5. Offered here is an example that goes far and beyond the norm, while carrying the impressive designation of a PSA NM-MT 8, and is one of a dozen, with only three graded higher. Near perfect centering, three out of four razor-sharp corners and an ultra-clean surface tell the tale on this piece of cardboard gold.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Tim Jordan-Batting SGC 30 Good 2. Of the hundreds of names that comprise the T206 series we will admit "Tim Jordan" will not be close to being anyone's first choice. But, ask T206 fans what tobacco brand they desire the most because there are so few cards available compared to Piedmont and Sweet Caporal and the name "Uzit" is near the top of that list. With no creasing or wrinkles and looking nice for a "30 Good 2," this is a very great chance to add a rare "Uzit" brand T206 to your collection.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Arlie Latham SGC 30 Good 2 - Pop 3, Equals Highest Grade Known. The rare blue "Uzit" brand as seen on the reverse transforms this fundamentally sound Arlie Latham T206 tobacco card into something very special. The consistent corner wear/rounding and single horizontal crease fail to diminish the desirability of this scarce T206. To date, SGC has graded only three Latham cards with Uzit backs and all are at the 30 Good 2 level.
1909-11 T206 Hindu Perry Lipe (Southern Leaguer) SGC 60 EX 5. Visually impressive high end T206 Southern Leaguers are highly prized acquisitions. This example of Perry Lipe of Richmond is all the more desirable with its brown "Hindu" brand advertising reverse. A total of six cards have been graded by both SGC and PSA. This is the stand alone highest graded copy recorded to date.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Fred Merkle-Throwing SGC 40 VG 3. One of a small selection of rare "Uzit" tobacco brand T206s we have the privilege to offer in this auction. Ideal for a type collection, this T206 of Fred Merkle, Throwing is a nice card for the grade. Deemed 30 Good 2 due to corner wear, this card is crease and wrinkle free. Isn't it time to cross off that "Uzit" entry on your want list?
1909-11 T206 Broad Leaf 350 Pat Moran SGC 50 VG/EX 4. Pat Moran played for Chicago during the team's most successful era. Normally, a middle grade T206 depicting the Cubs infielder draws little extra attention until one sees the very rare "Broad Leaf Cigarettes" brand reverse. Although part of the comprehensive "350 Subjects" series, Broad Leaf variations are very rare and highly desirable. The card has no creases and just a slight wrinkle in one corner and light corner wear to note. To date, only 104 total "Broad Leaf" cards have been graded by SGC. This solid example is among the finer examples recorded.
1909-11 T206 Uzit George Mullin-With Bat SGC 40 VG 3 - Equals Highest Grade Known. After a century, only two Uzit backed Mullin-With bat cards have been graded by SGC and both received the 40 VG 3 assessment. This example of a scarce entry in "The Monster" has no major creases and no surface loss. There is obvious corner rounding and a couple slight vertical wrinkles.
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal Eddie Plank PSA VG 3. Like a schoolboy in fond imitation of his older brother, the T206 Plank hits all the same notes as the fabled Wagner, likewise troubling generations of collectors working to compile a complete set of this most beloved of tobacco issues. Theories for the scarcity of this card paying tribute to Connie Mack's superstar southpaw are identical to the Wagner tales, with aversion to tobacco advertisement and contractual stalemate with the American Tobacco Company the most commonly referenced causes. Recognized baseball card census figures find the populations of these two cards well within striking distance of one another.
Though "Gettysburg Eddie" will probably never dethrone his Pirates contemporary as the key card in the T206 set, the presented example should logically be considered its trading card equal. Graded VG 3 by the experts at PSA, the proffered Plank exhibits only the corner rounding of century-old cardboard to suggest its age, with the face remaining clean and well-placed within its four borders. To date, only 56 total examples to have been holstered within a PSA capsule.
Though "Gettysburg Eddie" will probably never dethrone his Pirates contemporary as the key card in the T206 set, the presented example should logically be considered its trading card equal. Graded VG 3 by the experts at PSA, the proffered Plank exhibits only the corner rounding of century-old cardboard to suggest its age, with the face remaining clean and well-placed within its four borders. To date, only 56 total examples to have been holstered within a PSA capsule.
1909-11 T206 "Polar Bear" Collection (72) - With Cobb and O'Hara, St. Louis! Many hobbyists pursue "The Monster" by brand name. This 72-card presentation is an exclusive "Polar Bear" brand selection of T206 cards. The group is highlighted by HoFers Mathewson and Cobb as well as the prized "Polar Bear" subject-the O'Hara with "St. Louis" variation. Due to their distribution staining was almost a given which these cards do have but none have any notable surface loss. Includes: Graded - PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, Davis/Phil. Davis Front; PSA VG+ 3.5: 2 cards, w/Batch and Hayden; PSA VG 3: 10 cards, w/Berger, Chase/Trophy, Davidson, Evers/With Bat-Chicago, Hofman, Leach/Bending Over, Lord (MK), Murphy/Batting, Overall/Hand Face Level and Schirm; PSA GD+ 2.5: 1 card, M. Brown/Chicago; PSA GD 2: 4 cards, Chance/Yellow Portrait, Jones/Detroit, Lajoie/Batting and McIntyre/Brooklyn & Chicago; PSA FR+ 1.5: 1 card, O'Hara/St. Louis; PSA Authentic: 1 card, Cobb/Red Portrait (color touch); Ungraded - including: Chase/Blue Portrait (GD), J. Collins (GD), Jennings/Both Hands (GD/VG), Joss/Pitching (FR), Mathewson (no name-miscut, presents FR) and Smith/Chicago & Boston (GD). Grades 25% VG to VG/EX, 49% GD to GD/VG, 26% lesser with one miscut and one color added. Please see our web site for a complete list of the contents of this collection.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Admiral Schlei-Portrait SGC 30 Good 2 - Highest Graded Example. Collectively, there have been only three Uzit brand T206 cards of Admiral Schlei submitted to SGC. This is the highest grade confirmed copy of this "Portrait" pose known. A nice looking card with corner and a diagonal crease. Nice well printed reverse.
1909-11 T206 White Border Southern Leaguers Partial Set (36/48) Plus Ten Brand Variations! The Southern Leaguers in the T206 series are one of the more popular and challenging sub sets for modern hobbyists to complete. This 46-card selection of exclusively Southern League players contains 29 different subjects plus 10 brand variations thus making this group a technically "all-different" presentation. All display a Piedmont brand reverse unless marked "OM" for Old Mill. Includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Guiheen-OM; SGC 40 VG 3: 6 cards, w/Coles, Hart/Little Rock, McCauley-OM, Reagan-OM, Seitz and White; SGC 30 GD 2: 5 cards, w/Bay, Hart/Mont., Lipe, Shaughnessy, C. Smith. Ungraded - includes: Bay, Bay-OM, Carey, Cranston, Cranston-OM, Foster, Fritz-OM, Greminger-OM, Hart/Little Rock-OM, Howard-OM, Manion, Manion-OM, McCauley, Miller, Molesworth, Mullaney, Mullaney-OM, Pearson, Revelle, Ryan-OM, C. Smith-OM, S. Smith, Stark, Stark-OM, Thebo, Violat and White-OM. Grades 26% VG to VG/EX, 38% GD to GD/VG, 36% lesser with one trimmed.
1909-11 T206 American Beauty Zack Wheat PSA EX 5. The tremendous batsman for the Brooklyn club, Zack Wheat racked up an impressive .317 career batting average and still holds many offensive records for the team. Unlike a host of other Hall of Famers Zack makes just one appearance in the T206 edition. Graded EX 5 by PSA this otherwise clean example is all the more desired by the "American Beauty 460 Series" reverse.
1909-11 T206 Uzit Wiltse-Pitching SGC 40 VG 3. A solid middle grade copy and the only confirmable example of this pose at this grade level with none higher. To date, the collective total of Uzit brand Wiltse cards submitted to SGC is six. Nice card with corner wear but no creases or wrinkles.
1909-11 T206 Lenox (Brown) Ed Willetts-Willetts SGC 30 Good 2. How does one get a common T206, in an SGC 30 Good 2 holder no less, into an auction where it must compete with an array of stellar vintage collectibles? It can fit in rather nicely when the back of the card displays not only a rare brand in "Lenox Mouthpiece Cigarettes" but also the ink is an undeniable brown hue. Yes, there are those who claim the "brown" ink is "faded black" but a side-by-side comparison with the other "Lenox" T206 being offered in this auction clearly shows the difference in inks. This would nicely fill an extremely tough spot usually empty in even the most advanced type card collections.
1909-11 T206 Cy Young, Bare Hand Shows SGC 80 EX/NM 6. The precision "Ace" pitcher of the Cleveland Naps from 1909-11, Cy Young is featured on this stunning exemplar from the famed T206 tobacco issue. With a sparkling surface that appears as if it were just pulled from a package of Piedmont Cigarettes, this "Bare Hand Shows" variation features an impressive grade of an SGC 80 EX/NM 6. Free of the common flaws that many T206 cards share, this exemplar exhibits clean white borders and a stainless verso, making this a desirable pasteboard that would fit perfectly in the most elite sports card collections.
1909-11 T206 Cy Young-Glove "Fac. 42 Overprint" PSA VG-EX+ 4.5. Striking example for the grade. With above average centering for the vaunted T206 tobacco issue, this fine VG-EX+ example features the Hall of Fame hurler who is the namesake for the game's annual award for pitching excellence. The variant offered is the "glove shows" variety with a common "Sweet Caporal" reverse until one sees the scarce and desirable "Factory no. 42" designation and overprint bar.
1909-11 T206 Lenox (Black) Larry Doyle-Portrait SGC 30 Good 2. Offered is an SGC 30 Good 2 example of the New York Giants' Larry Doyle in his "Portrait" variety from the T206 series. Where we would normally begin by commenting on the great colors (they are) and condition (there is corner wear) we find the reverse raises the desirability bar to great heights. The reverse displays a very rare "Lenox Mouthpiece Cigarettes" brand reverse in black ink. A rare brand entry for fans of "The Monster" and a perfect card for type-card specialists.
1910-57 Baseball Magazine Player Posters Collection (56). Offered is a group of 56 Baseball Magazine Player Posters. These thin paper collectibles were circulated for close to a half a century from 1910 to 1957. There is some variation in size but a few have been obviously hand cut (HC) about a 1/4" inch off the left edge. Includes: Breechen, Bridges, Brown, Chandler, Cobb (EX/MT), M. Cooper, W. Cooper, Cronin, Dickey (HC), Danning, Derringer, D. DiMaggio, J. DiMaggio (EX), Doerr, Elliott, Feller (VG), Foxx (FR, small hole), Galan (HC), Gehrig (HC), Gordon, Greenberg (HC), Hayes, Higbe, Hubbell (HC), Hughson, Keller, Kurowski, Landis, Mathewson (EX), McCarthy, Medwick, Mize, Moore, Musial (EX/MT), Newhouser, Ott (EX/MT), A. Owen, Passeau, Pesky, Reese, Reiser, Rizzuto, Ruffing, Ruth (HC), T. Sewell, Slaughter, Thomson, Trout, Trucks, F. Vaughn, Vander Meer, Wagner (EX), Walker, Walters, Williams (VG/EX) and York. Grades 59% EX to EX/MT, 27% VG to VG/EX, 14% lesser/hand cut.
1910 D322 Tip-Top Bread Pittsburgh Pirates PSA-Graded Near Set (22/25). The desirability of this series which is dedicated to the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates transcends the Pennsylvania origins. Although the cards were available with loaves of bread or as a set in exchange for coupons, they are quite scarce today and pursued regardless of condition. Includes: Graded - PSA VG 3: 2 cards, Flynn and Maddox; PSA GD+ 2.5: 1 card, Leifield; PSA Good 2: 3 cards, Adams (MK), Hyatt (MC) and Phillippe; PSA FR 1.5: 2 cards, Dreyfuss and O'Connor; PSA PR 1: 13 cards, Abbaticchio, Byrne, Camnitz (MK), Clarke, Gibson, Leach (MK), Leever, Miller, Simon, Tip Top mascot, Webb, White and Wilson (MK); PSA Authentic: 1 card, Sec. Locke.
1910 D322 Tip-Top Bread Owen Wilson SGC 84 NM 7 - Highest Grade Known. Stunning example from the scarce D322 Tip-Top bread series. To date, twenty-four Owen Wilson cards have been submitted to SGC. This is the ultimate copy as it is the only one to reach the 84 NM 7 level with the conservative judges at SGC with none higher. A prime opportunity to acquire one of the finest D322s in existence.
1910 E90-3 Amer. Caramel Frank Chance SGC 50 VG/EX 4. This is one of a trio at this grade level with only one example grading higher. Just as Chance was the cornerstone of the Cubs on the field of play he stands atop the brief 20-player roster of the scarce E90-3 American caramel series. This is a typical middle grade example with only corner wear to report. The card has no creases or wrinkles. Chance's portrait is emboldened by the saturated hues which have lost little luster.
1910 E93 Standard Caramel Ty Cobb PSA EX-MT 6. The most valuable card in this ultra-tough thirty card candy issue is presented here for the sophisticated collector, one of only three to achieve a PSA EX-MT 6 ranking with just a handful charting higher. The rare fielding image finds the "Georgia Peach" rising against a field of deep orange, a ball locked in his gloved left hand. The cards is characterized by slightly off centering, deep, rich colors and precision registration. Surfaces are clean and with the exception of the bottom right corner of the reverse clear of all creases, wrinkles and staining.
1910 E93 Standard Caramel Johnny Evers PSA VG-EX 4. The defensive tandem of "Tinker to Evers to Chance," is without question one of the most famous passages that refers to baseball history. The second baseman in that famed relay, Johnny Evers is featured on this fantastic exemplar from the 1910 E93 Standard Caramel issue. Graded a PSA VG-EX 4, this solid pasteboard presents magnificently. Four sharp corners, a killer surface and strong centering leads us to believe that there is a barely visible surface crease presented beneath the PSA slab but we don't see one. There is a very brief surface scratch on the reverse but that alone hardly seems enough to account for the technical assessment.
1910 E93 Standard Caramel Addie Joss PSA NM 7. Just a year before the Hall of Fame pitcher would tragically lose his life to tubercular meningitis, he made an appearance in the now classic E93 series for the Standard Caramel Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. E93s are extremely hard to find any nicer than this as this beauty is only one of a pair at the NM 7 level. Centering is a sliver away from perfect, colors are vibrant and registration is precise. No surface loss, no edge chipping (a common aliment) and just the lightest touches at the corners prohibit an even higher score. Only two examples have ever charted higher.
1910 E102 "Set Of 25" Ty Cobb SGC-Authentic. Offered here is a very attractive card and a prime example of the key star in this popular candy set. Cobb is captured in his Detroit uniform, calmly leaning against his trusty bat. The card's backdrop is bright yellow, which contrasts perfectly with its subject. Its surface is superb and though centered a bit high, it still retains outstanding visual appeal. Only light wear is evident at the tips of the corners. The reverse, which contains a checklist for the set, is perfectly clean. SGC has deemed the card Authentic, but has not placed a grade on it as they seem to believe that it may have been trimmed at some point over the last one hundred years which will allow one lucky collector the opportunity to place this tough Hall of Fame single into their collection at a fraction of the typical price.
1910 E104-1 Nadja Caramels SGC-Encapsulated Group of (8). Including Collins and Bender. Every card has been encapsulated "Authentic" by SGC. The E104-1 series showcased players from the Philadelphia Athletics of 1910. The team was anchored by Hall of Famers Eddie Collins, Eddie Plank (not included) and Chief Bender. This lot represents almost half of the 18-card edition. Deemed "Authentic" due to being hand cut, each card is only slightly smaller than factory specs. Visually, they present at the EX/MT to NM/MT levels and would be hard to improve upon. Includes: SGC Authentic: 8 cards w/Bender, Collins, Davis, Hartsel, Krause, Murphy, Oldring and Thomas.
1911 M116 Sporting Life Ty Cobb, Blue Background PSA NM 7. Out of the handful of similar examples graded by PSA, only three cards have ever graded higher than this 1910 M116 Sporting Life Ty Cobb example. The picturesque presentation of this card, from the increasingly popular issue, is framed to near perfection by a sparking white border and shows only a trace of wear on the corners. This "blue background" variation displays an ultra-clean surface, which helps present the "Georgia Peach" in brilliant color. As stunning as it is scarce, this card would be a welcomed addition to even the most significant of collections in the hobby.
1911 M116 Sporting Life Walter Johnson GAI NM+ 7.5. Though no radar existed during Johnson's pitching days, it is likely that his fastball clocked somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred miles an hour, a simply terrifying sight for Dead Ball Era batsmen who faced him. But almost as notable as Johnson's power was his gentle good nature, so while most batters failed to dig in at the plate out of fear, the always savvy Ty Cobb reported that he would crowd the plate even more when facing him, knowing that Johnson was privately nervous about injuring an opposing player. Offered here is a terrific representation of Johnson on his 1910-11 M116 Sporting Life issue. This stunner features a killer surface, with the lightest of corner wear exhibited. Without question, one of the top Johnson cards from the increasingly popular pre-war baseball card set.
1911 M116 Sporting Life Walter Johnson PSA NM-MT 8. Spectacular image clarity and the cleanest of front and rear surfaces provide a visual power that far exceeds this card's already impressive grade. Light touching on the bottom right corner is all that keeps this example from the top of the population charts, as only four single examples top this pasteboard's condition on the PSA population report. Simply stunning PSA NM-MT 8 card features a masterful portrait rendering of the "Big Train" by famed artist Carl Horner.
1910 Orange Borders Baseball SGC-Graded Pair (2). Every card has been encapsulated by SGC. Offered is scarce pair of Orange Border baseball cards from 1910. This set remains a mystery as to its exact origin but fully appears to have been panels from boxes of an as-yet unidentified candy, much like a few other sets of the era. Includes: SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, N.L. Champions, 1909-Pittsburgh Pirates; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, A.L. Champions, 1909-Detroit Tigers.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery Frank Baker PSA Good 2 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of Frank "Home Run" Baker shows some slight soiling and corner wear plus two light horizontal creases. The (MK) is the obvious result of the tri-star stamp seen on the reverse.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery Frank Chance, Team Overprint PSA Good 2 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Frank Chance is the rare "Team Overprint" or "No Team" variety needed after Chance went to manage the Yankees following the 1912 season. The card shows light soiling, general wear and light creasing. The (MK) is the result of the tri-star stamp seen on the reverse.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery Ty Cobb PSA Good 2 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The undisputed key subject from this elusive series and a must have for Cobb specialists. The offered example does display a series of creases and a very short tear into the left edge but maintains good eye appeal. The corners tips are blunt but there is no surface loss. You can see the glare in the steely eyed Cobb and almost feel the tension in his grip. It is obvious why this is considered by many to be one of Ty Cobbs' best looking cards. The tri-star stamp is seen on the reverse, thus the "MK" qualifier.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery Hal Chase, Team Overprint PSA VG 3 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of "Prince" Hal Chase is the rare "Team Overprint" or "No Team" variety needed after Chase was traded during the 1913 season. The card shows general wear and a pair of creases. The (MK) is the obvious result of the tri-star stamp seen on both sides.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery John Evers, Team Overprint PSA VG-EX 4 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of Cubs infielder Johnny Evers is the rare "Team Overprint" or "No Team" variety needed after Evers was traded after the 1913 season. The card shows general wear and a light corner crease. The (MK) is the obvious result of the tri-star stamp seen on both sides.
1911-14 D304 Marten Bakery Christy Mathewson PSA Good 2 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of Christy Mathewson presents very nicely for the grade. There is some light corner wear and multiple creases/wrinkles, but none that greatly diminish the overall eye appeal. There is a tri-star stamp on the reverse and a very faint one on the front. A key subject in this highly sought after series.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery Marty O'Toole PSA VG-EX 4 (MK). Pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. The offered example of Marty O'Toole shows the anticipated amount of corner wear and light wrinkles generally associated with this grade. The (MK) is the obvious result of the tri-star stamp seen on the reverse.
1911-14 D304 Martens Bakery PSA-Graded Collection (6). Each is a pop 1 of 1 and the only example graded to date by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA Good 2 (MK): 4 cards, w/Jack Barry, Rube Marquard, Fred Merkle and Chief Meyers; PSA PR 1 (MK): 2 cards, w/Arthur Fletcher and Mike Kelly. As with the others, the (MK) qualifier is the result of the tri-star stamp found on the reverse of each.
1911 M116 Sport. Life Joe Tinker-Black Back PSA EX-MT 6. The M116 Sporting Life series is the classy entry in the early 20th Century library of card productions. The player portraits, each depicted in uniform, are the unmistakable talent of photographer Carl Horner. This very new looking M116 Joe Tinker is physically a NM-MT beauty that doesn't meet up to NM-MT level centering standards. The problem free back displays the anticipated "Sporting Life" ad reverse and is the "Black Ink" back variety.
1911 M116 Sporting Life Cy Young PSA NM-MT 8. Cy Young's 511 career wins are nearly 100 more than any other pitcher that has ever played the game. It is a benchmark for excellence that will likely never be approached, let alone overtaken. The source of his M116 portrait is the same widely recognized portrait of photographer Carl Horner. Mr. Young's regal depiction is nicely centered with muted colors by design. Overall, the quality would be hard to mimic or improve upon. The boldly printed back is the "Black Ink" variety. There are a half dozen examples at this grade with none grading higher.
1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders S. Crawford/T. Cobb PSA EX 5. Notable Detroit Tigers Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford are brilliantly rendered on this stunning exemplar from the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders issue. Graded a conservative PSA EX 5, this unique card from the famed tobacco issue presents light touching at the corners, and an ultra-clean surface, with a presumably light hairline crease, which is not easily visible through the PSA holder. An extremely nice card for the grade.
1910-11 T3 Turkey Red Christy Mathewson #27 SGC 20 Fair 1.5. The size and beauty of the T3 Turkey Red series of cabinet cards makes them by far the finest vintage set ever produced. A common response to opening the envelope which housed the treasured 5-11/16" x 8" portrait of their favorite baseball player or boxer was to tack them to a wall for proud display. A century later, many examples show the consequence of this method, the tack hole. The offered example of baseball legend Christy Mathewson has the mentioned tack holes (one top and bottom center) but little else to criticize. Technical grade aside, the colors have remained vibrant, there are no stains, creases or surface loss and corner quality is at the VG/EX to EX levels. The reverse shows the standard "Checklist to #76, With Mail-In Offer" format reverse. With a traditional VG/EX to EX card selling in the $4,000-5,000+ range, this is a very tempting alternative giving the new owner a quality example with one condition caveat that truly barely impacts the overall attractiveness of the card.
1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders Johnson/Street BVG NM 7. One of the rarest tobacco card sets of the early 20th century, 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders feature one player when the card is open and another when it is folded, while both share the same pair of legs. This particular example presents Hall of Famer Walter Johnson and his teammate Charles Street. A stunning pasteboard, this cardboard treasure has been graded BVG NM 7, while presenting fantastic color and very light corner wear.
1911 T205 Gold Border Tobacco Collection (43) - An Exclusive "Polar Bear" Brand Collection. Includes: Austin, Bates, Beck, Becker, Bender (FR), Bransfield, Byrne, Camnitz, Clarke (FR), Collins/Mouth Closed (FR), Delahanty, Devore, Doolan, Doyle, Duffy (FR), Dygert, Flynn, Graham/Cubs (FR), Hauser, Hoblitzell/"Cin" on 2nd line (VG), Hoffman, Kling, Konetchy, Latham/ "A. Latham" (GD), Lennox, Lobert, Lush, Maddox, Mattern, Miller, Overall, Parent, Phillippe, Richie, Scott, Sheckard, Smith, Snodgrass, Speaker (PR), Summers, Tinker (FR), Wilson and Wiltse/Left Ear (VG). Grades 61% GD to VG, 31% PR to FR with one cut short.
1911 T205 Gold Border Ty Cobb SGC 50 VG/EX 4. Considered by most baseball card aficionados as Ty Cobb's most attractive issue, this T205 Gold Border example carries the solid grade of an SGC 50 VG/EX 4. Boasting a vibrant green and red diamond-style background, this desirable pasteboard will hold its own against any card it's matched up against. That said, it's the fantastic portrait rendering of the legendary Detroit outfielder that catches most collectors' eyes. This exemplar is free of any printing flaws, and tobacco staining, while it secures its spot as one of the most eye appealing cards in our April Signature sale.
1911 T205 Gold Border Ty Cobb PSA VG 3. Ty Cobb was named the American League's Most Valuable Player the year this card was issued after batting .420 and stealing 83 bases as a member of the Detroit Tigers. Amazingly, for a legend who played 24 seasons in the majors and amassed 4,189 hits, it was his lone MVP distinction. Cobb's career mark of .366 still stands as the highest batting average. A very nice looking representation of his T205 card for the grade, it shows light chipping to a pair of corners and some light adhesive staining and surface wrinkling on the reverse.
1911 T205 Gold Border R. Hoblitzell, No Stats PSA EX-MT 6. From concept to production, without careful planning any trading card project can become an unorganized mess very quickly. Even the most cautious quality control steps can miss small details until any given quantity of cards have been printed. The most famous is the T206 "Magie" spelling error which commands thousands of dollars regardless of the condition. The rarest of the variations in the T205 edition is the card of Cincinnati Reds first baseman Richard Hoblitzell without playing statistics on the back. How rare is the "No Stats" Hoblitzell? To date, PSA has graded over 80 "Magie" errors, almost 60 T206 Eddie Plank cards and 33 examples of the esteemed "holy grail" of the hobby, the T206 Honus Wagner. But only 31 copies of the Hoblitzell "no stats" have been recorded. It is not only the toughest T205 variation but simply put is one of the rarest 20th century tobacco cards. This eye catching copy has been graded PSA EX-MT 6 and is one of three at this level with no known example grading higher. Any T205 fan would be thrilled to own even a poor example of this rarity. The card shows a pair of EX-MT corners, one solid NM corner with the physical state of the upper right being EX-MT but slight wear to the delicate top layer of gold ink leaving one to "think" the corner might be lacking that EX-MT grade. The colors are bright and the metallic gold ink border is free of any greenish-patina which would be expected after almost a century of time. The Hassan brand reverse shows minor spots of tobacco staining which could possibly be the only factor keeping this beauty from higher technical assessment. The surfaces are clean and free of wrinkles, scratches or impressions. This is a prime opportunity to acquire not only one of the premier cards in the hobby but one of the finest examples known to date.
1911 T205 Gold Border Walter Johnson GAI NM-MT+ 8.5. The 23 year old Kansas fireballer had yet to notch his 100th of 417 career wins at the time this gorgeous card was issued, an exceptionally high-grade specimen from one of tobacco's most picturesque sets. We must look very close to spot any deviation from perfection, as the image area is beyond reproach and front and rear surfaces are remarkably clean. An idea of the scarcity of such a fine card? There is no example on the PSA pop report higher than an "8" and none that have topped SGC's top example of an "86 NM+ 7.5."
This GAI NM-MT+ 8.5 exemplar presents it's amazing gold borders and four corners, with only the lightest amount of touching visible. A crystal clear surface, with strong registration presents Johnson's vibrant portrait shot.
One of the cleanest T205 cards Heritage has ever handled, and one of the most important cards from the famed tobacco issue, the quality on this cardboard treasure is nothing less than one-of-a-kind.
This GAI NM-MT+ 8.5 exemplar presents it's amazing gold borders and four corners, with only the lightest amount of touching visible. A crystal clear surface, with strong registration presents Johnson's vibrant portrait shot.
One of the cleanest T205 cards Heritage has ever handled, and one of the most important cards from the famed tobacco issue, the quality on this cardboard treasure is nothing less than one-of-a-kind.
1911 T205 Gold Border Tris Speaker PSA EX 5. Boston's superb all-around centerfielder who owned the nickname "Spoke," Tris Speaker is featured on this extraordinary exemplar from the famed 1911 T205 tobacco issue. Deep colors, and a clean surface are the notable characteristics of this PSA EX 5 specimen, which was issued during his fifth year as a professional. Out of the 218 similar examples of this card graded by PSA, only 30 have been graded higher.
1911 T205 Gold Border Cy Young PSA GAI 5 - Scarcer Sovereign Back! The first "Perfect Game" in modern day baseball history was pitched by the man pictured on this 1911 T205 tobacco card, Cy Young. That was just one of the many major feats that the 1937 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee accomplished during a career in which he finished with a staggering 511-316 win-loss record. This cardboard treasure presents an exceedingly rare Sovereign back, which rates a solid GAI EX 5 in quality.
1911 T217 Mono Bert Delmas SGC 20 FR 1.5. A respectable copy from one the the rarest tobacco brands of the 20th century. The offered T217 "Mono" of Los Angeles' Bert Delmas does have its obvious condition issues but remains a good level of eye appeal. A nice example to fill in that T217 space in a type collection which is usually empty.
1911 T332 Helmar Stamps Nap Lajoie with Original Envelope. Hall of Fame second baseman Nap Lajoie is pictured on this early 1900's stamp. Rarely found with the original 2" x 2-1/2" glassine envelope the stamps were issued in, this is an unusual find. Helmar Cigarettes attempted to capitalize on the stamp collecting craze in Europe, going as far as promoting "Philately - The Popular European Rage" on the included envelope. Stamp and envelope alike remain in fine condition.
1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folder "Ty Cobb Steals Third" #129 Cobb/Jennings SGC 80 EX/NM 6. This Hassan T202 Triple Folder pairs Hall of Famers Hughie Jennings and Ty Cobb as guardians of the most famous sports image ever taken. The crisp quality of the Black and White scene titled "Ty Cobb Steals Third" by Charles Conlon so finely complements the colorful player illustrations that it elevates this entry to the top of the class from within this beautifully designed series. This is a strong example for the grade. Among the top-ten finest copies recorded to date, only three have been graded higher by the conservative eyes of SGC.
1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folder Moriarity/Cobb "Ty Cobb Steals Third" PSA NM 7. This highly-coveted tobacco card features Hall of Famer Ty Cobb and teammate George Moriarity guarding what is considered the most famous baseball action photograph in the game's long history, Charles Conlon's "TY Cobb Steals Third." The Cobb/Moriarity pairing is much more difficult to find (53 examples graded to date compared to 118 for the Cobb/Jennings pairing) and as rare in high grade as all T202s are. This card has exceptionally sharp corner tips and is centered nicely. The grade is the result of some print lines and a tiny surface "nik" in the upper left corner. An extremely pleasing copy.
1912 Hassan Triple Folder Johnson/Knight "Knight Catches a Runner" SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. Strong middle grade example of a popular card. T202s are known for having poor centering and print registration issues. This card has the mentioned printing glitch but offers fantastic centering for the issues. Slight wear at corner tips and ends of fold lines fails to keep this example of "Knight Catches a Runner" from being worthy of any advanced vintage card assembly.
1912 T207 Brown Background Walter Johnson PSA VG-EX 4. The Major League all-time leader in shutouts, who was named American League Most Valuable Player in 1913 and 1924, Walter Johnson is set off nicely with help from the deep chocolate background and beige borders on this T207 exemplar. Graded a solid PSA VG-EX 4, this card exhibits minor corner rounding and a touch of staining on the back. An extremely nice card for its grade.
1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium New York Nationals. The 1913 New York Giants are widely considered one of the most star-studded and talented teams ever to take the diamond, and for anyone who is fortunate to enough to view this offered T200 Fatima Premium, that claim will prove to be completely evident. Featuring crisp images of each member from the 1913 National League pennant winners, Hall of Fame legends such as Jim Thorpe, Christy Mathewson, Rube Marquard and manager John McGraw, are pictured on this significant piece from the rare tobacco issue, which rates at the upper echelon of known similar examples.
Any serious vintage card collector would be hard pressed to find a T200 Fatima Premium in superior condition to the piece offered here. To claim that this piece presents "NM-MT" quality would admittedly be an understatement, as the only real flaw is a tiny .25" scratch that can be seen on the chin of Hooks Wiltse. The image itself remains intact to its original paper mount, which has since been affixed to a sturdy piece of cardboard that aided in its perfect preservation for nearly 100 years. Cut down to 11.75" x 20", the photograph portion remains at its original size.
The 21 men in pinstripes could not appear any clearer than this sharp piece from one of the most sought after sets in the hobby. And amazingly, some of the most prominent collectors still do not own an example from the extremely rare 1913 T200 Fatima Premiums issue. Now is the time to take advantage of this crucial opportunity to own a piece of hobby greatness.
Any serious vintage card collector would be hard pressed to find a T200 Fatima Premium in superior condition to the piece offered here. To claim that this piece presents "NM-MT" quality would admittedly be an understatement, as the only real flaw is a tiny .25" scratch that can be seen on the chin of Hooks Wiltse. The image itself remains intact to its original paper mount, which has since been affixed to a sturdy piece of cardboard that aided in its perfect preservation for nearly 100 years. Cut down to 11.75" x 20", the photograph portion remains at its original size.
The 21 men in pinstripes could not appear any clearer than this sharp piece from one of the most sought after sets in the hobby. And amazingly, some of the most prominent collectors still do not own an example from the extremely rare 1913 T200 Fatima Premiums issue. Now is the time to take advantage of this crucial opportunity to own a piece of hobby greatness.
1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium Detroit Americans. One of the rarest, and most valuable photo premiums from the exceedingly-desirable 1913 T200 Fatima issue is this stunning exemplar featuring the Detroit Tigers. Originally, this representation of baseball nostalgia could be obtained by redeeming 40 coupons from cigarette packs, but now obtaining it via Heritage Auction Galleries' April Signature sale seems to be more suitable. The great Ty Cobb and his teammates are splendidly presented on this piece which shows little signs of handling.
Exhibiting definitive condition, this stunning showpiece presents virtually no wear, and has been affixed to a sturdy piece of cardboard, which has basically aided in solidifying its strong condition over the years. The photographic portion of the premium measures at its original 11" x 18.75" size, with the original paper backing and mounting board measuring close to full size at 11.75" x 19.75."
With few baseball card premiums presenting the sheer beauty and undeniable rare characteristics as this Detroit Tigers 1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium, it would not be out of the question to assume that this piece will attract enough bidding activity to realize a world record price, so true baseball historians are advised to bid accordingly.
Exhibiting definitive condition, this stunning showpiece presents virtually no wear, and has been affixed to a sturdy piece of cardboard, which has basically aided in solidifying its strong condition over the years. The photographic portion of the premium measures at its original 11" x 18.75" size, with the original paper backing and mounting board measuring close to full size at 11.75" x 19.75."
With few baseball card premiums presenting the sheer beauty and undeniable rare characteristics as this Detroit Tigers 1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium, it would not be out of the question to assume that this piece will attract enough bidding activity to realize a world record price, so true baseball historians are advised to bid accordingly.
1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium "World Champion" Philadelphia Americans. During the memorable 1913 season, the Shibe Park faithful witnessed one of the most solid squads in Major League history. According to famed baseball historian Bill James, "The 1913 incarnation of the Athletics' famous '$100,000 infield' was the best of all-time," and featured the superb play of Stuffy McInnis, Eddie Collins, Frank "Home Run Baker" and Jack Barry. Under the tutelage of the legendary manager Connie Mack, the "Philadelphia Americans" defeated the New York Giants in five games to win the 1913 World Series.
Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present one of the rarest tobacco issues in the hobby, in exemplary condition. This stunning piece from the extremely rare 1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium issue, rates at the hobby's upper echelon, when considering desirability, significance and scarcity.
We offer here one of three pieces from the famed tobacco issue featured in our April Signature sale, we are confident that no trio will rate higher, when considering their spectacular condition and crystal clear imagery. Mounted to sturdy cardboard by its original owner, which in essence helped perfectly preserve the superior quality of the premium for nearly 100 years, this treasure has been cut down to 11.75" x 19.75"" The lightest amount of staining is present, with two noticeable scuffs on the left and right side, which we note only for the sake of full disclosure, this piece has not faded and presents its black and white contrast to photographic perfection. Photo portion remains at its original 11" x 18.75" size.
No catalog description can do this tobacco card rarity its appropriate justice, so we suggest pulling the trigger on this stunning offering. The thought of another example surfacing in the near future is merely a hobby fantasy.
Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present one of the rarest tobacco issues in the hobby, in exemplary condition. This stunning piece from the extremely rare 1913 T200 Fatima Team Premium issue, rates at the hobby's upper echelon, when considering desirability, significance and scarcity.
We offer here one of three pieces from the famed tobacco issue featured in our April Signature sale, we are confident that no trio will rate higher, when considering their spectacular condition and crystal clear imagery. Mounted to sturdy cardboard by its original owner, which in essence helped perfectly preserve the superior quality of the premium for nearly 100 years, this treasure has been cut down to 11.75" x 19.75"" The lightest amount of staining is present, with two noticeable scuffs on the left and right side, which we note only for the sake of full disclosure, this piece has not faded and presents its black and white contrast to photographic perfection. Photo portion remains at its original 11" x 18.75" size.
No catalog description can do this tobacco card rarity its appropriate justice, so we suggest pulling the trigger on this stunning offering. The thought of another example surfacing in the near future is merely a hobby fantasy.
1913 T200 Fatima Teams SGC-Graded Quartet (4). Card for card, only the 1951 Topps team series challenges this vintage classic for offering more players. each card offers a very nicely defined image. This lot includes: SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, Philadelphia Nationals; SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards, Philadelphia Nationals and Pittsburgh Nationals (w/Wagner); SGC Authentic: 1 card, Cleveland Americans (w/Joe Jackson and Lajoie). "A" due to tape repair, presents close to EX.
1913 WG6 Tom Barker Complete Set (52) With Fenway Box & Stamped F. Baker. It's a mystery why the "WG" or greeting card designation was applied to this set as they are actually a deck of cards designed to play a specific game. The WG6 Tom Barker variety is easily identified by the full figure batter boldly printed on the back of each card. This style is noticeably more scarce than the "National Game" variety and were sold in the same style box. What makes this set interesting is the original box (presents PR, top panel loose) displays the "Fenway Breweries stick over one panel and the Frank baker card has the advertising stamp. This set is always popular regardless of condition due to the lengthy selection of Hall of Famers on the subject roster. Ten cards have been graded by SGC. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, Mack, Mathewson and Speaker; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, Baker/Fenway Stamp; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, W. Johnson; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, Cobb, Lajoie and Young; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Jackson and Wagner. Ungraded - Alexander (VG), Bender (VG), Bresnahan (VG), Chance (VG), Clarke (EX), Crawford (EX), Evers (VG/EX), Griffith (VG), Huggins (VG/EX), Jennings (VG), Marquard (VG/EX), McGraw (VG), Tinker (VG), Walsh (VG/EX), Wheat (VG), Wood (VG) and Base Runner Sliding-Cobb (VG). Grades 25% EX to EX/MT with three NM, 75% VG to VG/EX.
1914 Boston Garter Color Rabbit Maranville SGC 40 VG 3 - One of Two Graded. Walter "Rabbit" Maranville was diminutive (he stood 5'5" and weighed under 160 pounds) in size but was a sturdy shortstop who had speed (thus his nickname) who loved to entertain and play jokes on his teammates. When Maranville retired, his 23 years of service was a National League record. His sole World Series championship came the very year this rare Boston Garter display card appeared as part of the now famous "Miracle Braves" of 1914. His ability was duly recognized here, placing him among only a dozen subjects, most of whom have been enshrined in Cooperstown. The front shows one brief segment of wear in the bottom edge near the lower left corner and modest corner wear. The reverse displays a small area of surface loss in the upper right corner, one short surface scratch in upper left corner and some light staining/age toning. As one of only two copies ever graded by SGC, this is rare opportunity for the type collector wishing to fill a entry missing from some of the most advanced type-card collections or for the Boston Garter specialist determined enough pursue a complete set of the small but extremely rare series.
1911 Stevens Firearms Bris Lord SGC 40 VG 3. This is the only recorded entry of this card on both PSA and SGC population reports. To date, only a total of three cards have been graded by both firms. This very rare series went unrecognized for decades. Currently, there are seven known subjects, all members of the 1911 Philadelphia Athletics. The offered card of Left Fielder Bris Lord has been graded SGC 40 VG 3. The thin card stock has some light crinkling at the corners and a light dust shadow barely encroaching on the image of Lord. There are no creases or wrinkles. A nice card to fill a missing entry from even the most advanced type card collections.
1914 WG4 Polo Grounds Baseball SGC-Collection (10) - Most 96 Mint 9! WG4s are not just card collectibles, they are integral pieces to a game. The high quality of this lot suggests little if any play time. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 9 cards, w/Archer, Collins, Fletcher, Lavender, Marquard, Meyers, Murray, Schulte and Wood; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Lavender.
1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb #30 SGC 50 VG/EX 4. Though there was nothing sweet about the "Georgia Peach," he remains the second most valuable card from the hobby's most popular candy issue. This card was originally found inside a box of Cracker Jacks, thus the multiple spots of caramel staining. When originally pulled from the box, Cobb was in the midst of yet another race for the batting crown which he did win in '15. The hues have remained surprisingly vibrant and although staining is entirely evident here, the surface presents better than the technical VG-EX grade. A very bright and vibrant copy.
1915 Cracker Jack Walter Johnson #57 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Next to names Cobb, Wagner and Jackson is the Washington Senators' mound master Walter Johnson. Johnson was a tall and unassuming sight on the mound... until he threw his fastball which at the time was thought to be over 90 mph. It seems all that batters could hope for is hearing the ball smack against the catcher's mitt as it zipped past them because seeing the ball wasn't an easy task for even the keenest eyes of the best hitters of the era. It was said that, "...(Johnson was) the most threatening sight I ever saw in the ball field." And this quote comes from from the steely Ty Cobb in 1907 when Walter was a rookie just fresh in from Idaho. His 3,500+ strikeouts and 417 wins proved the irascible Cobb's words rather prophetic. The offered example has every qualification of being a crowning touch atop any advanced vintage collection. The borders are bright and clean, corners are sharp, centering is precise, surfaces are free or stains and any scuffing and the colors are vibrant and fresh. A stunning display made the more impressive surrounded by the deep black insert of the SGC holder. A key card entry and among the top 100 cards of the hobby. Only three examples have been recorded higher.
1915 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson #103 PSA NM-MT 8. It was 1915, the year that this gorgeous card rolled off the assembly line, that saw one the game's greatest hitters ever, traded from Cleveland to Charles Comiskey's Chicago squad. Very few players truly transcend the game. Immortalized here is the legend of Joe Jackson. Here he still wears the cap of Cleveland, his trusted Black Betsy gripped tightly in his calloused farm boy hands, emblazoned against the scarlet background of this beautiful issue. The eye appeal of this card is stunning in every detail, just as the folks at Cracker Jack had envisioned when they produced these astonishing specimens. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing baseball cards of all time. This classic ranks among the finest examples to ever pass through the PSA services. seemingly in the same condition as it was the day it was produced and close to mint in all aspects, the technical grade dips a sliver due to slight wear at corner tips. This specimen displays all of the characteristics associated with quality. This item was undoubtedly obtained through the mail-in promotion, as it is totally void of the sticky candy extract and shows no signs of circulation. To make a long story short, this is a terrific example of one of the premier cards in the hobby.
1915 Cracker Jack Edward V. Cicotte #94 PSA EX-MT 6. Considering the fragile paper and matter of distribution, it is always pleasing to see a high end E145-2 Cracker Jack cards still survives. The man depicted is the infamous "Black Sox" Ed Cicotte. The smile and casual demeanor contradict the harsh and foreboding end to his career which was still four years in the future when this card was circulated. The card is rock solid with slight wear to corners and graphics that rest just to the right of center and no product staining.
1915 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson #103 SGC Authentic. Very few players truly transcend the game. Immortalized here is the legend of Joe Jackson. Here he still wears the cap of Cleveland, his trusty Black Betsy gripped tightly in his calloused farm boy hands, emblazoned against the scarlet background of this beautiful issue. The visual appeal of this card is stunning in every way, a plus for the most aesthetically pleasing baseball card sets of all time. This example displays at the Ex/NM if not Near-Mint level with four sharp corners, flawless registration, and bright, bold coloring. We have been told that the "Authentic" assessment is due to the card being trimmed. It misses the factory norm by 1/32" in. in both height and width.
1915 E106 American Caramel Partial Set (37/48) With Mathewson and Both Honus Wagner cards. The first era of "E" cards came to a close with this very scarce series of almost fifty cards. This offered selection contains 37 or just over 75% of a complete set. E106s are rarely, if ever presented in quantity with only a trio of complete sets made available at auction in the last ten years. Includes: Graded - SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Fromme; SGC 30 GD 2: 5 cards, Barry, Bridwell, Gibson/Back View, Schaefer and Zimmerman; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 6 cards, Bender/White Cap, Bender/Stripe Cap, Bescher, Demmitt, Evers and Tinker; SGC 10 PR 1: 8 cards, Crawford, Jennings, Lajoie, Mathewson, Speaker, Stovall, Wagner/Batting and Wagner/Fielding. Ungraded - Chase (PR), Collins (PR, corner missing), Marquard (PR) and Tinker-Feds (PR). Grades 16% GD with one VG, 84% PR to FR.
1915 E106 Amer. Caramel Eddie Plank PSA EX 5 - Pop 1, Highest Graded Known. From a total population of only four, this is the nicest example graded to date by PSA and SGC has not graded one higher as well. Eddie Plank won 326 games during his career and retired with a 2.35 ERA and 2,246 strikeouts. With 305 Amer. League victories to his name, "Gettysburg Eddie" was the most successful American league pitcher until Walter Johnson notched the 306th win of his career. Eddie's final game in 1917 was a nail-biter and a heart breaker. Plank pitched the complete game plus two more to end up losing 1-0 in the 11th inning. His sole consolation was that he did lose out to the great Walter Johnson. Pictured for St. Louis of the short lived Federal league, this is the finest PSA-Graded E106 of Plank currently known. It would certainly be the finest known copy in the entire hobby if the amount of wear to the tip in the lower right corner was just a little less. Otherwise, a beautiful high end example for the advanced "E" collector, type-collector or Plank specialist.
1915 E106 Amer. Caramel Honus Wagner, Batting PSA VG-EX+ 4.5. The E106 American Caramel series is one of if not the most condition sensitive entry of the early "E" card class. To date, only 11 cards have been graded by PSA at the EX 5 or better level and there have been none that earn the NM 7 label. If Baseball had its mythical gods as the Greek tales have, Wagner would be among the group of Olympians. The tales of his on-field talents and tobacco endorsement issues are all well intertwined in the tapestry of baseball history. What makes this "E" cards so special is that it is among the finest examples from a very scarce series where few high cards exist. The E106 edition appeared in 1915 and marked the end of the early caramel era. The grade is due to a slight wrinkle, or more appropriately called a "bend" in the lower left corner and some light corner wear. Of the paltry ten Wagner-Batting variations graded by PSA, this is the second finest recorded with the best copy a sliver nicer grading EX 5.
1916 M101-4 Blank Back Joe Jackson #87 SGC 40 VG 3. Little needs to be said about the legend and myth of Shoeless Joe Jackson. His popularity ranks higher than all but a few other athletes, and yet he remains banned from the sport that made him a part of American history. This 1916 M101-4 Blank Back at first appears to be a very attractive VG/EX to EX example but for one fine vertical crease so precise that it must have been made by a heavy press roller during production. The image is bold with a very clean print free surface. A player everyone wants.
Rare 1921 D327 Holsum Bread Rogers Hornsby SGC 40 VG 3. For years, this set remained unlisted in guide and treated as mere back variation. The fronts are the same as W575-1s or the E121 American Caramel series but as new subjects and poses are discovered the set is distinct and may even have come out prior to 1921. The offered card of HoFer Rogers Hornsby presents itself at the excellent level but on closer inspection, a light corner crease accounts for the grade. A nice clean copy of a rare card.
1921 E253 Oxford Ty Cobb PSA EX+ 5.5. Oxford Confectionery is not a term one reads often in auction catalogs. This very scarce and highly obscure series from 1921 is noted for the high percentage of Hall of Famers appearing among its modest 20 subjects. A key E253 is baseball legend Ty Cobb. The gritty print quality only enhances the grizzled facial features of an aging legend, hardened by years of inner turmoil and corrosive hate for many of his fellow athletes and fans. An ideal middle grade example, only light corner wear and one small spot stain on the reverse accounts for the technical grade. A scarce collectible that is just a neat card to have in one's collection.
1921 V61 Neilson's Chocolate Complete Set (120) - A Type 1 and Type 2 Assembly. Note: This is a complete set of 120 subjects consisting of 114 Type 1 and 6 Type 2 cards. Two phrases almost never joined are "Neilson's" and "complete." This presentation is a very rare chance to acquire a 120-card complete set of V61 Neilson's Chocolates. The Canadian series is found in two formats. Type 1s are numbered and utilize a very fragile paper stock and are extremely difficult to find better than the VG level; Type 2s are unnumbered and are on a heavy card stock. This is mostly a Type 1 offering. Most hobbyists don't even attempt to assemble a complete set due to the severe lack of availability north or north of the border. American players are featured with Ruth, Cobb, W. Johnson and Hornsby topping the roster list. The ink reference apply's to cards that have the players name and team underlined in ink on the fronts of the cards. Without the ink marks, this is a largely middle garde assembly. In total, 27 cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 1 card, #111 Ford; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 3 cards, #;s 73 Bancroft, 77 Donohue and 92 King; PSA VG-EX 4: 11 cards, #'s 5, 10, 11, 16, 22, 60, 61, 62 Frisch, 88, 93 and 113; PSA VG+ 3.5: 1 card, #7; PSA VG 3: 4 cards, #'s 1 Burns, 63, 90 Maranville and 110; PSA GD+ 2.5: 1 card, #29 E. Collins; PSA Good 2: 3 cards, #'s 8 Goslin, 46 and 58; PSA PR 1 (MK): 3 cards, #'s 30 Cobb, 37 Ruth and 47 Johnson. Ungraded - including #'s 13 Hooper (GD, ink), 14 Faber (GD, ink on rev.), 27 Heilmann (FR), 44 Hoyt (VG, ink), 59 Alexander (VG, ink), 72 Luque (VG, ink), 79 Rousch (GD, ink), 81 Hornsby (PR), 89 Grimes (GD, ink on rev.), 103 Haines (GD, ink), 106 Young (GD, ink), 117 Wheat (VG, ink), 119 Kelly (GD, ink); Type 2s - Rommel (#9), Pillette (#19), Miller (#23), S. Johnson (#24, PR), Sisler (#32, PR) and Carey (#71, FR). Grades 27% VG to VG/EX with one nicer, 57% GD to GD/VG (most due to unobtrusive pencil mark on the front), 16% lesser with two trimmed.
1923 V117 Maple Crispette Complete Set (29) - #1 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the PSA Set Registry with a 3.92 GPA. This set is a recent discovery and is being offered at auction for the first time. The set has 5 of the 20 total card graded by PSA and one of only three total cards to grade NM 7. One entry on the brief list of Canadian issued series with exclusively baseball content is the V117 Maple Crispette edition from 1923. The Montreal based firm sponsored this black-and-white card series along with an offer that allowed youngsters to exchange a complete 30-card set for an Official American League Junior Ball, High Class Base Ball Bat or Scholastic Model Glove. Prize distribution was kept well under control as card #15 Casey Stengel witnessed extremely little circulation and is today mentioned as one of the rarest cards in the hobby. Stengel is not even considered part of a "complete" set. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 1 card, #21 Harris; PSA EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 1 Barnes, 7 Hoyt, 9, 12 Sewell and 16; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 1 card, #25 McKechnie; PSA VG-EX 4: 12 cards, #'s 2 Traynor, 5, 6, 8 Ruth, 14, 17, 18, 23, 24, 27 Pennock, 28 Roush and 30 W. Johnson; PSA VG+ 3.5: 2 cards, #'s 19 Bottomley and 29; PSA VG 3: 4 cards, #'s 3 Schalk, 10, 11 and 22 Cobb; PSA Good+ 2.5: 2 cards, #'s 4 Collins and S. Johnson; PSA Good 2: 2 cards, #'s 20 and 26.
1923 V117 Maple Crispette Babe Ruth #8 SGC 50 VG/EX 4. This is one of a trio at this grade level with only two grading higher. Of the dozens of Babe Ruth card collectibles most portray the legendary slugger in full figure, menacing the batters box or atop the pitchers mound. Some offer a more personal insight to the man via his easily recognizable face. Some would say none capture the impish charm that earned Mr. Ruth the nickname "The Bambino" than card #8 from the V117 Maple Crispette series. This freshly discovered example is a lock "EX" with a few very light spot staining fully accounted for in the SGC assessment.
1924 V122 Willard Chocolate Ty Cobb #39 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. Of the twenty submitted examples this is one of two at this grade level with only one grading higher. Ty Cobb wasn't just recognized in the US for his remarkable baseball skills. When Canada's Willard's Chocolates produced a set of cards honoring 56 "Sports Champions" they included three US baseball players--Eddie Collins, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. The scene is a reaching Georgia Peach possibly putting an end to another rally by the much hated opposition. This card has some very faint stains, a pair of EX/NM corners and two NM corners and is centered close to precise. Considering the overall scarcity of this series a better copy making an appearance is highly unlikely. This is a fantastic addition to any advanced Ty Cobb collection.
1924 V122 Willard's Chocolate "Worlds Champions" Near Set (54/56) - With Ruth! This highly regarded series celebrated the greatest names of a multitude of sporting endeavors. Baseball, boxing, golf, tennis, swimming, track & field, wrestling, horse racing, football, lacrosse, bowling, cycling, and of course rugby, hockey plus others are represented. V122s are scarce in Canada, and other then a rare appearance by one of the four baseball subjects are extremely elusive in the United States. This series is almost never offered in quantity and to the best of our research this lot is the closest to a complete set ever offered. Missing #'s 4 and 39 for completion. An extremely nice example of #39 Ty Cobb is offered elsewhere in this auction. In total, 15 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #10 Ederle; SGC 60 EX 5: 6 cards, #'s 6 Fear-Rugby, 15, 16, 41, 43 Watson-Hockey and 50; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 3 Johnston, 31, 36 and 47 Smith-Hockey; SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 2 Collins-Baseball and 27 Tilden-Tennis; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #20 Sarazen-Golf; SGC 10 PR 1: 1 card, #5 Babe Ruth. Ungraded - #'s 11 Wills-Tennis (VG), 13 Weissmuller-Swimmer and Hollywood's "Tarzan" (GD/VG), 21 Hoppe (VG) and 35 Lewis (GD). Grades 13% EX to EX/MT, 44% VG to VG/EX, 31% PR to GD.
1927 E126 American Caramel Complete Set (60) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: # 2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 34.3 GPA. E126s are scarce and extremely condition sensitive. The series wasn't even listed until the American Card Catalog was updated in the late 1960's. The set utilizes very fragile paper with a thin glossy coating which creases very easily. Ironically, the paper is so thin creasing doesn't always dramatically affect visual appeal as some of the middle and lower graded cards will attest to. The set appeared in that mystical year of 1927 and brought to a close the era of baseball related "E" card productions. To the best of our research, this is one of less than a handful of opportunities to acquire a full E126 set at public auction in the last decade and the first in years. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #5 Cox; SGC 50 VG-EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 25, 29 Rice, 44, 54 and 58; SGC 40 VG 3: 29 cards, #'s 2, 4, 6 Faber, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13 Grover Alexander, 14, 17 Ty Cobb, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 Judge, 28 Walter Johnson, 30, 31, 33, 34, 38 Babe Ruth, 41, 43, 48, 49 Sisler, 50, 55 and 59; SGC 30 GD 2: 12 cards, #'s 21, 27 Speaker, 35, 36, 37, 45, 46, 47, 51, 52 Bancroft, 56 and 60 Kelly; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 10 cards, #'s 3, 9, 15, 16 E. Collins, 19 Grimm, 32 Carey, 40, 42, 53 and 57; SGC 10 PR 1: 3 cards, #'s 1, 8 Schalk and 39.
1927 Honey Boy Tris Speaker #10 SGC 60 EX 5 - Highest Graded Example! Graded 60 EX 5 by SGC, this is the finest graded copy of only a handful submitted to date. Part of an obscure Canadian issue, this rarity features Hall of Fame outfielder Tris Speaker. Speaker was one of the greatest outfielders to ever play the game. These black-and-white, 1-5/8" x 2-3/8" cards issued by Purity Ice Cream Co. in Winnipeg, Canada could be redeemed and if done so were hole-punched or "canceled" in exchange for a brick of Honey Boy ice cream. The offered card has three quality corners plus one with a bit of bluntness; There are no creases, wrinkles or surface loss. The nicely centered portrait of "The Grey Eagle" is unique to this issue. A fantastic type card for this series.
1927 W560 Baseball Complete Set (64) - As Four Uncut Sheets. Although assigned a "W" number in the American Card Catalog, this "strip" card issue was actually issued in the form of four different 16-subject uncut 7" x 11" sheets. The cards are designed like playing cards and are printed in red ink, black ink or a combination of the two. The set includes non-sport celebrities and athletes. Notable names include: Babe Ruth (sl. st.), Jack Dempsey, Chas. Lindbergh, Both Waner brothers, Hornsby, Cochrane, Pennock, Lou Gehrig, Cuyler, Walter Johnson, Foxx, Grove and Simmons. The panels present very nicely and have only minor condition issues like a crease or a moisture stain putting technical grade at VG for each. These issues mostly affect the corner cards.
1927 W560 Uncut Panel With Gehrig, Grove, Johnson and Cochrane. Although assigned a "W" number by the American Card Catalog, this is not a "strip card" issue in the same sense as most other "W" sets, although W560 cards are frequently found in uncut sheets of 16 cards. The cards are designed like a deck of playing cards, with the pictures on the various suits, explaining the presence of both red and black variations. The offered sheet includes Hall of Fame members Mickey Cochrane, Herb Pennock, Lou Gehrig, Kiki Cuyler, Walter Johnson, Lefty Grove and Al Simmons.
Extremely Rare 1928 Exhibit Pacific Coast League Baseball Near Set (29/32). Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 50.6 GPA. In the process of putting together an auction we find ourselves in a sea of emails and phone messages. The most exciting part of the job is the mystery of what the next phone call or email will bring. Needless to say when a caller said he had a near complete set of 1928 Exhibits, the PCL variety, it not only made our day, it made our week. The rarity of the Exhibit Supply Company's Pacific Coast League edition is beyond debate. Simply put, they are extremely rare. Of the hundreds of thousands of submissions to both PSA and SGC we find only one possible complete set of 32 subjects recorded. The SGC report shows us only one example of 29 subjects has been graded and almost every name, except for four who have managed to reach the lofty "2" population, are the only examples recorded to date. Acquiring a quantity of these rarities elevates a collection to elite status. Their existence for most is limited to the rumors one hears of some lucky hobbyist who happened to find a singular one-color, post card sized jewel in a sea of musty collectibles. This 29-card near set is missing Governor, Kallio and Rhyne for completion. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 11 cards, w/Arlett, Jolly, Keating, "Duster" Mails, Kerr, Krause, Lee, Reese, Sheely, Shellenbeck and Twombly; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 10 cards, w/Dittmar, Hannah, Heath, Hood, Hufft, Jones, Larry, Rhodes, Severied and Thurston; SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards, w/Averill, Berger, Fenton, Finn, French, Slade and Weathersby; SGC 30 Good 2: 1 card, Bodie.
1928 Exhibits Lou Gehrig SGC 40 VG 3. In any set in which he appears, Lou Gehrig is one of the top two or three key subjects and the 1928 Exhibit series is no different. This "Iron Horse" card has but little corner wear and some spot staining of note. SGC tends to be conservative with postcard sized collectibles and this card is nice for the SGC 40 VG 3 grade. It is also the perfect companion piece to the '28 Exhibit of Babe Ruth offered elsewhere in this auction.
1928 Exhibits Babe Ruth SGC 30 Good 2. This one-color Exhibit appeared the following year after Ruth's historic 60 home run season in 1927. Pictured as he will always be remembered best, taking a swing with his mighty bat and gazing upwards watching the ball which will soon become a treasured memento of a lucky fan. The grade is explained by light creasing and some light soiling. A very nice looking card for the grade.
1928 Exhibits Baseball Collection (19) With HoFers. Offered is a 19-card selection of 1928 Exhibit Baseball cards featuring five Hall of Famers. Five cards have been graded by SGC. Includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Cochrane and Simmons; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, Goslin, S. Harris and Lyons. Ungraded - Blue, Cissell, Fothergill, Harris, Jones, McCurdy, Myatt, Schulte, J, Sewell (VG), Schang, Shocker, Tavener, Uhle and Whitehill. Grades VG to VG/EX with a couple lesser.
1928 Harrington Ice Cream Babe Ruth #6 PSA VG-EX+ 4.5. For some reason, Ice Cream and Babe Ruth seem to go together as well as Cracker Jacks and baseball. Offered here is one of the toughest issues associated with the tasty treat in the form of this Babe Ruth 1928 Harrington Ice Cream card. Graded an attractive PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, this exceedingly rare pasteboard presents superb centering and light corner wear. The reason for the technical grade is the light amount of staining on the right border. Very solid grade on this rarely seen treasure.
1929 R316 Kashin Publications SGC-Graded Collection (9) - Mostly HoFers. The R316 series appeared in the form of four boxed sets of 25 cards. The 3-3/8" x 4-1/2" collectibles are on very thin card stock and susceptible to damage and creases. The offered selection is modest in quantity but features no less than seven members of baseball's Hall of Fame. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, O'Doul, and Simmons; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 6 cards, Bush, Goslin, Maranville, Pennock, Stephenson and Terry; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Grove.
Rare 1933 Blum's Publishing Tris Speaker. At 9-1/2' x 13-13/16" in size, these thin paper premiums are very hard to find without major condition problems. The full-figure pose of baseball legend Tris Speaker jumps off the surface of the paper, barely affected by brief corner creases. Corners are at the EX to Ex/MT level and there are no rips of tears. A tough premium in admirable condition.
1933 Goudey Baseball SGC-Graded Partial Set (107) - With Gehrig Plus Over 30 HoFers! By offering dozens of HoFers and a clean colorful appearance, the 1933 Goudey set is so much fun to collect. It is no surprise that it ranks high on practically every vintage card collectors favorite sets to collect list. This a very attractive start toward a complete series. Most of the cards middle grade (61% EX to EX/NM) and scattered among the 107 names are over 30 member of the great Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. That list is highlighted by Gehrig, Dean, Foxx, Grove, etc. plus a very respectable example of card #1. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 23 cards, #'s 4, 19 Dickey, 27, 47 Manush, 52, 71, 77, 87, 115, 119 Hornsby, 127 Ott, 146, 169, 176, 182, 195, 197 Ferrell, 208, 212, 217 Crosetti, 219, 226 and 227; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 22 cards, #'s 14, 31 Lazzeri, 32, 34, 42 Collins, 46, 57, 63 Cronin, 68, 74 Rixey, 81, 148, 177, 185, 196, 201, 202 Hartnett, 205, 206, 221, 229 Vaughn and 239; SGC 60 EX 5: 20 cards, #'s 3, 5 Herman, 8, 11, 18, 21, 26, 30, 45, 48, 90, 92 Gehrig, 98, 128 Klein, 135, 154 Foxx, 165 Sewell, 199, 223 Dean and 237; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 13 cards, #'s 6, 24, 36, 37, 44 Bottomley, 93, 124, 133 Lindstrom, 151, 175, 194 Averill, 220 Grove and 233; SGC 40 VG 3: 8 cards, #'s 2 Vance, 51, 103 Combs, 125 Terry, 167, 216 Gomez, 225 and 234 Hubbell; SGC 30 GD 2: 5 cards, #'s 1 Bengough, 33, 43, 158 Berg and 210; SGC Authentic: 16 cards, #'s 10, 17, 20 Terry, 22 Traynor, 28, 39, 41, 54, 58 O'Doul, 62, 110 Goslin, 134 Rice, 136, 168 Goslin, 171 and 189 Cronin.
1933 Goudey Baseball SGC 84 NM 7 Collection (8). A limit of eight cards was placed to ensure viewers would not become bored with card-after-card of rich hues, bright borders and sharp corners. Includes: SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 16 Blaeholder, 73 Haines, 101 Coffman, 156 MacFayden, 214 Kerr, 215 Van Atta, 232 O'Doul and 238 Critz. The SMR value of this lot is $1,800.00.
1933 Goudey Baseball SGC 84 NM 7 Collection (8). Eight high end collectibles that seemingly never saw the hands of a young gum card fan. Includes: SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 93 Welch, 107 Manush, 113 Bluege, 151 Flowers, 175 Howlay, 191 Chapman, 198 Burns and 204 Stephenson. The SMR value of this modest only in size lot exceeds $1,500.00.
Note: The correct no. for Bluege is #113, not #116. We apologize for the oversight.
Note: The correct no. for Bluege is #113, not #116. We apologize for the oversight.
1933 Goudey Jimmy Foxx #29 PSA NM-MT 8 - Highest Graded Example! The same season as this 1933 Goudey card was issued, Jimmy Foxx tallied a batting average of .356, with 163 RBI's and 48 long balls, which earned the Philadelphia Athletics legend the Triple Crown, and his second straight American League Most Valuable Player Award. A brilliant card from the famed gum issue, this piece has been awarded a PSA NM-MT 8, with no example ever grading higher. This piece appears as if it were just pulled from a pack, with a sparkling surface presenting a gorgeous lemon-yellow background, and an illustration of Foxx in his classic batting follow through pose. This card displays perfect clarity and the lightest amount of touching on the corners, barely restricting this example from being deemed the coveted "Mint 9" designation.
1933 Goudey Jimmy Foxx #29 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. Jimmy Foxx was an powerhouse of a slugger who put the "club" in 500 Home Run Club. Graded SGC 80 EX/NM 6 this card is merely one of a pair at this grade level with only a trio recorded higher. How can a "6" be in the top five? Low number 1933 Goudey's in higher grades are a scarce commodity. The small amount of wear to the upper left corner (mostly seen on the back) combines with good colors and problem surfaces resulting in one very deserving EX/NM 80 assessment.
1933 Goudey Joe Cronin #63 SGC-Authentic Printer's Proof. What a fun card to add to one's Goudey collection. This 1933 Goudey of baseball Hall of Famer Joe Cronin is like none other. The possibly unique printer's proof has been hand cut to size and shows only the dark blue spot color for the final card. The card has a blank back and presents at the near mint level. A fascinating look into the process of printing the cards we all admire and collect.
1933 Goudey Phil Todt #86 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. One of four at this grade level with none higher. The wise collector always buys the card, not the holder. This is certainly one of those instances because the holder doesn't seem to do the card justice. The cards is simply stunning. The colors, centering, surface quality, all impressive. The only possible explanation for the grade is a barely noticeable surface imperfection near the upper right corner on the reverse. Some may view it a stock imperfection but that is just one man's opinion. Either way, this is a tremendous example from the 1933 Goudey edition.
1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig #92 SGC 84 NM 7. Today, just as must have been the case 70-odd years ago, the sight of Lou Gehrig's batting posture never fails to generate excitement in the heart of the baseball enthusiast. Modern collectors can only marvel at the idea of peeling a gum pack's wrapper - and spotting the "NY" logo on the figure's cap, or picking up the sight of those Yankee pinstripes - as the full picture of the legend emerges into view. It's a thrill that knows no generational boundaries, largely because the '33 Goudey portrayal of the "Iron Horse" is such a timeless one. Like few others, this classic piece - with its incomparable subject - successfully captures and projects the "feel" of its era. This gum card's status as an elite relic, while immediately apparent upon viewing, is corroborated by its ranking in SGC's population tallies. As one of only six copies sharing its tier (and surpassed by less than ten) the card stands within clear view of the apex of its number's 230-card census. Brilliant in every respect, this Gehrig tribute concedes just centering to the technical gods with just hints of sheet transfer so common with this issue. A tremendous card with little signs of ever being publicly circulated.
1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig #92 SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. Goudey's celebrated inaugural issue dedicated two different cards to legendary Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. For a reason long forgotten, both cards depicted the beloved athlete in the same classic batting stance. This specific example provides strong color and tight registration which accompany four above average corners. One spot stain on the otherwise clean reverse is the only other condition issue worth noting. A very pleasing specimen from one of Lou's more popular Depression-era series. Excellent Plus condition any day of the week.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. The essence of the Depression-era game, distilled into a single three-inch tall piece of cardboard. The details of the offering are little more than a long list of superlatives, as the set and the player it pictures rank at the pinnacle of the hobby. Joining the 1909-11 T206 and 1952 Topps issues to form the baseball card collecting's "Big Three," the 1933 Goudey set is rightfully considered a consummate masterpiece, with gorgeous portraiture capturing many of the greatest names of the pre-war era. And certainly there was none greater than Babe Ruth, who strikes his classic batting pose here on what may be the set's most recognizable card. Rich colors and problem free surfaces bring the Babe to life almost three-quarters of a century after issue. Minor corner touches and a slight centering shift are all we can report which would account for the technical assessment.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149 SGC 60 EX 5. It would be easy to go into a lengthy essay about the achievements of Babe Ruth but the first line on the reverse says it all, "Home run king of the big leagues." As a tribute to his sovereignty, Ruth's likeness was featured no less than four times in the 1933 Goudey series, more times than any other player. Considering the handling a cherished memento like this would endure this example has survived as a fine representation of its type. Card #149 or the "red background" Ruth is arguably one of more widely pursued of the universally coveted quartet. A beautiful red background with equal levels of light corner wear. A solid excellent level copy.
1933 Goudey Ray Kolp #150 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Pop 2 with None Higher! One of a rare pair of 88 NM/MT 8 examples graded by SGC with none higher. High grade examples of 1933 Goudey cards have all but disappeared from the marketplace as astute investors know the supply will never see a significant jump and the demand will seemingly never go down. The card barely shows any signs of circulation or handling and shows all the characteristics of a high grade gem.
1933 Goudey Rick Ferrell #197 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Extremely sharp graphics with bright bold colors. Ferrell's portrait is just a bit off-center, but is surrounded by four sharp corners and is unencumbered by any surface blemishes, front or back. 1933 Goudey's are becoming more and more difficult to find these days.
1933 Goudey Tom Bridges #199 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Pop 1 with One Higher. The only example graded 88 NM/MT to date with only one grading higher. A simply stunning example from the 1933 Goudey issue. Corner quality is at or above what one expects from a card at this level. The lone "fault" is actually an aesthetic one, not a physical one and that is the portrait of the Tigers pitcher is centered a little low vertically and perfectly horizontally.
1933 Goudey Carl Hubbell #230 SGC 84 NM 7. "King Carl" was a deserving inclusion in the Goudey issue which was the first comprehensive issue in almost a decade. He would win the 1933 NL MVP award and lead his New York Giants to World Series glory, going 2-0 and allowing no earned runs in 20 innings work. With only six of the 75 submitted to SGC rating higher, this well centered, very sharp Carl Hubbell should be in high demand. The vibrant colors, bright borders and very close to precise centering makes this a likely candidate for being the finest of the only four examples at the NM 7 level.
1934 Goudey Ed Holley #55 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. One of only two at this grade level with a handful assessed higher. Visually impressive, colorful and very nicely centered copy with a slight sign of wear to one corner tip. Scarce in high grade.
1934-36 Diamond Stars Jimmie Foxx #64 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A beautiful representation from the popular 1930's National Chicle issue featuring Hall of Fame Boston Red Sox slugger Jimmie Foxx. Great color, sharp corners and clean front and back surfaces are clearly evident when viewing this high-end example. After 92 confirmed examples graded to date, this card ranks in the top-ten for quality.
1934 World Wide Gum SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5 Group of (6). Vintage collectors are all too aware of the difficulties in finding high grade 1934 Goudey cards among the Thousands that have survived. One can only image how few high grade World Wide Gum cards have passed the test of time. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards, #'s 51 Chapman, 62 Brandt, 66 Hogan, 74 Cramer, 89 Stone and 94 Melillo.
1934 World Wide Gum SGC-Graded Collection (37) With Ten Hall of Famers. Don't be fooled by the all too familiar names, faces and design. These 37 cards would be desirable enough were they another lot of "R" class Goudey cards. Representing almost 40% of the set, this group is much more scarce, but just as appealing, V354 Canadian variety circulated by World War Gum. If the brand name isn't enough to convince you, the bi-lingual copy on the reverse is irrefutable. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 49 Benge, 60 Kamm and 80 Hurst; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, #'s 73 Ryan, 81 Walker and 93 Earnshaw; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 card, # 45, 50 and 68 Manush; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 8, 12, 15 and 70 Vaughn; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 5 cards, #'s 20, 25, 34, 41 and 42; SGC 60 EX 5: 17 cards, #'s 3, 4 Maranville, 6, 7, 10, 19, 24 Jackson, 32 Rixey, 35, 43, 46, 47, 53 Terry, 67 Waner, 71 Hubbell, 75 and 79; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #29 Speaker; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, #1 Hornsby.
1934 World Wide Gum Joe Kuhel #52 SGC 96 Mint 9. To date, SGC has graded almost 450 World Wide Gum V354 cards and a precious quartet (that's .009%) have been deemed worthy of the "Mint" assessment. All four SGC 96 Mint 9 V354s are being offered in this auction. The format is familiar but the artwork and presence are unique and special. Displaying qualities well deserving of the coveted "96 Mint 9" assessment, this copy of card #59 featuring the Senators' Joe Kuhel can serve as a very special addition to any vintage collection.
1934 World Wide Gum Dizzy Dean #55 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 - Pop 1, Highest Grade Known. Every player's career has a pinnacle and 1934 was "THE" year for Paul Dean's brother Dizzy Dean. With an amazing 30-7 W-L record and a 2.66 ERA Dizzy won the honor of being chosen the NL's MVP that season. From the Canadian version of the 1934 Goudey baseball issue we have the finest V354 variety issued by Goudey under the gum makers "World Wide Gum" brand name. A terrific card worthy of this fine Hall of Famer and top hurler of his day. The card is characterized by impressive centering and four high quality corners which show just the slightest hints of wear at the tips. A fantastic addition for any 1930's vintage card or Dizzy Dean specialist collection.
1934 World Wide Gum Jimmy Foxx #58 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. The only example at this grade with only one higher. Because the available supply for most non-US card sets is severely limited, the odds of acquiring a top Hall of Famer in an elevated state of preservation are dramatically low. The search for a high end Jimmie Foxx card from the more common 1934 Goudey issue is hard enough, but if you have been scouring web sites and tables at shows for Foxx's scarce V354 entry, your search is over. This is a very well centered example with vivid colors and quality corners. Of the seven card sample submitted to SGC, this is the only card to grade 80 EX/NM 6 with only one card grading higher.
1934 World Wide Gum Mickey Cochrane #59 SGC 96 Mint 9. Mickey Cochrane is considered one of the finest men to take position behind home plate. A passionate and fierce competitor, Cochrane's temper was comparable to that of his friend, Ty Cobb and he is noted as being one of the few teammates to attend Cobb's funeral. This stunning example of Mickey's V354 World Wide Gum card from 1934 appeared just three years before his career was brought to an end by a pitch that struck him in the head, sending him to the hospital for an entire week. This attention-grabbing card offers much to brag about and little to criticize. To date, only five V354 #59 cards have been submitted to SGC. With the much more common Goudey version selling for over $5,000.00, what is the one and only example graded SGC 96 Mint 9 worth? And remember, this grade is from the traditionally conservative SGC judges.
1934 World Wide Gum Tony Piet #63 SGC 96 Mint 9. The only card at this grade level and by far the highest copy recorded to date. This is one of the only four SGC 96 Mint 9 World Wide Gum cards graded by SGC. Visually and physically superb in every way. A better copy is probably never to be found.
1934 World Wide Gum Hugh Critz #72 SGC 96 Mint 9. The only card at this grade level and by far the highest copy recorded to date. The closing entry of the four V354s graded 96 Mint 9 by SGC. It is always wise to never say never but this eye catching stunner will probably never be improved upon.
1934 World Wide Gum Chick Hafey #78 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The supply of V354 Chick Hafey cards is hardly plentiful. The card is scarce and the condition the card is in makes it quite possibly the nicest example to have survived the last three-quarters of a century. Ideal in almost every way (that darn centering) it stands as one of only nine World Wide Gum cards to earn the NM/MT+ assessment by SGC. As a matter of fact, not only is this card the only card at this grade with none higher but it is by far the nicest known as the next nicest Hafey recorded is a single 80 EX/NM 6. A very nice card for the set builder or type collector.
1934 World Wide Gum Lou Gehrig #92 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. Decades before Major League Baseball made its debut north of the forty-ninth parallel the Canadian version of the popular Goudey Gum baseball issue was priming the hockey-loving nation for its arrival. Presented is a gorgeous example celebrating the set's spokesman, bright as a ripe banana and perfectly positioned between four sharp corners. It stands alone atop the SGC population report, the only specimen to achieve this lofty mark with none equaling or surpassing its quality. Like the Iron Man himself, it's a miracle of durability.
1935 Goudey 4-In-1 Near Set (28) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #3 on the SGC Set Registry with a 64.5 GPA. This is not an easy series to find in excellent or better condition, yet somehow this passionate hobbyist assembled most of this near set in middle to high grade. Among the quartet of players one finds HoFers Bottomley, Cochrane, Dickey, Ferrell, Goslin, Lazzeri, Vance, Lyons, Ruffing, Traynor, Appling, Cronin, Ott, Greenberg, Foxx, Paul and Lloyd Waner plus many other stars of the era. An impressive assembly of a very condition sensitive issue. The puzzle back numbers are noted in "()" for the master set builder and a very nice example of the babe Ruth card is being offered elsewhere in this auction. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, Byrd/Martin/Macfayden/O' Farrell (7F) and R. Ferrell/W. Ferrell/Ostermueller/Werber (9G); SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 7 cards, w/ Dickey/Lazzeri/Malone/Ruffing (4D) and Lucas/Thevenow/Traynor/Wright (4B); SGC 60 EX 5: 14 cards, Bartell/Critz/Mancuso/Ott (2A), Bush/Hoyt/L. Waner/P. Waner (3C), Cochrane/Kamm/Ruel/Simmons (6A), Foxx/Higgins/Mahaffey/Williams (2B), Frisch/Dean/Orsatti/Carleton (1A), Jackson/Mancuso/Schumacher/Terry (3B); SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, w/ Fox/Greenberg/Rowe/Walker (8F). Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
1935 Goudey Ruth/Brandt/Maranville/McManus SGC 80 EX/NM 6. One of a trio at this grade level with only three graded higher. The most important card from the 1935 Goudey "4-in-1" series features four members from the Boston Braves. The key appearance is by baseball legend Babe Ruth in his final season in the majors. Other players on the card are HoFer Rabbit Maranville plus Brandt and McManus. It would appear more precise centering would have allowed a higher grade as surfaces are clean and the corners display the smallest hints of wear at the tips. This would be the final card issued during his playing career to include the legendary Yankee and friend to children everywhere.
1936-37 Goudey "Wide Pen" Premiums (100) - A Type 1 Near Set (96/120) & Type 3 Group of (4). These fragile 3-1/4" x 5-1/2" paper-thin collectibles are named for the heavy style of script used to identify each subject. Believed to have been issued for a period of two years (1936-37), we do know they can be found in five distinct formats. This 96-card near set are all "Type 1" examples meaning they are black & White and show the "LITHO IN U.S.A." line in the bottom-right corner. Overall, this is a very nice assembly with just a few showing major condition issues. Most are very solid middle grade examples with light, unobtrusive creases/wrinkles. Includes: Averill (GD/VG), Cochrane (VG), Cronin (VG/EX), Crosetti (EX), Cuyler (GD), Dickey (EX), DiMaggio-McCarthy (VG/EX), R. Ferrell (VG/EX), Ferrell-Wes & Rick (GD/VG), Frisch (VG), Gehringer (VG), Gomez (VG/EX), Goslin (VG), Greenberg (GD/VG), Hartnett (VG/EX), Hoyt (VG), Klein (VG), Lombardi (VG), Lopez (VG/EX), Medwick (VG), Schacht (VG) and P. Waner (VG/EX). Grades 87% VG to EX, 13% lesser. See our web site for a list of missing names. 1936 "Type 3" (4) - B&W, Borderless. Almada (GD, pencil mark on rev.), Cramer (GD/VG), Foxx (GD/VG) and Manush (VG). Note: Please see our web site for a list of missing Type 1 subjects.
1937 O-Pee-Chee Jimmy Foxx #A106 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A surprisingly well preserved and unfolded copy of Jimmie Foxx's 1937 O-Pee-Chee card numbered A-106. High grade 1930's vintage O-Pee-Chee cards don't make themselves available that often, let alone one of the only two cards graded 88 NM/MT 8 by SGC, and no, there is no better copy currently recorded. The ideal companion to the NM/MT Lefty Grove being offered elsewhere in this auction.
1937 O-Pee-Chee Lefty Grove #137 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. The roles hockey and baseball play in the Canadian market are the opposite that one finds in the states. Vintage baseball was a distant second cousin to hockey and the availability of O-Pee-Chee cards from that era is extremely limited. Considering its design, it is almost a fluke that this sharp Lefty Grove O-Pee-Chee card survived. The upper portion (which was intended to be folded back to allow the card to stand) is fully unhinged and intact. The design is inspired by the Delong baseball series from the year before with an elegance that Black & White affords. A worthy collectible of the most advanced vintage collections.
1937 O-Pee-Chee Baseball SGC-Graded High End Collection (5). The list of baseball productions by O-Pee-Chee Gum is brief but offers some very attractive cards. Generally scarce in the market today, high grade examples are particularly prized as the cards were by design made to be folded and creased. That is not an issue with this lot which includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 111A Goslin and 126A Travis; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #102A Hayes; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 114A Myer and 133A Bridges.
1939 Play Ball Baseball SGC-Graded Collection (40 Different). This high end selection of 40 different 1939 Play Ball baseball cards actually represents 25% of the entire series. Discovered among the black & white portraits are the familiar faces of Hall of Famers Mel Ott and Carl Hubbell and the high end examples of the first card in the series. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #71; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards, #'s 33, 38, 47, 74 Lavagetto, 82 Klein, 148; SGC 84 NM 7: 10 cards, #'s 25, 52 Henrich, 76, 86 Camilli, 100, 101, 102, 115, 128 and 142; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 13 cards, #'s 17, 51 Ott, 53 Hubbell, 77, 85, 87, 94 Manush, 95, 97, 124, 137, 153 and 160 Moore; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 1 Powell, 65 and 151; SGC 60 EX 5: 6 cards, #'s 7 Doerr, 66, 119, 134, 144 and 156; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, #159. The SMR value of this presentation exceeds $2,000.00.
1939 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio #26 PSA NM-MT 8. Note: The scratches are on the PSA case. The card is unaffected.
Any baseball artifact relating to the historic Centennial season of 1939 is worthy of tremendous collector interest, and this is certainly high on the wish lists of card collectors and baseball historians alike. The young Joltin' Joe appears in perfect contrast, with only the lightest of touches on the corners. Solid centering is also presented on this superb pasteboard, which earned the desirable PSA NM-MT 8 designation.
Any baseball artifact relating to the historic Centennial season of 1939 is worthy of tremendous collector interest, and this is certainly high on the wish lists of card collectors and baseball historians alike. The young Joltin' Joe appears in perfect contrast, with only the lightest of touches on the corners. Solid centering is also presented on this superb pasteboard, which earned the desirable PSA NM-MT 8 designation.
1941 Goudey Baseball SGC-Graded Collection (13). As with most companies who issued sports cards, 1941 marked the end of an era. While war related sets continued to flourish, WW II almost completely ended sports card promotions. This colorful presentation includes both HoFers and a pair of scarce single-prints. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 28 Todd/Green and 31 Ross/Green; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 19 Posedel/Red and 33 Ott/Blue; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, #'s 8 Muncrief/Red and 20 Hubbell/Green; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 13 Hayes/Green, 18 Wyatt/Red and 32 Coffman/Yellow; SGC 69 EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 14 Kramer/Red, 21 Warstler SP/Blue, 24 Andrews SP/Yellow and 27 Crouch/Red.
1941 Play Ball Baseball High End Partial Set (28) - #6 on the SGC Registry. Rank: #6 on the SGC Set Registry with an 80.7 grade average. The final major baseball card release before WW II has remained one of the most highly sought after productions to this day. This very attractive selection offers a high quality boost toward the goal of putting together a complete set. These are sharp examples with good eye appeal with the added bonus of instant registry recognition. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards w/#'s 16, 21 Keller, 24 Leonard, 31, 36 and 37; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards w/#'s 30 and 69; SGC 84 NM 7: 10 cards w/#'s 6 Hubbell, 7, 9, 10 Vaughn, 11, 12, 33, 42, 43 and 47; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards w/#'s 26, 38, 46, 49, 54 Reese and 56 Vander Meer; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #64 Doerr; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards w/#'s 62 and 63 D. DiMaggio; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #41.
1943-47 F340 Centennial Flour Rainiers PCL Baseball Complete Library (5 Complete Sets). Among the more scarce of the west coast regional issues are the Centennial Flour series that showcased the players of the Seattle Rainiers. The entire Centennial library consists of four sets issued from 1943-1947. This presentation offers not only all four complete sets but a rare uncatalogued variation of the 1945 set printed in black ink. Includes: 1943 Centennial Flour Rainiers (25) - Complete set of 25 cards. Grades EX to NM with a couple lesser; 1944 Centennial Flour Rainiers (25) - Complete set of 25 cards. Presents EX/MT to NM with light crumpling in one corner; 1945 Centennial Flour Rainiers (27) - Complete set of 27 cards in Blue ink. Grades 67% EX/MT to NM, 335 slightly lesser with one FR; 1945 Centennial Flour Rainiers (27) - Complete set of 27 cards in Black ink. Grades 67% EX to EX/MT, 33% VG to VG/EX; 1947 Centennial Flour Rainiers (32) - Grades EX/MT to NM with some slightly lesser. A complete library like is is an impressive addition to any advanced vintage collection.
1945 Caramelo Dep. Martin Dihigo #65 PSA Good 2. Graded Good 2 by PSA, of the eight total examples submitted to that service this is the highest graded copy recorded to date. Martin Dihigo was quite possibly the finest all-around player of his or any generation ever to step onto a baseball diamond. First baseman, Third baseman, outfielder and even pitcher, Dihigo excelled at every position and to this day is recognized by his peers for his immense talent. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Mexico, Cuba and as of 2006, the ultimate baseball shrine in Cooperstown. The very thin paper stock Caramelo Deportivo or "Sporting Caramels" were circulated in Cuba in 1945-46 and are among the most significant foreign baseball sets ever produced. The set was almost entirely overlooked until top talent from the Negro Leagues were inducted into the HoF. This was one of the few sets to have featured Negro League athletes, as they were limited to playing in Latin-America, Mexico or Cuba. As baseball fans, we should all be thankful we have these fragile collectibles to honor them. Dihigo only appears in three series, all from the mid-1940's and this is his "rookie" card appearance. The offered example is mostly clean with easily seen paper loss on the obverse but no loss on the reverse which is extremely rare for the issue. It seems this beauty never made it into the special album designed to house the entire series. Without this condition flaw which affects the overall eye appeal very little this would be a solid NM card as centering and corner quality are what one expects to see on a card at that level. A significant addition to any Hall of Fame Rookies or Negro Leaguers specialty collections.
1946-49 Sports Exchange All-Star Picture File (92) - Complete Series 1A-B through 9. These promotions of large format 7" x 10" premiums were sold by the series for 50-cents each. A comprehensive set issued over a length of time, this presentation includes ten of the 13 separate series. Grading these thick paper collectibles below EX seemed unfair as they present very nicely but do have largely unobtrusive condition issues. Includes: Series 1A (9) - Grades FR (staple holes); Series 1B (9) - w/Dickey, Feller, Greenberg and Williams. Grades FR (staple holes); Series 2 (9) - w/Musial (EX/MT) and Slaughter (VG/EX). Grades EX to EX/MT with a couple slightly lesser; Series 3 (11) - w/D. DiMaggio (VG/EX) and Mize (EX/MT). Grades EX/MT with a few VG/EX; Series 4 (9) - w/Foxx (VG/EX), Frisch (VG), Gehrig (EX), Grove (EX), Hornsby (EX), Hubbell (VG), Ruth (VG/EX) and Wilson (EX). Grades VG to EX; Series 5 (9) - Grades VG/EX to EX; Series 6 (9) - w/Reese (EX) and Rizzuto (VG/EX). Grades VG/EX to EX with a few nicer; Series 7 (9) - w/J. DiMaggio (VG/EX) and Kiner (VG/EX). Grades VG/EX with one slightly lesser; Series 8 (9) - w/Wagner (VG/EX). Grades EX/MT with two lesser; Series 9 (9) - w/Spahn (VG). Grades VG/EX with two slightly lesser.
1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson "Portrait" SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 - Highest Graded Example! Way before the likes of Michael Jordan, Ken Griffey Jr., Tiger Woods, and even Mickey Mantle, were featured on promotional material for the various companies they sponsored, the modern Major League's first African American player, Jackie Robinson was touting Bond Bread. Offered here is a promotional "Portrait" card featuring an image and facsimile signature of Robinson that has been graded an amazing SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. This is the highest grade exemplar examined by the East Coast experts, and it exhibits sparking borders, and the lightest amount of touching on the corners.
1947-1966 Exhibit baseball Near Master Set (336/341). Near set of 333 cards plus three variations. Missing Doby/Bat on Border, Doerr/No "Exhibit Card", Mantle/Separated "c k," Mueller and Braves/1948 for completion. With over 300 subjects, a seemingly endless number of print/text variations and dozens of scarce subjects and variations, the cornerstone of the Exhibit Baseball library is a hobbyists dream come true. The massive undertaking went almost 20 years before full color cards and vending card machines became obsolete. Regardless, the set has remained a hobby favorite. A blank back is standard for these one-color, postcard size cards but 33 names display the scarce and desirable post card format reverse. In total, 23 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, Cunningham/Portrait, Killebrew/Portrait, Mantle/Portrait and Richardson; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 11 cards, Larry "Yogi" Berra, Cunningham/Batting, Ford/Pitching, Killebrew/With Bat, Koufax, Mantle/"ck" Connected, Mays/Portrait, Musial/Batting, Powell, Bill "Moose" Skowron and Ward; SGC 60 EX 5: 7 cards, Brandt, Ford/Portrait, Mantle/Batting/Full Length, Musial/Kneeling (PC), Paige, F. Robinson and Yastrzemski; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Drysdale/Portrait. Ungraded - w/Aaron (VG/EX), Alvis (VG/EX), Banks/Script (VG), Campanella/PC (VG/EX), Clemente (VG), Hutchinson (GD, ink spot on Rev.), Jensen (VG/EX), Killebrew/Throwing (VG/EX), Kranepool (EX+), Kubek/Dark (VG/EX), Mays/Batting (FR), McCoskey/McCosky (VG), J. Robinson (FR), Snider/LA (EX+), Snider/B (VG/EX), Waitkus/Chicago (GD/VG), Walker (VG/EX), Dodgers-1949 (VG), Dodgers-1952 (VG/EX), Dodgers-1955 (PR), Dodgers-1956 (VG/EX), Giants-1951 (VG), Giants-1954 (VG/EX), Indians-1948 (VG/EX), Phillies-1950 (VG/EX), Yankees-1949 (GD), Yankees-1950 (EX), Yankees-1951 (FR), Yankees-1952 (GD), Yankees-1955 (EX) and Yankees-1956 (FR). Grades 62% EX to EX/MT with a few nicer, 27% VG to VG/EX, 11% lesser.
Scarce 1947 Signal Gasoline PCL Near or Partial Sets (4). This one season promotion paired Signal Gasoline and local radio stations to showcase five of the eight teams of the Pacific Coast League. The set is known for scarcity (the distribution was extremely limited) and the artwork was created by NY Giants pitcher Al Demaree. These cards are scarcely offered in quantity and rarely as a near set. This group offers a near and a partial set of two of the five participating teams. Includes: 1947 Los Angeles Angels (17) - Near set 17 of 18 cards. Missing Kelly. Grades 59% EX to EX/MT, 41% VG to VG/EX with one lesser; 1947 Los Angeles Angels (12) - Partial set 12 of 18 cards. Grades VG to EX with one lesser; 1947 Hollywood Stars (19) - Near set 19 of 20 cards. Missing Williams. Grades 53% EX to EX/MT, 47% VG to VG/EX with one lesser; 1947 Hollywood Stars (9) - Partial set 9 of 20 cards. Grades VG to EX with one lesser.
1948 Bowman Phil Rizzuto #8 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This short-print rookie card of Yankees great Phil Rizzuto looks so much more at home within the confines of its SGC 88 NM/MT 8 slab than the unassuming jewelry box in which it has rested for most of the last six decades. Micro spot staining barely impacts the visual enjoyment of this quality example. Freshly graded and all the more desirable with its admirable centering and sharp corners.
1948 Bowman Stan Musial #36 SGC 84 NM 7. Who could have foreseen the amazing career this then 28-year old rookie would achieve? This card has four razor sharp corners and problem free surfaces leaving the centering the answer to the technical assessment.
1948 Bowman Stan Musial #36 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A Stan Musial rookie card of the highest caliber is mandatory for inclusion in a worthy Hall of Fame collection. Problem is, the porous cardstock and lax quality control endured by the initial effort of Bowman - whose '48 set harbors Stan's debut-year collectible - has made acquisition of such a prize particularly difficult. This very well centered example is among the finest seen by SGC with only four receiving higher assessments.
1948 Kellogg's Pep Sports Collection (74) - With Mikan Rookie. This set of real photo cards is about as condition sensitive of a series one can find. The thin, brittle photo paper creases easily and the delicate chemically treated surface develops cracks with little effort. The set is highlighted by the rookie card appearance of Basketball legend George Mikan. This group contains at least one complete set of 18 subjects and the Trippi reverse negative variation. The only pose not represented is the Zale/Reverse Negative. In total, 17 cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA NM/MT 8: 2 cards, Ferrier and Zale/Correct (OC); NM 7: 7 cards, Budge, Cavaretta, Grove, Mangrum, Tresh, Trippi/Correct and Wakefield; PSA EX-MT 6: 7 cards, Budge, Cavaretta, Grove (2), Kiefer and Trippi/Correct (2); PSA EX 5: 1 card, Trippi/Reverse. Ungraded - Budge (3), Cavaretta (4), Ferrier (3), Grove (3), Groza (4: EX, 2 VG/EX, VG), Hardwick (8), Kiefer (3), Mangrum, McAfee (3), Mikan (VG), Snead (2: VG/EX, VG), Standlee, Tresh (3), Trippi/Correct (4), Trout (3), Wakefield, Waterfield (5) and Zale/Correct (5). Grades 13% NM to NM/MT, 24% EX to EX/MT, 63% VG to VG/EX with a few lesser.
Rare 1948-49 Leaf Baseball Short Prints SGC-Graded Collection (12). This selection of twelve cards are all of the very rare short print subjects from the 1948 Leaf baseball series. This is one of a pair of lots and single cards being offered in this auction, and each lot features different players. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #161 Stephens SP; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 5 Trucks SP, 33 Lowrey SP and 68 Miller SP; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #43 Stevens SP; SGC 40 VG 3: 4 cards, #'s 48 Schmitz SP, 123 Fannin SP, 131 Gordon SP and 133 Holmes SP; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, #'s 75 D. DiMaggio SP and 113 Leonard SP; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, #168 Cavaretta SP. The SMR/market value of this scarce collection is over $2,000.00.
Rare 1948-49 Leaf Baseball Short Prints SGC-Graded Collection (10). Young card fans who wanted every one of the new color baseball cards by Leaf in the summer '48 sure had their work cut out for them. Not only was the set skip-numbered, but also, many cards saw little or no circulation. This selection of ten cards are all of the very rare short print subjects. Includes: Graded - SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #85 Philley SP; SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 51 Dark SP, 81 Kurowski SP, 149 Majeski SP and 160 Scheffing SP; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 13 Michaels SP, 62 Joost SP, 104 Stewart SP, 144 Dillinger SP and 158 Brecheen SP. The SMR/market value of this scarce collection is over $2,000.00.
1948-49 Leaf Babe Ruth #3 PSA NM-MT 8. It's one of the most recognizable images in card collecting, classic and yet years ahead of its time, looking more like an Andy Warhol painting than a typical trading card. Printed the year of the Babe's death, and bearing his jersey number "3," the card is absolutely mesmerizing, offering a portrait of Ruth with an expression as inscrutable as Mona Lisa's. Artistic references aside, it's noteworthy that Leaf runs couldn't compare to Topps or Bowman in size, and just about every Leaf Ruth still out there has been sent through PSA. Of the almost 700 such cards submitted to PSA, only four have ever graded higher.
1948 Leaf Babe Ruth #3 SGC 84 NM 7. The bright, deep color and pack-fresh look of the surface could not appear any better than this Babe Ruth exemplar from the 1948-49 Leaf issue. Complementing its extraordinary exterior, this fabulous pasteboard presents four razor sharp corners and edges to die for. The only attribute holding this SGC 84 NM 7 example from rating a point or two higher, is the obvious top to bottom centering detractor. One of the nicest looking examples from the colorful set we have ever handled.
1948-49 Leaf Ted Williams #76 SGC 84 NM 7. The "Splendid Splinter" couldn't look more impressive than in this SGC 84 NM 7 copy of his 1948-49 Leaf Gum card #76. This series is infamous for poor printing. This card is the exception to that rule. The print registration is precise, the hues are probably just as fresh as they were over 60 years ago. The sharp corners and near perfect surfaces leave only centering to account for the grade. Fantastic eye appeal.
1948-49 Leaf Frank Gustine #88 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Highest Graded Example! The Cubbies' solid defensive third-baseman, who could also swing the bat with precision, Frank Gustine is featured on this extremely rare card from the 1948-49 Leaf issue. Carrying the desirable "Short Print" designation, this card is a 1-of-2 on SGC's pop report, and has been graded an SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Near-perfect centering, sharp corners and a pack-fresh surface are the notable characteristics on this hobby enigma.
1948-49 Leaf George Kell #120 SGC 80 EX/NM 6 - Extremely Rare Shortprint Example! Formidable third baseman and Hall of Fame inductee, George Kell was one of 49 Shortprint cards, which are extremely scarcer than the other 49 regular print cards from the famed 1948-49 Leaf issue. This hobby rarity is one of only nine exemplars ever graded by SGC, and the SGC 80 EX/NM 6 designation is the third highest awarded. Solid corners, and an ultra-clean surface are the notable characteristics on this stunning pasteboard.
1948-49 Leaf Dick Sisler #143 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 - Extremely Rare Shortprint Example! Son of the famed George Sisler, Dick is presented on this high-grade Shortprint example from the 1948-49 Leaf issue. Graded an impressive SGC 86 NM+ 7.5, this card exhibits strong centering, razor sharp corners and a minty surface. SGC has only graded 13 similar exemplars, and this card is the second highest in quality, with only two ever achieving a higher designation by the East Coast grading company.
1948-49 Leaf Floyd Baker #153 SGC 84 NM 7 - Extremely Rare Shortprint Example! Third baseman Floyd Baker played the game with class, while displaying impressive talents in the field during his 13-year Major League career. As a member of the Chicago White Sox, Baker is illustrated doing what he did best, fielding the ball, on this ultra-rare 1948-49 Shortprint issue. Graded an impressive SGC 84 NM 7, this card exhibits solid centering, clean surface and light corner wear.
1948-49 Leaf Dale Mitchell #165 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 - Pop 1-of-1, With Only One Example Graded Higher! Collectors who haven't seen this Dale Mitchell 1948-49 Leaf exemplar aren't alone. This amazing pasteboard originates from the Shortprint issue from the ultra-popular set, making this one of the toughest cards to obtain in high grade. Labeled an impressive SGC 86 NM+ 7.5, this piece exhibits solid centering, very light corner wear and great color.
1948 Menko JCM48 Michinori Babe Ruth SGC 60 EX 5. George Herman Ruth was more than just an ambassador to baseball, he was a social icon who's popularity crossed cultural boundaries. Ruth died of throat cancer in August of 1948. His memory was immortalized by both U.S. and Japanese card makers. This is the first time that we have been able to determine this Babe Ruth Menko card is being offered at public auction. The card is from 1948 from the "JCM48" series with the "Michinori Tsubouchi" reverse. Free of creases and any surface loss, the baseball legend is depicted in cartoon form, cherub face and all, swinging the instrument of his trade. A scarce entry in any collection and a must have for the Ruth specialist.
1948 Swell Gum "Babe Ruth Story" Collection (93). It was no secret that Babe Ruth was in declining health the final few years of his life. A movie titled "The Babe Ruth Story" told the tale of how the man who had become legend lived from his earliest days to his illustrious career. sadly, Ruth passed away before the premiere of the movie. This is a very rarely offered large quantity (93 cards) of the '48 Swell Gum Babe Ruth release. In total, 17 cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 1 card, #6; PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 5, 6 (2), 8 and 9; PSA EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 1 Babe Ruth/Bendix, 4, 11 (2); PSA VG-EX 4: 7 cards, #'s 1 Babe Ruth/Bendix, 3, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Ungraded - #'s 1 Babe Ruth/Bendix (2: both VG), 2 (5), 3 (4), 4 (3), 5 (7), 6 (8), 7 (2), 8 (4), 9 (2), 10(6), 11 (15), 12 (2), 13 (3), 14 (8)and 15 (5). Grades 53% EX to EX/MT with one nicer, 34% VG to VG/EX, 13% lesser.
1948 Swell Sport Thrills "Great Slugging!" (Lou Gehrig) #14 PSA NM 7. The 1948 Swell Gum "Sports Thrills" set is actually dedicated to baseball and showcases some of the greatest names/events of the sport. Card #17 is titled "Great Slugging!" and features the game in 1932 Lou Gehrig hit not a pair, but four home runs in a 13-10 Yankees victory. The offered example is a condition rarity for the series as the cheap card stock frays at the corners easily. This card is one of only three graded NM 7 by PSA with none graded higher.
1948 W725 Los Angeles Angels Team Issue Complete Set (26) - With Original Envelope. This scarce complete set of 1948 Los Angeles Angels Team Issued cards was originally sold as a set within the stadium for the princely sum of $1.00. As with all Pacific Coast League issues their distribution was severely limited and are quite scarce to find in the current marketplace. A 26-card complete set of these 6-3/4" x 4-3/4" collectibles is rarely ever offered for sale. The envelope presents PR due to the right portion being missing. The cards grade EX to EX/MT with a few slightly lesser.
1949 Bowman PCL Baseball Near Set (31/36) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 69.1 GPA. When Bowman produced this unassuming set showcasing players from the Pacific Coast League they certainly had no idea they would become the fuel for hobby lore. Their rarity is unmatched by few, if any, others. And, when found, examples are usually from hand cut sheets which, for decades, were believed to be the only form available. A precious few factory finished cards seem to have found their way into public circulation. The offered 31-card near set is a very special treat for the advanced hobbyist to elevate his/her collection to elite status. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 5 cards, #'s 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 3, 4, 19 and 20; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards, #'s 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, and 22; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, #'s 1, 2, 8, 28, 34 and 35; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, #'s 18 and 33; SGC Authentic: 5 cards, #'s 23, 29, 30, 31 and 32.
1949 Bowman Baseball PSA-Graded NM-MT 8 or Better Collection (27). This selection in its entirety offers a bold freshness for 60-year-old collectibles. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 27 cards, #'s 17, 21, 34, 51, 77, 89, 90, 95, 96, 106, 108, 113, 119, 123, 130, 137, 147, 169, 184, 187, 190, 200, 212, 217, 231, 235 and 237. The SMR value of this high quality presentation is just over $3,000.00.
1949 Bowman Yogi Berra #60 PSA NM-MT 8. Very nicely centered high grade example of Yogi's 1949 Bowman entry. If one considers a slight hint of wear at corner tips a fault then we must say the card has a fault which is easily overlooked by the rich color and very clean surfaces.
1949 Bowman Roy Campanella #84 SGC 84 NM 7. A native of Philadelphia, Roy Campanella signed with the Baltimore Elite Giants as a 15-year-old in 1937. He starred in the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. The Hall of Fame backstop enjoyed a 10-season major league career before his tragic automobile accident shortly before the Dodgers' move to the West Coast. A fine example of his rookie card, this copy has slight corner wear and near perfect centering.
1949 Bowman Richie Ashburn #214 PSA NM-MT 8. Any fan of the Phillies knows the man depicted on this high end Bowman card from 1949. Card #214 is the rookie appearance of Hall of Famer Richie Asburn. He didn't hit home runs but did amass almost 2,600 hits, play in 5 All-Star games and was an integral part of the success of the World Champion "Whiz Kids." This is an ideally typical example of the high quality expected from a PSA NM-MT encapsulated collectible. Close to the pinnacle of quality, there is only one example graded higher.
1949 Bowman Satchell Paige #224 PSA NM+ 7.5. After Musial, Campy and Robinson, the most often submitted 1949 Bowman is baseball legend Satchell Paige. His exploits both on and off the mound secured his rightful place in baseball history and lore. This nicely centered card with a haunting portrait of the man many feel should have been the first African-American to break the color barrier is vibrant, sharp with great presence. Only small amounts of wear at corner tips to note regarding this very clean copy of an important and meaningful hobby classic.
1949 Bowman Duke Snider Rookie #226 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-2, Highest Graded Example! Here's the rookie card of "The Duke of Flatbush," a star outfielder for the revered Brooklyn Dodgers teams of the 1950's and one of the franchise's most popular figures. A member of the famed "Boys of Summer," Snider was instrumental in the 1955 club's long-awaited World Series victory, and he narrowly missed capturing that year's National League MVP honors.
To the chagrin of hobbyists who concentrate on "Brooklyn Bums" players in their collections, Snider's debut piece emerged in the '49 Bowman issue's scarcer series of "High Numbers." The card faces the additional obstacle of the time's soft and unforgiving cardstock, as well as notorious difficulties with respect to print quality. Here, though, one of the best-of-the-best Snider rookies imaginable is presented. This spectacular relic sits as a distinguished "1 of 2" in SGC's census reporting, sharing its tier with just one other copy. Among a total of 79 counterparts holdered by that company, none has been graded higher. With perfectly calibrated centering as just one highlight, the card also features apparently never-touched and factory-fresh "rough cuts" at the sides, peerless resolution in its image, and a generally fault-free aesthetic.
To the chagrin of hobbyists who concentrate on "Brooklyn Bums" players in their collections, Snider's debut piece emerged in the '49 Bowman issue's scarcer series of "High Numbers." The card faces the additional obstacle of the time's soft and unforgiving cardstock, as well as notorious difficulties with respect to print quality. Here, though, one of the best-of-the-best Snider rookies imaginable is presented. This spectacular relic sits as a distinguished "1 of 2" in SGC's census reporting, sharing its tier with just one other copy. Among a total of 79 counterparts holdered by that company, none has been graded higher. With perfectly calibrated centering as just one highlight, the card also features apparently never-touched and factory-fresh "rough cuts" at the sides, peerless resolution in its image, and a generally fault-free aesthetic.
1949 Bowman Larry Doby #233 PSA NM-MT 8. Not just a high-grade star card from a wildly popular set, but a scarce high number as well! The Hall of Fame ex-Negro Leaguer, and first African-American to play in the American League, was in his second full season of service with the Cleveland Indians when this card was issued. It seems as though it has seen little action since. Wear is all but entirely absent, with only slight wear to one corner tip and virtually perfect centering. Only six unqualified cards have ever graded higher.
1949 JK 15 Yakyu Karuta Baseball Complete Set (48) In Original Box This is certainly something even the most veteran card enthusiasts do not see every day. Offered is a JK 15 Yakyu Karuta set from 1949. This particular set is unique in that the practice of having the Hirigana characters printed on the reader card was not followed but players are identified by name and associated information. The offered complete set has 48 player cards and 46 reader cards. The original box has modest overall wear and the original paper band is still attached. The bottom half of the box is sturdy but is split at one corner. The inner tray is mint. With a few exceptions, the reader cards present near mint. The super critical will say that all of the player cards are not perfectly centered and a few do have a slight wrinkle and one has a paper remnant adhered to the back. That aside, the player cards have razor sharp corners and look practically brand new.
Some interesting stars included are: Russian native Victor Starffin (300+ wins), Tetsuharu Kawakami ("God of Batting" Struck out only six times in 1951 and managed his team to nine consecutive championships), Kaoru Betto (Nippon MVP Award Winner), Takehiko Bessho (30-19, 1.86 ERA in 1947) and Hawaiian born Tadashi Wakabayashii.
Some interesting stars included are: Russian native Victor Starffin (300+ wins), Tetsuharu Kawakami ("God of Batting" Struck out only six times in 1951 and managed his team to nine consecutive championships), Kaoru Betto (Nippon MVP Award Winner), Takehiko Bessho (30-19, 1.86 ERA in 1947) and Hawaiian born Tadashi Wakabayashii.
1949-51 Num Num Foods/Team Picture Pack Collection (54). One very limited promotion was the Num Num Foods campaign from the 1949-50 season which were sold in Municipal Stadium. A "Num Num" is basically a Cleveland Indians Team Photo Pack card with a special Num Num stamp on the reverse offering two photos for a box top from a Num Num product. This collection of 54 items includes both picture pack photos and the rare Num Num cards. Includes: 1949-50 Num Num Snack Foods (16) - Includes: Avila, Bearden, Benton, Doby, Feller (2), Garcia, Gordon, Gromek, Hegan, Kennedy, Lemon, Rosen, Tucker, Vernon and Zoldak. Grades technically GD due to pencil on the reverse of each. Presents VG/EX to EX; 1949 Cleveland Indians Team Pack--Action (25) - With sixteen different plus duplicates. Including: Boudreau (GD, pencil on rev.), Feller (EX) and Wynn (2: VG/EX, GD (ink). Grades 50% VG to EX, 50% slightly lesser with two GD (pencil on rev.); 1951 Cleveland Indians Team Pack (13) - Twelve different with one duplicate. including: Doby, Garcia. Grades EX to EX/MT with a few lesser (one GD due to rev. pencil).
1950 Bowman Baseball Near Set (230/252). Offered is a very nice middle to high grade 230-card near set of 1950 Bowman Baseball cards. This colorful edition was a major design step up from the '49 edition and this is a strong representation of this classic series. Missing #'s 3, 11, 19, 22, 32, 39, 46, 58, 62, 75, 78, 84, 98, 100, 112, 139, 141, 142, 143, 206, 215, 217 for completion. A total of 9 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 186 and 239; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #237; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 185, 188, 233, 236, 240 and 251. Ungraded - including: #'s 1 Parnell (EX), 6 Feller (VG/EX), 8 Kell (VG/EX), 12 Page (VG), 21 Reese (VG/EX), 23 Newcombe (EX), 33 Kiner (EX), 35 Slaughter (EX), 40 Lemon (EX), 43 Doerr (EX), 71 Schoendienst (EX), 138 Reynolds (EX), 148 Wynn (VG), 219 Bauer (EX), 220 Durocher (VG). Grades 12% NM to NM/MT, 72% EX to EX/MT, 16% VG to VG/EX.
1950 Bowman Ted Williams #98 PSA NM 7. After a two year wait, possibly because of a contract with Leaf, Bowman was able to include Ted Williams in the standard baseball production. The offered card shows the "Splendid Splinter" in full color splendor surrounded by and uneven white frame. With slightly better centering, this beauty would have achieved higher technical assessment. A attractive example of Ted's first Bowman collectible.
1950 Callahan Baseball Hall of Fame High Grade Complete Set (63). This classic series was sold at ball parks and at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown starting in 1950 and saw updates as new members were elected through 1956. The cards feature expert level drawings by famed artist Mario DeMarco. The name comes from the publisher, B.E. Callahan of Chicago who is also responsible for "Who's Who in Baseball." The cards measure 1-3/4" x 2-1/2". In addition to this high-grade complete set of the original 63 subjects is an original card board box (presents EX with a couple rips in one end panel) which once housed these very cards. It is not easy to find these fragile, fifty-eight year-old cards in near mint or better condition. This offering is a great start to gathering a genuine vintage set that contains many of the greatest players in baseball history. Twenty-three cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $1850. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9 (OC): 1 card, Ruth; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards w/Cobb, Nichols and Spalding; PSA NM-MT 8: 11 cards w/Anson, Bresnahan, Burkett, Evers, Foxx, Heilmann, Lajoie, Sisler, Wagner, Wright and Young; PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Duffy; PSA NM 7: 7 cards w/Comiskey, Gehrig, Johnson, Pennock, Traynor, Waddell and Waner. Ungraded - including Jennings (NM), Mathewson (EX/MT), Ott (EX/MT), Speaker (EX/MT). Grades 58% NM to NM/MT, 42% EX to EX/MT. The SMR value of the graded card exceeds $2,500.00.
1950-56 Callahan Baseball Hall of Fame Near Set (66) - #6 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #6 on the SGC Set Registry with a 80.1 GPA. It's tough not to collect a set that can not only boast an exclusively Hall of Fame caliber line up but was originally made available by the hall itself. The set first appeared in 1950 and was updated over the next six years to include the hall's newest members. This 66-card partial set in the original 1950 edition plus a Heilmann variation. Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, Chance; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 9 cards, Bender/Bio ends "...immortal name...", Brouthers, E. Collins/2nd paragraph bio "Eddie..", Foxx, Grove, Ruth, Speaker, Terry and P. Waner/Complete Frame; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 21 cards, Bresnahan, Burkett, Cartwright, Chadwick, Chesbro, Cobb, J. Collins, Ewing, Frisch, Griffith, Jennings, B. Johnson, W. Johnson, Landis, Mack, McCarthy, Pennock, Plank, Radbourne, Wagner and Young; SGC 84 NM 7: 21 cards, Alexander, Anson, Clarke, Cochran, Comiskey, Cummings, Dickey/"He was Righthanded...", Evers, Gehrig, Gehringer/White Cap, Heilmann/Complete Black Frame, Hornsby, Kelly, Lajoie, McGinnity, McGraw, Ott, Sisler/Bio Ends "Sisler Today...", Tinker, Traynor, and Walsh; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, Brown, Bulkeley, Hubbell, Keeler, and Waddell; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards, Delahanty, Nichols, Spalding, and G. Wright; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Heilmann/Missing Black Frame Segment and O'Rourke; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Mathewson; SGC 10 PR 1: 1 card, Duffy; SGC Authentic: 1 card, W. Robinson.
1950-51 Toleteros Skowron & Clarkson SGC-Graded Pair (2). The 1950 Toleteros series offers 92 players, most of whom have been forgotten in the passage of time. Scarce in any condition, this pair defied the odds and remained in a very admirable state of preservation. Both of the offered athletes played major league baseball. The pair includes Buster "Buzz" Clarkson (SGC 80 EX/NM 6, pop 4 with one higher) who managed to appear in a whole 14 games for the Boston Braves in 1952. This is the only card Clarkson appears on. The other is the unmistakable Bill "Moose" Skowron (SGC 84 NM 7). Moose played for 14 seasons, mainly for the Yankees and White Sox. This the highest graded example of only four submitted to date.
1951 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio #2-5 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Highest Graded Example! At the time of this writing there has been no exemplar graded higher than this stunner. From the popular set that was issued in four boxes containing two card panels, this high-grade Joe DiMaggio card carries the impressive grade of an SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This tricky pasteboard was separated with near perfection, as it exhibits only the lightest amount of corner wear and clean perforations. In addition, strong centering and a clean surface are notable characteristics of this fantastic rendering of "Joltin' Joe."
1951 Bowman Ted Williams #165 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. There are dozens of cards featuring Williams, who some consider the greatest hitter ever to play baseball, but few depict the hitter's essence better than card #165 from the 1951 Bowman baseball series. The composition of the single column pose within the confines of the encasing black frame was no fluke and done by a "Splendid Splinter" fan. The rich hues, frosty white frame and a quartet of sharp corners combine to create an extremely sharp and eye catching example of this classic card.
1951 Bowman Ted Williams #165 PSA Mint 9. Long a fan favorite for its gorgeous artwork and essential Mays and Mantle rookies, the 1951 Bowman set likewise featured a classic pose from this old veteran who is still widely considered the most skilled batter in Major League history. Marvelous condition and flawless original printing have combined to bring this offering to the upper reaches of the PSA population chart, one of just fifteen to rate so highly with none superior.
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Argue all you'd like that the 1952 Topps card is Mickey's true rookie - our calendar tells us that the '51 Bowman was actually the first. We'll also take issue with anybody who claims the Topps rookie is a prettier card, as we're of the opinion that Bowman's designs of the early 1950's represent one of the high water marks in cardboard aesthetics. It surely shows on the flawlessly registered image of the nineteen-year old legend in the making, who stands at batting attention before a cloud-dappled sky on this high-grade rarity. Educated collectors will understand the difficulty in achieving a grade of SGC 88 NM/MT 8 on any 1951 Bowman, particularly those from the high-number series, which is led off by the Mick. Centering problems abound in this issue, as do gum and wax stains. Our offering is spared the brunt of such ailments, and takes it a step further by sporting four sharp corners and vibrant color. The lone "flaw" if we must call it that is the print registration. In short, this one's a real blazer. Of the over 250 such cards graded by SGC at the time of this writing, the population report tells us that collectors must chase down one of just five cards (less if one or more is a resubmission) on earth if they wish to upgrade from an SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Suffice it to say that finding one of the five cards that top this one will be a difficult ordeal. A tremendous NM/MT example of one of the most popular players to ever cross the white base lines.
1951 Bowman Willie Mays Rookie #305 PSA NM-MT 8. Along with Mickey Mantle, this guy has made the gorgeous 1951 Bowman issue the hottest set for high-powered rookies in card collecting history. Each year the value of the set, hinging largely on the power of these two cards, continues to rise, and there's no end in sight. Offered here is one of the nicest Mays exemplars we have ever handled from the highly-desirable issue. Graded an impressive PSA NM-MT 8, this card features strong centering, a killer surface and the lightest amount of touching on the corners.
1951 Bowman Willie Mays #305 SGC 84 NM 7. Willie Mays played with an enthusiasm and exuberance which allowed him to excel in all phases of the game--hitting for average and power, fielding, throwing, and base running. His rookie card is one of the most sought after cards in the hobby. This particular card of Mays came to us from the family of the original owner who pulled it from a pack almost 60 years ago, and seemed to have forgotten about it. The print registration is phenomenal with bright white borders and hues seemingly as fresh as the day they were put to paper as they say. The surface, which is so often a problem with the 1951 Bowman issue, is a strength as it is shows but one imperfection in the bottom segment of the frame and is free of any scuffing and wax staining. The centering rests to the left and all four corners are very sharp. Don't miss the opportunity to pick up one of the finer examples of the Say Hey Kid's rookie appearance.
1951 Berk Ross Panels Complete Set (36) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #3 on the SGC Set Registry with a 77.9 GPA. Seventy-two athletes, each a champion of their sport. This high grade complete set survives today just as they were issued over 60 years ago. Some of the greatest athletes of the 20th Century. Sports represented include boxing, basketball, football, tennis, and baseball. Includes: SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 panel, #33 Walker/Abel; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 panels, #'s 9 Ennis/Schnittker, 11 Galiffa/Cunningham, 15 Heintzelman/LaMotta, 16 Jethroe/Saddler, 23 Mapes/Byrne, 30 Simmons/Sharman, 34 Walker/Stewart, and 35 Williams/Franz; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 8 cards, #'s 5 Coleman/D. DiMaggio, 7 Dupont/Justice, 10 Ford/Roberts, 19 Konstanty/Meyer, 21 Lopat/Sisler, 28 Rosen/Rizzuto, 32 Waitkus/Unruh, and 36 Woodling/Sanford; SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 6 J. DiMaggio/Hamner, 13 Goodman/Raschi, 20 Lemon/Bauer, and 25 Page/Seminick; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 1 Ashburn/Cousy, 14 Hart/Hogan, 17 Johnson/Mize, 24 Musial/Henrich, and 31 Spahn/Berra; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 18 Kiner/Reynolds and 29 Sherman/Owens; SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 3 Button/Patton, 8 Durnan/Quackenbush, 12 Goliat/Maxim, and 26 Rice/Dillard; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 2 Brown/Jones, 4 Charles/Martin, 21 Lopat/White, and 27 Robinson/Sitko.
1951 Topps Connie Mack All-Time All-Stars SGC-Graded Group of (4). How lucky can an auction house get? This is the second lot of cards featuring the legendary players of the past brought to life in bold colors to a new generation of baseball fans/collectors. The cards were designed to be torn apart and folded to make little stand up figures. Although they are cool when they are standing up tall on display, unfolded/undamaged cards are very hard to find a half-century later. This quartet of 1951 All-Time All-Stars as chosen by Connie Mack includes: Grover Alexander (SGC 50 VG/EX 4), Eddie Collins (SGC 60 EX 5), Jimmy Collins (SGC 60 EX 5) and Connie Mack (SGC 60 EX 5).
1951 Topps Connie Mack All-Stars SGC-Graded Quartet (4). These cards must have been so exciting to kids when they hit store shelves in 1951. Their size, colors, and the legendary players, all scream in-your-face excitement to a new generation of baseball fans/collectors. The cards were designed to be torn apart and folded to make little stand up figures. That would explain why complete, unfolded/undamaged cards are so very hard to find in the current market. The quartet of 1951 All-Time All-Stars as chosen by Connie Mack includes: Grover Cleveland Alexander (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), Lou Gehrig (SGC 40 VG 3), Tris Speaker (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5) and Honus Wagner (SGC 50 VG/EX 4).
1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars Mickey Cochrane SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 - Single Highest Graded Example! Somehow, this exemplar from the 1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars issue escaped the hands of some wily youngster, who was anxiously intrigued by the card's unique die-cut design, and by evading the temptation, it remains in impressive high-grade condition. Here we present, the single highest graded example of Mickey Cochrane's card from the highly condition-sensitive set, which is also known as one of Topps' first baseball card issues. Graded an unbelievable SGC 86 NM+ 7.5, this card presents strong centering, and the lightest amount of corner wear.
1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars Lou Gehrig SGC 60 EX 5. One of the Topps Company's first baseball card issues, which is characterized as "extremely rare" due to the foldable die-cut design, this Lou Gehrig from the 1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars issue has been graded an impressive SGC 60 EX 5. Presenting a vibrant, pack-fresh look, this card slid down to the category of being deemed "mid-grade," due to a vertical surface crease on the back. Without question, one of the nicest cards one will see from the popular issue, it presents a sparkling clean surface.
1951 Topps Connie Mack All-Time All-Stars George H. Ruth SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The unusually large size (2" x 5") and the fact that this issue was constructed in a die-cut format which invited tampering with the original state of production makes this scarce cardboard even tougher for collectors content only with high-grade examples. The key figure in the eleven-card set is presented here, surviving in remarkable unmolested condition, furthering its aesthetic appeal with bright colors and precise centering. To date, the highest PSA has slabbed a Ruth is a pair NM 7s. Of the 20 examples graded by SGC this is the stand alone finest copy recorded to date. Note that this is the only card from the entire set to achieve an 8.5 rating on either the SGC or PSA population charts, making it unquestionably the most desirable card from this issue in the hobby.
1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars Honus Wagner SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. The most popular name in the baseball card collecting game is featured on this high-grade, rarely seen 1951 Topps Connie Mack's All Stars featuring Honus Wagner. Nearly impossible to obtain an example from this issue in acceptable condition, due to the brittle nature of these die-cut examples, this card has been slated at the impressive grade of an SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. The highest-graded example ever examined by the East Coast vintage card experts, this piece presents a stunning cherry red background and a terrific action shot of the "Flying Dutchman."
1951 Topps "Red Back" PSA-Graded Complete Set (52) - All PSA NM-MT 8 or MINT 9!. This is considered to be Topps' first major baseball card production and which launched the gum maker to near total dominance of the trading card market. With just over 20 "10s" recorded for the entire series, almost all of the 28 "Mint 9" cards equal the highest grade level known. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 28 cards, #'s 3, 5 Rizzuto, 6 Reynolds, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Kiner, 16 Roe, 19, 22 Feller, 25, 28, 29, 30 Spahn, 35 Rosen, 37, 38 Snider, 39 Kluszewski, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 50 Irvin and 51; PSA NM-MT 8: 24 cards, #'s 1 Berra, 2, 4, 7, 8 Wynn, 9, 10, 17, 18, 20 D. DiMaggio, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31 Hodges, 32, 33, 34, 36 Zernial/Philadelphia, 47, 48, 49 and 55 Holmes/Hartford.
1951 Topps Baseball Teams Complete Set (18) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 76.6 GPA. Nine teams were honored in what is the first and only card set to showcase entire teams and not single players. The larger 5-1/4" x 2-1/16" dimension was a perfect fit for the team photo format. For whatever reason each team was produced with and without the year "1950." Their size and newness at the time has resulted in a limited supply available to modern collectors which is generally found creased and well handled. Examples above the EX level are particularly difficult to find with this issue. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, St. Louis Cardinals; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, Boston Red Sox/1950, Boston Red Sox, Brooklyn Dodgers/1950, Brooklyn Dodgers, Philadelphia Athletics and Washington Senators/1950; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, Philadelphia Athletics/1950, Philadelphia Phillies/1950, St. Louis Cardinals/1950, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, New York Giants/1950, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Senators; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, New York Giants; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Chicago White Sox/1950.
1952 Bowman Baseball High End Partial Set (157). Offered is a collection of 157 different 1952 Bowman baseball cards, which make a great start to completing the set. A total of 10 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include - #'s 1 Berra (GD/VG), 4 Roberts (SGC 84 NM 7), 11 Kiner (EX), 21 Fox (EX), 23 Lemon (EX), 24 Furillo (EX), 30 Schoendienst (EX), 33 McDougald (EX), 37 Raschi (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 43 Feller (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), 52 Rizzuto (SGC 84 NM 7), 53 Ashburn (VG/EX), 65 Bauer (EX), 69 Adcock (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 80 Hodges (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5), 102 Lowrey (SGC 84 NM 7), 115 Doby (VG/EX), 142 Wynn (EX), 146 Durocher (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), 145 Mize (EX), 212 Hemus (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5) and 232 Slaughter (SGC 80 EX/NM 6). Grades 83% EX to EX/MT (6 better), 17% VG to VG/EX. SMR value exceeds $800.
1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101 SGC 60 EX 5. Awfully nice card for the "Excellent" grade level. Yes, there is another card (that appeared in 1952) featuring the then newest outfielder for the New York Yankees. Nice solid card with a light amount of wax staining on the reverse.
1952 Bowman Willie Mays #218 SGC 84 NM 7. The tremendously skilled portrait artists employed by Bowman show their best work with this image of the Say Hey Kid at the beginning of his fabled career. Terrific registration and the cleanest of surfaces put this example at an elite level. A slight shift in centering and a tad sharper fourth corner and this bold beauty would be the proud owner of a higher grade label.
1952 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This card is equal with one other as the only examples at this grade with none higher. "Joltin Joe" DiMaggio gives the viewers a jolt when they see such an outstanding example of his 1952 Berk Ross entry. The corners are strong, centering is two-to-one and there are two small dots of stray ink which rest in the upper border. A very admirable collectible marking the closing year of Joe's remarkable career.
1952 Berk Ross Willie Mays SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Scarce card dates to the second year of the Say Hey Kid's Major League service, featuring an intense colorized photograph of the future Hall of Famer on its face. Just three examples have ever soared higher on the SGC population charts, making this a purchase suitable for only the most discerning of cardboard collectors.
1952 Berk Ross Jackie Robinson SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This card is one of a trio at this grade level with none higher. It took a little searching to find why this very clean, nicely centered card with four sharp mint-quality corners if there ever were any would be held to an 88 NM/MT 8 grade. A slight roughness to the right border is the only "fault" we can find with this early appearance by Robinson just five years into his historic professional career.
1952 Parkhurst Baseball Near Set (99/100) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry. This series is rarely offered close to complete. Producing a set of minor league baseball players was a bold and wise move for Parkhurst to make in 1952. The success of hockey cards in the Canadian market was certainly no surprise but baseball was different story. With the success of Bowman and Topps baseball sets in the US, producing this set not only tested the desirability of the product but kept licensing costs to a minimum. The set is noted for pre-rookie cards of Dodgers stars Jim Gilliam and Johnny Podres and Walt Alston. Missing #58 for completion. Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #31; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 7 cards, #'s 4, 17, 20, 35, 50, 53 and 66 Alston; SGC 60 EX 5: 28 cards, #'s 6, 11, 16, 18, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30, 32, 40, 54, 57, 59, 60, 62, 64, 67, 70 Cimoli, 76 Podres, 81, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96 and 98; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 29 cards, #'s 2, 5, 9, 13, 19, 23, 26, 29, 33, 41, 42, 44, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55, 63, 65, 68 Gilliam, 69, 73, 77, 82, 83, 85, 90 and 94; SGC 40 VG 3: 16 cards, #'s 1, 3, 7, 8, 14, 15, 38, 43, 56, 61, 74, 78, 80, 84, 86 and 87; SGC 30 GD 2: 15 cards, #'s 10, 12, 27, 34, 36, 37, 39, 45, 46, 72, 79, 88, 97, 99 and 100; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 3 cards, #'s 21, 71 and 75.
1952 Red Man Baseball SGC-Graded Collection (13). Red Man reintroduced the baseball card to tobacco packages in 1952 with this expertly illustrated series of 52 cards. Each card within this high quality group has retained the ever elusive bottom tab. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #5A D. DiMaggio; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 3N, 19N Schoendienst, 21N Snider and 23N; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 17A, 21A, 7N, 10N, 17N Reese and 18N Roberts; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #8A Feller; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, #24N Thomson.
1952 Red Man Tobacco Willie Mays #15 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Pop 1-of-4, Highest Graded Example! Stunning high-grade example representing one of the most valuable cards from Red Man's premier issue, this SGC 88 NM/MT 8 features the "Say Hey" kid in eye-popping color and clarity. Only the tiniest amount of corner wear can be seen on two of the four corners, which barely restricted this exemplar from carrying the coveted Mint designation. A real head turner, this piece from the early part of Willie Mays' career is about as solid an investment as it comes.
Bronze Age (1970-1979)
1952 Red Man Tobacco Stan Musial #16 SGC 84 NM 7. The sweet-swinging Stan Musial is presented in a classic pose, while decked out with his brilliant Cardinals uniform on this offered high-grade exemplar from Red Man Tobacco's premier issue. This gorgeous card will stand out in any significant card collection, while presenting a bright sky blue background, in SGC 84 NM 7 flare. Merely five examples have graded higher than this piece, which exhibits a crystal clear illustration, the lightest amount of touching on the corners and the all-important attached coupon at the bottom.
Baseball Cards
1952 Red Man Tobacco Ted Williams #23 SGC 84 NM 7. Without question, the most valuable and significant card from the 1952 Red Man Tobacco set features Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, Ted Williams. Offered here is one of the highest graded exemplars from the famed issue, presenting the desirable SGC 84 NM 7 grade, which is in the second highest label ever awarded by the East Coast grading company. Virtually no chipping is present on the condition-sensitive edges, and the all-important bottom coupon is still attached. Spectacular image of the "Splendid Splinter" is featured on this high-grade example from the desirable first installment of Red Man pasteboards.
1952 Topps Baseball Low and Middle Series Near Run (288/310). Offered is a 288-card near run of the low- and middle-series (#'s 1-310) of 1952 Topps Baseball. This is a very nice, high end beginning toward putting together a complete '52 set. Condition-conscience hobbyists will appreciate the colors and surface quality this lot has an abundance of. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #10 Rosen; PSA NM 7: 4 cards w/#'s 11 Rizzuto, 88 Feller, 227 Garagiola and 290; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards w/#'s 29 Kluszewski/Red and 37 Snider/Red; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards w/#'s 76 and 215 Bauer; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #49 Sain/Error/Black; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #36 Hodges; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #49 Sain/Correct/Black; PSA VG/EX 4: 1 card, #1 Pafko. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 2 Runnels (VG), 20 Loes (VG), 22 DiMaggio (VG/EX), 26 Irvin (EX), 33 Spahn (EX), 48 Page (EX), 59 Roberts (VG/EX), 65 Slaughter (VG/EX), 66 Roe (VG/EX), 67 Reynolds (VG/EX), 122 Jensen (VG/EX), 129 Mize (VG/EX), 175 Martin (VG/EX), 191 Berra (VG/EX), 195 Minoso (EX), 200 Houk (VG/EX), 216 Ashburn (VG/EX), 243 Doby (EX), 246 Kell (EX), 268 Lemon (VG/EX). Grades 67% EX to EX/MT, 33% VG to VG/EX (few trimmed). The SMR value of just the graded cards exceeds $4,000.
1952 Topps Baseball High End Graded Collection (10). Note: The description has been updated to reflect correct card numbers. We apologize for the oversight.
What more do you need to know than the fact that this is an accurately graded selection of ten classic 1952 Topps Baseball cards. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #74 Hansen/Black back; PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 31 Zernial/Black back, 153 Rush and 212 Garver; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #107 Ryan; PSA NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 81 Law, 92 Mitchell, 98 Pierce, 188 Podbielan, 250 Erskine, 307 Campos/Red Stars. The SMR value of this graded presentation is well over $2,500.00
What more do you need to know than the fact that this is an accurately graded selection of ten classic 1952 Topps Baseball cards. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #74 Hansen/Black back; PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 31 Zernial/Black back, 153 Rush and 212 Garver; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #107 Ryan; PSA NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 81 Law, 92 Mitchell, 98 Pierce, 188 Podbielan, 250 Erskine, 307 Campos/Red Stars. The SMR value of this graded presentation is well over $2,500.00
1952 Topps Baseball High End SGC-Graded Collection (27 Different). What more needs to be said other than this is a great opportunity to add to a high grade 1952 Topps baseball set. There are some nice cards for the grades in this lot. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #282 Tebbetts; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards, #'s 238 Houtteman, 254, 258, 269, 274 Branca and 253 Berardino; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards, #'s 224, 230, 255, 256 and 263; SGC 84 NM 7: 15 cards, #'s 208, 211, 213, 214, 215 Bauer, 226, 227 Garagiola, 232 Cox, 234, 236, 241, 246 Kell, 254, 265 and 266. The SMR value of this high quality selection exceeds $5,000.00.
1952 Topps Larry Doby #243 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. All are aware of the racial barrier broken by Jackie Robinson in 1947. Largely overlooked is Larry Doby, the first African-American to play in the American League that same summer of '47. Doby played in 29 games for the Cleveland Indians to earn that distinction. This is an amazing example of card #243 from the 1952 Topps series. Colors, surfaces, and corners are all as nice as one will find in a 58 year old card. Slightly more precise centering may have generated a higher technical grade. For the collector who likes old cards that look brand new.
1952 Topps Willie Mays #261 PSA EX-MT 6. The "Say Hey Kid" in his now classic appearance in the 1952 Topps baseball series. The card offers four quality corners with just slight hints of wear and close to precision centering. A very solid example of Willie's most desirable card collectible after his rookie card from a year earlier.
1952 Topps Bob Lemon #268 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. If Bob's fastball was as sharp as the corners of this card and his curve as precise as the printing and centering his status in the game would put him among the elites of the game. An attention-grabbing stunner, we can only surmise the lone print dot mishap and overall centering keep this beauty from higher technical glory. A strong Near Mint to Mint example.
Extremely Rare 1952 Topps Frank Campos, Black Star Variation #307 PSA VG-EX 4. The standard is that a gold star represents excellence. With this undeniable rarity a black star is the symbol that takes the average to something extraordinary. Frank Campos made his debut in 1946 after playing ball in Portsmouth and Havana, Cuba. Although his playing career wasn't notable, but his contribution to the hobby is pure "star" status. A typical 1952 Topps card in every aspect but one, the Campos "Black Star" variation is now one of the hobby's rarest entry's with just under 9% of the total card #307s submitted to date displaying the coveted printing mishap. The star in question appears on the reverse just to the right of the "TOPPS BASEBALL" copy along the bottom. Kudos to the pressman who caught the minor production glitch. The card itself displays light corner wear, a slight 3/8" long edge impression in the left border area with graphics almost perfectly centered. A solid middle grade example not to be dismissed lightly.
1952 Topps George Metkovich #310 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. This is the only example to warrant the 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 assessment by SGC with only one higher. As all collectors know, the first and last cards in any set are the toughest to keep and/or to find in high grade. This super clean copy of card #310, the Pirates George Metkovich, WAS the last card for many collectors due to the severe lack of availability of the '52 Topps high numbers. Four razor sharp corners enclose a blemish free frosty white frame that surround George's portrait with close to precision centering. The lone factor in the technical grade and a great card of a very condition sensitive entry.
1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 SGC 50 VG/EX 4. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card is easily the most sought after of all post-war trading cards. Even a percentage of the general population will recognize Mantle's now classic portrait. From this, his first full season of play, the fresh-faced 20-year-old would make the first of 16 All-Star Game appearances and even finish third in the league's MVP race. This is an absolutely rock-solid example of how a middle-grade card should be. Condition issues there but minor. Corner wear is light; Surfaces show light signs of handling; Centering is admirable. Terrific eye appeal and a fantastic crowning touch for those completing a mid-grade set.
1952 Topps Dick Brodowski #404 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. For those waiting to upgrade their 1952 Topps Dick Brodowski #404, now is the time to pull the trigger. An absolutely stunning exemplar from the high number series of the Topps' most popular issue, this piece carries the impressive grade of an SGC 88 NM/MT 8. There isn't a printing flaw found anywhere on this beautiful card, which presents near-perfect centering. The former Red Sox pitcher never looked as good as he does on this cardboard treasure.
1953 Bowman Color High End Near Set (145/160). Offered is a solid middle grade 1953 Bowman Color near set. Quite possibly, the most beautiful set of the 1950's, this set presents as a predominant EX to EX/NM set. A total of 43 cards (24 SGC and 19 PSA) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 2 (OC) and 26; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #122; PSA NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 28, 32 Musial, 49 (OC), 93 Rizzuto/Martin, 131 and 134; SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards, #'s 14, 20, 43, 65 Roberts, 67, 92 Hodges and 117 Snider; PSA EX-MT 6: 10 cards, #'s 1 Williams, 9 Rizzuto, 33 Reese, 44 Mantle/Bauer/Berra, 51 Irvin, 56, 59 Mantle, 78, 83 and 153 Ford; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 10 Ashburn, 16, 62 Kluszewski, 80 Kiner and 135; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 6 cards, #'s 11, 46 Campanella, 68 Reynolds, 96, 118 Martin and 160 Abrams; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #81 Slaughter; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #121 Berra; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 25, 85, 97 Mathews and 114 Feller. Ungraded - including: #'s 18 Fox (VG/EX), 21 Garagiola (GD/VG), 40 Doby (VG), 57 Boudreau (EX/MT), 63 McDougald (EX), 84 Bauer (VG/EX), 101 Schoendienst (VG/EX). Grades 10% NM to NM/MT, 75% EX to EX/MT, 15% VG to VG/EX. The SMR value of the graded cards approaches $8,000.
1953 Bowman Color Complete Set (160). Attractive complete set of Bowman's best production, in middle to high grade condition. A perfect set for the hobbyist with a realistic budget who doesn't want to compromise on quality. A total of 18 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 10 Ashburn, 40 Doby, 81 Slaughter, 118 Martin, 150 and 151 Adcock; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 29 and 65 Roberts; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 32 Musial and 92 Hodges; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 46 Campanella, 114 Feller, 117 Snider, 155 and 156; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #59 Mantle. Ungraded - include #'s 1 Williams (VG), 12 Erskine (EX), 14 Loes (SGC 30 GD 2), 18 Fox (VG), 21 Garagiola (VG/EX), 24 Jensen (VG), 27 Rashii (VG/EX), 33 Reese (VG/EX), 36 Minoso (VG/EX), 44 Bauer/Berra/Mantle (VG), 51 Irvin (EX), 55 Durocher (VG/EX), 57 Burdette (EX), 61 Kell (EX), 62 Kluszewski (VG/EX), 63 McDougald (VG/EX), 68 Reynolds (VG/EX), 78 Furillo (VG), 80 Kiner (VG/EX), 84 Bauer (EX), 93 Rizzuto/Martin (EX), 97 Mathews (VG/EX), 99 Spahn (VG/EX), 101 Schoendienst (VG), 121 Berra (VG/EX), 143 Lopez (VG), 146 Wynn (EX), 153 Ford (EX), 160 Abrams (GD). Grades 5% NM, 61% EX to EX/MT, 34% VG to VG/EX.
1953 Bowman Color Baseball SGC 84 NM 7 and SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 Collection (19). Who can resist the enticing combination of high quality and 1950's baseball cards? A very flashy, vibrant presentation. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 9 cards, #'s 13, 31, 52, 57 Boudreau, 67, 69, 71, 112 and 160 Abrams; SGC 84 NM 7: 10 cards, #'s 6, 9 Rizzuto, 15, 30 Cavaretta, 46 Campanella, 51 Irvin, 83, 87, 88 and 107. The SMR value of this high end lot exceeds $2,300.00.
1953 Bowman Color Baseball SGC 88 NM/MT 8 Collection (13). You will have one tough time convincing the winner of this lot that 13 is considered to be an unlucky number. Thirteen cards, all eye-catching examples of NM-MT greatness. If that doesn't catch your eye maybe adding that the lineup is packed with noted stars and Hall of Famers. The high quality lot includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 13 cards, #'s 7 Chiti, 20 Lenhardt, 41 White, 43 Garcia, 45 Dropo, 53 Rice, 55 Durocher, 62 Kluszewski, 72 Gray, 74 Mueller, 84 Bauer, 85 Hemus and 86 Simpson. The SMR value of this NM-MT selection is over $2,250.00.
1953 Bowman Color Baseball SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 Trio (3). These three cards have a couple of very important things in common. Each has been graded 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 and each equals or is near the pinnacle of condition quality. The trio includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 8 Al Rosen (Pop 2, none higher), 10 Richie Ashburn (Pop 2, 2 higher) and 61 George Kell (Pop 1, One higher). The SMR value of this trifecta of quality exceeds $1,500.00.
1953 Bowman Color Baseball Low Pop Group of (4). It isn't often one gets to acquire four cards in one group which are at or near the pinnacle of quality. This very high quality quartet includes: #'s 113 Karl Drews "Pop 1 of 1 with NONE higher" (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 157 Sherman Lollar "Pop 4 with one higher' (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 158 Howard Fox "Pop 1 of 1 with NONE higher' (SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5) and 159 Mickey Vernon "Pop 2 with none higher" (SGC 88 NM/MT 8).
1953 Bowman Color Davey Williams #1 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The all-important first card from the famed 1953 Bowman Color issue, this Davey Williams exemplar has been graded an amazing SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5, and is a pop 1-of-1, with only one example grading higher. This near-perfect specimen features virtually flawless front centering, with the crystal clarity one would expect from a card earning such a prestigious grade. An absolutely stunning example featuring the 1953 All-Star selection, and second baseman on the 1954 World Champion New York Giants.
1953 Bowman Color Pee Wee Reese #33 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. A head turning example of one of the most popular cards from the 1950's -- and that is not a light statement to make. The classic action shot of Dodgers infielder Pee Wee Reese is probably almost as recognized and admired as Conlon's timeless "Cobb Steals Third" image taken some 50 years prior. Only centering keeps this beauty from a higher technical grade. This card has a snowy white frame and vibrant Hues which seem to jump off the surface. Generally, this image appears a little blurry, a product of print registration. The registration here is precise allowing the greatest amount of image clarity. Not the highest graded copy but quite possibly one of the most attractive looking Reese '53 Bowman cards around.
1953 Bowman Color Berra, Bauer, Mantle #44 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. There is little to say about this card that is more than a list of superlatives. The card depicts a trio of New York Yankees in the midst of a string of five World Championships. The precise printing, rich colors and a stark white frame give the casual scene with Bauer, Berra and a youngster named "Mantle" an almost 3D feel. The NM/MT assessment is due to the faintest hints of wear at corner tips. It'll be difficult finding a more attractive copy.
1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle #59 SGC 96 Mint 9. The first major bubble gum issue to make the transition to color photography, the 1953 Bowman Color issue is celebrated almost six decades later for its groundbreaking status and elegant, understated design. Presented is the key card in the set, provided with stunning "pack fresh" aesthetics, centered marvelously between four bright white borders and four razor sharp corners. Only a half dozen have ever charted so highly in the SGC rankings, with none ever climbing higher.
1953 Bowman Color Granny Hamner #60 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 2 with None Higher. Remarkably impressive example of this usually ordinary card. Only two have been deemed worthy of the 96 Mint 9 grade level with none higher. Few '53 Bowman's survived this well and Hamner never looked sharper. A virtually unimprovable copy destined for the finest 1950's collection.
1953 Bowman Color Carl Furillo #78 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-1 With None Higher. A pop 1 of 1 condition rarity with none higher. The Dodgers outfielder never looked finer. Fans of the '53 Bowman Color are enthralled by the rich, saturated colors palette so boldly complemented by a white frame. This attention catching collectible has every quality even the most choosey '53 Bowman collectors look for. An extremely nice copy likely never to be improved upon.
1953 Bowman Color Bob Feller #114 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. It would be so easy to just go into sentence after sentence relaying the merits of this close to perfect example of Bob Fellers' 1953 Bowman Color baseball card. Colors, corners, printing, and surfaces are all near the pinnacle of perfection. The only elements we find are centering which is a sliver away from precise and some light age toning on the reverse which under the auspices of SGC's conservative judges excludes this seemingly unimprovable and worthy collectible from the "96 Mint 9" label. A wonderful example of Feller's more popular card collectibles.
1953 Bowman Color Yogi Berra #121 SGC 84 NM 7. A worthy companion to the other '53 Bowman Color cards offered elsewhere in this auction is this very attractive example of card #121 of Yogi Berra. The rich colors and incredibly glossy surfaces almost creates a 3-dimensional appearance. The vertical centering keeps this impressive gem from higher technical acclaim.
1953 Bowman Color Fred Hatfield #125 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-3 Highest Graded Example! The gritty Major League third baseman, who garnered the suitable nickname "Scrap Iron," Fred Hatfield is presented on this ultra-low pop card from the 1953 Bowman Color issue. One of only three exemplars carrying the desirable PSA Mint 9 grade, this card presents four high-caliber corners and a high gloss surface. A truly pleasing example from one of the most popular sets among serious collectors.
1953 Bowman Color Dick Kryhoski #127 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-3 Highest Graded Example! Formidable first baseman, who as a rookie helped the New York Yankees win the 1949 World Series, Dick Kryhoski is featured on this unimprovable exemplar from the famed 1953 Bowman color issue. Graded a PSA Mint 9, with a 1-of-3 pop report and with none rating higher, this listing will be sure to grab the attention of PSA Set Registry members looking for a boost. Immaculate 45/55 centering, four razor sharp corners and an ultra-clean surface tell the tale on this impressive pasteboard.
1953 Bowman Color Whitey Lockman #128 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-2 With None Higher! For enthusiasts of the famed 1953 Bowman Color issue trying to accomplish the near impossible task of completing a high-grade set, it is now time to jump on this "pop 1-of-2" PSA Mint 9 exemplar of #128 Whitey Lockman. Four perfect corners are complemented by an ultra-clean surface on this fabulous pasteboard featuring the 1954 World Series champion and 1952 All-Star selection.
1953 Bowman Color Pete Runnels #139 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1-of-4 Highest Graded! Nearly any high-grade set on PSA's Registry will get a boost with the addition of this exemplar of Pete Runnels #139 card from the famed 1953 Bowman Color issue. The three-time All-Star selection, who led the American League in batting in 1960 and 1962, is presented with four razor sharp corners and perfect print quality on the surface of this stunner. This fine specimen is among one of four PSA Mint 9 examples, with none higher.
1953 Bowman Color Mickey Vernon #159 PSA Mint 9 - Single Highest Graded Example! PSA Set Registry participants will appreciate the pure rarity and beauty of the card featured in this catalog listing. Graded a PSA Mint 9, which is the single highest graded exemplar, the offered piece is an absolutely stunning specimen of the 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Vernon #159. Perfect centering, four razor sharp corners and an ultra-clean surface present the seven-time All-Star in superb eye appeal.
1953 Bowman Color Cal Abrams #160 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. We all know the rule that the first and last card in a set are the toughest to find in high grade. I guess no one told the collector of this beauty as it is definitely a high grade card. Less than precise centering and a slight stain on the reverse account for the grade. The four sharp corners and glossy surface earn the SGC 88 NM/MT 8 assessment, just one of four at this level with one higher.
1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Roy Campanella SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The Hall of Fame catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers tracks down a pop foul near the Ebbets Field dugout in the color photography utilized for this scarce issue. Two major factors contribute to the rarity of quality Stahl-Meyer representations. Most notably, the original print run was a small fraction of the contemporary gum issues, but furthermore the cards' issuance within packages of hot dogs caused instant problems from a condition standpoint. This remarkable survivor is not only the highest graded Campy card within the SGC population rankings, it is the highest graded 1953 Stahl-Meyer card period, with no equals.
1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Whitey Lockman SGC 88 NM/MT 8- Tops on Pop Report! Terrific and extremely rare card that was issued by the New York area meat company, Stahl-Meyer Franks. Presenting the appropriate diagonally-cut corners, and a spectacular color illustration, this SGC 88 NM/MT 8 example of Whitey Lockman is the highest graded exemplar, and is a one of four examples on the company's population report. Great chance to pick up a superb example from the rarely seen food issue.
1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Phil Rizzuto SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - 1-of-2 on Pop Report, Highest Graded Example! The American tradition of baseball and hotdogs is presented on this masterfully rendered card from the highly-desirable 1953 Stahl-Meyer Frank issue. A key figure from the "Bronx Bombers" dynasty teams of the 1940's and '50's, Phil Rizzuto is depicted in a perfect pose on this card, which has been graded an impressive SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This exemplar stands atop the SGC population report, as one of two Rizzuto 1953 Stahl-Meyer cards ever to reach the grading company's top grade.
1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Bobby Thomson SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Single Highest Graded Example! Issued two years after his famous "Shot Heard Round the World," this 1953 Stahl-Meyers Franks card features a brilliant color shot of the legendary Bobby Thomson. Card presents the desirable issue's typical diagonal-cut corners and impressive imagery, exhibiting "88 NM/MT 8" quality, solidifying its top position on SGC's population report. Widely recognized as an extremely condition-sensitive issue, this Stahl-Meyer Franks card presents a clean surface and virtually no chipping on the back's red border.
1953 Topps Baseball High End Complete Set (274). Note: This description has been updated from the catalog. A card has been added to the PSA-NM-MT 8 section.
Baseball trivia questions were implemented on card backs for the first time, along with brief statistics and player biographies. Cards 221-280 are the scarce high numbers, with even scarcer short-printed cards interspersed in the series. A total of 61 cards (45 PSA and 16 SGC) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded Cards - PSA NM-MT 8: 11 cards w/#'s 31 Blackwell SP, 40, 50 Dressen SP, 81 Black SP, 100, 111 Sauer, 148, 179, 188, 234 and 248; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards w/#'s 115, 265 and 270; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards w/#'s 64, 73, 94, 162 Kluszewski and 269, PSA NM 7: 13 cards w/#'s 35, 66 Minoso, 90, 178, 189, 197, 198, 213, 219, 224, 249, 272 and 273 Haddix SP; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards w/#'s 34, 166, 216, 277 and 279; PSA EX-MT 6: 12 cards, #'s 9, 68, 76 Reese, 82 Mantle, 102, 114 Rizzuto, 220 Paige, 227, 230, 246, 263 Podres and 264; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #280 Bolling; PSA EX 5: 9 cards w/#'s 1 Robinson, 27 Campanella, 78 Schoendienst, 104 Berra, 207 Ford, 240, 254 Roe, 258 Gilliam and 266; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards w/#'s 86 Martin and 244 Mays. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 10 Burgess SP (VG/EX), 41 Slaughter SP (VG/EX), 43 McDougald SP (EX), 54 Feller (EX), 61 Wynn SP (EX), 62 Irvin (EX), 77 Mize (VG/EX), 119 Sain SP (VG/EX), 138 Kell SP (VG/EX), 141 Reynolds (EX), 149 DiMaggio SP (EX), 151 Wilhelm SP (EX), 191 Kiner (EX), 228 Newhouser SP (EX). Grades 13% NM to NM/MT, 75% EX to EX/MT, 12% VG to VG/EX (five with color added). The SMR value of the graded cards approaches $10,000.
Baseball trivia questions were implemented on card backs for the first time, along with brief statistics and player biographies. Cards 221-280 are the scarce high numbers, with even scarcer short-printed cards interspersed in the series. A total of 61 cards (45 PSA and 16 SGC) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded Cards - PSA NM-MT 8: 11 cards w/#'s 31 Blackwell SP, 40, 50 Dressen SP, 81 Black SP, 100, 111 Sauer, 148, 179, 188, 234 and 248; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards w/#'s 115, 265 and 270; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards w/#'s 64, 73, 94, 162 Kluszewski and 269, PSA NM 7: 13 cards w/#'s 35, 66 Minoso, 90, 178, 189, 197, 198, 213, 219, 224, 249, 272 and 273 Haddix SP; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards w/#'s 34, 166, 216, 277 and 279; PSA EX-MT 6: 12 cards, #'s 9, 68, 76 Reese, 82 Mantle, 102, 114 Rizzuto, 220 Paige, 227, 230, 246, 263 Podres and 264; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #280 Bolling; PSA EX 5: 9 cards w/#'s 1 Robinson, 27 Campanella, 78 Schoendienst, 104 Berra, 207 Ford, 240, 254 Roe, 258 Gilliam and 266; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards w/#'s 86 Martin and 244 Mays. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 10 Burgess SP (VG/EX), 41 Slaughter SP (VG/EX), 43 McDougald SP (EX), 54 Feller (EX), 61 Wynn SP (EX), 62 Irvin (EX), 77 Mize (VG/EX), 119 Sain SP (VG/EX), 138 Kell SP (VG/EX), 141 Reynolds (EX), 149 DiMaggio SP (EX), 151 Wilhelm SP (EX), 191 Kiner (EX), 228 Newhouser SP (EX). Grades 13% NM to NM/MT, 75% EX to EX/MT, 12% VG to VG/EX (five with color added). The SMR value of the graded cards approaches $10,000.
1953 Topps Baseball PSA-Graded NM-MT 8 and NM-MT+ 8.5 Collection (10). Ten 1953 Topps baseball cards, all near the pinnacle in condition. Include: Graded Cards - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #73 Robinson; PSA NM-MT 8: 9 cards. #'s 28 Pellagrini, 72 Hutchinson, 146 Hamner, 161 Bickford, 213 Scarborough, 243 Bernier, 251 Hudson and 257 Boyd and 270 Stephens. The SMR value exceeds $2,000.
1953 Topps Baseball High End Graded Collection (53). Fine, high quality selection of over 1953 Topps baseball cards. Include: Graded - PSA NM 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 92, 173, 250 and 256; PSA NM 7: 37 cards, #'s 7, 8, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 41 Slaughter, 58, 65, 67, 77 Mize, 78 Schoendienst, 84, 85, 86 Martin, 93, 98, 106, 119 Sain, 134, 138 Kell, 156, 189, 193, 212, 215, 223, 229, 238, 239, 242, 246 Face, 269, 274, 277 and 278; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 23, 132 and 181; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 1 card, #66 Minoso; PSA EX-MT 6: 7 cards, #'s 4, 5, 196, 208, 219, 258 Gilliam and 259 McMillan; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #232. The SMR value of this high end lot exceeds $4,000.00,
1953 Topps Baseball PSA NM-MT 8 Collection (16). Universally sharp and clean presentation of 1953 Topps baseball cards. Includes: PSA NM-MT 8: 16 cards, #'s 12, 18, 22, 47, 51, 53, 59, 69, 71, 103, 127, 129, 194, 198, 211 and 234. The SMR value of this lot is over $2,250.00.
1953 Topps Baseball SGC-Graded Collection (20). Twenty very colorful, high quality cards from the 1953 Topps baseball series offering Hall of famers and short-prints. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 4 cards, #'s 78 Schoendienst, 89, 118 and 139; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 10 cards, #'s 67, 90, 98, 108, 111 Sauer, 112, 115, 127, 147 Spahn and 153; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 37 Mathews, 61 Wynn SP, 80, 110, 114 Rizzuto SP and 155. The SMR value of this lot exceeds $2,300.
1953 Topps Mike Garcia #75 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 1, with None Higher! It is rare one gets to combine the terms "1953 Topps" and "SGC 96 Mint 9" when referring to a baseball card. To date the company has graded over 8,300 '53 Topps baseball cards and only 53 or .0063% have been crowned with the "96" assessment. This card of Cleveland Indians pitcher Mike Garcia is worthy of the label. Colors, corners, surfaces and centering all converge resulting in near perfection. A finer example may never be found.
1953 Topps Mickey Mantle #82 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. This is an amazing example considering the 80 EX/NM 6 grade assigned by the conservative eye of the SGC grader. The surfaces are flawless, the centering is precise, the printing is problem free and the corner tips come to four sharp points. Only a minor instance of surface wear in the lower left corner explains the technical grade which most would immediately say fails to compliment the quality of this high end copy. A fantastic addition for a high end 1953 Topps set or Mantle specialty collection.
1953 Topps Mickey Mantle #82 SGC 84 NM 7. One of Mickey Mantle's most attractive cards, this 1953 Topps example offers near perfect centering, vivid colors and registration, along with clean white borders. Few examples in the NM category have almost full bleed in the red. A breathtaking NM example. Although there may be 28 examples at the NM level of this card in the SGC population report, none of them may be as nice for the grade.
1954 Bowman Baseball Complete Set (224) - #4 on the PSA Set Registry Plus #66 Ted Williams. Note: This set actually ranks #4 on the PSA registry. .
Rank: #4 on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.25 GPA. A very high-grade presentation that is sure to please the most condition-conscious hobbyist. With sharp corners and amazing color. The 1954 Bowman set is noted for the unique photo/illustrative depiction of the over 200 athletes, in this case including sharp examples of Mickey mantle and the famous scarcity-- #66 Ted Williams. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 85 cards, #'s 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 23 Kuenn, 28, 30, 31, 32 Crandall, 33 Raschi, 37, 41 Dark/ .986/960 Filed Avg (Pop 2, highest), 44, 46, 52, 54, 58 Reese, 59, 60, 62 Slaughter, 63, 70, 73, 74 Gilliam, 76, 84 Doby, 87, 90 Campanella, 91, 92, 93, 104, 107, 108, 112 Pafko, 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 123, 125, 132 Feller, 133 Pillette (Pop 3, highest),, 148 Mitchell (Pop 2, highest), 150 Michaels (Pop 2, highest), 161 Berra, 162, 165, 166, 167, 169, 171, 172, 174 Castiglione/ .966/959 Filed Avg (Pop 3, highest),, 175, 176, 177 Ford, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 Spencer/ .933/.936 Field (Pop 1, one nicer), 186 Meyer (Pop 3, highest), 189, 190, 191, 196 Lemon, 197, 199, 204, 206, 207, 208, 211, 214, 215, 216, 219, 222, and 223; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 55 and 56; PSA NM-MT 8: 134 cards, #'s 1 Rizzuto, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Fox, 7, 8, 10 Erskine, 11, 13, 14, 15 Ashburn, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 35, 36, 38 Minoso, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45 Kiner, 47, 48, 49, 50 Kell, 51, 53, 57 Wilhelm, 61, 64 Mathews, 65 Mantle, 66 Piersall, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89 Mays, 94, 95 Roberts, 96 Adcock, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101 Larson, 102, 103, 105, 106, 109, 110 Schoendienst, 111, 113 Reynolds, 114, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 138 Hodges, 139, 140, 141 Garagiola, 142, 143, 144, 145 Martin, 146, 147, 149, 151, 152, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 163, 164 Wynn, 168, 170 Snider, 173, 187, 188, 192, 193, 194, 195, 198, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 209, 210 Piersall, 212, 213, 217, 218, 220, 221 and 224; PSA NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 66 Williams (OC), 137 and 153; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, #160.
Rank: #4 on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.25 GPA. A very high-grade presentation that is sure to please the most condition-conscious hobbyist. With sharp corners and amazing color. The 1954 Bowman set is noted for the unique photo/illustrative depiction of the over 200 athletes, in this case including sharp examples of Mickey mantle and the famous scarcity-- #66 Ted Williams. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 85 cards, #'s 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 23 Kuenn, 28, 30, 31, 32 Crandall, 33 Raschi, 37, 41 Dark/ .986/960 Filed Avg (Pop 2, highest), 44, 46, 52, 54, 58 Reese, 59, 60, 62 Slaughter, 63, 70, 73, 74 Gilliam, 76, 84 Doby, 87, 90 Campanella, 91, 92, 93, 104, 107, 108, 112 Pafko, 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 123, 125, 132 Feller, 133 Pillette (Pop 3, highest),, 148 Mitchell (Pop 2, highest), 150 Michaels (Pop 2, highest), 161 Berra, 162, 165, 166, 167, 169, 171, 172, 174 Castiglione/ .966/959 Filed Avg (Pop 3, highest),, 175, 176, 177 Ford, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 Spencer/ .933/.936 Field (Pop 1, one nicer), 186 Meyer (Pop 3, highest), 189, 190, 191, 196 Lemon, 197, 199, 204, 206, 207, 208, 211, 214, 215, 216, 219, 222, and 223; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 55 and 56; PSA NM-MT 8: 134 cards, #'s 1 Rizzuto, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Fox, 7, 8, 10 Erskine, 11, 13, 14, 15 Ashburn, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 35, 36, 38 Minoso, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45 Kiner, 47, 48, 49, 50 Kell, 51, 53, 57 Wilhelm, 61, 64 Mathews, 65 Mantle, 66 Piersall, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89 Mays, 94, 95 Roberts, 96 Adcock, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101 Larson, 102, 103, 105, 106, 109, 110 Schoendienst, 111, 113 Reynolds, 114, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 134, 135, 136, 138 Hodges, 139, 140, 141 Garagiola, 142, 143, 144, 145 Martin, 146, 147, 149, 151, 152, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 163, 164 Wynn, 168, 170 Snider, 173, 187, 188, 192, 193, 194, 195, 198, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 209, 210 Piersall, 212, 213, 217, 218, 220, 221 and 224; PSA NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 66 Williams (OC), 137 and 153; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, #160.
1954 Bowman Ted Williams #66 SGC 84 NM 7. The 1954 Bowman Ted Williams card saw its production cut short due to legal issues about using Ted's image. The result was that in the entire library of baseball collectibles, this card became the rarest, except for the impossible PCLs from 1949. It is also the centerpiece of collecting lore as hobby legend Larry Fritsch said he opened one 5-Cent pack of '54 Bowman and inside were five Ted Williams cards! No, this isn't one of them, but it is a striking example. All the bells and whistles of a high end card with only light wear at the corner tips.
1954 Dan Dee Potato Chips Baseball Complete Set (29) - #11 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #11 on the PSA Set Registry with a 3.19 GPA. In the summer of 1954 Dan Dee Potato Chip picked 29 players to include in a set of cards which to modern hobbyists turned out to be one of the most difficult to find cards in any condition, let alone high grade copies. Circulated with a greasy snack almost guaranteed staining which only marginally impacts this presentation. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards, w/Friend and Surkont; PSA EX 5: 10 cards, w/Bauer, Easter, Garcia, Hodges, Lemon, Lopez, Roberts, Rosen, Strickland, and Wynn; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, w/Avila, Hegan, Mitchell, and Rizzuto; PSA VG 3: 6 cards, w/Doby, Gordon, Houtteman, LaPalm, Mantle, and Snider; PSA GD 2: 5 cards, w/Cooper, Irvin, Schoendienst, Thomas, and Westlake; PSA PR 1: 2 cards, w/Feller and Smith.
1953-1955 Johnston Cookies Milwaukee Braves Set Run (3). Few teams saw more support from local businesses through special promotions than the Milwaukee Braves. One of those companies was Johnston Cookies who had a three year run honoring their team. Includes: 1953 Johnston Cookies (24) - Near set 24 of 25 cards. Including: #'s 10 Spahn (VG/EX), 17 Adcock (VG), and 21 Mathews (EX). Missing #23 for completion. Grades 42% EX to EX/MT, 58% VG to VG/EX with a couple lesser; 1954 Johnston Cookies (34) - Near set 34 of 35 cards. Including: #'s 5 Aaron (EX), 21 Spahn (EX/MT), 34 Thomson (GD, glue on rev.) and 41 Mathews (GD). Missing #9 Adcock. Grades 62% EX to EX/MT with a few nicer, 38% VG to VG/EX with a few lesser; 1955 Johnston Cookies (35) - Complete set of 35 cards in the form of six uncut panels. Including: Aaron, Mathews and Spahn. Each panel does have a name & address filled in, but otherwise: Four panels present EX/MT to NM with two EX due to light corner wear to the outermost card.
1954 Quaker Oats "Sports Oddities" GAI-Graded Complete Set (27). Every card has been graded at least Mint 9 by GAI. When originally issued, cards appeared in boxes of Quaker Oats "Puffed Wheat and Rice" or youngsters could buy a complete 27-card through the mail. It's hard to argue about quality when the "lowest" graded cards are Mint 9. Highlights include: Graded - GAI Perfect 10: 11 cards, #'s 2, 3, 4, 6 Wake Forest College, 8, 9, 15, 18, 20 Rosenbom, 24 and 27 Yankees Stadium; GAI Gem Mint 9.5: 12 cards, #'s 1 Miller, 5 Levitt, 7 Stagg, 10 Blackhawks, 12 Dartmouth/Utah, 13, 16, 17, 19 Halas, 23 Harlem Globe Trotters, 25 Texas/Northwestern and 26 Nagurski; GAI Mint 9: 4 cards, #'s 11 Robinson,14 Rickenbacker, 21 Squatters' Rights and 22 Dwyer.
1954 Red Heart Dog Food Complete Set (33) - #16 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #16 on the PSA Set Registry with a 7.79 GPA. Put together by a very selective veteran dealer/collector. Overall, this assembly of these scarce, regionally circulated collectibles has the added bonus of that intangible "it" factor resulting in strong visual appeal. A couple choice upgrades from an impressive non-qualified NM-MT 8 set. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 32 cards, Ashburn, Baumholtz, Bell, Cox, Dark, Erskine, Fain, Fondy, Fox, Gilliam, Hegan, Kell, Kiner, Kluszewski, Kuenn, Lollar, Mantle, Martin, McDougald, McMillan, Minoso, Musial, Pierce, Rosen, Sauer, Schoendienst, Slaughter, Snider (OC), Spahn, White, Yost and Zernial; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card Lemon.
1954 Red Heart Dog Food Near Set (28/33) - #6 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #6 on the SGC Set Registry with a 76.8 grade average. The 1950's was a golden era for baseball cards with a multitude of sponsors producing sets with many becoming the most highly sought after cards over half a century later. Bright and colorful, the Red Heart series is a tried and true hobby classic. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 cards, w/Ashburn, Baumholtz, Dark, Fondy, Hegan, Martin, White, and Zernial;SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, w/McDougald and Schoendienst; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, w/Bell, Fain, Lemon, Lollar, Slaughter, and Spahn; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, w/Kiner, Kluszewski, and Rosen; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards, w/Gilliam, Kuenn, Musial, and Pierce; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, w/Erskine and Kell; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, w/Cox and Yost; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, Fox;
1954 Topps Baseball Complete Set (250) - # 7 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #7 on the PSA Set registry with an 8.07 GPA. To assemble a complete set of 1950's baseball cards at the upper levels of the grading scale is a task only a small percentage of hobbyists take upon themselves. The PSA Registry has 132 registered sets and less than 10% have a GPA of NM-MT or higher. It is so easy to be taken in by the striking format and vibrant palette of colors set apart by a frosty white three-quarter frame. Overall, each card is a nice example for the grade and a pleasure to view. The set is highlighted by the rookie cards of Al Kaline, Ernie Banks and Hank Aaron plus the two most famous beginning and ending cards of any series of Ted Williams. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 24 cards, #'s 40, 103, 112, 133, 140, 144, 145, 146, 178, 181, 185, 186, 193, 194, 208, 215, 217, 220, 221, 226, 228, 230, 232, and 237; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card, # 97; PSA NM-MT 8: 244 cards, #'s 1 Williams, 2, 3 Irvin, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Robinson, 11, 12, 13 Martin, 14, 15, 16, 17 Rizzuto, 18, 19, 20 Spahn, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Mathews, 31, 32 Snider, 33, 34, 35, 36 Wilhelm, 37 Ford, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Ashburn, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 Berra, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 Doby, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 Turley, 86 Herman, 87, 88, 89, 90 Mays, 91, 92, 93, 94 Banks RC, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 Hodges, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 127, 128 Aaron RC, 129, 130, 131, 132 Lasorda, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139 O'Brien Twins, 141, 142, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 Podres, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201 Kaline RC, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 216, 218, 219, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239 Skowron, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 and 250 Williams; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #126.
1954 Topps Ted Williams #1 PSA NM 7. Collectors know that the first and last cards in a set are always tough to find in nice condition. This effect is doubled when those cards picture one of the greatest hitters of the game like Ted Williams. So this solid high end example featuring the Splendid Splinter has great eye appeal with terrific colors and high quality corners.
1954 Topps Willie Mays #90 PSA NM 7. This is a very attractive example of one of the classic cards in the hobby. With graphics centered quite nicely for a '54 Topps card and the slightest touches of wear at corners explains the more than respectable NM 7 grade. A great card to add to one's 1950's collection.
1954 Topps Willie Mays #90 PSA NM-MT 8. The 1954 baseball season ended with the New York version of the Giants winning the World Series for the last time before heading to California after the 1957 season. This is a very clean example of the National League MVP Award winner with close to perfect centering just the slightest hints of wear at corner tips. A great example of one of Mays' classic cards.
1954 Topps Ernie Banks #94 PSA NM 7. This ever-popular rookie card honors the man who epitomizes the spirit of the Chicago Cubs, and who has almost single-handedly kept enthusiasm for the franchise alive for several generations of devoted fans. One quickly sees his ever-present smile firmly in place from the beginning: with just a glance at this superb card, the observer can almost feel Banks' "Let's Play Two!" enthusiasm. A typical high end collectible with only centering and a factory processing marring the surface on the right to account for the grade.
1954 Topps Hank Aaron #128 PSA NM-MT 8. There are probably less than a dozen "must have" cards that every hobbyists wants even if they don't collect that era or player. Properly regarded as one of the most important trading cards of the post-war era, the 1954 Topps Aaron rookie is one of those cards. Aaron's debut card is presented here in remarkable NM-MT 8 condition. Hampered only slightly by horizontal shift, the card's sharp corners, eye-popping color makes one wonder if it would be just as comfortable in a NM/MT+ 8.5 slab. Regardless, this is a high end example any day of the week, any week of the year.
1954 Topps Tom Lasorda #132 PSA NM-MT 8. The colorful Hall of Fame manager, Tommy Lasorda is featured as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers on his 1954 Topps rookie card, while presenting light corner wear and its original high gloss surface. Graded an impressive PSA NM-MT 8, this card will fit nicely into any high-grade vintage card collection.
1954 Topps Al Kaline #201 PSA NM 7. Like Babe Ruth before him, this Hall of Fame slugger honed his home run skills in the city of Baltimore, Maryland before taking the Big Leagues by storm. This remarkably well designed card announced Kaline's arrival to the baseball card collecting world. Showing close to precise centering, bright colors and sharp corners the technical grade is the result of the barely noticeable print smudging on the front. A very sharp example.
1954 Topps Ted Williams #250 PSA NM 7. We've said it before and we'll say it again--collectors should pay close attention to high end Hall of Famer cards when they appear as the first or last in a set. Teddy Ballgame plays the role of both in the '54 Topps issue, and we present the closing number here, an example that was spared the wear typical of its brethren. Color, registration and centering is admirable, with the lightest touches to the corners. Centering seems to have determined the technical fate of this high end example.
1954 Topps Ted Williams #250 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. The all-important last card of the 1954 Topps issue is offered here. In what is widely considered one of Ted Williams' most attractive cards, "The Splendid Splinter" is set in superb clarity, with a vibrant lemon-yellow background on this SGC 86 NM+ 7.5 stunner. Light corner wear is the only characteristic restricting this desirable pasteboard from a higher grade.
1954 Wilson Franks Bob Feller SGC 84 NM 7. 1954 Wilson Franks cards are among the toughest and most desirable cards that were issued while picturing everybody's favorite ballpark treat. This popular issue is difficult to find in high-grade, due to the fact that many examples exhibit grease stains from their time residing directly in a package of frankfurters. Offered here is an example that made it out unscathed, and as a result, this Bob Feller exemplar graded an impressive SGC 84 NM 7. No surface stains on this beauty. In fact, the corners also present high quality, with virtually no wear.
1955 Bowman Baseball High End Complete Set (320). Bowman certainly did not go without a fight. The 320-card edition from the last year (1955) Bowman produced cards is one of the finest sets they conceived which over a half century later still draws a passionate base of card enthusiasts. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #125; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards, #'s 15, 69, 77, 113, 122, 124 and 215; SGC 84 NM 7: 19 cards, #'s 24, 44, 54, 58, 79, 90, 92, 109, 116, 119, 139, 141, 165, 175, 186, 192, 206, 225 and 253; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, #'s 134 Feller, 143 Newcombe and 312; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 168 Berra and 202 Mantle; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 22 Campanella and 184 Mays. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Wilhelm (EX), 10 Rizzuto (VG/EX), 23 Kaline (VG), 29 Schoendienst (EX), 33 Fox (EX), 37 Reese (EX), 59 Ford (EX), 60 Slaughter (EX), 65 Zimmer (EX/MT), 68 Howard (EX), 103 Mathews (VG/EX), 130 Ashburn (EX), 158 Hodges (EX), 171 Roberts (EX/MT), 179 Aaron (EX, small), 197 Kiner (VG/EX), 242 Banks (EX), 246 Bauer (EX), 265 Barlick (EX), 267 Honochick (EX), 303 Conlan (EX/MT), 315 Hubbard (EX). Grades 16% NM to NM/MT, 69% EX to EX/MT, 15% VG to VG/EX.
1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle #202 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. What do you have to do to get a "96" from SGC? This card has it ALL and then some. Sharp corners, precise centering, fantastic colors, a glossy obverse and a wax stain free reverse, the characteristics go on and on. Okay, centering is a whole 1/64" inch off. We have no choice but to think the one print dot is all that stands between this beauty and a "Mint" assessment. In our opinion, maybe another grade review wouldn't be an unwise investment.
1955 Red Man Tobacco Larry "Yogi" Berra #16 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. Offered here is a brilliant example from the 1955 Red Man Tobacco issue, which presents the legendary Yogi Berra in SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 quality. This ultra-clean card has been outdone in only one instance, according to SGC's population report, which solidifies the fact that many high-grade '55 Red Man sets go without a Berra of this caliber. This example amazingly lacks any chipping on the edges that usually go hand and hand with the cards from this condition-sensitive issue. Card presents perfectly, and is one of the most significant pieces from Red Man's fourth installment of the 1950's.
1955 Red Man Baseball High End Near Set (48/50). The swan song to the relationship between baseball cards and tobacco is also one of the hobby's most pleasant melodies. For four years, Red Man was the sponsor of some of the most attractive editions collectors have the pleasure to pursue. This high end lot isn't lacking for quality and visual appeal. Missing N12 and N16 for completion. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 4 cards, w/#'s 9N, 2A, 7A and 22A; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 20 cards, w/#'s 2N, 3N Hodges, 4N, 10N Spahn, 11N, 19N Snider, 23N, 1A, 3A Ford, 4A Fox, 5A, 9A, 11A, 12A, 13A, 15A, 17A, 19A, 21A and 24A Minoso; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 10 cards, w/#'s 5N, 6N, 8N, 13N, 15N, 18N Schoendienst, 24N, 6A, 10A, 18A Doby; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards, w/#'s 1N Ashburn, 7N Mays, 14N, 25N, 14A Wynn, 16A Berra, 20A, 23A and 25A; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, w/#'s 17N Reese, 21N and 22N; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #8A Lemon; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #20N.
1955 Topps Baseball Complete Set (206) - Impressive #13 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #13 on the PSA Set registry with a 7.98 GPA. A very high quality assembly was the personal set of a long time dealer/collector who started buying the cards in the 1970's. His critical eye paid off. Almost every card (and we say "almost" only because of the slim chance someone might not agree with a card or two) has that "special something" quality. A very clean set with appeal above an already respectable GPA. If the presence of mind to invest in this series was ever a possibility for you, we feel this would be a wise choice. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 1 cards, #'s 82 Harmon; PSA NM-MT 8: 201 cards, #'s 1 Rhodes, 2 Williams, 3, 4 Kaline, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Banks, 29, 30, 31 Spahn, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 Aaron, 48, 49, 50 Robinson, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Amoros, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92 Zimmer, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 Irvin, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 Kluszewski, 121, 122, 123 Koufax, 124 Killebrew, 125 Boyer, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 , 149, 150, 151, 152 Agganis, 153, 154, 155 Mathews, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164 Clemente, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 187 Hodges, 188, 189 Rizzuto, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194 Mays, 196, 197, 198 Berra, 199, 200, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 and 210 Snider; PSA NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 20, 63, 176 and 195.
1955 Topps Doubleheader Baseball Collection (11). Each card in this selection of 1955 Topps Doubleheaders offers bright colors and a pack-fresh appearance. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #47-48 Jacobs/Gray; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 7-8 Taylor/O'Dell, 33-34 Pendleton/Conley, 39-40 Marsh/Thies, 71-72 Allie/Hatton, 95-96 Jolly/Hofman and 117-118 Bilko/Milliken; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards. #'s 9-10 Porter/Kipper, 43-44 Kelly/Stobbs, 93-94 Sawatski/Tappe and 115-116 Long/Fain. The SMR value of this lot approaches $700.
1955 Topps Ernie Banks #28 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Hall of Famer Ernie Banks ranks as Baseball's most enthusiastic and upbeat member of the 500 Home Run Club. This 1955 Topps card is a visually impressive example combining sharp corners, bright colors, glossy, problem free surfaces and near precise centering. Other copies of card #28 may be assigned higher technical grading but few may hold higher aesthetic appeal.
1955 Topps Sandy Koufax #123 PSA NM 7. For many collectors of 1950's cardboard -- and let's face it, they have several top quality productions to choose from -- an all-time favorite issue is the Topps edition from 1955. The set is noted for its bright colors, clutter-free design, landscape format, and yes, the important rookie card appearances by Koufax and Clemente. The fireball throwing, Hall of Fame pitcher appears here, enclosed inside four almost evenly sized borders and dangerously sharp corners. Vibrant hues and a nearly complete lack of the so very common print "ghosting" that affects this card earns this surprisingly attractive example a second and third look.
1955 Topps Harmon Killebrew Rookie #124 SGC 96 Mint 9. An undisputed high point in the history of the Washington Senators franchise occurred with the introduction of slugger Harmon Killebrew - an event commemorated for posterity by this always-popular collectible. The "rookie card" of the future Hall of Famer, although devoted to a 19-year-old bonus baby, nevertheless afforded the young man the full Topps treatment: a flattering portrait and "action shot" surrounded by a sea of bright yellow on the front, and a glowing prospectus on the back. The ideal piece to set the stage for more than 500 career home runs and eventual enshrinement at Cooperstown!
A "blazer" with the numbers to prove it, this outstanding card is one of just two copies at its SGC tier (none higher) among a total of more than 300 examples holdered by that company. The item's print quality is exemplary, its centering is almost perfectly calibrated, and its overall aesthetic is incontestably superior. And, the presence of a couple of tiny, stray fibers at the ends of the card - characterizing an attractive "rough cut" - affirms that this top-tier Killebrew has remained essentially untouched for more than a half-century.
A "blazer" with the numbers to prove it, this outstanding card is one of just two copies at its SGC tier (none higher) among a total of more than 300 examples holdered by that company. The item's print quality is exemplary, its centering is almost perfectly calibrated, and its overall aesthetic is incontestably superior. And, the presence of a couple of tiny, stray fibers at the ends of the card - characterizing an attractive "rough cut" - affirms that this top-tier Killebrew has remained essentially untouched for more than a half-century.
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente Rookie #164 PSA NM 7. The iconic Puerto Rican Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente is featured on this 1955 Topps PSA NM 7 rookie card. Clemente was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1954 rule 5 draft. He played 18 seasons in the Steel City and collected exactly 3000 hits. A nicely centered card, with brilliant coloring and high gloss.
1955 Topps Roberto Clemente #164 SGC 84 NM 7. About as sure as it gets in the hobby, high-grade Hall of Fame rookie cards almost always seem to increase in value from year to year. This card not only fits that billing, but it's exceptionally impressive, due to the near-perfect centering and razor sharp corners. Graded an SGC 84 NM 7, this Roberto Clemente rookie will hold its own against any similar example of the high number exemplar from the popular 1955 Topps issue.
1955 Topps Yogi Berra #198 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This important high number card from the popular 1955 Topps issue features Yankees' legendary catcher Yogi Berra with its original high-gloss surface and sharp corners. Appearing as if it was just pulled from a wax pack, while lacking any noticeable wear, this card has been graded an impressive SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Without question, one of the most significant Hall of Famers from the '55 Topps set.
1955 Topps Double Headers H. Aaron/ R. Herbert SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Any collector who has tapped into the condition-sensitive world of "Tall Boys," or T201 Mecca Double Folders will understand the significance of obtaining a high-grade example from the popular 1955 Topps Double Headers issue. Offered here is Hank Aaron and Ray Herbert's card, which has been graded an impressive SGC 88 NM/MT 8, while presenting wonderful illustrations and vibrant color. Centering on this beauty is framed to near perfection, and only the smallest amount of corner wear can be detected.
1955 Topps Double Headers Howie Pollet/Ernie Banks - #31/32 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. In the Topps Company's terrific throwback to the 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders issue, this 1955 Double Headers card that features Howie Pollet and Ernie Banks has been graded a head-turning SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A superbly rendered pasteboard of the Cubbies teammates, this unique card exhibits near-perfect centering, a sparkling surface and the lightest of touching on two of the four corners. Unquestionably, one of the most condition-sensitive Topps sets due to its non-standard large size, this offering will be sure to catch the attention of the most discerning high-grade vintage card gurus.
1956 PM15 Yellow Basepath Pin Complete Set - #1 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the PSA Set Registry with a 8.09 GPA!
Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 15 pins, w/Ashburn, Baker, Bruton, Gromek, Hodges, Kluszewski, Logan, Musial, Newcombe, Porterfield, Reese, Schoendienst, Stephens, Woodling and Zernial; PSA NM-MT 8: 10 pins w/Aaron, Aparicio, Banks, Fox, Friend, Groth, Kaline, Mantle, Minoso and Snider; PSA NM 7: 4 pins w/Adcock, Doby, Greengrass and Mathews; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 pin, Roberts; PSA EX 5: 2 pins, Berra and Delong.
Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 15 pins, w/Ashburn, Baker, Bruton, Gromek, Hodges, Kluszewski, Logan, Musial, Newcombe, Porterfield, Reese, Schoendienst, Stephens, Woodling and Zernial; PSA NM-MT 8: 10 pins w/Aaron, Aparicio, Banks, Fox, Friend, Groth, Kaline, Mantle, Minoso and Snider; PSA NM 7: 4 pins w/Adcock, Doby, Greengrass and Mathews; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 pin, Roberts; PSA EX 5: 2 pins, Berra and Delong.
1956 Topps Baseball Complete Set Plus Checklists (342) - #9 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #9 on the PSA Set Registry with a 8.12 GPA. This presentation is a true pleasure to behold standing among the finest complete assemblies recorded to date. The dual portrait/action depictions of the '56 Topps baseball edition have a timeless quality allowing this treasured production to remain as popular today as it was when the cards were first pulled from packs. A quality many of these cards still share. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 50 cards, #'s 8 Alston, 13, 19, 21, 27, 28, 37, 38, 39, 44, 47, 55, 69, 81, 84, 119, 120 Ashburn, 122, 138, 142, 152, 154, 158, 165 Schoendienst, 170, 174, 182, 189, 200 Feller, 203, 206, 207, 217, 230, 234, 240 Ford, 243, 244, 279, 290, 294, 295, 301, 304, 309, 312, 315, 323, 331 and 337; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #111; PSA NM-MT 8: 290 cards, w/#'s 1 Harridge, 2 Giles, 5 Williams, 10 Spahn, 15 Banks, 20 Kaline, 25 Kluszewski, 30 Robinson, 31 Aaron, 33 Clemente, 61 Skowron, 72 Phillies/Centered, 79 Koufax, 85 Indians/Centered, 90 Reds/Centered, 95 Braves/Centered, 99 Zimmer, 100 Orioles/Centered, 101 Campanella, 107 Mathews, 108, 109 Slaughter, 110 Berra, 113, Rizzuto 118 Fox, 125 Minoso, 130 Mays, 135 Mantle, 145 Hodges, 150 Snider, 164 Killebrew, 166 Dodgers, 173 Podres, 180 Roberts, 181 Martin, 187 Wynn, 194 Kell, 195 Irvin, 208 E. Howard, 226 Giants, 250 Doby, 251 Yankees, 255 Lemon, 260 Reese, 280 Gilliam, 292 Aparicio RC, 307 Wilhelm, 332 Larson and 340 McDermott, Checklist 1/3 and Checklist 2/4; PSA NM 7: card, #193. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1956 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set Plus Checklists (342) - With Over 110 Graded Cards! Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 4 cards w/#'s 24, 158, 275 and 308; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards w/#'s 44, 141, 196, 205, 291 and 296; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 47 cards w/#'s 8 Alston, 21, 22, 27, 31 Aaron/WB, 55, 57, 77, 86, 88 Kucks, 91, 93, 99 Zimmer, 103, 107 Mathews, 115, 119, 123, 130 Mays, 136, 137, 160, 164 Killebrew, 175, 177 Bauer, 178, 181 Martin, 183, 184, 198, 207, 214, 228, 236 Athletics, 278, 283, 293, 302, 304, 309, 317, 318, 319, 323, 326, 332 Larsen and 335; PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards w/#'s 13, 119, 195 Kell; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 30 cards w/#'s 2 Giles/WB, 9, 18, 23, 30 Robinson, 32, 50, 63, 79 Koufax, 100 Orioles, 106, 110 Berra, 113 Rizzuto, 118 Fox, 139, 140 Score, 145 Hodges, 146 Nationals/WB, 171, 173, 190 Furillo, 201, 211, 217, 240 Ford, 287, 300, 313, Checklist 1/3 and Checklist 2/4; SGC 84 NM 7: 15 cards w/#'s 10 Spahn, 12, 15 Banks/WB, 69, 78, 95 Braves/Centered, 150 Snider, 157, 166 Dodgers, 200 Feller, 213 Tigers, 220, 292 Aparicio, 299 and 320 Adcock; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #268; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards w/#'s 33 Clemente, 165 Schoendienst, 204, 251 Yankees and 260 Reese. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 Harridge (EX), 5 Williams (trimmed), 20 Kaline (NM), 25 Kluszewski (EX/MT), 61 Skowron (EX), 101 Campanella (EX+), 109 Slaughter (NM), 120 Ashburn (EX/MT), 135 Mantle (EX), 180 Roberts (EX/MT), 187 Wynn (EX), 194 Irvin (EX/MT), 208 Howard (EX/MT), 226 Giants Team (EX/MT), 307 Wilhelm (EX/MT). Grades 50% NM to NM/MT, 44% EX to EX/MT 6% VG to VG/EX. SMR value exceeds $10,000.
1956 Topps Ted Williams #5 PSA EX 5 Signed Card. What once was considered taboo in the collecting world, baseball cards that feature a players autograph are slowly becoming a widely collected hobby phenomenon. Offered here is a gorgeous Ted Williams 1956 Topps exemplar, which bears a perfect blue sharpie signature of the "Splendid Splinter." Card is graded a respectable PSA EX 5, displaying impressive characteristics, which will fit nicely into any high-caliber gum card collection.
1956 Topps Bob Keegan, Gray Back #54 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1 with None Higher! Of the two types of stock used by Topps in 1956, #'s 1-100 seem more plentiful with the white card stock and quite a bit scarcer with #'s 101-180. This perfectly centered condition rarity is to date the only PSA Mint 9 Bob Keegan with the Gray stock reverse. Aside from the one slight spot of surface marring on the front the card displays great colors and seemingly Gem MT quality corners.
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle #135 PSA NM-MT 8. Mickey Mantle is rendered with a huge smile and terrific action pose in the background of this high-grade exemplar from the popular 1956 Topps issue. With the exception of his 1952 Topps card, this piece is probably his most popular. Graded a PSA NM-MT 8, this stunning pasteboard exhibits strong centering, snow white borders, sharp corners and a clean gray back.
1956 Topps Mickey Mantle #135 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. Gray back version of the card every kid wanted dates to what is universally considered to be the Mick's finest season, one in which he earned the fabled Triple Crown en route to a Yankees World Championship. The offered card is a fitting tribute to that season, boasting bright colors, sharp corners, and a position firmly in the top ten percent of all SGC graded examples.
1957 Sohio Gasoline Cleveland Indians High End Set (18) Plus Album. Offered is a nice high end set of the scarce regionally circulated Sohio Gasoline set from 1957 showcasing players of the Cleveland Indians. The key subjects are the rookie cards of slugger Roger Maris and HoFer Rocky Colavito. In total, nine cards have been graded by SGC. The original 6" x 8" paper album designed to house the cards presents at the EX level. Includes Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, Colavito, Score and Strickland; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Roger Maris; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, Carrasquel and Wertz; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, Mossi and Wynn; SGC 70 EX+ 7.5: 1 card, Busby. Grades 33% NM to NM/MT, 67% EX to EX/MT with some slightly lesser.
1957 Topps Baseball Complete Set (407) Plus Checklists - Over 150 PSA-Graded Cards. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 33 (OC), 65 (OC), 145, 153 (OC), 222, 243 (OC), 250 Mathews, 254, 315 (OC) and 322 (OC); PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #190; PSA NM 7: 30 cards, #'s 39, 40 Wynn, 55 Banks, 73, 84 (ST), 89, 96, 103, 115, 122 Boyer, 144, 177, 186 (ST), 187, 192, 203 Wilhelm, 209, 213, 233, 275, 281, 307, 353, 354, 356, 358, 363, 375, 381 and 401; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 1 card, #226; PSA EX-MT 6: 65 cards, #'s 3, 9, 23, 32, 44, 61, 70 Ashburn, 78, 79, 80 Hodges, 99, 100, 127, 128, 136, 143, 150, 152, 159, 170 Snider, 176, 184, 188, 189, 194, 195, 197 (ST), 198, 200, 207, 208, 211, 216, 221, 224, 228, 231, 232, 235, 236, 240, 242, 244, 245, 284 Zimmer, 290, 293, 294, 301, 316, 333, 338 Bunning, 350 (ST), 352, 355, 357, 359, 371, 379, 385, 388, 397, 398, 405 and 406; PSA EX 5: 30 cards, #'s 2 Berra, 10 Mays, 24 Mazeroski, 43, 46, 47, 125 Kaline, 148, 157, 172, 183, 193, 199, 214, 225, 238, 247, 260, 285, 287, 289, 303, 305, 321, 327, 337, 364, 367, 384 and 399; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards, #'s 227 and 369; PSA VG-EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 1 Williams, 19, 20 Aaron (MC), 35 Robinson, 72, 252, 402 and 403; PSA VG 3: 9 cards, #'s 18 Drysdale, 25 Ford, 76 Clemente, 85 Doby, 90 Spahn, 95 Mantle, 286 Richardson, 328 Robinson and 407 Mantle/Berra; PSA GD 2: 7 cards, #'s 30 Reese, 210 Campanella, 302 Koufax, 312 Kubek, 400 Dodgers' Sluggers, NN Checklist 1-2 and Checklist 3-4 (MK). Ungraded - #'s 120 Lemon (EX+) and 212 Colavito (EX). Grades 16% NM to NM/MT, 68% EX to EX/MT, 13% VG to VG/EX, 3% lesser.
1957 Topps Baseball PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 Collection (9) The role of the half grade was to recognize cards which were particularly nice for the grade level. It takes little effort to realize all nice cards are deserving of their half-grade status. Includes: PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 9 cards, #'s 26 Boyd, 29 Herzog, 69 McMillan, 87 Gorman, 189 Nixon, 218 Jablonski, 231 Hemus, 275 Indians and 387 Sanford. The SMR value as 8s is $965.00, as 9s it is $2,945.00
1957 Topps Baseball Complete Set (407) - #13 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #13 on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.11 GPA. The 1957 Topps baseball series is the benchmark for the modern era of collecting. The set is noted for the image quality and that incredible selection of rookie cards. This presentation was pieced together over many years and the quality shows, There are many cards that are likely candidates for grade review and only one single card has a qualifier (the "PD" on Garcia). It's a strong assembly worthy of the finest collections but the reality is it has tremendous break-up value as well but that would seem a shame considering the consistent universal eye appeal this high quality set has to offer. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 62 cards, #'s 15 Roberts, 41, 43, 59, 71, 75, 79, 81, 86, 87, 98, 107, 109, 113, 114, 129, 131, 136, 137, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 153, 162, 172, 181, 186, 188, 189, 190, 194, 204, 206, 207, 209, 211, 216, 217, 219, 221, 222, 229, 231, 233, 236, 237, 238, 242, 246, 249, 251, 253, 254, 255, 257, 261, 345, 372, 390, and 401; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 4 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 340 cards, #'s 1 Williams, 2 Berra, 7 Aparicio, 10 Mays, 18 Drysdale, 20 Aaron, Mazeroski, 25 Ford, 35 F. Robinson, 38 Fox, 40 Wynn, 55 Banks, 62 Martin, 70 Ashburn, 76 Clemente, 80 Hodges, 82 Howard, 90 Spahn, 95 Mantle, 97 Yankees, Lemon, 122 Boyer, 125 Kaline, 154 Schoendienst, 165 Kluszewski, 170 Snider, 203 Wilhelm, 210 Campanella, 212 Colavito RC, 213, 214, 215 Slaughter, 250 Mathews, 286 Richardson RC, 302 Koufax, 312 Kubek, Dodgers, 328 B. Robinson RC, 338 Bunning RC, 400 Dodgers' Sluggers, and 407 Mantle/Berra; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards; PSA VG 3: 1 card; PSA PR 1: 1 card. Please see our web site for a complete list of the contents of this set.
1957 Topps Ted Williams #1 PSA NM-MT 8. Who better to lead-off the 1957 Topps edition than the "Splendid Splinter" himself. This copy has great color, sharp print quality and bright colors. The only point we can find to criticize is a small imperfection in the stock as seen in the lower left corner. With the imperfection, a fierce argument for higher assessment could be made with few in disagreement.
1957 Topps Enos Slaughter #215 PSA Mint 9. Although Slaughter will never he compared to Ruth or Cobb his was an integral part of the success of the Browns in the early 1940's and ended his career with a more than respectable .300 lifetime batting average. Nice clean card with good colors.
1957 Topps Mike Garcia #300 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Mike Garcia had a 14-year career, 12 seasons with the Indians. A two-time twenty-game winner, he was 19-8 in 1954, with a league leading ERA for the AL pennant winners that year. Twice he also led the league in shutouts. A mighty dependable pitcher, his winning percentage of .594 shows his value. Of the 20 Garcia cards submitted to SGC, this is 1 of 3 to receive an 88 NM/MT 8 grade with none graded higher.
1957 Topps Mike Garcia #300 PSA NM-MT 8. Rich hues, sharp corners and precisely centered graphics allow this exceptional 1957 Topps #300 Mike Garcia to be one of the finer examples graded to date. Only three have been graded higher by the company.
1957 Topps Checklist 1/2 "Bazooka" SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. A high-end example of a very hard card to find in high grade. Not one ink or pencil mark, crease or wrinkle. The graphics rest a little to the left horizontally but are enclosed by four very sharp corners. A sweet addition to a high grade '57 Topps set.
1958 Topps Baseball Complete Set (494) - #3 on the PSA Set Registry! This a phenomenal 494-card assembly well deserving of its set registry ranking and by far the finest '58 complete set Heritage has ever had the privilege to offer. An amazing presentation of quality, this set's grade average a mere .65 away from reigning supreme as the king of the '58s. Almost 100 cards have populations of 10 or less with none grading higher; Over 30 of those are pop 2 to 5 with none higher. For the first time Topps and The Sporting News honored the players of the All Star game on specially designed cards meaning the set has the added bonus of offering multiple cards of some of the greatest stars of the era. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 132 cards, #'s 20 McDougald/WL, 21, 27, 31, 40 Kell, 41, 43, 48, 50 Pierce/WL, 56, 62, 70 Kaline/WL, 84, 86, 97/WL, 99, 100 Wynn/WL, 103, 109, 114, 115 Bunning, 117, 118, 119, 120 Podres, 121, 122, 124, 125, 128, 130, 131, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 Slaughter, 143, 146, 147, 149, 153, 157, 160, 161 Larsen, 162 Hodges, 163, 166, 167, 170, 177, 180, 181, 186, 189, 190 Schoendienst, 192, 196 Garcia, 197, 205, 213, 221, 222, 224, 226, 229, 232, 233, 253, 258 Erskine, 264, 266, 267, 273, 274, 282, 283, 284, 287, 290, 292, 303, 308, 316, 318, 319, 324 Wilhelm, 337, 344, 348, 355, 356, 363, 364, 367, 370 Berra, 375 Reese, 380, 385, 388, 389, 390, 393 Kubek, 396, 400 Fox, 401, 403, 405, 407, 411, 415, 419, 425, 426, 427, 430, 435, 437, 438, 444, 453, 454, 456, 459, 460, 467, 476 Musial AS, 478, 481, 483 Aparicio AS, and 485 Williams AS; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 18 cards, w/#'s 101 Richardson/WL and 288 Killebrew; PSA NM-MT 8: 342 cards, w/#'s 1 Williams, 2 Lemon/WL, 5 Mays, 25 Drysdale, 30 Aaron/WL, 47 Maris RC, 52 Clemente/WL, 85 Aparicio/WL, 88 Snider, 90 Roberts, Mantle, 187 Koufax, 230 Ashburn, 238 Mazeroski, 246 Yankees, 270 Spahn, 285 Robinson, 307 B. Robinson, 309, 310 Banks, 314 Snider/Alston, 343 Cepeda, 351 Braves' Fence Busters, 418 Aaron/Mantle, 436 Mays/Snider, 439, 440 Mathews, 480 Mathews AS, 482 Banks AS, 484 Robinson AS, 486 Mays AS, 487 Mantle AS, 488 Aaron AS and 494 Spahn AS; PSA NM 7: 2 cards. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this very high grade complete set.
1958 Topps Ted Williams #1 PSA Mint 9. In baseball, you lead off with your best hitter! That must have been the sentiment at Topps as well because for the second consecutive year (and the third time in five years) collectors found Red Sox hero Ted Williams at the front of the gallery on the issue's #1 card. Williams' stoic look and battle-worn cap are familiar features to the many hobbyists who have cherished the '58 Topps set's inimitable style for more than a half-century. Contract maneuvers by Fleer took the Hall of Famer from the gum card giant's line-up by 1959, but Ted's pair of '58s engendered sufficient enjoyment to more than compensate for the loss.
More than 1,600 examples of this treasured portrayal have been validated by PSA, with just eight copies attaining the Mint 9. (None has been graded higher.) We could enter into a lengthy round of superlatives for every point of reference--lethally pointed corners, full measure of original surface gloss, incredibly deep portrait due to precise print registration, etc., etc. Our picture is well worth at least the 1,000 words we spare you. Suitable to grace one of the hobby's finest '58 Topps assemblies! We have the #3 1958 Topps baseball PSA Registry set offered elsewhere in this auction.
More than 1,600 examples of this treasured portrayal have been validated by PSA, with just eight copies attaining the Mint 9. (None has been graded higher.) We could enter into a lengthy round of superlatives for every point of reference--lethally pointed corners, full measure of original surface gloss, incredibly deep portrait due to precise print registration, etc., etc. Our picture is well worth at least the 1,000 words we spare you. Suitable to grace one of the hobby's finest '58 Topps assemblies! We have the #3 1958 Topps baseball PSA Registry set offered elsewhere in this auction.
1958 Topps Bob Lemon, Yellow Team #2 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. The stand alone highest graded copy of only two examples recorded by SGC to date. A very sharp display of color with sharp corners, near perfect centering. Very few of these cards have reached the NM/MT level and this one will not disappoint even the most discerning collector. A strong NM/MT example.
1958 Topps Luis Aparicio, Yellow Team #85 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A nearly flawless example based on the clarity, color and sharp corners. The only detail, holding this stellar example from the next higher grade, is the centering which appears to be a little better than 2 to 1. You may never see greater clarity or more vibrant colors than appear on this card. A strong NM/MT example.
1958 Topps Larry Jackson, Yellow Name #97 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. An absolutely stellar example of this difficult-to-obtain card in high grade. Almost perfect centering, crystal clear registration and sharp corners highlight this card's tremendous appeal. This is the highest graded Jackson Yellow Name according to the SGC pop report. Few opportunities come by to obtain a rarity of this lofty stature.
1958 Topps Mickey Mantle #150 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. Marvelous photographic portrait of the Mick in his prime makes the '58 Topps card a favorite among collectors, who will certainly be awestruck by the spectacular quality of the offered specimen. Perfect color, gloss and registration give way to terrific centering and sharp corners. An extremely strong NM/MT+ example of this beautiful card.
1958 Topps Pancho Herrera, Missing "a" #433 PSA VG-EX 4. For vintage card enthusiasts the T206 "Magie" misspelling is the king of the printing mishaps. Hobbyists who specialize in 1950's have the famous Pancho Herrera missing "a" variation from the 1958 Topps baseball edition to pursue. Where the "Magie" error accounts for just about a full third of the submitted T206 Magee portraits, less than 10% of the '58 Herrera cards submitted have been the missing "a" variation. Its uniqueness is hobby legend and its desirability is beyond question. This particular example is off-center and has light corner wear as well as good colors and, of course, a partially missing "a" plus the beginnings of the "r" starting to fade. It is a hobby classic and one of the rarest 1950's card collectibles.
1959 & 1960 Armour Coins PSA-Registered Complete Set Pair (2). They are colorful, round and they make noise when you flip them. But at least you'll never worry about a "dinged" corner. Armour produced three such sets in the 1950's. Offered are a pair including the very rare Bud Daley coin from 1960. Includes: 1959 Armour Complete Set (20) - #9 on the PSA Set Registry with a 7.24 GPA. Includes: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 1 coin, Blasingame; PSA NM-MT 8: 11 coins, Antonelli, Ashburn, Banks, Crandall, Fox, Malzone, Robinson, Sievers, Skinner, Thomas and Triandos; PSA NM 7: 4 coins, Cerv, Ford, Jensen and Vernon; PSA EX-MT 6: 3 coins, Aaron, Kuenn and Podres; PSA EX 5: 1 coin, Turley. 1960 Armour Complete Set (23) - #7 on the PSA Set Registry with a 7.13 GPA. Includes: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 1 coin, Triandos; PSA NM-MT 8: 7 coins, Boyer, Colavito, Conley, Crandall, Daley SP, Ford and Malzone/Red Sox; PSA NM 7: 10 coins, Aaron/Braves, Allison, Banks, Drysdale/With Space, Fox, Mathews, Mays, Pinson, Stuart and Wynn; PSA EX-MT 6: 4 coins, Aaron/Milwaukee Braves, Drysdale/Without Space, Kaline and Mantle; PSA EX 5: 1 coin, Malzone/Boston Red Sox.
1959 Bazooka Orlando Cepeda SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The collector who cut this Orlando Cepeda 1959 Bazooka card from its box of one-cent Topps bubble gum must have had quite the steady hand. Graded an impressive SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5, this Hall of Fame-caliber pasteboard features brilliant color, sharp corners and an ultra-clean surface. From the desirable and exceedingly rare issue, this card is the second highest example ever graded by SGC and is one-of-one on its population report.
1959 Bazooka Mickey Mantle Complete Box! As with most, if not all sets where he appears, Mickey Mantle is the key subject and most desirable player. In 1959, for the first time Bazooka devoted a 5" x 2-3/4" area of the back panel of their 25-count bubble gum boxes to one of a esteemed roster of baseball and football players. The top baseball name is New York Yankees outfielder Mickey Mantle. This surprising offering is not just the '59 Mantle card but it comes in the most treasured form--as a complete box! With only some very light wear, and one vertical "bend" in the back panel, the box presents very nicely at the EX to EX/MT range. A unique item ideal for the most advanced Bazooka and Mantle collections.
1959 Fleer "Ted Williams" Near Set (79/80) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #4 on the SGC Set Registry with a 88.2 GPA. Few players deserve the honor of having a set devoted all to themselves but no one would question Fleer's choice in honoring the life and career of Ted Williams. This is a very clean and fresh presentation of this 80-card series with a very nice NM/MT example of the famous rarity #68 Ted Signs for 1959. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 3 cards, #'s 4, 60 and 66; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 19 cards, #'s 7, 8, 10, 14, 25, 28, 29, 35, 39 Williams/Cronin/Collins, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 49, 50, 62, 76 and 77; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 43 cards, #'s 2 w/Ruth, 3, 5, 6, 9 w/Collins, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 44, 45, 48, 52, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 65, 67 w/Snead, 68 Ted Signs for 1959, 69, 70 w/Thorpe, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 w/Ruth-Collins, 78 and 79; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 12 cards, #'s 11 w/Foxx, 15, 17 Ted Hit .400, 23, 32, 38, 47, 53, 54, 63 All-Star Record, 64 and 80 Ted's Goals; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, # 58; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, # 1 Early Years.
1959 Fleer Ted Williams "Ted Signs for 1959" #68 PSA Mint 9. Fleer took the unique approach of honoring one player (and a current one at that) with an 80-card edition which showcased the life and career of baseball legend Ted Williams. It also gave the hobby one of the most famous scarcities. Card #68 "Jan. 23, 1959 - Ted Signs for 1959" is known for being difficult to obtain and for good reason. The card was pulled from circulation due to Bucky Harris (who appears on the card with Ted) being under contract with Topps. This very attractive copy has one small obverse spot, the slightest hint of toning, precision centering and four razor sharp corners.
1959 Marukami Sadaharu Oh Rookie SGC 40 VG 3 - One Of Only Two Examples Graded By SGC! There has never been a Japanese-born player who has made his mark in America's Pastime as much as former Yomiuri Giants legend, Sadaharu Oh. Being compared to the legendary Henry Aaron for many reasons, but mostly due to both players' uncanny knack for hitting the longball, Oh is featured here on his rookie card from the 1959 Marukami issue. A gorgeous red background is presented on this card, which has been graded an SGC 40 VG 3. A unique cartoon rendering is featured on the verso of this card that exhibits spectacular condition, despite its technical grade.
1959 Yamakatsu Sadaharu Oh Rookie SGC 40 VG 3 - Only Example Ever Graded By SGC! Widely considered one of the most desirable rookie cards of the great Sadaharu Oh, this ultra-rare example stands alone as the only 1959 Yamakatsu card featuring the legendary Japanese home run hitter ever graded by the experts at SGC. Tons of investment potential on this beauty, this exemplar carries a solid SGC 40 VG 3 grade. Card exhibits extraordinary color and a picturesque image of the young Yomiuri Giants player.
1959 Doyusha Sadaharu Oh Rookie SGC 60 EX 5 - Only Example Ever Graded By SGC! Who would have expected that 21 years after this card was issued, the young Sadaharu Oh would finish his career as a member of the Yomiuri Giants with a staggering 868 home runs? The owner of the untouchable longball record, and an important icon who has solidified a spot in modern pop culture, Oh is featured on this exceedingly-rare rookie card from the Doyusha set. Card is numbered "2148631", and has been graded a solid SGC 60 EX 5. There has never been a similar example of this card graded by SGC, and if that's not proof of its scarcity, we don't know what is.
1959 Menko Sadaharu Oh "Red Pitcher Grip Back" SGC 20 Fair 1.5 - Only Example Ever Graded By SGC! Sadaharu Oh compiled 868 home runs, 2,170 runs batted and 1,967 runs scored in Japanese major league play. American contemporaries, who competed against Oh in exhibitions, have expressed that Oh would have had little difficulty adjusting to the competition in the United States. This exceptionally rare card hails from Oh's homeland and is the only example ever graded by the experts at SGC. This SGC 20 Fair 1.5 card presents the rare "red pitcher grip" on the back, while featuring a brilliant color image of the young phenom on the front.
1959 Marusan Sadaharu Oh Rookie SGC 50 VG/EX 4 - Only Example Ever Graded By SGC! In contrast to the previously offered Sadaharu Oh 1959 rookie cards, this example features an actual action shot of the home run legend, as opposed to posed illustrations. This stunning piece from the Marusan issue exhibits SGC 50 VG/EX 4 quality, with a strong surface and near perfect centering. Card prestigiously stands alone on SGC's population report, an attribute that attests to its impressive and desirable scarcity.
1960 and 1963 Sadaharu Oh SGC Graded Cards Lot of 2. Originally issued on strips of cards in Japan, this exceedingly-rare collection of two Sadaharu Oh exemplars has been slabbed as "Authentic" by the folks at SGC. Presenting 100 percent unaltered quality, these cards were not issued a grade because the grading company's policy is to not grade cards cut that were hand cut. Still 100 percent all-original and eye appealing, the 1960 Marusan card features Oh in a classic pose with his wooden weapon, and the 1963 Marusho example presents brilliant color and a batting stance rendering of the all-world legend from Japan.
1964-79 Sadaharu Oh SGC Graded Cards Lot of 4. In the 1950's through the 1970's, Americans had Henry Aaron and Japan was fortunate to experience the super-human heroics of home run legend Sadaharu Oh. Offered here are four cards of Oh, which feature a nice array of images from different periods of his career. The following are included: 1964 Morinaga Top Star SGC 80 EX-NM 6, 1973 Calbee (JC1) #11 SGC 40 VG 3, 1973 Calbee (JC2) # 7 SGC 80 EX/NM 6 and 1979 Yamakatsu #4 Yamakatsu SGC 84 NM 7. Loads of investment potential from the larger-than-life player, who finished his storied career with 868 home runs.
1959 Topps Baseball Complete Set (572) - #7 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #7 on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.25 GPA. Currently, over 110 people have put on record their progress in their pursuit of a complete set of 1959 Topps baseball cards. You can't blame them. This set's design and palette make it a temptation few 1950's collectors can resist. This presentation has been pieced together over many years with an eye towards quality. Most of the Mint 9 subjects are the highest grade available as there are less than 140 Gem MT '59 cards recorded by PSA. This is an impressive display of color, gloss and quality. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 133 cards, #'s 4, 14, 18, 19, 22, 24, 28, 31, 43, 44, 52, 54, 64, 66, 69, 79, 96, 97, 101, 107, 118, 119, 147 Cubs' Clubbers, 150 Musial, 162, 164, 184 Haddix, 191, 193, 209, 212 Aaron/Mathews, 215, 227, 230, 234, 243, 246, 259, 269, 270 Hodges, 272, 274, 276, 277, 278, 279, 285, 294, 306 Gilliam, 308, 312, 313, 317 Ashburn/Mays, 321, 323, 324, 329, 332, 334, 337, 338 Anderson, 346, 348, 350 Banks, 357, 361, 362, 376, 378, 379, 381, 382, 384, 385, 386, 388, 389, 390 Cepeda, 397, 398, 402, 405, 406, 407, 409, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415 Mazeroski, 417, 418, 419 Braves, 420 Colavito, 422, 423, 424, 426, 428 Buc Hill Aces, 429, 433, 434, 435 Robinson, 436, 437, 438, 439 Robinson, 447, 448, 452, 453, 456, 457 Dodgers, 462, 463 Kaline Bat, 464 Mays Catch, 468 Snider Play, 478 Clemente, 480 Schoendienst, 482, 491, 492, 497, 502, 516, 522, 527, 541, 552 Stengel AS, 555 Mazeroski AS, 563 Mays AS, 564 Mantle AS, and 568; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 19 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 419 cards, #'s 1 Frick, 10 Mantle, 20 Snider, 30 Fox, 35 Kluszewski, 40 Spahn, 50 Mays, 94 White Sox, 149 Bunning, 155 Slaughter, 156 Ace Hurlers, 163 Koufax, 180 Berra, 202 Maris, 260 Wynn, 300 Ashburn, 310 Aparicio, 352 Roberts, 360 Kaline, Aaron, Drysdale, 395 E. Howard, 408 Keystone Combo, 430 Ford, 450 Mathews, 461 Mantle HR, 467 Aaron HR, 469 Banks MVP, 470 Musial, 510 Yankees, 514 Gibson, 515 Killebrew, 550 Campanella, 559 Banks AS, 561 Aaron AS, 562 Kaline AS and 571 Spahn AS; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #572. Please see our web site for a complete list of the contents of this set.
1959 Topps Mickey Mantle #10 PSA NM-MT 8. High-grade card from the 1959 Topps issue featuring New York Yankees HOF outfielder Mickey Mantle. Mantle led the Yankees to World Series glory in 1958, helping his squad overcome the Milwaukee Braves in seven games. This very nicely centered example comes with clean white borders, bright coloring and precision print registration. A good candidate for review, the card may just be one fuzzy corner tip away from being among the top 1% finest examples known. A strong NM-MT 8 in all respects.
1959 Topps Bob Gibson #514 SGC 96 Mint 9. The offered high-numbered rookie card has all of the attributes one would expect in such a high-grade exemplar; flawless centering, clean white borders, sharp corners and a brilliant surface highlight this seemingly pack-fresh card. Bob Gibson was one of the last of his breed, a tough, durable pitcher who used intimidation to dominate hitters through most of the 1960's. He was 156-81 from 1963 to 1970, including one of the best seasons a pitcher has ever had in 1968: 22-9, 1.12 ERA and 13 shutouts. The pitching mound was lowered in 1969, in large part due to Gibson's dominance. Among his accomplishments; 8-time NL All-Star, NL MVP in 1968, 2-time NL Cy Young Award Winner, 1964 and 1967 World Series MVP awards and 9-time NL Gold Glove Winner. Of the 213 Gibson cards submitted to SGC, this is 1 of only 4 to receive a 96 Mint 9 grade with none graded higher.
1959 Topps Bob Gibson #514 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This fabulous pasteboard depicts a smiling Bob Gibson in a charming pose that opposing batters rarely saw. Known for staring down his "enemies," while throwing close, fast fireballs, the intimidating Gibson is presented splendidly on this high-grade rookie card from the popular 1959 Topps issue. Carrying the impressive grade of an SGC 88 NM/MT 8, this piece features 50/50 front centering and the lightest amount of corner wear. For collectors searching for perfection, this is about as close as it gets.
1959 Topps Mickey Mantle All Star #564 PSA NM-MT 8. Rightfully so, The sporting News has enshrined "The Mick" as the centerfielder of choice for the American League in the 1959 All Star Game. Brilliant blues and bright yellows immediately grab your attention as the forefront highlights Mantle's image. With centering precise enough for a higher grade all we see is some very slight roughness to the cut of the right edge only seen on the reverse. A very nice high end "NM-MT 8."
1960 & 1961 Fleer "Baseball Greats" High End Complete Set Pair (2). The pair of sets sponsored by Fleer in the early 1960's were titled "Baseball Greats" with good reason. The subject rosters were built with many of the great stars of the past plus some well that were, well, not so great. The end result was two very colorful editions filled with hall of famers. Includes: 1960 Fleer "Baseball Greats" (79) - Complete set of 79 cards. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 58 and 60; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, #'s 7, 9, 39, 46, 56, 69 and 74; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, #'s 17, 32 and 67; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #72 Williams. Ungraded Cards - w/#'s 2 Mathewson (EX), 3 Ruth (EX), 6 Johnson (EX/MT), 26 Feller (EX/MT), 28 Gehrig (trimmed), 42 Cobb (EX), 47 Young (EX), 62 Wagner (EX). Grades 32% NM to NM/MT, 68% EX to EX/MT with a few lesser; 1961 Fleer "Baseball Greats" (154) - Complete set of 154 cards. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 50 Kiner, 56 and 96; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, #'s 21, 51, 86, 98, 126, 128 and 134; PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #14 Cobb; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 63 and 75 Ruth; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #6. Ungraded Cards - w/#'s 1 Baker/Cobb/Wheat CL (VG), 25 Feller (EX/MT), 31 Gehrig (EX), 49 Johnson (EX/MT), 59 Mathewson (EX), 89 Sisler/Traynor CL (EX), 120 Lajoie (EX), 150 Wagner (VG/EX), 152 Williams (EX), 153 Young (VG/EX). Grades 34% NM to NM/MT, 54% EX to EX/MT, 12% VG to VG/EX. The SMR value of the 27 graded cards (26 SGC and 1 PSA) approaches $800.
1960 Fleer "Baseball Greats" PSA-Graded Partial Set (55) - All NM-MT 8 or Better. The inability to produce cards of most contemporary players may not have settled well with Fleer Gum but in retrospect they did produce two widely popular "Baseball Greats" series which showcase some of the greatest players ever to stand on a mound or work the batters' box like it was home. The offered group of 55 high quality cards makes for the ideal start to putting together an impressive complete set of seventy-nine subjects. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #65 Heilman; PSA NM-MT 8: 54 cards, #'s 2 Mathewson, 4 Hubbell, 9 Brown, 10 Speaker, 12, 13, 14 Mack, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36 Ott, 37, 38, 39, 40 Tinker, 41 Baker, 42 Cobb, 43, 44, 45, 46 Plank, 47 Young, 48, 49, 51, 52 Terry, 54, 56, 57 Evers, 58, 59, 60 Grove, 63, 64, 66 McGraw, 67 Jennings, 68, 69, 71, 74 and 75 Cuyler.
1960 Fleer "Baseball Greats" High Grade Complete Set (79). When almost every subject has earned Hall of Fame status the title "Baseball Greats" is not bragging but simply fact. This is a very strong presentation with most key names like Lajoie (card #1), Gehrig, Wagner and Williams listed under the "Mint 9" section. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 98 GEM MINT 10: 2 cards #'s 35 Pennock and 54 Gomez; SGC 96 MINT 9: 17 cards #'s 1 Lajoie, 5, 10 Speaker, 21, 24 Cochrane, 28 Gehrig, 29, 37, 38 Mize, 39, 62 Wagner, 63, 64, 66 McGraw, 69, 72 Williams and 75; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 7 cards #'s 2 Mathewson, 15, 22, 42 Cobb, 43, 58 and 78; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 9 cards #'s 25, 44, 48, 53 Foxx, 60, 67 Jennings, 70, 73 and 74; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards #'s 17 and 47 Young; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards #'s 3 Ruth and 7. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 6 Johnson (EX), 26 Feller (EX). Grades 53% NM to NM/MT, 38% EX to EX/MT, 9% VG to VG/EX. SMR value exceeds $4,000. SGC 98's were figured at MINT 9 prices, SGC 92's were figured at NM-MT 8 prices.
1960 Fleer Lefty Gomez #54 PSA Gem Mint 10. You just can't argue with quality. This is the only copy to receive the coveted GEM MT 10 grade by PSA. Precise centering and razor sharp corners.
1960 Lake to Lake Milwaukee Braves Complete Set (28) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 81.2 GPA. Lake to Lake Dairy made the hometown Milwaukee Braves the honorees of a 28-card promotion of one-color cards which are usually found with holes as they were stapled to cartons when originally sold. With not one tiny hole to speak of, this presentation--including the rare Boone and Bruton short prints--seemingly never saw public distribution. The manner and limitations of circulation have made pursuing a complete set -- let alone a high grade assembly such as this -- quite the challenge for modern hobbyists. This series is also the perfect complement to the high grade '61 Lake to Lake Green Bay Packers set also being offered in this auction. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 2 cards, Crandall and Schoendienst; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 cards, Adcock, Boone, Mantilla, Maye, Myatt, Pizzaro, Roach and Spangler; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, Bruton, Buhl, Cottier and Giggie; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, Aaron, Burdette, Dressen, Rush, Spahn and Torre; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, Jay, Logan and Willey; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, Pafko; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, Covington, McMahon and Wyatt; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Scheffing.
1960 Leaf "Large Portrait" Luis Aparicio #1 PSA NM 7 - Scarce Pre-Production Example! Apparently, the 1960 Leaf "Pre-Production" issue was produced prior to final approval for the design of the standard 1960 Leaf issue, as these cards present much larger photos than the issued examples. Thankfully, at least as far as ambitious collectors are concerned, a few of the extremely rare "Pre-Production" cards made their way to the hobby. Offered here is the important first card from the "Large Portrait" issue, which carries the impressive grade of a PSA NM 7. This Luis Aparicio example presents snow-white borders and the lightest of touching on the corners. To find any card from the coveted "Pre-Production" issue is impressive, but to have the opportunity to obtain a high-grade Aparicio is nothing short of amazing.
1960 Leaf "Large Portraits" Joey Jay #23 PSA NM-MT 8. To date, only seven "Large Portrait" variations of Joe Jay have been graded by PSA. The unassuming presence and casual portrait of the Braves pitcher contradicts the stunning rarity and importance this pre-production collectible truly demands.
1960 Leaf Hal Smith "Team Blacked Out On Back" #58 PSA EX 5. The folks at the Leaf company were obviously bewildered at the fact that there were two players named "Hal Smith" in the Major Leagues at the time this set was issued. That confusion caused the error presented on this extremely rare "Team Blacked Out On Back" variation, which we offer here. Graded a solid PSA EX 5, this card exhibits an ultra-clean surface and moderate corner wear.
1960 Leaf "Large Portrait" Hal Smith #58 PSA NM-MT 8. The close-up head shot, and crystal clear imagery on the front of this 1960 Leaf example means one thing to serious card collectors - "extremely rare." From Leaf's "Large Portrait" issue, this Hal Smith #58 card has been graded an impressive PSA NM-MT 8. Exhibiting a clean surface, sharp corners and strong centering, this card is one of only three examples graded an "8", with only one achieving "Mint 9" status.
1960 Leaf "Large Portraits" Dick Donovan #72 PSA NM-MT 8. Some of the rarest card collectibles of the 1960's are the eight pre-production or "Large Portrait" variations from the 1960 Leaf baseball card series. A lineup of 144 closely-cropped headshots was too overbearing so Leaf wisely went to the head-to-waist portraits we all recognize today. To date, only eight examples of card #72 Dick Donovan have been recorded by PSA. In all respects a mint card. The centering of the reverse seems to account for the technical grade. A very nice example of a rare variation.
1960 Topps Baseball Complete Set (572) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry! 1960 Topps Rank: #2 on the Current Finest List on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.51 GPA. What a tremendous display of quality this hard to believe 572 card assembly truly is. Currently, of the 144 registered sets, this set is ranked #3 on the "All-Time Finest" list of the PSA Registry. The 1960 series is noted for the strong crop of rookies and the standard stable of superstars and the surprising return to a horizontal design that youngsters had not see since 1956. This set comes to us from a long time hobbyist who didn't settle for any card with a grade. He continually updated his personal holdings and the quality shows. As one can expect when all but one card has been graded NM-MT to MINT, you just need to get accustomed to looking at card after card which are bright, glossy, and colorful with each offering four sharp corners that mark a directional change of another bright white border. Just over 51% of this set is MINT! Approximately half (48%) of the set equals the highest grade known for the respective subject. Of the MINT 9s, 149 have populations of ten or fewer with none higher; Of those, 26 have pops between "2" and "5." Card #'s 92 and 502 are "Pop 2, with none higher," and card #'s 102 and 491 are "Pop 3, with none higher." Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 295 cards, #'s 4, 7 Mays/Rigney, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28 B. Robinson, 32, 35 Ford, 36, 3940, 42, 43, 48, 51, 55, 57, 59, 60, 61, 62, 65, 68, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 108, 113, 115, 117, 122, 123, 124, 128, 130, 131, 134, 135, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 143, 145, 146, 149, 150, 151, 153, 156, 160 Mantle/Boyer, 164, 165, 168, 174, 178, 179, 180, 184, 188, 189, 192, 193, 195, 197, 198, 202, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 225, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 243, 247, 250 Musial, 251, 252, 253, 254, 256, 260, 263, 264, 268, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 283, 284, 285, 291, 293, 295, 297, 298, 303, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, 322, 325, 326 Clemente, 327, 329, 331, 332 Yankees, 334, 335, 336, 338, 340, 341, 342, 343 Koufax, 344, 345, 347, 348, 349, 351, 352, 354, 359, 360, 365, 366, 367, 371, 372, 373, 374, 377 Maris, 379, 381, 383, 386, 387, 390, 394, 395, 396, 398, 402, 403, 404, 406, 408, 409, 411, 415, 416, 417, 420 Mathews, 421, 422, 423, 424, 426, 428, 431, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 443, 444, 445 Spahn, 448, 449, 450, 453, 455, 458, 459, 460, 462, 463, 465, 467, 468, 470, 472, 473, 474, 475 Drysdale, 478, 479, 481, 482, 483, 484, 487, 490 F. Robinson, 491, 500, 501, 502 Bunning, 504, 506, 510, 513, 515, 516, 517, 518, 520, 521, 524, 525, 527, 529, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 538, 540, 542, 547, 548, 549, 552, 555, 559, 560 Banks AS, 561 Kaline AS, 562, 563 Mantle AS, 566 Aaron AS, 567, 568, and 571; PSA NM-MT 8: 276 cards, w/#'s 1 Wynn, 10 Banks, 18 Dodgers, 50 Kaline, 73 Gibson, 136 Kaat, 148 Yastrzemski RC, 200 Mays, 210 Killebrew, 300 Aaron, 316 McCovey RC, 350 Mantle, 480 Berra, 493 Snider, 554 McCovey AS, 558 Mathews AS, 564 Mays AS, 565 Maris AS and 570 Drysdale AS; PSA NM 7: 1 card.
1960 Topps Baseball PSA Mint 9 Collection (20). Twenty flawless 50 year old Topps collectibles which have the enviable quality of looking freshly pulled from packs. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 20 cards, #'s 44, 59, 74, 91, 140, 143, 161, 184, 195, 243, 252, 285, 298, 336, 345, 392, 394, 422, 426 and 518. The SMR value of this Mint selection is slightly over $2,000.00.
1960 Topps Baseball High End Complete Set (572). This 572-card complete set of 1960 Topps baseball cards has a high percentage of very vibrant and fresh looking cards. A great high end presentation needing just a small amount of upgrading. A total of 40 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #42; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards w/#'s 15, 36, 378, 415, 478 and 562; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 11 cards w/#'s 59, 85, 145, 288, 315, 322, 335 Schoendienst, 361, 380, 402 and 416; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards w/#'s 50 Kaline, 60, 66, 117 and 352 Cincy Clouters; SGC 84 NM 7: 11 cards w/#'s 7 Mays/Rigney, 90, 128, 149, 300 Aaron, 326 Clemente, 332 Yankees, 399, 486, 565 Maris AS and 566 Aaron AS; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards w/#'s 115, 250 Musial, 316 McCovey, 350 Mantle and 554 McCovey AS; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #148 Yastrzemski. Ungraded - include #'s 1 Wynn (EX), 10 Banks (EX), 28 Robinson (VG), 35 Ford (EX), 73 Gibson (EX/MT), 136 Kaat (EX/MT), 160 Mantle/Boyer (VG/EX), 200 Mays (EX), 210 Killebrew (VG/EX), 295 Hodges (EX), 343 Koufax (EX), 377 Maris (EX), 420 Mathews (EX/MT), 445 Spahn (EX), 475 Drysdale (EX/MT), 480 Berra (EX), 490 Robinson (VG/EX), 493 Snider (EX), 558 Mathews AS (EX), 560 Banks AS (EX), 561 Kaline AS (EX/MT), 563 Mantle AS (EX), 564 Mays AS (EX), 570 Drysdale AS (EX/MT). Grades 22% NM to NM/MT, 72% EX to EX/MT, 6% lesser.
1960 & 1961 Topps Mickey Mantle All-Star PSA NM-MT 8 Pair (2). The only thing better than one high quality Mickey Mantle card is two high quality Mickey Mantle cards. Mantle appeared in every all star game during his career expect for 1951 and 1966. This sharp pair includes Mickey Mantle All Star cards from the 1960 Topps (#563) and 1961 Topps (#578) issues. Both cards have been graded NM-MT 8 by PSA.
1960 Topps Rival All Stars Mantle/Boyer #160 PSA Mint 9. When this card appeared, Mantle was in the middle of his exalted career and Ken Boyer was just five years into his career which ended very close to the same time as his rival All-Star. This beauty earns the lofty Mint 9 assessment in every way. A fantastic addition to a high end 1960 set. With slightly over 2,200 copies graded by PSA to date, this treasure ranks within the top 2% of that population.
1960 Topps Mickey Mantle #350 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Issued during the peak of Mickey Mantle's storied career, this 1960 Topps exemplar features "The Mick" in his classic "bat on shoulder" pose, while presenting perfect image registration and amazingly vibrant color. Near-perfect centering, and razor sharp corners tell the tale on this cardboard gem, which carries the boastful grade of an SGC 88 NM/MT 8.
1960 Topps Mickey Mantle #350 PSA NM-MT 8. Well into his Major League career in 1960, Mickey Mantle still possessed the same qualities and passion as he did when he entered the league as an eager young adult in 1951. Offered here is a 1960 Topps card that has been graded a PSA NM-MT 8, while featuring strong centering and razor sharp corners. This fantastic pasteboard is anxiously waiting to be added to a high-grade PSA set from the popular issue.
1960 Topps Pirates Coaches #467 PSA Gem Mint 10 - Pop 1 of 1! Just under 200 submissions have been noted to date and this is the ONLY example to receive the coveted Gem MT 10 grade by PSA. Flawless print, dead-on center graphics and four sharp corners. Destined for the finest 1960 Topps accumulations.
1961 Bazooka Baseball Complete Uncut Set (12) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 90.8 GPA. Yes, this very high-grade set represents the only cards registered with SGC but with an impressive 90.8 GPA it will take quite a bit of effort and luck to surpass. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 4 panels, #'s 10-12 Mathews, 19-21 Banks/Kaline/Bailey, 28-30 Spahn and 31-33 Robinson; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 panel, #25-27 Drysdale; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 panels, #'s 1-3 Mahaffey/Mantle/Santo, 4-6 Maris, 7-9, 16-18 Broglio/Colavito/Kluszewski, 22-24 Perry/Mays/Mazeroski and 34-36 Aparicio; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 panel, #13-15.
1961 Fleer "Baseball Greats" Complete Set (154) - #7 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #7 on the PSA Set Registry with an 8.08 GPA. Very high quality set with an extensive list of Hall of Famers... plus some that made it to the hall but stood in line and paid admission. This presentation has an abundance of high end examples for the grade. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 23 cards, #'s 13, 15 Cochrane, 23 Evers, 26, 27, 29, 32 Gehringer, 37, 46 Huggins, 53 Landis, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60 McGraw, 68 Ott, 83 Walsh, 87, 98 Chance, 103, 107, 113, and 147; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 143 Tinker and 150 Wagner; PSA NM-MT 8: 125 cards, #'s 1 Baker/Cobb/Wheat, 3, 4, 5, 6 Baker, 7, 8 Bender, 9, 10, 11 Brown, 12, 14 Cobb, 16 Collins, 17, 18, 19 Cuyler, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 Feller, 28 Foxx, 30, 31 Gehrig, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 Grove, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 Hornsby, 44, 45 Hubbell, 47, 48, 49 Johnson, 50 Kiner, 51, 52, 55, 59 Mathewson, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Ruth, 76, 77, 78, 79 Speaker, 80, 81, 82, 84 Waner, 85 Waner, 86 Wheat, 88, 89 Sisler/Traynor-CL, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 Lajoie, 123 Mack, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 134, 135 Plank, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 Terry, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 151, 152 Williams, 153 Young, and 154 R. Young; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 2 and 133; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, # 122; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #121.
1961 Kahn's Baseball Complete Set (43) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 78.6 GPA. The scarcity of high-end examples from this regionally circulated edition is confirmed via the five recorded sets found on both PSA and SGC registries. Of those five, one is a retired auction offering now probably melded into another registered set, and this one, which will likely see the same fate. Like all Kahn's issues, this series is very high on production quality and very low on availability. Any Kahn set almost entirely EX/NM or better presents a rare opportunity for condition-conscious collectors to add to their collection. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, Freese; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, Mizell, Phillips and Pinson; SGC 84 NM 7: 11 cards, Antonelli, Bailey, Cimoli, Clemente, Groat, Hoak, Hook, Jay, O'Toole, Perry and Power; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 20 cards, #'s Brosnan, Burgess, Coleman, Dykes, Face, Francona, Friend, Grant, Haddix, Held, Kirkland, Lynch, Maloney, Mazeroski, Nelson, Post, Purkey, Robinson, Romano and Smith; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards, w/Gary Bell, Law, Skinner and Stuart; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, w/Kasko, Schofield and Temple; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, w/Gus Bell.
1961 Nu-Card "Baseball Scoops" High Grade Complete Set (80). "Baseball Scoops" is an 80-card accumulation of baseball's most memorable events and achievements. Numbered 401 to 480, the cards are presented in a front-page newspaper format which compliments this highly informational set. Forty-three cards have been graded by PSA. Highlights include: Graded - PSA GEM MINT 10: 2 cards, #'s 437 Reese and 440 Johnson; PSA MINT 9: 23 cards, #'s 401, 403, 407, 408, 409, 411, 415, 416 Maris, 420 Banks, 424 Gehrig, 425, 428 Robinson, 429 Campanella, 435, 439 Williams, 444 Roberts, 449 Killebrew, 457, 459, 471, 472, 475 and 477 Mathewson; PSA NM-MT 8: 18 cards, #'s 402 Spahn, 404 Mays, 413, 417, 433, 438 DiMaggio, 446, 447 Ruth, 450 Mantle, 451, 453 Berra, 455 Ruth, 461, 464, 467 DiMaggio, 476, 478 and 479. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 421 Musial (NM), 422 Mantle (EX), 443 Cobb (NM) and 462 Aaron (EX). Grades 66% NM to NM/MT, 28% EX to EX/MT, 6% VG to VG/EX.
1961 Nu-Card "Baseball Scoops" High Grade Complete Set (80) - With Thirty-Seven PSA Gem MT 10 and Mint 9 Cards! The Nu-card collection is a collaboration of baseball's most memorable highlights. All cards are presented in an individual newspaper front-page style that makes for a unique and informational baseball set. Forty-three cards have been graded by PSA. (This set is numbered 401 to 480). Highlights include: Graded - PSA GEM MINT 10: 9 cards, #'s 403, 411, 416, 418 Larsen, 420 Banks, 425, 436, 444, 449 Killebrew, 437 Reese and 440 Johnson; PSA MINT 9: 28 cards, #'s 404 Mays, 405, 407, 408, 414, 422 Mantle, 428 Robinson, 430, 433, 434, 435, 437, 438 DiMaggio, 439 Williams, 440 Johnson, 446, 447 Ruth, 448 Young, 450 Mantle, 451, 453 Berra, 457, 463 Warren, 468, 471, 474, 476 and 478; PSA NM-MT 8: 4 cards, #'s 431, 442, 461 and 462 Aaron. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 421 Musial (NM), 422 Mantle (EX), 443 Cobb (NM) and 462 Aaron (EX). Grades 66% NM to NM/MT, 28% EX to EX/MT, 6% VG to VG/EX.
1961 Peters Meats Minnesota Twins High Grade Complete Set (26). When the door gracefully closed on the era of Senators, a bright new door opened up professional baseball to the state of Minnesota. Who better to help celebrate the newly formed Minnesota Twins but "Peters Meats" makers of meat products which would be enthusiastically consumed by hungry baseball fans. This complete set never came in contact with any meat products and offers two distinct styles of packaging: "Porkettes" (4) and "Skinless Weiners" (22). Stars include #'s 1 Versalles, 2 Lopat, 7 Jim Kaat and 26 Harmon Killebrew. A third of the items has a crease usually at a bottom tab; The card panel areas are unaffected by this and are all NM to MINT.
1961 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (587) - With Over 500 PSA-Graded Cards! The graded portion of this presentation holds a 7.99 GPA (#38 on the PSA Set Registry). All collectors quickly come to the realization that not all cards graded the same share the same qualities. This beautiful assembly is a step above what the the standard grade breakdown tells us. The set comes to us from a veteran dealer/collector who was quite picky about the quality of the cards he put in his personal collection. Eye value was very important to this hobbyist. This is the finest 1961 set he had assembled. Every card has pleasing color and glossy surfaces with more than a few prime candidates for grade review. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 25 cards, w/#'s 44 Mantle/Maris LL, 200 Spahn, 405 Gehrig, 529 and 536; PSA NM-MT 8: 475 cards, #'s 1 Groat, 2 Maris, 10 Robinson, 20 Roberts, 35 Santo, 41 Mays/Clemente LL, 43 Banks/Aaron LL, 80 Killebrew, 88 Ashburn, 120 Mathews, 141 B. Williams, 150 Mays, 160 Ford, 211 Gibson, 228 Yankees, 260 Drysdale, 290 Musial, 300 Mantle, 307 Mantle WS, 344 Koufax, 350 Banks, 360 Robinson, 371 Skowron SP, 388 Clemente, 401 Ruth 60th, 406 Mantle HR, 408 Mathewson, 415 Aaron, 417 Marichal SP, 425 Berra, 429 Kaline, 443 Snider, 455 Wynn, 472 Berra MVP, 475 Mantle MVP, 478 Maris MVP, 480 Campanella MVP, 484 Aaron MVP, 517 McCovey, 542 Twins, 545 Wilhelm, 572 Robinson AS, 575 Banks AS, 576 Maris AS, 577 Aaron AS, 578 Mantle AS, 579 Mays AS, 580 Kaline AS, 581 Robinson AS, 586 Ford AS and 589 Spahn AS; PSA NM 7: 16 cards, #'s 287 Yastrzemski, 460 Hodges, 471 Rizzuto MVP, 482 Mays MVP, 485 Banks MVP, 530, 540 and 574 Aparicio AS. Grades 90% NM to NM/MT with some MINT, 10% EX to EX/MT (almost exclusively due to centering). Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1961 Topps Baseball Partial Set (283) - Every Card Graded PSA NM-MT 8! The quality of these 283 cards is undeniable. Every card offers an elevated level of freshness and visual appeal one would expect to have long faded some after almost 50 years. As mentioned in our title, every card has been graded NM-MT 8 by PSA and not one qualified grade. With a selection of HoFers, stars, teams, LLs, checklists, MVP's and All-Star cards, this lot has everything that makes the 1961 Topps baseball series so popular. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 283 cards, #'s 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 CL, 18, 20 Roberts, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 36, 38, 42, 43 Aaron/Banks HR LL, 44 Mantle/Maris HR LL, 45 LL, 46 LL, 50 LL, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 Kaat, 64, 65 Kluszewski, 66, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Lindy Shows..., 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 97, 100, 102, 105, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 117, 120 Mathews, 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, 127, 129, 130, 132 Lopez, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 149, 150 Mays, 151, 153, 155, 157, 158, 162, 163, 164, 166, 169, 170, 174, 176, 178, 181, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 CL, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195, 198, 200 Spahn, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209, 214, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 236, 237, 239, 241, 248, 253, 254, 256, 259, 262, 263, 264, 267, 269, 271, 272, 273 CL, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 288, 290 Musial, 291, 292, 295, 298, 307 Mantle WS, 317, 318, 321, 322, 324, 327, 328, 329, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 337 Al's Aces, 339, 340, 342, 350 Banks, 353, 354, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360 F. Robinson, 361 CL/Black, 363, 364, 366, 368, 374, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 384, 385, 391, 392, 395, 396, 397, 399, 404 Hornsby, 405 Gehrig, 406 Mantle HR, 407 Chesbro, 410 Haddix, 412, 413, 414, 418, 419, 422, 427, 431, 433, 437 CL, 439, 440 Aparicio, 441, 442, 444, 445, 447, 450, 451, 452, 458, 459, 462, 463, 464, 466, 467, 469, 473 MVP, 476 MVP, 481 MVP, 483 MVP, 487, 488, 496, 497, 499, 504, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 514, 515, 516 CL, 521, 522, 527, 529, 539, 547, 549, 550, 556, 560, 561, 572 Robinson AS, 575 Banks AS and 580 Kaline AS. The SMR value of this high quality lot exceeds $6,000.00.
1961 Topps Jim Bunning #490 PSA Gem Mint 10 - Pop 1 of 2! One of few Major Leaguers who have pitched a Perfect Game, Jim Bunning is exhibited on a different form of "Perfection," at the hands of this stunning 1961 Topps exemplar. Graded an unimprovable PSA Gem Mint 10, this magnificent card exhibits its original sparking gloss, 50/50 centering and razor sharp corners. Amazingly, this treasure also escaped the coveted Topps wrapper with crystal clear imagery and absolutely zero print flaws.
1962 Topps Baseball Complete Set (598) Plus Variations. Extremely fresh and attractive complete set plus variations. This a very clean and glossy set sure to please even the most fanatical '62 fan. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 2 cards w/#'s 546 SP and 571 SP; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 2 cards w/#'s 539 and 551; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 18 cards w/#'s 23, 46, 115, 124, 290, 346, 384, 482, 483, 528, 541 SP, 556, 557 SP, 561 SP, 572 SP, 580, 582 and 583; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 8 cards w/#'s 34, 132 Angels w/photo inset, 421, 472, 479, 542, 547 and 581; SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards w/#'s 70 Killebrew, 140 Gehrig and Ruth, 350 Robinson, 360 Berra, 363, 594 Uecker and 598 Hickman; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 7 cards w/#'s 10 Clemente, 25 Banks, 190 Moon w/Cap, 300 Mays, 310 Ford, 320 Aaron and 395 Mays AS; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards w/#'s 1 Maris, 387 Brock and 471 Mantle AS. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 5 Koufax (EX), 18 Mantle/Mays (VG/EX), 30 Mathews (EX), 45 Robinson (EX), 50 Musial (EX), 53 Mantle/Maris LL (EX), 60 Koufax/Drysdale LL (EX/MT), 99 Powell (EX), 100 Spahn (VG/EX), 139 Ruth (EX), 150 Kaline (EX), 167 McCarver (EX), 199 Perry (color added), 200 Mantle (VG/EX), 218 Torre (EX), 251 Yankees Team (VG/EX), 288 Williams (EX), 313 Maris IA (VG/EX), 315 Ford IA (EX/MT), 317 Musial IA (EX), 318 Mantle IA (EX), 340 Drysdale (EX), 394 Aaron AS (NM), 396 Robinson AS (EX), 401 Maris/Cepeda (EX), 425 Yastrzemski (EX), 475 Ford AS (EX), 500 Snider (VG/EX), 505 Marichal (EX), 530 Gibson SP (EX), 544 McCovey SP (EX), 592 Bouton (EX), 596 Pepitone (VG/EX). Grades 19% NM to NM/MT, 73% EX to EX/MT, 8% VG to VG/EX (some lesser). SMR value approaches $2,500.
Note: The catalog is in error. Card #'s 555 and 584 are included but no graded by PSA.
Note: The catalog is in error. Card #'s 555 and 584 are included but no graded by PSA.
1962 Topps High Grade Complete Set (598). After an electrifying '61 season the wait youngsters faced to see what Topps would offer the next spring must have made for a painfully cold winter. What they got is still debated today. To some, Topps' 598-card edition from 1962 was a bland let down but to many, many, others this set offers the ultimate collecting experience. An attractive assembly from this ever enduring issue. A total of 61 cards have been graded by PSA. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 1 card, #385 Wynn; PSA NM-MT 8: 39 cards, #'s 41, 44, 64, 116, 125, 175 Howard, 214, 252, 262, 269, 278, 296, 310 Ford, 354 (ST), 375, 384, 402, 410, 424, 436, 437, 453, 486, 506, 507, 518, 522, 529, 530 Gibson, 532, 537 Indians, 538, 539, 546, 557, 559, 561, 577 and 592 Bouton; PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #572; PSA NM 7: 20 cards, #'s 18 Mantle/Mays, 111, 199 Perry, 200 Mantle, 213 Ashburn, 238, 257, 291, 314, 350 Robinson, 376, 381, 387 Brock, 451, 485, 491, 533, 549, 551 and 594 Uecker. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Maris (GD/VG), 5 Koufax (EX), 10 Clemente (EX/MT), 25 Banks (NM), 30 Mathews (EX/MT), 45 Robinson (GD), 50 Musial (VG), 53 Mantle/Maris LL (EX), 60 Koufax/Drysdale LL (EX), 70 Killebrew (VG/EX), 99 Powell (EX/MT), 100 Spahn (EX), 139 Ruth (EX), 139 Reniff Pitching (EX), 140 Gehrig/Ruth (EX), 150 Kaline (EX), 167 McCarver (EX/MT), 218 Torre (EX), 251 Yankees Team (EX), 288 Williams (EX/MT), 300 Mays (EX), 313 Maris IA (EX), 315 Ford IA (EX/MT), 317 Musial IA (EX), 318 Mantle IA (EX), 320 Aaron (VG/EX), 340 Drysdale (EX), 360 Berra (EX/MT), 394 Aaron AS (EX), 395 Mays AS (NM), 396 Robinson AS (EX/MT), 401 Maris/Cepeda (EX), 425 Yastrzemski (EX), 471 Mantle AS (EX), 475 Ford AS (EX), 500 Snider (EX), 505 Marichal (EX), 544 McCovey SP (EX/MT), 596 Pepitone (EX), 598 Hickman (EX). Grades 29% NM to NM/MT, 61% EX to EX/MT, 10% VG to VG/EX (some lesser). The SMR value of just the graded cards is well over $3,000.00.
1962 Topps Babe Ruth-No Pole "Babe Hits 60" #139 PSA Mint 9. Starting with the 1958 Sporting News All-Star cards, Topps would include a short string of cards with a special theme to spice up their standard annual editions. Few if any of these subsets are as popular as card #'s 135-144 found within the 1962 series honoring baseball legend Babe Ruth. Offered is a stunning example of the most highly sought after of these "Babe Ruth Specials" that commemorated that historic moment when "Babe Hits 60." To find a better copy is all but impossible. There are only three cards graded at this level with none higher.
1963 Bazooka All-time Great Honus Wagner #10 SGC 96 Mint 9. Who can pass on the opportunity to say they own a Mint condition Wagner. Okay, not THAT Wagner but of the less than 25 submitted '63 bazooka Wagner cards, this stands alone as the finest recorded example to date. A flawless card from a very condition sensitive issue.
1963 Fleer Baseball High-Grade SGC Collection (17). Is there a better way to start a set than to acquire high quality cards of the key Hall of Famers, scarce checklist card AND a NM/MT example of the last card in the set? If you say no and have always wanted to assemble a 1963 Fleer Baseball set, one of the few nationally distributed 1960's card sets to feature contemporary players, then this selection is for you. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 10, 30 and 58; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 cards, #'s 8 Yastrzemski, 24, 45 Spahn, 47, 48, 55, 61 Gibson and 66 O'Dell; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 4 Robinson and 42 Koufax; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 5 Mays, 43 Wills and 56 Clemente; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, NN Checklist.
1963 Kahn's Weiners Baseball Complete Set (30) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 82.9 GPA. 1963 marked the final year Kahn's utilized sharply detailed Black & White images for the cards that bear the Kahn name. Overall, this set is very sharp with cards that certainly did not come into contact with any type of food product, let alone hot dogs. To date, SGC has graded 31 '63 Kahn's 84 NM or better, 24 of those cards are in this set. A prime chance to own some of the finest examples known of this scarce series. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, Cardenas and Maloney; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards, Boyer, Edwards, Groat, Kubek, Purkey and F. Robinson; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Virdon; SGC 84 NM 7: 15 cards, Clemente, Freese, Friend, Haddix, E. Howard, Jay, Kasko, Lynch, Mazeroski, Nuxhall, O'Toole, Pinson, Richardson, Stafford and Terry; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, Bailey, Blasingame, Burgess and Gibbon; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, Clendenon; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Coleman.
1963 Topps Baseball Near Set (515/576) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Note: After going to press, two cards were added, the set now has 517 cards.
Rank: # 1 on the SGC Set Registry with an 88.9 GPA. This high quality presentation comes to us from a veteran hobbyist and was many years in the making. Colors and gloss were certainly what this condition-conscious collector looked for. Overall, this is an impressive accumulation and only the new owner will know how long it will take to find the same quality examples to finish the set. Surprisingly, only a handful of the scarcer middle and high numbers are unaccounted for. Note: About 10% of this set is from a "Presentation Sets" Topps produced exclusively for employees or important clients (noted players are marked with an "*" below). These sets are notable for their coloring and glossy appearance. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 31 cards, #'s 47, 52, 61, 76, 77, 81, 106, 143, 177, 211, 215, 218, 220, 246, 257, 384, 402, 435, 467, 486, 489, 492, 499, 510, 515, 518, 521, 531, 538, 551 and 571; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 120 cards, w/#'s 138 Musial/Mays, 345 Robinson, 440 Marichal, 446 Ford* and 500 Killebrew*; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 257 cards, w/#'s 68 Snider/Hodges, 125 Roberts, 169 Perry RC, 233 Stengel*, 242 Aaron/Banks, 247 Yankees, 250 Musial, 275 Mathews, 300 Mays, 320 Spahn, 353 B. Williams, 360 Drysdale, 380 Banks, 400 Robinson*, 525 Fox, 540 Clemente, 544 Staub RC, 550 Snider; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 97 cards, w/#'s 25 Kaline, 115 Yastrzemski, 120 Maris, 126 Uecker, 173 Bombers' Best*, 200 Mantle, 210 Koufax, 228 Oliva RC, 340 Berra*, 472 Brock, 490 McCovey and 553 Stargell RC; SGC 84 NM 7: 12 cards, w/#537 Rose RC. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
Rank: # 1 on the SGC Set Registry with an 88.9 GPA. This high quality presentation comes to us from a veteran hobbyist and was many years in the making. Colors and gloss were certainly what this condition-conscious collector looked for. Overall, this is an impressive accumulation and only the new owner will know how long it will take to find the same quality examples to finish the set. Surprisingly, only a handful of the scarcer middle and high numbers are unaccounted for. Note: About 10% of this set is from a "Presentation Sets" Topps produced exclusively for employees or important clients (noted players are marked with an "*" below). These sets are notable for their coloring and glossy appearance. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 31 cards, #'s 47, 52, 61, 76, 77, 81, 106, 143, 177, 211, 215, 218, 220, 246, 257, 384, 402, 435, 467, 486, 489, 492, 499, 510, 515, 518, 521, 531, 538, 551 and 571; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 120 cards, w/#'s 138 Musial/Mays, 345 Robinson, 440 Marichal, 446 Ford* and 500 Killebrew*; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 257 cards, w/#'s 68 Snider/Hodges, 125 Roberts, 169 Perry RC, 233 Stengel*, 242 Aaron/Banks, 247 Yankees, 250 Musial, 275 Mathews, 300 Mays, 320 Spahn, 353 B. Williams, 360 Drysdale, 380 Banks, 400 Robinson*, 525 Fox, 540 Clemente, 544 Staub RC, 550 Snider; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 97 cards, w/#'s 25 Kaline, 115 Yastrzemski, 120 Maris, 126 Uecker, 173 Bombers' Best*, 200 Mantle, 210 Koufax, 228 Oliva RC, 340 Berra*, 472 Brock, 490 McCovey and 553 Stargell RC; SGC 84 NM 7: 12 cards, w/#537 Rose RC. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
1963 Topps Baseball Mid To High Grade Complete Set (576). Collectors hadn't seen the combination of portrait and "in action" pose layout since Topps' 1956 edition but the result was well worth the wait. The design of the 1963 series has kept it atop many "My Favorite" lists and this very attractive assembly is worthy of the title. The radiant hues and glossy surfaces only stop when you reach the last card in the set. A nice high quality offering with many cards graded due to centering. In total, 26 cards have been graded by a third party service. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #16; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards w/#'s 17, 87, 157, 169 Perry RC, 215 and 304; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards w/#'s 2 Mantle LL and 242 Banks/Aaron; PSA NM-MT 8: 6 cards w/#'s 247 Yankees, 275 Mathews, 446 Ford, 537 Rose, 540 Clemente and 550 Snider; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #394; SGC 84 NM 7: 10 cards w/#'s 3 Mays/Aaron LL, 18 Buc Blasters, 138 Mays/Musial, 200 Mantle, 210 Koufax, 250 Musial, 345 Robinson, 360 Drysdale, 415 Gibson and 553 Stargell. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 Robinson/Aaron NL Batting Leaders (EX), 5 Koufax/Gibson LL (EX), 25 Kaline (EX/MT), 68 Snider/Hodges (EX/MT), 115 Yastrzemski (EX/MT), 120 Maris (EX), 173 Bombers' Best (EX), 228 Oliva (EX/MT), 300 Mays (EX), 320 Spahn (VG/EX), 340 Berra (VG/EX), 380 Banks (EX/MT), 390 Aaron (EX/MT), 400 Robinson (VG/EX), 412 Dodgers' Big Three (EX), 440 Marichal (EX), 472 Brock (EX), 473 Mets (EX), 490 McCovey (EX), 500 Killebrew (EX), 544 Staub (EX). Grades 24% NM to NM/MT, 70% EX to EX/MT, 6% VG to VG/EX.
1963 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (576). This is a great looking set where rich coloring and glossy surfaces standout from the first series to the last. Most of the cards graded under "NM" have the same higher grade corners and fresh from the pack appeal but simply do not meet established centering guidelines. A fantastic high grade assembly for the collector seeking quality over registry recognition. In total, 54 cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 29 cards, #'s 130, 132, 152, 177, 184, 219, 226, 235, 270, 273, 287, 322, 324, 357, 409, 419, 433, 448, 473, 483, 487, 1497, 515, 525 Fox, 539, 560, 566, 571 and 572; PSA NM-MT 8: 18 cards, #'s 77, 79 CL, 91, 93, 170, 187, 202, 225, 278, 280, 321, 330, 402, 426, 438, 459, 477 and 545; PSA NM 7: 7 cards, #'s 3 Mays/Aaron/Banks LL, 36, 56, 125 Roberts, 383, 418 and 514. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Musial/Aaron LL (EX/MT), 2 Mantle LL (EX), 18 Buc Blasters (EX/MT), 25 Kaline (EX/MT), 68 Hodges/Snider (EX), 115 Yastrzemski (EX), 120 Maris (EX/MT), 138 Mays/Musial (EX/MT), 169 Perry RC (EX/MT), 173 Bombers' Best (NM), 200 Mantle (EX), 210 Koufax (EX), 228 Oliva RC (NM), 242 Banks/Aaron (NM), 247 Yankees (EX/MT), 250 Musial (EX/MT), 300 Mays (EX), 320 Spahn (EX), 340 Berra (NM), 345 B. Robinson (EX/MT), 360 Drysdale (NM), 380 Banks (EX/MT), 390 Aaron (EX/MT), 400 F. Robinson (NM), 412 Podres/Drysdale/Koufax (EX/MT), 415 Gibson (EX), 440 Marichal (NM), 446 Ford (NM), 472 Brock (EX/MT), 490 McCovey (EX/MT), 500 Killebrew (EX), 537 Rose RC (EX/MT), 540 Clemente (EX/MT), 544 Staub RC (NM), 550 Snider (NM) and 553 Stargell RC (EX). Grades 5% Mint, 39% NM to NM/MT, 56% EX to EX/MT (mainly EX/MT) with some slightly lesser.
1963 Topps NL Batting Leaders #1 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 1, Highest Graded Known. To date, SGC has graded forty examples of this card. This the only example graded 96 Mint 9 with none higher! The reverse has overall light age toning. The front has amazing colors, shiny gloss, prefect centering and four glass-cutting corners. A true condition rarity.
1963 Topps Pete Rose Rookie #537 PSA NM 7. In the last several years, Pete Rose graded card collecting has taken on a life of its own. In what's proven to be one of the most stable markets in the hobby, high-grade Rose issues continue to turn the heads of even the most knowledgeable hobbyists. Offered here is a PSA NM 7 example of Rose's first card, from the popular 1963 Topps set. Recognized as a highly condition-sensitive pasteboard, due to the pesky light blue top border, this piece exhibits very little corner wear and shows off an ultra-clean surface.
1963 Topps Pete Rose Rookie #537 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. One can only feel for Al Weis, Ken McMullen and Pedro Gonzalez should they have ever wanted to buy a copy of their rookie card. The price tag is explained by the final member of card #537 from the 1963 Topps series, baseball's hit king Pete Rose. This stunning example has but the slightest bit of wear to the upper-right corner which seems to be the only element keeping the colorful, eye-popping collectible from higher technical glory. A strong example even for this elevated grade.
1963 Topps Bob Clemente #540 PSA Mint 9. Graded Mint 9 by PSA, among the top 2% of the over 1,300 Topps '63 Clemente cards submitted to date. One of the most attractive cards of Puerto Rican legend and HOF outfielder Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Card exhibits blazing colors and precision registration. Clean on the front and back.
1964 Detroit Tigers Milk Bottle Caps Complete Set (14) - #1 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the PSA Set Registry with a 5.0 GPA. Resting in the shadows of the card and coins sets of the 1960's are the obscure and very few and very scarce regionally circulated milk bottle cap sets. In 1964, 14 members of the Detroit Tigers were the honorees for a series of bottle cap liners exclusive to the hometown heroes. The line up is highlighted by HoFer Al Kaline. Every item either stands alone as (11 players are pop 1-of-1) or is tied with only one other as the highest graded known. To date, PSA has graded under 30 of these scarce collectibles. Includes: Graded - PSA EX/MT 6: 2 caps, Bruton and Phillips; PSA EX 5: 9 caps, Aguirre, Cash, Dressen, Freehan, Kaline, Lary, Lumpe, McAuliffe and Regan; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 caps, Demeter and Rakow.
1964 Kahn's Baseball Complete Set (31) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 67.6 GPA. The clean format, crisp photography and high quality printing have given hobbyists numerous series that can't help but standout in any collection. This is a sharp presentation where condition issues minimally impact the visual appeal of the cards which and are made all the more attractive surrounded by the black inserts. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards, w/Harper, McBean, Pagliaroni and Wagner; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 11 cards, w/Alvis, Bailey, Cardenas, Clemente, Clendenon, Jay, Maloney, Mazeroski, Nuxhall, Robinson and Whitfield; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, w/Donovan, Purkey and Romano; SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards, w/Davalillo, Lynch, Tsitouris and Veale; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 7 cards, w/Friend, Grant, Held, Pinson Jr, Ramos, Rose and Virdon; SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards, w/Edwards and Kralick.
1964 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (587). Considered by many collectors as among the finest sets offered by Topps, introducing a high-tech new feature whereby the answer to a baseball trivia question on verso is revealed by rubbing a white panel with a coin. A total of twenty-six cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded -SGC 96 MINT 9: 2 cards, #'s 190 Richardson and 378; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 9 Aaron/Mays LL, 200 Koufax and 216; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 cards, #'s 29 Brock, 88, 101, 226 Grote, 244 La Russa, 266, 381 and 587 Daniels; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 210 Yastrzemski, 262 Shannon, 425 Cash and 556; SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 125 Rose, 150 Mays, 155 Snider, 225 Maris, 331 A.L. Bombers, 380 Ford, 400 Spahn and 440 Clemente; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #50 Mantle. Ungraded - include #'s 1 Koufax LL (EX/MT), 5 Koufax/Drysdale LL (EX), 21 Berra (EX), 35 Mathews (EX), 55 Banks (EX), 120 Drysdale (EX), 146 John (EX), 167 Piniella (EX), 177 Killebrew (EX), 230 Robinson (NM), 243 Allen (EX/MT), 250 Kaline (EX), 260 Robinson (EX), 287 Conigliaro (EX), 300 Aaron (NM), 306 Mays/Cepeda (EX/MT), 342 Stargell (EX), 350 McCovey (EX/MT), 423 Aaron/Mays (EX/MT), 460 Gibson (EX), 468 Perry (EX), 541 Niekro (EX/MT). Grades 21% NM to NM/MT, 70% EX to EX/MT, 9% VG to VG/EX. The SMR of just the graded cards approaches $2,000.
1964 Topps NL Home Run Leaders #9 PSA Mint 9. Does it get any better than this quartet of players featured on this exemplar from the 1964 Topps issue? Not much, however it definitely doesn't get any better as far as the grade is concerned, as this PSA Mint 9 card is the highest graded example ever slabbed by the experts at Collectors Universe. Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda are displayed in terrific color, with four crisp corners on this stunning pasteboard that is just begging to be inserted in a high-grade collection.
1964 Topps Bob Clemente #440 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. The iconic Roberto Clemente was coming off another Gold Glove Award-winning season, when this Topps card was issued in 1964. Showing his unforgettable game face and batting grip, this card has been graded an SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. Card displays near 50/50 centering, and razor sharp corners on this stunning cardboard treasure.
1964 Topps Stand Ups High Grade Complete Set (77). This Topps secondary release was one of a few productions from the 1960's to use the die-cut technique to create a unique collectible. A quick fold and the hall of fame line-up which include Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Banks, Clemente, Koufax, Yastrzemski and so many others stood tall on school desks and dining room tables everywhere. This feature also resulted in intact cards a scarce commodity in today's marketplace. Twenty cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards w/Alvis, Barber, Causey, Hunt, Lumpe SP, Mantle and Spahn SP; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards w/Hinton, Koufax, Mathews and B. Robinson; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards w/Aaron, Aguirre, Cepeda, Clemente, Drysdale SP, Friend, Gentile, Mays and Stuart. Ungraded - Banks (NM), Cash (EX/MT), Colavito (EX/MT), Kaline (EX+), Killebrew (EX), Marichal (EX, due to wax on reverse), Mazeroski (NM), McCovey (EX), F. Robinson (EX), Santo (EX), Torre (EX/MT), B. Williams (color added) and Yastrzemski (EX, wax on reverse). Grades 32% NM to NM/MT, 68% EX to EX/MT (some lesser with two with color added).
1964 Topps Stand Ups Dick Stuart PSA Mint 9. A condition rarity. This 1964 Topps Stand Up of Dick Stuart is one of only two graded Mint 9 to date. Of the over 9,500 total Stand-Ups graded by PSA less than 2.5% have earned the Mint 9 grade.
1965 Kahn's Wieners Hank Aaron SGC 96 Mint 9 - Single Highest Graded Example! Compliments of Kahn's "The Wiener the World Awaited," according to the verso of this near-perfect Hank Aaron example, this card grades an amazing SGC 96 Mint 9. The single highest graded exemplar from the popular promotional issue, this piece stands alone on SGC's population report and exhibits four razor sharp corners, a flawless surface and an ultra-clean back. Spectacular piece featuring the home run king from his last season in Milwaukee.
1965 Kahn's Wieners Frank Robinson SGC 96 Mint 9 - Highest Graded Example! Whether it was during his playing career, or his many years spent as a Major League manager, Frank Robinson always excelled with superior skill and unquestionable leadership. The only player to earn MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues, and the first ever African American manager in Major League history, Robinson is featured on this stunning card from the famed 1965 Kahn's issue. The single highest graded example, this SGC 96 Mint 9 boasts perfect corners, edges and surface, leaving even the most discerning collectors wondering why it didn't earn the coveted Gem Mint grade.
1965 Kahn's Wieners Willie Stargell SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 2, Highest Grade Known! Issued in 1965, the second straight season Willie Stargell was named to the All-Star team, and an important year in which "Pops" really started making a name for himself, this Kahn's Wieners card has been graded an impressive 96 Mint 9. Only one other example has been issued the coveted SGC designation, with no example grading higher. This fabulous issue, which was inserted into packages of Kahn's frankfurters, somehow evaded the meat grease and staining that these cards sometimes succumb to. Virtually flawless in every way, this card exhibits a sparkling surface, razor sharp corners and strong centering.
1965 Topps Baseball PSA-Graded Partial Set (182). The quality and quantity make this high end assembly ideal for the hobbyist putting together a complete set. The break-up value is considerable for the dealer adding to inventory. Includes: PSA Mint 9: 2 cards, #'s 486 and 535; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 29 and 532; PSA NM-MT 8: 113 cards, #'s 13, 31, 33, 36, 45, 49, 54, 59, 63, 66, 68, 72, 73, 83, 84, 87, 95 Mazeroski, 99 Hodges, 101, 103, 105, 108, 111, 118, 129, 138 Gibson WS, 140, 141, 145 Tiant, 149, 152, 169, 172, 185, 188, 197, 201, 217 Alston, 232, 234, 235, 241, 242, 244, 246, 249, 252, 253, 262, 263, 267, 295, 298, 299, 304, 314, 321, 326, 333, 354, 356, 373, 382, 397, 402, 404, 407, 408, 412, 413, 414 Lopez, 415 Flood, 423, 424, 425, 429, 432, 434, 437, 443 CL, 452, 456, 459, 464, 465, 466, 472, 480, 491, 497, 498, 503, 504, 506, 507, 509, 515, 521, 550, 553, 556 Schoendienst, 561, 563, 566, 567, 569, 573, 577, 582, 585, 587, 588 and 589; PSA NM 7: 55 cards, #'s 26, 42, 46, 52, 60, 85, 89, 97, 106, 159, 167, 173, 183, 200 Torre, 202, 218, 231, 236 McLain, 237, 239, 257, 268, 274, 278, 284, 296, 332, 334, 336, 341, 348, 352, 369, 378, 379, 396, 403, 409, 428, 438, 479, 482, 512, 517, 530, 531, 539, 552, 557, 572, 583, 584, 591, 593, 595; PSA EX-MT 6: 10 cards, #'s 5 LL, 8 LL, 10 LL, 74, 288, 421, 458, 501, 564 and 568. The SMR value of this partial set exceeds $2,100.00.
1966 Topps Baseball Complete Set (598). A short-print of the final seventy-five cards in this large issue gives that late series a sizeable premium, and many of those appear here in stellar condition. The Topps tradition of fine baseball photographic portraiture continues throughout. A total of forty-one cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #264; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 4 cards w/#'s 64, 198 Stanley, 367 and 454; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 16 cards w/#'s 17, 206, 220, 223 Koufax/Drysdale LL, 225 Koufax/Gibson LL, 241, 245, 281, 337, 365 Maris, 490, 506, 512, 521, 546 and 582; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 10 cards w/#'s 36 Hunter, 200 Mathews, 288 Sutton, 421, 429, 523, 530 Roberts, 543 Craig, 565 Piersall and 580 Williams; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards w/#'s 30 Rose, 50 Mantle, 70 Yastrzemski, 99 Buc Blasters, 410 Kaline and 598 Perry; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards w/#'s 126 Palmer, 254 Jenkins, 500 Aaron and 550 McCovey. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 Mays (EX), 28 Niekro (EX/MT), 72 Perez (EX/MT), 91 Uecker (EX), 100 Koufax (EX), 110 Banks (EX), 120 Killebrew (EX/MT), 125 Brock (EX/MT), 160 Ford (EX/MT), 195 Morgan (EX), 215 Clemente/Aaron/Mays LL (EX/MT), 217 Mays/McCovey LL (NM), 255 Stargell (NM), 300 Clemente (NM), 310 Robinson (EX/MT), 320 Gibson (EX/MT), 390 Robinson (EX), 420 Marichal (EX/MT), 430 Drysdale (EX/MT), 469 Murcer (EX), 526 Twins SP (VG/EX), 540 McLain SP (EX/MT), 547 Clark SP (NM), 583 Tigers SP (EX), 591 Jackson SP (EX). Grades 26% NM to NM/MT, 67% EX to EX/MT, 7% VG to VG/EX. The SMR value of just the graded cards approaches $2,000.
1966 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (598). Offered is a very nice complete 1966 Topps Baseball set in overall mid to high grade. Rookie cards of Jim Palmer, Ferguson Jenkins and Don Sutton are represented along with a very tough high series. A total of 78 cards (76 PSA and 2 SGC) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 2 cards, #'s 483 and 522; PSA NM-MT 8: 53 cards, #'s 1 Mays (OC), 30 Rose, 59, 80, 99 Buc Belters, 101 CL/115 is Spahn, 162, 180, 185, 199, 217 Mays LL, 218 LL, 264, 273, 279 CL/Red cap, 283, 290 Santo, 314, 320 Gibson (OC), 330, 339, 360, 363, 380, 429, 439, 444, 470, 500 Aaron, 217 CL/529 White Sox Rookies, 519, 525, 529, 530 Roberts, 531, 535, 540 McLain, 542, 549, 562, 565, 566, 573, 577, 580 Williams, 581, 582, 584 Rookies, 588 Rookies, 593, 595, 596 Rookies (OC) and 598 Perry; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #183 CL; PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #230; PSA NM 7: 20 cards, #'s 4, 67, 126 Palmer, 160 Ford, 224 LL, 319, 326, 333, 386 Hodges, 390 Robinson, 420 Marichal, 490, 532, 541, 555, 556, 576, 583 and 590; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #110 Banks. Ungraded - includes #'s 28 Niekro (EX/MT), 36 Hunter (EX/MT), 50 Mantle (EX), 70 Yastrzemski (EX), 72 Perez (NM), 91 Uecker (NM), 100 Koufax (EX), 120 Killebrew (EX), 125 Brock (EX/MT), 160 Ford (), 195 Morgan (EX), 200 Mathews (VG/EX), 215 Clemente/Aaron/Mays LL (EX), 223 Koufax/Drysdale LL (EX/MT), 225 Koufax/Gibson LL (EX/MT), 254 Jenkins (NM), 255 Stargell (EX/MT), 288 Sutton (trimmed), 300 Clemente (miscut), 310 Robinson (EX/MT), 365 Maris (EX/MT), 410 Kaline (EX/MT), 430 Drysdale (NM), 469 Murcer (trimmed), 526 Twins SP (EX), 547 Clark SP (EX/MT), 591 Jackson SP (EX). Grades 28% NM to NM/MT, 60% EX to EX/MT, 12% VG to VG/EX (few trimmed). The SMR value of just the graded cards approaches $3,000.
1966 Topps Roger Maris #365 PSA Mint 9 - No Higher Graded Example! Roger Maris already had two World Series championships and four All-Star appearances under his belt when this Topps card was issued in 1966. The iconic Maris, who will forever be remembered for his legendary 1961 season, is featured on this PSA Mint 9 card, which was his last as a member of the New York Yankees. Near-perfect centering, and virtually no corner wear is presented on this stunning pasteboard, which will most definitely find a good home in one of the top sets from the popular gum card issue.
1967 Dexter Press Bob Clemente SGC 96 Mint 9. The term "insurmountable odds" generally refers to winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning. It also describes the chances of an 8" x 10" piece of thin card stock surviving almost 50 years without one sign of handling or fault. The crisp image of Pittsburgh Pirate great Roberto Clemente presents as vibrant and glossy today as it was when printed, and the corners are as sharp. To date, the only Mint condition Dexter Press Premium recorded by SGC.
1967 Kahn's Weiners Baseball Complete Set (41) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with an 80.8 GPA. The bright red, yellow and white packaging combined with images of their favorite baseball players must have made for an irresistible inducement for youngsters "happily" strolling down the grocery meat section shopping with mom. Like every Kahn's Weiner series, the simple design looks as fresh and fashionable today as they were 40+ years ago. This presentation contains a complete set of 41 subjects including Hall of famers Hank Aaron, Pete Rose and Willie Stargell. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, Shaw; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards, M. Alou/Yellow & White, Harper, Helms/Large, Johnson, Kranepool/Yellow & White and Torre; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards, Carty, Cloninger, Davis, Jones, McCool, Menke and Perez; SGC 84 NM 7: 16 cards, Aaron, Alley, F. Alou, Alvis, Fisher, Hargan, Johnson, Maloney/Yellow & White, Mazeroski, Pavlitch, Pinson, Siebert, Veale, Wagner, Whitfield/Large and Woodward; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 7 cards, Boyer/Yellow & White, Cardenas, Ellis/Large, May, Pagliaroni, Ribant and Shamsky; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, Rose and Stargell; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Edwards; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, McDowell ("'66" ink on rev.).
1967 Topps Baseball SGC 96 Mint 9 Collection (28 Different). One of two lots in this auction featuring a selection of nearly flawless cards from the 1967 Topps baseball series. This lot is anchored by a Mint 4th Series checklist and High number. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 28 cards, #'s 31, 128, 179 Rookies, 198, 221, 222 Rookies, 252, 255, 258, 260, 267, 273, 276, 278 Kaat CL, 329, 343, 346, 353, 357, 359, 407 Reds, 441, 444, 446, 451, 465, 508 and 541 Gibbon. The SMR value of this all 96 Mint 9 lot exceeds $1,500.00.
1967 Topps Baseball SGC 96 Mint 9 Collection (30 Different). One of two very high quality selections in this auction featuring nearly flawless cards from the 1967 Topps baseball series, all graded 96 Mint 9. This lot is anchored by a Mint 2nd Series Mantle checklist and HoFer Jim Kaat. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 30 cards, #'s 8, 11, 19, 39, 41, 58, 89, 103 Mantle Checklist, 107, 110, 117, 141, 192, 211 Twins, 226, 256, 259, 289, 300 Kaat, 327 Angels, 368, 381, 412 Rookies, 416, 425, 437 Senators, 506, 518, 523 Merritt and 530 Alou. The SMR value of this all 96 Mint 9 is $2,000.00.
1967 Topps Baseball Near Set (479/609) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Note: The description has been updated to reflect upgrades (including Aaron which is now an SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5) and one addition.
At 480 cards, this attention grabber includes every key HoFer and rookie except for Seaver. Of all the Topps sets from the 1960's the 1967 edition is revered above all by many. The simple design, crisp photos and glossy surfaces result in cards that just seem to jump right out at you. The surrounding black SGC inserts don't hurt either. It would take a ridiculous amount of effort and time to reproduce this quantity at this quality. This is the bulk of the #1 set on the SGC Registry. The Seaver rookie and two lots of SGC 96 Mint 9 cards that are registered with this set are available elsewhere in this auction. Without taking into consideration any weighted names, and there are many, this high quality presentation holds a GPA of 89.3. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 1 card, #498; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 203 cards, #'s Kaline, 60 Aparicio, 70 Santo, 150 Mantle, 166 Mathews, 200 Mays, 210 Gibson, 215 Banks, 228 Hodges, 239 Robinson/Kaline LL, 243 Robinson/Killebrew LL, 250 Aaron, 320 Perry, 333 Jenkins, 337 Morgan, 361 Clemente CL, 369 Hunter, 400 Clemente, 420 McLain, 422 Wilhelm, 445 Sutton, 456 Niekro, 460 Killebrew, 475 Palmer, 500 Marichal, 510 Mazeroski, 531 Robinson CL, 537, 539, 542, 545, 547, 550, 551, 553, 567, 583, 584, 593, 596, 598, 601 and 603; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 202 cards, #'s 1 Champs, 45 Maris, 55 Drysdale, 62 Robinson CL, 93 Murcer RC, 100 Robinson, 146 Carlton, 216 Cash/Kaline, 234 Koufax LL, 236 Koufax LL, 285 Brock, 315 Williams, 326 Uecker, 430 Rose, 454 Marichal CL, 512 Schoendienst, 534, 536, 538, 543, 548, 549, 555, 556, 559, 560 Bunning, 562, 566, 570 Wills, 571, 572, 573, 576, 579, 582, 591, 595, 597, 599, 600 Robinson, 604 Red Sox and 606; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 53 cards, #'s 5 Ford, 140 Stargell, 191 Mays CL, 236 Koufax LL, 250 Aaron, 355 Yastrzemski, 480 McCovey, 558 Belanger, 569 Carew RC, 605 Shannon and 609 John; SGC 84 NM 7: 20 cards. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
At 480 cards, this attention grabber includes every key HoFer and rookie except for Seaver. Of all the Topps sets from the 1960's the 1967 edition is revered above all by many. The simple design, crisp photos and glossy surfaces result in cards that just seem to jump right out at you. The surrounding black SGC inserts don't hurt either. It would take a ridiculous amount of effort and time to reproduce this quantity at this quality. This is the bulk of the #1 set on the SGC Registry. The Seaver rookie and two lots of SGC 96 Mint 9 cards that are registered with this set are available elsewhere in this auction. Without taking into consideration any weighted names, and there are many, this high quality presentation holds a GPA of 89.3. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 1 card, #498; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 203 cards, #'s Kaline, 60 Aparicio, 70 Santo, 150 Mantle, 166 Mathews, 200 Mays, 210 Gibson, 215 Banks, 228 Hodges, 239 Robinson/Kaline LL, 243 Robinson/Killebrew LL, 250 Aaron, 320 Perry, 333 Jenkins, 337 Morgan, 361 Clemente CL, 369 Hunter, 400 Clemente, 420 McLain, 422 Wilhelm, 445 Sutton, 456 Niekro, 460 Killebrew, 475 Palmer, 500 Marichal, 510 Mazeroski, 531 Robinson CL, 537, 539, 542, 545, 547, 550, 551, 553, 567, 583, 584, 593, 596, 598, 601 and 603; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 202 cards, #'s 1 Champs, 45 Maris, 55 Drysdale, 62 Robinson CL, 93 Murcer RC, 100 Robinson, 146 Carlton, 216 Cash/Kaline, 234 Koufax LL, 236 Koufax LL, 285 Brock, 315 Williams, 326 Uecker, 430 Rose, 454 Marichal CL, 512 Schoendienst, 534, 536, 538, 543, 548, 549, 555, 556, 559, 560 Bunning, 562, 566, 570 Wills, 571, 572, 573, 576, 579, 582, 591, 595, 597, 599, 600 Robinson, 604 Red Sox and 606; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 53 cards, #'s 5 Ford, 140 Stargell, 191 Mays CL, 236 Koufax LL, 250 Aaron, 355 Yastrzemski, 480 McCovey, 558 Belanger, 569 Carew RC, 605 Shannon and 609 John; SGC 84 NM 7: 20 cards. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
1967 Topps Baseball PSA-Graded Collection (261) With Mantle, Aaron, Seaver & Clemente. The set registry puts up for public display the accomplishments that passionate hobbyists put into their collections. This presentation could easily act as the cornerstone of any high quality collection. Only the desire of the new owner will limit how high in rank these bright and colorful cards will achieve. The 261 almost all different cards are anchored by hall of famers Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente and key rookie cards of Rod Carew and Tom Seaver. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 13 cards, #'s 71, 81, 202, 220, 228 Hodges, 239 Kaline/Robinson LL, 259, 263, 292, 344, 414, 478 and 518; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 22, 84, 125, 164 and 270; PSA NM-MT 8: 168 cards, #'s 1 Champs (OC), 5 Ford, 30 Kaline (2), 86 McCormick/No Trade, 100 Robinson, 146 Carlton, 150 Mantle, 153 WS, 191 CL, 238 Koufax LL, 250 Aaron, 294 Alston, 320 Perry, 333 Jenkins, 400 Clemente, 422 Wilhelm, 569 Carew RC, 581 Seaver RC, 600 Robinson and 601; PSA NM 7: 65 cards, #'s 60 Aparicio, 93 Murcer RC, 242 Aaron/Clemente LL, 244 Aaron/Mays LL, 337 Morgan, 445 Sutton, 476 Perez and 480 McCovey; PSA EX-MT 6: 10 cards, #'s 100 Robinson, 146 Carlton, 166 Mathews, 215 Banks, 337 Morgan, 355 Yastrzemski, 400 Clemente, 475 Palmer, 480 McCovey and 500 Marichal. The SMR value of this high quality collection is well over $6,000.00. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1967 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (609). The clean design and challenging high numbers of this 609-card production have made it a collector favorite. The photography and color processing entrance viewers to the point where they don't just love the set, they LOOOVE the set. This presentation is a very clear answer why it's popularity hasn't diminished in 40 years. Not just a technical grade accomplishment, this lot has tremendous aesthetic appeal. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 16 cards, #'s 101, 146 Carlton, 160, 174, 177, 197, 209, 237, 252, 256, 352, 432, 455, 529, 541 and 579; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 24 cards, #'s 26 Priddy, with trade statement, 40, 122, 137, 138, 141, 142, 145, 148, 171, 190, 254, 270, 274, 323, 364, 365, 366, 368, 379, 389, 399, 480 McCovey and 558 Belanger; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 29 cards, #'s 1 The Champs, 30 Kaline, 45 Maris, 173, 195, 230, 236 Koufax/Gibson LL, 242 Aaron/Clemente LL, 244 Aaron/Mays LL, 250 Aaron, 259, 262, 267, 280, 348, 351, 373, 420 McLain, 475 Palmer, 545, 549, 560 Bunning, 565, 570 Wills, 581 Seaver, 584 Piersall, 597, 598 and 601; PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #150 Mantle; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards #'s 140 Stargell, 200 Mays, 210 Gibson, 216 Cash/Kaline, 355 Yastrzemski, 600 Robinson and 609 John; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 445 Sutton and 569 Carew. Ungraded - including #'s 5 Ford (EX/MT), 55 Drysdale (EX), 100 Robinson (trimmed), 215 Banks (EX), 285 Brock (EX/MT), 337 Morgan (EX), 423 Fence Busters (EX/MT), 430 Rose (NM), 460 Killebrew (EX/MT), 500 Marichal (EX/MT), 536 Niekro (EX), 540 Cash (NM) and 580 Colavito (EX/MT). Grades 49% NM to NM/MT, 45% EX to EX/MT, 6% lesser.
1967 Topps Mickey Mantle #150 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. We are confident in stating that the presentation of this Mickey Mantle 1967 Topps card is "second-to-none." With four razor sharp corners, perfect white border and 50/50 centering, this card earned an impressive SGC 88 NM/MT 8 grade. The only minor detractor is a light amount of edge wear on the verso, but overall, this piece is simply stunning.
1967 Topps Mickey Mantle #150 PSA Mint 9. Tremendous late-career card from the esteemed Yankees slugger. Fantastic gloss, precise centering, clean front and reverse. A high-grade Mantle ideal for any high end 1967 Topps set or mantle specialist.
1967 Topps Pete Rose #430 PSA Mint 9. A young Charlie Hustle shows just a hint of a smile on the high grade 1967 Topps card offered here, perhaps signaling the arrival of Hall of Famer-to-be Johnny Bench that year. Or maybe Rose had the forethought to realize his team was on the brink of a dynasty in the '70's. It's tough to surmise what exactly keeps this card from grading higher and being the first Gem Mint 10 PSA's authenticators have come across.
1967 Topps Tom Seaver Rookie #581 SGC 84 NM 7. When this card was originally issued, nobody would have thought that one of the players featured would lead his team to a World Series Championship just a couple years later, and eventually become enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. This Tom Seaver rookie card from the 1967 Topps issue, is an all-important high number example, and carries the grade of an SGC 84 NM 7.
1967 Topps Tom Seaver Rookie #581 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. A extremely fine example of the "1967 Rookie Stars" card featuring Bill Denehy and mound ace king Tom Seaver. In 1992, Seaver was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with one of the highest ever percentage of votes with 98.8% (425 of 430). As far as Seaver rookies go, this one is hard to beat. With over 210 submitted to SGC, less than ten have earned the 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 rank with one seven nicer.
1967 Topps Punch-Outs Luis Aparicio SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 - Pop 1 Highest Grade Known. This is the first of four very scarce 1967 Topps "Punch-Out" cards. The cards have die-cut areas to play a "game" of baseball. The set saw very limited distribution confined to a small geographic region. This close to flawless example of baseball HoFer Luis Aparicio is the finest copy recorded to date of a total population of only three.
1967 Topps Punch-Outs Elston Howard SGC 84 NM 7 - Only Graded Example Known! The second of a very short list of available 1967 Topps "Punch-Out" cards being offered in this auction and a very special entry. The combination of very limited distribution and destruction of the card by playing the intended game has made these collectible very rare and Yankees catcher Elston Howard is a rarity among the rare. This is the ONLY copy graded to date by either SGC or PSA. They don't come much harder to find than that.
1967 Topps Punch-Outs Frank Robinson SGC 84 NM 7 - Highest Grade of Only Two Known! Frank Robinson is one of a quartet of very scarce 1967 Topps "Punch-Out" cards we have to offer. The SGC report shows only two examples submitted to them and both are graded 84 NM 7. Hmm, do we smell a resubmission? This a very nice card with the slightest amounts of roughness from the factory cutting the thick cardboard keeping this rarity from grading higher. It is nicely centered and close to perfect in every other way. We should also note that to date, PSA has graded this card only once (a VG-EX+ 4.5).
1967 Topps Punch-Outs Chico Salmon SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - One of Only Two Graded! The final of the four very scarce 1967 Topps "Punch-Out" cards in this auction. To date, only a pair Chico Salmon cards have been submitted to SGC and PSA has only logged one entry. This is the second nicest example known of both grading services, the other an impossible to top SGC 96 Mint 9. A very rare card of a nearly impossible to find series.
1968 Topps Baseball Graded Collection (448). The process of putting together a set and upgrading as you build usually results in an extensive inventory of duplicates and those slightly lesser graded cards. This presentation has all the earmarks of that process but can hardly be deemed simply leftovers. The just shy of 450 cards offers approx. 175 different subjects, are over 60% NM/MT to MINT and 93% NM or better. There are many minor stars, world series HLs, teams, league leaders and checklists plus Hall of Famers like Tom Seaver, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Brooks and Frank Robinson, Rod Carew, Willie Stargell, Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, Pete Rose, Ernie banks plus the "Manager's Dream" and #490 plus others. There is a very small percentage of cards with qualifiers. Includes: SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card; PSA Mint 9: 26 cards; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card; PSA NM-MT 8: 243 cards, w/#'s 250 Yastrzemski and 480 Manager's Dream; PSA NM 7: 146 cards, w/#'s 1 Clemente LL (2), 50 Mays, 230 Rose, 250 Yastrzemski, 408 Carlton, 480 Managers Dream, 500 Robinson and 520 Brock; PSA EX-MT 6: 22 cards; PSA EX 5: 7 cards, w/#'s 45 Seaver, 50 Mays, 110 Aaron, 280 Mantle and 370 Aaron AS; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1968 Topps Baseball PSA Gem Mint 10 Collection (16). An impressive array of flawless 1968 Topps baseball cards. Includes: Graded - PSA Gem MT 10: 16 cards, #'s 44, 98, 341, 454 Robinson CL/No Neck Chain, 459, 461, 470, 474, 479, 484, 485 (2), 511, 512, 516 and 539 Checklist/#539 says "Amer. L. rookies."
1968 Topps Willie Stargell #86 PSA Gem Mint 10. With two World Series championships under his belt, winner of the 1972 MVP Award, in addition to the World Series MVP of the 1972 "Fall Classic," it's no wonder why every one of Willie Stargell's teammates looked up to him. The legendary Pirates leader, universally referred to as "Pops," is featured in his classic vest-style uniform on this 1968 Topps card, which carries the unimprovable grade of a PSA Gem Mint 10. Recognized as an one of the toughest condition-sensitive sets, this 1968 Topps exemplar exhibits razor sharp corners, and the absence of any edge chipping, which sometimes pesters this touchy issue. A premier investment quality specimen.
1968 Topps Hank Aaron #110 PSA Mint 9. The man who would be King takes on a regal quality here as well, bucking the trend of condition problems endemic to cards with full-bleed graphics. You'll be in for a tough search to find a superior example, as just three have ever charted higher on the PSA population ladder.
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie #177 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. Topps got it right when they labeled this card "1968 Rookie Stars." Stars they were, and their contributions took place early in their pitching careers, as Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman were vital cogs on the 1969 "Miracle Mets." This fine exemplar from the 1968 Topps issue escaped the pesky chipping that this condition-sensitive set sometimes becomes susceptible to, while grading an impressive SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. Strong centering and an ultra-clean surface aid in this card's remarkable appearance.
1968 Topps Mickey Mantle #280 SGC 96 Mint 9. We have two fantastic reasons to bid on this card. The player is New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle on his last Topps card issued during his playing days and it is graded 96 Mint 9 by SGC! Perfect gloss, bright colors (no small feat for the bland burlap frame), near perfect centering and four sharp corners put to rest any excuse why you shouldn't bid! A terrific example of one of the Mick's final standard issue cards which no 1960's collection should be without.
1968 Topps Test 3-D Willie Davis, Stamp Back PSA Mint 9. Topps had a field day testing out various projects with a wide assortment of treatments to enhance sales. In 1968, a new graphic style called a "Xograph" or simply "3-D" effect as used to produce 15 cards which likely never saw any distribution beyond the Topps offices. Today these cards are found with blank (the more common version) or stamped backs asking for copies not be resold, but returned to Visual Panographics, Inc. This nearly perfect card of Dodgers outfielder Willie Davis has no obvious flaws, earning it's Mint 9 assessment. A very scarce high grade example from one the nicest Topps Test issues of the late 1960's..
1968 Topps Test 3-D Ron Fairly PSA Mint 9. Two years before Kellogg's issued their popular 3-D cards, the 1968 Topps 3-D test issue was considered groundbreaking among collecting circles. Offered here is Ron Fairly's Topps 3-D card from the highly-desirable issue, which has been graded a PSA Mint 9. The three-time World Series champ, and two-time All-Star selection is presented splendidly on this unique card, which exhibits an ultra-clean surface and is absent of any noticeable flaws.
1968 Topps Test 3-D Jim Maloney PSA Mint 9. Cincinnati Reds fireballer Jim Maloney is in that rare category of pitchers who threw three no-hitters during their Major League careers. An All-Star selection during his impressive 1965 season, Maloney is featured on this ultra-rare card from the 1968 Topps 3-D issue. Boasting an impressive grade of a PSA Mint 9, this sports treasure presents a sparkling surface and snow-white verso.
1968 Topps Mike McCormick "White Team Letters" #400 PSA NM-MT 8. The 1967 Cy Young Award winner, and National League Comeback Player of the Year in the same season, Mike McCormick is featured on this rare "White Team Letters" variation from the popular 1968 Topps issue. Boasting the desirable grade of a PSA NM-MT 8, this condition-sensitive exemplar presents superb centering and great corners, with the lightest amount of wear. Only four examples have ever been graded higher than this fantastic card.
1969 Topps Mickey Mantle #500 PSA NM-MT 8. The all-important last Mickey Mantle Topps issue, in his impressive run of gum cards, this 1969 exemplar has been graded a PSA NM-MT 8. A fantastic cardboard treasure, this piece glistens with flawless white borders and strong centering. The lightest amount of corner touches are present on this gorgeous card featuring the legendary New York Yankee Hall of Famer.
1969 Topps Super Mickey Mantle #24 PSA Mint 9. The key subject from one of the best-looking Topps test sets of the 1960's. A problem free example of one of the Mantle's final card appearances from his playing days. A sharp card well deserving of the grade.
1969 Topps Super Hank Aaron #34 PSA Mint 9. Not to be mistaken for the larger "Super" cards that Topps issued in following years, this 1969 "Topps Super" Hank Aaron measures at 2.25x3.25", and is one of the most desirable Hammerin' Hank cards of the 1960's. Graded an impressive PSA Mint 9, this scarce pasteboard presents no chipping or wear across the unique rounded corner design, and boasts an ultra-clean surface. Great investment opportunity on a late-career Aaron exemplar.
1970 & 1975 Kellogg's Baseball High Grade Complete Set Pair (2). If gum didn't entice young card collectors then cereal probably did the trick. For over 20 years Kellogg's offered cards with a distinctive 3-D effect, no glasses necessary. Offered are a high grade pair of complete sets. Includes: 1970 Kellogg's Baseball (75) - Complete set of 75 cards. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 3 cards, #'s 32 Jackson, 52 Kaline and 71 Gibson; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #72 Morgan; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 4 cards, #'s 15 Robinson, 27 Clemente, 44 Brock and 58 Bench. Ungraded - #'s 2 Rose (NM), 7 Seaver (EX, minor crack), 12 Mays (EX, minor crack), 47 Carew (EX/MT). Grades 80% NM to NM/MT, 20% EX to EX/MT (one lesser); 1975 Kellogg's Baseball (57) - Complete set of 57 cards. Highlights include - #'s 7 Bench (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 11 Rose (EX/MT), 18 Robinson (SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5), 26 Ryan (SGC 96 MINT 9), 27 Morgan (NM/MT), 39 Brock (SGC 60 EX 5), 44 Hunter (NM/MT), 51 Jackson (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 54 Jackson (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 56 Schmidt (EX/MT). Grades 78% NM to NM/MT, 22% EX to EX/MT. The SMR value of just the 14 graded cards approaches $400.
1970 Topps Nolan Ryan #712 SGC 96 Mint 9. After the Mets' amazing' 1969 season, this card was a favorite among young collectors impressed by the blazing fireball this young kid from Texas could throw. Collectors will be equally impressed with the high quality of this card some thirty-five years later. One of 11 examples to garner this high grade with 2 finer.
1971 O-Pee-Chee Baseball High End PSA-Graded Collection (95). 1971 O-Pee-Chee brand baseball cards are just as condition sensitive as their American counterparts but are quite a bit more difficult to find. This is a very strong selection with just a small numbers of duplicates. Includes: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 3 cards w/#'s 308 Cardinals, 318 (ST) and 596 Jorgensen; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards w/#'s 303, 559 and 561; PSA NM-MT 8: 53 cards w/#'s 277, 283 (ST), 288, 289 Staub, 300 Robinson, 301, 302, 305, 312, 322, 338, 346, 350 Williams, 352, 357, 360 Fregosi, 363, 364, 370 Torre, 374, 381, 385, 386, 388, 530 Yastrzemski, 536, 543 Yankees, 547, 551, 558, 562, 564, 581, 605, 610, 614, 622, 626, 634, 650 Allen, 664 (ST), 665 Swoboda, 673, 675, 684, 690, 693, 699, 712, 717, 719, 731 and 734; PSA NM+ 7.5: 10 cards w/#'s 284, 298, 324 Nettles, 337, 367, 620 Howard, 649 Lyle, 656, 676 and 679; PSA NM 7: 20 cards w/#'s 271, 277, 294, 329, 341 Garvey, 344, 349, 387, 531, 546, 572 (2), 593, 612, 648 Matlock, 665 Swoboda, 709 Baker/Baylor, 727, 728 (ST) and 752 Drago; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 3 cards w/#'s 322, 341 Garvey and 550 Killebrew; PSA EX-MT 6: 3 cards w/#'s 325 Marichal, 639 and 640 Robinson (ST).
1971 Topps Pete Rose #100 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Highest Graded Example! The Cadillac of Pete Rose cards, this 1971 Topps exemplar has been graded an SGC 96 Mint 9, and possesses all the requirements needed to earn that impressive billing. Razor sharp corners and jet black edges, with no chipping or wear, perfectly set off the cherry red ink on the uniform and cap worn by the boyish figure from Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite Rose's controversial past and flamboyant arrogance, collectors have rallied around the memories of his playing days. Rose cards and memorabilia continue to increase in value and this offered pasteboard will most likely follow suit.
1971 Topps Willie Smith #457 PSA Gem Mint 10 - Pop Report 1-of-2! Only one other 1971 Topps Willie Smith card has achieved the most desirable and highest grade from the experts at PSA. Offered here is a PSA Gem Mint 10 pasteboard featuring the highly-regarded player who was converted from pitcher to a solid outfielder. Smith is presented here with superior color, and perfect corners and edges, giving an appearance as if it was recently pulled from a wax pack. Spectacular piece from Topps' most condition-sensitive issue.
1971 Topps Greatest Moments PSA-Graded Collection (22). Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 17 cards, #'s 4, 11 Oliva, 21, 26 Cepeda, 28, 30, 32, 34 Morgan (OC), 37 Williams, 38 Pinella, 42, 43 Bunning, 44, 45, 46 Murcer, 50 and 54; PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 12, 13 Bench, 20, 35 and 55. The SMR value is approximately $1,000.00.
1971 Topps Greatest Moments PSA NM-MT 8 Collection (10). There is something so enticing about this series that it has become a hobby classic. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 5 Bando, 6 Campaneris, 7 Kaat, 17 Johnson (OC), 22 Freehan, 25 McCarver, 27 Brock (OC), 39 Petrocelli, 49 Bosman and 51 Aparicio. The SMR value exceeds $1,000.00.
1971 Topps Greatest Moments Complete Set (55) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 71.7 GPA. If it was a goal of Topps' to make sure high grade sets were immensely difficult to assembly than this set was a triumphant success. The black borders instantly show signs of handling, the larger card size make them prone to wear and then there is the poor centering issue which has frustrated hobbyists for decades. Those issues aside, this presentation does offer 55 quality cards with just a bit of upgrading needed at accomplish the not easy feat of assembling an all EX or better set. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #49; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 6 cards, #'s 15 Rose, 35, 39, 41 Mays, 50 and 51 Aparicio; SGC 84 NM 7: 15 cards, #'s 9 Robinson, 11, 21, 22, 24 Gibson, 25, 26, 27 Brock, 30, 31, 32, 37 B. Williams, 45, 46 Murcer and 53; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 12 cards, w/#'s 8 Killebrew, 12, 14 Perez, 19 Kaline, 20, 28, 29, 36 Banks, 40 Yastrzemski, 42, 43 and 44; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 16, 34 Morgan and 48; SGC 60 EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 1 Munson, 2, 7, 10, 23, 38, 52 McCovey and 55; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, #'s 13 Bench, 47 Jackson and 54; SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards, #'s 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18 and 33.
1972 O-Pee-Chee Baseball SGC-Graded Near Set (521/525). Now this is a set you certainly don't see being offered very often and in such nice condition. Unlike the massive Topps production, the O-Pee-Chee baseball set stopped at 525 cards. Overall, the OPC brand is much harder to find in the states. To reproduce this beautiful assembly would take a massive effort or a series of very well supplied collecting buddies in Canada. Missing #'s 395, 412, 420, 460 for completion. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 62 cards, w/#'s 100 Robinson, 309 Clemente and 442 Munson IA; SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 58 cards, w/#'s 38 Yastrzemski IA, 48, 51 Killebrew, 52 Killebrew IA, 434 Bench IA, 446 Seaver IA; SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 77 cards, w/#'s 37 Yastrzemski, 49 Mays, 50 Mays IA, 79 Fisk RC, 310 Clemente IA, 436 Jackson IA, 445 Seaver, 448 Stargell IA; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 86 cards, w/#'s 130 Gibson, McCovey, 343 Stargell BH, 433 Bench, 435 Jackson and 447 Stargell; SGC 84 NM 7: 79 cards, w/#'s 1 Pirates, 299 Aaron, 330 Hunter, 347 Seaver BH and 441 Munson; SGC 80 EX-NM 6: 51 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 47 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 46 cards; SGC 50 VG-EX 4: 14 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card. Please see our web site for a complete list of the contents of this near set.
1973 O-Pee-Chee Team Checklists Complete Set (24) - #1 on PSA Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the PSA Set Registry with a 7.89 GPA. It should be no surprise to anyone that the toughest cards to find in high grade from most post 1957 sets are the checklists. Let's face it, they were designed to be ruined and their purpose was to keep track of our treasured collection. Luckily this selection failed to succumb to the dreaded pencil or pen markings. We should also add these are NOT the common Topps variety but the much more scarce O-Pee-Chee versions. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 3 cards, w/Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Phil. Phillies; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, w/Chicago Cubs, San Fran. Giants and Texas Rangers; PSA NM-MT 8: 10 cards, w/Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates; PSA NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, w/Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos; PSA NM 7: 6 cards, w/Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Oakland A's, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.
1975 Topps Baseball PSA 10 Gem MT Collection (16). Every card has been graded at the pinnacle of the condition scale. All but one show a population between "4" and "14." Includes: Graded - PSA Gem MT 10: 16 cards, #'s 25, 34, 39, 98, 148, 174 McBride, 232, 279, 294 Zahn (Pop 4), 403, 541, 543 Bittner, 569 White, 614 Rookies, 636 Moore (Pop 4) and 653
1994 Classic Alex Rodriguez #C11 Mini-Hoard (1,500+). The contributions that Alex Rodriguez has made and will continue to make to the game are immeasurable. His skills on the field heightens his appeal with New York fans who are not known for pulling punches. Offered are over 1,500 examples of card #C11 from the 1994 Classic insert series of Alex Rodriguez. The "Cream of the Crop" designation couldn't fit with a better candidate. There may be a rare instances of a wrinkle or "dinged" corner but the cards mostly grade from NM to MINT with many likely candidates for encapsulating. With other Rodriguez cards from this year showing SMR values going into the hundreds of dollars the break up potential of this lot offers some exciting possibilities.
Football Cards
1894 N302 Mayo Football SGC-Graded Collection (7). The 19th Century offers football collectors precious little to choose from. Thankfully in 1894 Mayo Cut Plug produced an attractive series of almost 40 different college football players to be sold along with their tobacco. The black borders and backs was a wise choice as cards were inserted in direct contact with the leafy product. Technical grades reflect issues with the reverse sides of the cards. For the grades, this is an attractive selection from this scarce issue. Includes: SGC 30 Good 2: 3 cards, w/Manahan, Taylor and Wheeler; SGC 20 Fair 1.5: 3 cards, w/Beale, Lea and McCrea; SGC Authentic: 1 card, Acton (color added).
Very Rare 1906 Michigan Vs O.S.U. Real Photo Post Card Pair (2). College football postcards are extremely rare. None of the staff here has ever seen a pair of real photo postcards like this. Both feature photographic scenes from a game between the two teams that have one of the greatest of the school rivalries in all of sports-Michigan and Ohio State University. Both cards have been used through the mail with hand written messages, thus the unduly harsh SGC 10 PR 10 assessments. The first is titled "Michigan holds O.S.U. for downs" and could refer to the game played in 1906 where Michigan won 6-0. The second is titled "trying an end run. M vs O.S.U." Presents close to excellent. Both have Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, Michigan Nov. 21, 1906 postmarks. The messages are not sports related and are from a "Laverne" to two female members of the Hagy family. An extremely rare duo of early college football collectibles.
Rare Early 20th Century College Football Post Card Collection (5). If points were awarded for scarcities this intriguing display scores a touchdown. The lot includes: 1) - O. L. Foster, "A Purdue Football Game" one-color post card used through the mail with Sept. 15 and 16, 1906 postmark. Factory miscut thus SGC Authentic; 2) - Badger Real photo post card of local area football team. Never used through mail, SGC 40 VG 3; 3) - Circa 1907 "No. 5100 Football Series 8 Subjects" of Cornell. Used through the mail. Post mark date of Feb 1908(?). Graded SGC 10 PR 1 due to written message on front, presents EX with one corner crease; 4) - Circa 1907 F.W. Woolworth & Co. "Minneapolis, Minn., Northrup Field, University of Minnesota" stadium scene; Used through the mail with June 11, 1907 post mark. Graded SGC 20 FR 1.5 due to writing on reverse, otherwise presents close to EX level; 5) - Souvenir Post Card Co. "Michigan" embossed post card used through the mail with 1907 post mark; Graded SGC 20 FR 1.5 due to writing, presents EX otherwise.
1935 National Chicle Football High End SGC-Graded Quartet (4). The unmistakable excellence of National Chicle. Not the most prolific producer of cards but when they put their name on a card, it was a card to be proud of. This series almost single-handedly bridged the gap between the mid-1890's and the late-1940's. Overall, there is an abundance of sharp corners and rich, nostalgic hues. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #23 Feathers; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #15 Ciccone; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #;s 2 Molena and 3 Kenneally. The SMR value of this lot approaches $1,200.00.
1935 National Chicle Ken Strong #7 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. Serious students of the gridiron appreciate the fact that Ken Strong was one of only four players in NFL history to attempt and score on a fair catch kick. His "football-rarity" came on November 20, 1933, against the Green Bay Packers, and was the shortest fair catch kick in NFL history, at 30 yards. Offered here is Strong's 1935 National Chicle card, which has been graded an impressive SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. A rare grade indeed, there have only been four exemplars earning a higher designation by the experts at SGC.
1935 National Chicle Knute Rockne #9 SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. The second most important card from the 1935 National Chicle issue, and one that continues to capture the hearts of Notre Dame collectors and alum, this Knute Rockne exemplar carries an impressive SGC 70 EX+ 5.5 grade. Issued a few years after his tragic death, this piece features the legendary football figure in a distinguished pose.
1935 National Chicle Turk Edwards #11 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. One of the most attractive cards from the 1935 National Chicle issue, Turk Edwards is featured in a low, squatting stance, while wearing a terrific Boston Redskins uni. Graded an SGC 80 EX/NM 6, this card presents a clean surface, with light to moderate corner wear. A fantastic exemplar representing the key component of the Washington Redskins 1937 NFL Championship squad.
1935 National Chicle Chester Johnston #32 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. This vintage pasteboard will attract both graded football card collectors, and Wisconsin sports hobbyists. Former Marquette University product, and member of the 1936 World Champion Green Bay Packers, Swede Johnston is featured on this high number exemplar from the 1935 National Chicle issue. This stunning piece presents an SGC 80 EX/NM 6 grade, while exhibiting light corner wear and adequate centering.
1948 Bowman Pat McHugh #25 PSA NM-MT 8. One of less than ten examples at this elevated grade level with none higher. A perfectly centered, high quality copy with just the slightest hints of wear on the corner tips on the reverse, which seem to be the only elements keeping this beauty from being the best '48 Bowman McHugh known.
1948 Leaf Football SGC-Graded High End Collection (29). The gridiron has never shined brighter than the cards produced by Leaf Gum in 1948. These colorful beauties contradicted the black and white and almost refined impression of football offered by cards of the rival Bowman Gum company. This set must have been so much fun to collect. If you seek quality in your Leaf collection, this selection is for you. Includes: SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #38 Dancewicz; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards, #'s 20, 23 Kavanaugh, 26 Waterfield RC, 40 and 42; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards, #'s 2, 10, 13 Lujack RC, 30, 33, 35 Fritsch, 39, 48 and 84; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 7 cards, #'s 5, 12 Swiacki, 17 Washington/Name In Black, 31, 32, 41 and 46; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 cards, #14; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 4 Walker RC, 36 Dudley and 68 LaForce; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, #'s 1 Luckman, 27 Davis/Yellow Stripes and 37 Connor.
1948-49 Leaf Football Collection (383) - With Forty-Five '48 High Numbers! Leaf and Bowman Gum unknowingly opened the doors to a new era in card production in 1948. The bold ink colors chosen by Leaf stood the test of time as examples today are usually found with good coloring and appealing appearance. The numbering issue of the baseball series had been corrected as the '48 football edition is numbered correctly (although it did return in '49) and instead of random short prints the '48 edition has an entire run of very scarce high numbers. There are 45 scarce high-numbers in this collection and are actually some of the better condition cards. Includes: 1948 Leaf (338) - including: #'s 1 Luckman (7: all FR to PR), 3 Turner (5: EX, VG, 3 GD to FR), 4 Walker (6: EX, GD/VG, 4 GD to PR), 6 Layne (7: VG/EX, 2 VG, 2 GD, 2 PR), 13 Lujack (2: VG/EX, FR), 15 Justice (VG/EX), 16 Pihos (2: EX, FR), 17 Washington (2: VG, GD/VG), 19 McAfee (6: 2 VG/EX, VG, 3 GD), 22 Van Buren (8: 6 GD to FR, 2 PR), 26 Waterfield (5: VG/EX, GD/VG, GD, 2 PR), 29 Trippi (5: VG/EX, 2 VG, GD/VG, FR), 34 Baugh (6: VG, 5 GD to PR), 36 Dudley (7: EX, VG/EX, 5 FR to GD), 37 Connor (9: EX, 6 GD to VG, 2 FR), 50, 51 (2), 52 Nomellini (VG/EX, small), 53 Conerly (VG/EX), 54 Bednarik (2: VG/EX, FR), 56, 57, 58, 60, 61 (2), 62, 63 (2), 64 (2), 65, 66 (2), 67, 70, 71, 73 Jensen (VG), 74, 75, 76, 78, 79 (2), 80, 81 (2), 86, 87, 88, 90, 91 Hart (VG/EX), 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97. Card #'s 1-49 grade 27% VG to VG/EX with some a little nicer, 73% GD to PR. Card #'s 50-97 grade 69% VG to VG/EX with a couple nicer, 31% lesser. 1949 Leaf (45) - Contains 32 different plus duplicates. Including: #'s 1 Hendren (GD), 16 Trippi (EX), 22 Dudley (3: EX, GD, PR), 28 Pihos (GD/VG), 37 Fritsch (VG/EX), 40 Connor (2: VG/EX, VG), 41 McAfee (VG), 56 Lujack (GD) and 79 Van Buren (2: VG/EX, VG). Grades 82% VG to VG/EX with some a little nicer, 18% lesser.
1948 Leaf Johnny Lujack #13 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. Johnny Lujack is in a club of immensely talented quarterbacks who have origins in Western Pennsylvania in common. The club includes greats like Unitas, Namath, Marino, Montana, Blanda and Jim Kelly. Lujack's greatest years were from 1943-1947 with Notre Dame where he led the fighting Irish to a trio of National Championships and was awarded the Heisman Trophy in '47. This Leaf Gum card is the rookie appearance by the College HoFer and a befitting example at that. Bright colors, near precise registration (rare for the issue) and quality corners combine to earn an 86 NM+ 7.5 grade from SGC. To date, only two examples are graded higher.
1948 Leaf Mal Kutner #14 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. What is certain about the '48 Leaf series is that the inks are bright and the card stock was, shall we say economical. The corner tips wore quickly, needing little handling with the layer of white covering the front surface so susceptible to roughness when cards were cut to size. High-grade examples are scarce in the current marketplace. The pair of NM/MT corners and slightly off-center graphics are combined with two Mint corners and clean surfaces. This one of only three at the 88 NM/MT 8 level with only one higher.
1948 Leaf Steve Van Buren "Yellow Jersey and Sock" #22 PSA NM 7 - Highest Single Graded Example! The Hall of Fame running back featured on this card from the desirable 1948 Leaf issue, Steve Van Buren, scored the only touchdown in the 1948 Championship Game, which helped propel his Philadelphia Eagles to the team's first ever Championship victory. Offered here is the single highest graded exemplar from the popular issue, which has been graded a PSA NM 7 by the strict experts in Newport Beach, California. This vibrant card features the seven-time Pro Bowler, in a lemon yellow jersey and socks of the same color, with a gorgeous royal blue background. The lightest amount of corner wear is present on this card presenting the legendary football pioneer gridiron gurus refer to as "Big Boy."
1948 Leaf Ken Kavanaugh "Red Stripes on Sleeves" #23 PSA EX-MT 6 - Extremely Rare Uncatalogued Variation! Collegate Hall of Famer, and star receiver for three Chicago Bears NFL Championship teams of the 1940's, Ken Kavanaugh is featured on this extremely rare "Red Stripes on Sleeves" variation from the popular 1948 Leaf issue. Carrying the impressive grade of a PSA EX-MT 6, this exemplar boasts strong centering, an ultra-clean surface and light corner wear.
1948 Leaf #7 Bill Fischer PSA-Graded Variations (2) - One Uncatalogued! Finding a rare variation is one of the exciting aspects of collecting. The 1948-49 Leaf Football (and Baseball for that matter) series have been keeping passionate hobbyists on the lookout for years. Offered are two variations of card #7 Bill Fischer, both graded PSA EX 5. One is a very rare uncatalogued version missing the card number on the reverse; The second is the rare "White background at Knees" variation. Of the only ten confirmed copies, this is one of two at this level with none graded higher.
1949 Leaf Football High End SGC-Graded Collection (13). If corners and surfaces were the only criteria for grading one can only imaging the scores this lucky selection of 13 Leaf football cards would earn. very sharp group. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, #'s 17, 90 and 134; SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 7, 9, 10 Kavanaugh and 51; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 2, 19, 37 Fritsch, 74 and 110; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #38.
1950 Bowman Elroy Hirsch Rookie Card #52 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. Elroy Hirsch's unusual running style was developed while training cross legged over four square cement sidewalk blocks in his hometown of Wausau, Wisconsin, eventually earning him the nickname "Crazy Legs." Offered here is a superb rookie card of the former Los Angeles Rams standout, which carries the grade of an SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5 - only two grading higher. A stunning example from the 1950 Bowman issue, this card features near-perfect centering and razor sharp corners.
1950 Bowman Sammy Baugh #100 PSA NM-MT+ 8.5. Graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by PSA, one of just two at this level. A classic portrait of this early Hall of Famer, suited up and ready for battle. Surfaces and image quality are as good as it gets, with precision centering and corners that have survived the past fifty-five years with just the slightest touch from human hands. Only a trio sit atop the population charts, in over 250 attempts.
1950 Topps Felt Backs Near Set (63/125) - #4 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #4 on the PSA Set Registry with a 6.44 GPA. At just over 50% complete and already ranking 4th on the "All-Time" list tells you this is one tough set to complete in high grade. This is one very impressive selection. Overall, 48 subjects (76%) equal the highest grade known with none higher or one higher; Of those 48, seventeen are Pop 1-of-1 or Pop 1-of-2. This a great start toward a complete set, high grade set and instant registry recognition. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, Shaw/Yellow, Szulborski and Teninga/Yellow; PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Gitschier/Yellow; PSA NM 7: 31 cards, Burnett/Brown, Carey, Chauncy, Clark, Coleman, G. Davis, W. Davis, Deuber, Fleischmann, Gregus, Hagan, Hall, Kerkorian, Laun, Lehew, Lippman, Mathews/Yellow, McKissack/Yellow, Miller, Mouser, Nomellini, O'Day, Pavich, Rakestraw, Rich, Sawle, Sebek, Sitko/Yellow, Stalloni/Yellow, Viracola, Weiner, Williams and Wilson; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 1 card, Powers; PSA EX-MT 6: 20 cards, Bailey, Bell, Billingham, Boldin/Yellow, Bowlby, Botula/Yellow, Conn, Cox, Creekmur, Dublinski, Fuchs, Gilman, Jackson, Justice (OC), Kreuger, Murphy, Perini/Brown (MC), Rogel, Songin and Weiss; PSA EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, Cecconi/Yellow and Stehley; PSA EX 5: 3 cards, Burson, Mataya and Miller/Brown.
1950 Topps Felt Football Collection (24) With Paterno. Offered is a 24-card selection of Topps Football felt backs from 1950. The collection includes a few scarce brown back variations and key subject Joe Paterno. Include - Bailey (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), Bell (VG/EX), Carey (VG), Coleman (VG/EX), Davis (VG), Galiffa (VG/EX), Gitschier/Yellow (GD), Hester/Brown (VG/EX), Laun (VG), Lehew (VG/EX), Lyle (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5), Makowski (GD), McKissack/Brown (VG), Modzelewski (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5), Mouser (SGC 60 EX 5), Nomellini (FR), Paterno (SGC 40 VG 3), Rakestraw (VG), Seidell (SGC A), Stevenson (SGC 40 VG 3), Szulborski (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), Teninga/Yellow (SGC 30 GOOD 2), Wagner (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5), Zinaich/Yellow (GD).
1950 Topps Felt Back Complete Set (100 Subjects) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #3 on the SGC Set Registry with a 56.3 GPA. The 1950 Topps Felt Back edition is the prized acquisition of gridiron specialists. Just reading about this set elevates the pulse and gets the heart pumping. It's the same effect the 1952 Topps baseball series has on followers of our national pastime. The set is the cornerstone on which football collections are built and piecing together a set of any level of quality card-by-card is a monumental task. The delicate felt layer is so prone to wear it would seem high grade examples were destined to disappear soon after circulation. The all collegiate subject roster includes appearances of stars/rookies including Joe Paterno, Glen Davis, Ernie Stautner, Leo Nomellini, Doak Walker and Jackie Jensen. Each card has been graded by SGC and offers the new owner instant registry recognition. Some of the lower cards present very nicely but are judged based on the condition of the delicate felt cloth backing. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Teninga/Yellow; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 18 cards, Boldin/Yellow, Botula/Yellow, Coleman, Hart/Yellow, Lehew, Lippman, Malekoff/Yellow, Nagel/Yellow, Nomellini, Rakestraw, Royal/Yellow, Sitko/Yellow, Songin, Stautner, Tonnemaker, Van Billingham, Walker/Yellow and Ward; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 9 cards, Carey, Dublinski, Gregus, Laun, Murphy, Perini/Yellow, Stalloni/Yellow, Turek/Yellow and "Red" Wilson; SGC 60 EX 5: 23 cards, Allen, Berry, Bucher, Burson, Campbell, Creekmur, Friedlund, Gilman, Hagan, Hester/Yellow, Jackson, Krueger, Kuhn, Lyle, Makowski, Rich, Rogel, Seidell, Shaw/Yellow, "Froggie" Williams, "Red" Wilson, Wren and Zinaich/Yellow; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 22 cards, Bell, Burnett/Yellow, Clark, G. Davis, Deuber, Galiffa, Gitschier/Yellow, Hughes, Jensen/Yellow, Kerkorian, Leach, B. Lee/Yellow, Mathews/Yellow, Modzelewski, Mouser, Paterno RC, Powers, Sebek, Strickland, Ulinksi, Viracola and Wagner; SGC 40 VG 3: 19 cards, Bailey, Chauncey, Conn, Cox, "Brud" Davis, Fleischmann, Fuchs, Hall, Martin/Yellow, Mataya, McKissack/Yellow, J. Miller/Yellow, O'Day, Sawle, Stehley, Stevenson, Szulborski, Weiner and Weiss; SGC 30 GD 2: 8 cards, Cecconi/Yellow, Bowlby, Dooney, Glick, Justice, M. Miller, Pavich and Towler/Yellow.
1950 Topps Felt Backs Joe Paterno PSA NM 7. The 1950 Topps Felt Backs set features collegiate football players and contains a card of then relatively unknown Joe Paterno who acted as co-captain and quarterback at Brown University. Already inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Paterno holds the record for the most victories by a Division IA/ FBS football coach and has coached more bowl game wins and undefeated seasons than any other coach in college football history. Now past 80 years old, "Joe Pa" coached his 60th season on the Penn State coaching staff in 2009, holding the record for most seasons for any football coach at any university. This attractive high-grade exemplar boasts bold colors and clean front and back card surfaces. Of the close to 50 Paterno cards submitted to PSA, this is one of a half dozen at this grade level with one lone NM-MT copy grading higher. The NM-MT 8 example sold for over $14,000.00 in our previous catalog auction.
1951 Bowman Football Complete Set (144). Ideally placed in a high end vintage football collection, this set is a quality assembly , almost entirely in "ex" or better condition. Some "EX" cards are simply due to centering. Stand out players include HOF rookie cards of Tom Landry, Norm Van Brocklin, Arnie Weinmeister, Lou Creekmur, Emlen Tunnell and Ernie Stautner. Eleven cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include - #'s 1 Humble (EX), 2 Graham (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), 4 Van Brocklin (VG/EX), 6 Fears (EX), 10 Van Buren (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 12 Bednarik (EX), 13 Turner (VG/EX), 15 Lujack (EX), 20 Landry (SGC 60 EX 5), 21 Weinmeister (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 25 Walker (SGC 84 NM 7), 32 Tittle (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 34 Baugh (EX), 40 Waterfield (EX), 46 Pihos (EX), 56 Conerly (EX), 62 Creekmur (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 64 Wham (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 68 Grgich (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 75 Groza (EX), 76 Hirsch (EX), 91 Tunnell (EX), 96 Stautner (EX/MT), 102 Layne (EX), 105 Perry (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 109 Motley (EX/MT), 134 Cline (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 140 Nomellini (EX) and 144 Dudley (EX). Grades 16% NM to NM/MT, 75% EX to EX/MT, 9% VG to VG/EX. SMR value of just the 11 graded card exceeds $1,500.00.
1951 and 1952 Bowman Football Blank Back Proofs Collection (8). This is a selection of eight extremely rare blank back proofs from the 1951 and 1952 Small Bowman series. These interesting proofs are hand cut (as they tend to be) and look as vibrant as the day they were printed. The lot includes: 1951 Bowman (4) - Poole (#93), Saenz (#142), Sinkovitz (#95) and H. Van Buren (#84); 1952 Bowman Small (4) - Richter (#61),Thompson (#26), Todd (#43) and Steve Van Buren (#45). A few have minor presentation issues, most present at the Near Mint -Mint to Mint levels.
1951 Bowman Tom Landry #20 PSA NM+ 7.5. An impressively sharp illustration paired with four evenly sized, white borders elevate this beautiful 2-1/16" x 3-1/8" piece of cardboard from the '51 Bowman issue making it one of the better examples known. This is the rookie card appearance by Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry.
1951 Topps Magic Football "Un-Rubbed" Near Set (72) - #4 on the PSA Set Registry. The graded portion ranking: #4 on the PSA Set Registry with a 6.26 GPA. Every card in this presentation qualifies for "Un-Rubbed" status. This series of college level players was the first major football set produced by Topps and stands as a testimonial to the popularity of college football. Each card was designed with a question and a rub-off area to reveal the answer. Naturally, un-rubbed cards have a premium value in the current market. In total, 44 cards have been graded by PSA. Missing #'s 43, 68 and 69 for completion. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 5 cards, #'s 12, 22, 23, 31 and 72; PSA NM 7: 13 cards, #'s 4, 11, 13, 16, 19, 20, 24, 30, 33, 49, 52, 67 and 74; PSA EX-MT 6: 15 cards, #'s 2, 5, 15, 17, 21, 25, 27, 36, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47 and 57; PSA EX+ 5.5: 4 cards, #'s 26, 39, 50 and 56; PSA EX 5: 7 cards, #'s 3, 6, 8, 29, 54, 58 and 61. Grades 25% NM to NM/MT, 50% EX to EX/MT, 25% VG to VG/EX.
1951 Topps Magic Dewey McConnell #21 PSA NM-MT 8 - Pop 1 of 1, With None Higher! Dewey McConnell didn't have a professional career to be proud of but this NM-MT "Un-Rubbed" example of his 1951 Topps Magic card is something to be proud of. It is a pop 1-of-1 beauty with none graded higher. A key entry into any registry set.
1952 Bowman Large Tom Landry #142 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. Coaching legend Tom Landry was also quite the formidable pro cornerback, where he spent time with the New York Yankees and Giants. The player who later became the greatest head coach in Dallas Cowboys history finished his NFL career with 32 interceptions in only 80 games. Offered here is a gorgeous high-graded exemplar from the 1952 Bowman Large issue. Graded an SGC 88 NM/MT 8, this card presents spectacular color, virtually untouched corners and an ultra-clean surface. Card is one of only four of the same grade, with three examples graded higher.
1952 Bowman Large Jim Lansford #144 SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. The large format 1952 Bowman football cards are a hobby favorite. The offered rookie card of U. of Texas Jim Lansford has the added distinction of serving as the final card in the set immediately generating the "condition sensitive" qualification. The offered example is very nice with close to precise centering, sharp corners normally reserved for an EX/NM to NM card and rich colors. The lone condition issue is the slight "nick" in the top edge.
1952 Bowman Large Football Partial Set (91/144) - #5 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #5 on the SGC Set Registry with a 75.0 GPA. One of the reasons collecting trading cards is such an endearing journey is the talents of the printers, photographers and illustrators which have made our sports heroes seem larger than life regardless of the modest 2-1/2" x 3-3/4" final canvas size. Although photography has reigned as the dominate media for the last 50 years the illustrators' craft still turns heads creating generation after generation of vintage card hobbyists. This is a very sharp assembly which would serve as an ideal start toward the goal of putting together a quality middle to high grade complete set. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, #'s 20, 38, 42, 65, 112, 113 and 120; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 13 Fears and 138; SGC 84 NM 7: 17 cards, #'s 4 Owen, 7, 15, 22, 31, 32, 75, 90, 91, 97, 98, 116, 119, 122, 123, 125 Nomellini and 128; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 23 cards, #'s 5, 8, 21, 23 Marchetti, 37 Hirsch SP, 39 Tunnell, 41, 46 Donovan SP, 47, 50, 51, 52, 57, 60, 67, 68, 70, 77, 84, 102, 107, 114 and 115; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 29 cards, #'s 2 Graham, 6, 12 Trippi, 27 Miller SP, 29 McElhenny, 35, 44, 45 Van Buren SP, 49, 58, 59, 66, 74, 76, 78 Layne, 80, 82, 83 Perry, 88, 92 Pihos, 103, 108 Johnston SP, 109, 117, 129 Christiansen, 131, 132, 133 and 137; SGC 60 EX 5: 9 cards, #'s 1 Van Brocklin SP, 24, 36 Hancock SP, 53, 94, 99 Stydahar SP, 130, 134 and 136; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 14 Brown, 81, 96, and 135 Ronzani SP.
1953 Bowman Football Collection (130) - An Original Owner Collection. This is the first of three lots which were consigned to us from the original owner who pulled the cards from packs in the 1950's. They aren't incredibly "mint" but they are incredibly beautiful to look at. Overall, the entire collection appears "pack fresh" with gloss quality like you almost never see, rich, vibrant colors and simply stunning bright white borders... and this describes every card. There are 80 different cards represented. Between centering and a wrinkle/creases they aren't for the hobbyists who seeks set registry glory but for the hobbyists who appreciates quality and an insight into what cards looked like when first viewed after that crinkly wax-paper wrapper was first torn open. Highlights include: #'s 1 Lebaron (2: EX and GD/VG), 3 Parilli (PSA NM 7), 6 Walker (2: both EX), 11 Van Brocklin (2: PSA NM-MT 8 and VG/EX), 13 (PSA EX-MT 6), 20 Conerly (2: both VG/EX), 21 Layne (2 EX/MT and EX), 22 Hirsch (EX), 24 Bednarik (VG/EX), 26 Graham (3: 2 EX and VG/EX), 32 McElhenny (2: EX and VG), 34 Creekmur (2: both EX), 43 Gifford SP (VG), 53 Tunnell SP (2: both EX), 56 Tittle (EX), 62 Renfro SP (VG/EX), 73 Pihos (VG/EX), 85 (PSA NM-MT 8), 88 Nomellini (VG). Grades 46% EX to EX/MT with some better, 54% VG to VG/EX (some lesser). The technical aside, overall a visual masterpiece.
1954 Bowman Football Collection (161)- An Original Owner Collection! This is the second of three lots of 1950's Bowman football cards where the technical grade fails to covey the true quality. The cards are not mint but they have been consigned from the original owner who pulled them from packs in 1954 and pretty much stored them away ever since. This is a visually impressive assembly with an abundance of fresh from the pack looking cards. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 108 Nickel, 122 and 126; PSA NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #118 Stautner; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 53 Layne and 78; PSA EX-MT 6: 55 Gifford and 80 Martinkovic: SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #39 Justice; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #96; SGC VG-EX 4: 1 card, #7 Rote. Ungraded - including #'s 8 Van Brocklin (EX/MT), 9 Pihos (EX), 12 Matson (2: EX/MT and EX), 20 Fears (EX), 23 Blanda (2: EX and VG/EX), 32 Hirsch (VG/EX), 40 Graham (VG/EX), 41 Walker (EX), 42 Tittle (EX), 52 Groza (2: EX, VG), 53 Layne (EX), 54 McElhenny (3: 2 EX and VG/EX), 57 Bednarik (VG/EX), 76 Nomellini (VG/EX), 108 Nickel (EX), 113 Conerly (3: EX/MT, 2 EX), 118 Stautner (EX), 128 Lattner (2: EX, VG). Grades 5% NM to NM/MT, 70% EX to EX/MT, 25% VG to VG/EX (some lesser).
1955 Bowman Football Collection (403) - An Original Owner Collection! This is one of those collections where the technical grade fails to accurately give the right impression. This collection which consists of 403 cards contains the key rookie cards of Gatski, McCormack, Ringo, St. Clair and Summerall plus many stars and Hall of Famers. What makes this so special is the appearance of the cards. This collection has been stashed away in a cigar box since 1955, and comes to us from the very individual who pulled them from packs 55 years ago. If eye appeal were factored into technical grading this collection would practically be an exclusively "MINT" assembly. You just can't bring yourself to look away from the incredible colors, glowing white borders, quality corners and amazing gloss. Centering plays the defining role in the final grades. A total of 49 cards have been graded by PSA. Highlights include: Graded - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #142; PSA NM-MT 8: 25 cards, #'s 4, 5, 14 Ford, 15, 35, 39 (2), 40, 42 Johnson, 43 Fears (2), 59, 60, 61, 62 Blanda, 66, 68, 84,85, 87 Caesars, 86, 112 Creekmur, 113, 141 and 144; PSA NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 2 McCormick, 63, 67 and 75 McElhenny; PSA NM 7: 17 cards, #'s 10 Pihos, 13 (2), 14 Ford (2), 16 Conerly, 22, 37 Groza, 44 Perry, 57, 58, 74 Rote, 76, 79, 120 Finks, 140 and 143; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards, #'s 6 and 58. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Walker (3: 2 EX and VG), 2 McCormack (4: EX/MT, EX, VG/EX and one that is short), 7 Gifford (4: 3 EX and VG/EX), 8 Ameche (3: EX/MT and 2 EX), 16 Conerly (3: All EX), 25 Matson (5: EX/MT, 3 EX and VG/EX), 26 LeBaron (4: 2 EX/MT and 2 EX), 32 Van Brocklin (2: EX, short but not trimmed), 37 Groza (4: VG/EX, VG, 2 GD), 42 Johnson (4: 2 EX/MT, EX, short but not trimmed), 43 Fears (3: 2 EX/MT and EX), 44 Perry (4: 3 EX/MT and VG/EX), 52 Summerall (2: EX/MT and VG/EX), 62 Blanda (2: EX and VG), 70 Ringo (EX), 71 Layne (EX), 72 Tittle (EX), 75 McElhenny (EX), 101 St. Clair (2: EX), 119 Gatski (3: 2 EX and FR), 121 Robustelli (2: EX and VG), 134 Stautner (2: both EX), 136 Tunnell (2: both EX), 152 Landry (3: VG/EX, VG and GD), 158 Bednarik (2: both VG/EX), 160 Dupre (VG/EX). Grades 12% NM to NM/MT, 65% EX to EX/MT, 23% VG to VG/EX (some lesser). A truly beautiful assembly!
1955 Topps All-American Football SGC-Graded Collection (26). Include: Graded Cards - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 10 cards, #'s 15 Kaw SP, 22 Muller, 41 Alexander, 45 Oliphant, 55 Merritt SP, 73 Governali, 77 Wyatt SP, 80 Oosterbaan, 81 Warburton and 86 Booth SP; SGC 84 NM 7: 11 cards, #'s 10 Dudley, 11 Dodd SP, 21 White SP, 29 Nomellini SP, 34 O'Brien, 35 Harmon SP, 53 Green, 54 Dooley SP, 59 Blanchard, 79 Lund and 84 Parker SP; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, #'s 1 Hickman, 17 Reynolds and 30 Fesler; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 13 Rosenberg and 56 Nevers. The SMR value is over $1,250.00 with NM+ cards calculated at the NM price.
1955 Topps All-American Football SGC-Graded 88 NM-MT and SGC 92 NM-MT+ Collection (26). Surprisingly high grade selection of a quarter of this classic series offering a choice of stars and short prints. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 8 Cafego, 33 Higgins, 63 Justice, 71 Wilson and 72 Peabody; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 21 cards, #'s 3 Weir, 4 Pinckert, 9 Hamilton SP, 14 Tinsley, 24 Strong, 31 Sauer, 32 Foldberg, 40 Moomaw, 43 Savitsky, 47 McMillan, 48 Widseth, 51 Purvis SP, 52 Lujack, 58 Franco, 61 Brickley SP, 64 Friedman, 65 Donchess SP, 69 Sinkwich, 76 Bertelli, 78 Berwanger and 88 Kercheval. The SMR value exceeds $2,700.00 with SGC 92's calculated at the NM-MT 8 price.
1955 Topps All-American Sammy Baugh #20 SGC 96 Mint 9 - No Higher Examples! Before Sammy Baugh made his way into the pro ranks, a consistent aerial attack in the NFL was unheard of. However, immediately after "Slingin' Sammy" left Texas Christian for the Washington Redskins in 1937, he brought a new style of ball to the "big league," and has been credited with making the forward pass an integral part of professional football. Offered here is his famed 1955 Topps All-American card, which has been graded an SGC 96 Mint 9, with no example higher. This stunner features 50/50 front centering and corners as precise as a pass from the legendary quarterback.
1960 7-Eleven Dallas Texans BGS/JSA Signed Cards Lot of 3. The season of 1960 marked a pivotal era in professional football. Gridiron pioneer Lamar Hunt began his quest to secure a football franchise after watching the famed 1958 NFL Championship Game, the Texas native went to the NFL with his idea of expansion. The "Big League" turned him down, so he started his own league, the American Football League. Along with starting the NFL's main competitor, Hunt also started his own team, the Dallas Texans. Offered here are three cards from the highly scarce regional set, which was issued by 7-Eleven. Signed in Mint blue ball-point by each player, the following are included and slabbed "Authentic" by BGS/JSA: #2 Mel Branch (heavy creasing through the center, with writing in red ink on verso), #5 Cotton Davidson (EX) and #11 Jack Spikes (EX-MT). Not many comparisons of the seldom-seen set exist, due to the issue's extreme scarcity, however, the now-defunct Mastro Auctions sold a complete set of 11 cards of 1960 7-Eleven Texans card in 2005 for a final realized value of more than $8,000.
1960 Fleer Football Complete Set (132) - #5 on the PSA Set Registry. Ranking: #5 on PSA Registry with a 7.92 GPA. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 10 cards w/#'s 40, 43, 52 (OC), 70, 78, 91, 92, 100, 118 Mix (OC) and 122; PSA NM-MT 8: 112 cards w/#'s 1 White, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Gillman, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Fazio, 16, 17 Dubenion, 18, 19, 20 Baugh, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 Blanda, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 Cannon, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73 Hayes, 74, 75 (OC), 77, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 Stram, 117, 119, 121, 123, 124 Kemp, 125, 126, 127, 128 Maguire, 129, 130, 131 and 132 Beagle; PSA NM 7: 7 cards w/#'s 24, 48, 76 Lowe, 82, 83, 96 and 108; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards w/#'s 10 and 84; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #120.
1960 Topps Y.A. Tittle #113 PSA Mint 9. Be one of less than a dozen gridiron fans to own a Mint 9 copy of Y.A. Tittles' 1960 Topps collectible. Bright and sharp, this beauty would sit well among the finest 1960 Topps collections. Only one example has been graded higher.
1961 Fleer Football PSA Mint 9 Collection (31). A attention getting display of Mint quality collectibles originates mainly from the slightly more scarce high number series. Include: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 31 cards, #'s 17, 21, 25, 106, 115, 120, 138, 140, 149, 152, 158, 159, 164, 165, 169, 171, 172, 173, 174, 176, 181, 184, 186, 188, 191, 192, 193, 198, 200, 213 and 216. The SMR value of this presentation is over $2,000.00.
1961 Fleer Jim Brown #11 PSA Mint 9. It took just nine seasons for Jim Brown to establish himself as one of the greatest athletes ever to step onto a football field. This fact is even mentioned on the problem free reverse of this 1961 Fleer card which appeared just three years into Brown's illustrious career. If we must criticize, the centering sits to the right horizontally. Crisp printing, clean surfaces and four undisputed mint corners earn this copy a place among the less than two dozen Mint 9 examples. None have been graded higher.
1961 Lake to Lake "Green Bay Packers" Complete Set (36) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 84.1 GPA. An absolute dream of a set for the Green Bay fan or any football specialist looking to add a high quality entry, and a scarce regional issue at that, to their gridiron collection. Overall, this is a very nice set, where the "lowest" technical grades are due to printing issues like centering or streaks in ink. High quality corners throughout. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 10 cards, #'s 9 Forester, 10 Hornung, 11, 12, 13 Taylor, 16, 28 Ringo, 29, 31 and 32; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, #14; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 8 Jordan, 15 and 27 Gregg; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 6 and 30 Adderley; SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 3 Davis, 5, 7, 18 Starr, 20, 25, 33, and 34; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, #'s 4, 17 McGee, 19 Nitschke, 21, 22, and 26; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 24, 35, and 36 Wood; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 1 Kramer, 2, and 23;
1961 National Bank Cleveland Browns Uncut Sheets Trio (3). This extremely scarce regional issue was issued over a 12-week period (one every two weeks) in the form of six 7-1/2" x 8" panels, each offering six individual cards and came numbered 1 through 6. The set includes 35 players plus a membership card and was titled the NATIONAL CITY BANK "Quarterback Club" Brownie Cards. The offered trio of still intact sheets consists of the first three sets and includes the two key subjects - Jim Brown and the rookie card of Len Dawson. Includes: Set #1 - w/#2 Jim Brown and NN Membership card. Grades GD due to surface loss affecting two cards, EX/MT otherwise; Set #2 - w/# 1 Len Dawson. Grades NM with slight spot staining; Set #3 - w/#'s #1 Renfro. Grades EX/MT with a few small spot stains. Single cards are very hard to find in today's marketplace. Uncut sheets, particularly in this condition, are extremely rare.
1961 Topps Football Mid to High-Grade Collection (400+) The 1961 Topps football series has the clean and crisp design of the baseball series of the same year to thank for its sharp appearance. The lack of extra graphics and busy backdrops allow these cards to stand out in any collection.
Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 5 cards, #'s 61 (2), 140, 142 and 177; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards, #'s 18 Bears, 22, 23, 69 Renfro, 139 Robinson, 146 Cannon, 147, 152, 165, 180; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 14 cards, #'s 5, 29, 47 Packers, 49, 52 (2), 74, 97, 118, 128, 129, 170, 172 and 181; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 59 Brodie, 113 Layne IA and 150 Maynard. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Unitas (2: both EX), 3 Ameche (2: EX/MT and EX), 4 Berry (EX/MT), 38 Hornung IA (EX), 41 Taylor (2: both EX/MT), 50 Matson (3: all EX/MT), 58 Tittle (EX), 59 Brodie (4: 3 EX/MT and VG), 113 Layne IA (3: 2 EX and VG/EX), 169 McGuire (6: 5 EX/MT and EX), 182 Otto (EX). Grades 18% NM to NM/MT, 74% EX to EX/MT, 8% VG to VG/EX.
Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 5 cards, #'s 61 (2), 140, 142 and 177; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards, #'s 18 Bears, 22, 23, 69 Renfro, 139 Robinson, 146 Cannon, 147, 152, 165, 180; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 14 cards, #'s 5, 29, 47 Packers, 49, 52 (2), 74, 97, 118, 128, 129, 170, 172 and 181; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 59 Brodie, 113 Layne IA and 150 Maynard. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Unitas (2: both EX), 3 Ameche (2: EX/MT and EX), 4 Berry (EX/MT), 38 Hornung IA (EX), 41 Taylor (2: both EX/MT), 50 Matson (3: all EX/MT), 58 Tittle (EX), 59 Brodie (4: 3 EX/MT and VG), 113 Layne IA (3: 2 EX and VG/EX), 169 McGuire (6: 5 EX/MT and EX), 182 Otto (EX). Grades 18% NM to NM/MT, 74% EX to EX/MT, 8% VG to VG/EX.
1962 Topps Football Bucks Complete Set (48). This secondary insert series used good ole' American greenbacks for its inspiration. The "bucks" were placed in wax packs and came pre-folded. This series is haunted by poor processing making well centered examples very hard to find as this presentation will attest to. Includes: #'s 2 Starr (EX), 5 Hornung (EX), 7 Brown (NM o/c), 11 Tittle (miscut), 24 Unitas (EX), 33 Tarkenton RC (miscut), 45 Jurgensen (EX/MT and 47 Ditka RC (NM o/c). Grades 50% EX to EX/MT with a few nicer (some due to centering), 25% VG to VG/EX (almost exclusively due to centering), 25% miscut.
1963 Kahn's Weiners Football SGC-Graded Complete Set (92) Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 82.19 GPA. At 92 cards, this is by far the largest Kahn's production. An assembly obviously never seeing the likes of any type of meat product, this high quality assembly of entirely EX or better cards offers just over half of the total number of cards SGC has graded "88" or better. Yes, this set is currently the only set registered with SGC but is going to be one tough lineup to improve upon. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, Renfro; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards, Bull, Clarke, Cogdill, Dial, Nomellini, Parrish, Pottios, Smith, Steffen and Woodson; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 29 cards, Currie, Forester, Gain, Galimore, Gifford, Glass, Hill, Huff, H. Johnson, Katcavage, Lane, Lary, Michaels, Modzelewski, Moore, Parker, Patton, Phillips, Randle, Richter, Ringo, Sample, Shofner, Stynchula, Thomas, Tubbs, Unitas, Wade and Wood; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, Bass, J. Brown, Perkins and Thurston; SGC 84 NM 7: 21 cards, R. Brown, Carpenter, Conrad, Crow, Ditka, James, J. Kramer, R. Kramer, Lebaron, McDonald, Mitchell, Nitschke, Plum, Reger, Retzlaff, Robustelli, Snead, St. Clair, Stacy, Stautner and Tarkenton; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 8 cards, Fiss, George, Gregg, Hageman, Jurgensen, Morrow, Orr and Starr; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 7 cards, Bosseler, Dugan, Kostelnik, Nisby, Paluck, Schafrath and Taylor; SGC 60 EX 5: 12 cards, B. Barnes, E. Barnes, R. Brown, Lynch, Mason, Petitbon, Pietrosante, Rutgens, Sanders, Schmidt, Tittle and Toneff.
1963 Topps Jim Brown #14 PSA Mint 9. Jim Brown's style of play on the field changed how the game is played. His efforts off the field are helping to change society. Of the coveted 1963 short-print subjects, Brown stands out as the most desirable. After close inspection, nothing deters the Mint 9 assessment. Should the graphics had rested a thin sliver to the right a Gem Mt assessment is seemingly possible. This is one of just six examples at the Mint 9 level with none higher and an unquestionable example for the grade.
1964 Philadelphia Football High Grade Complete Set (198). Offered is 198-card complete set of 1964 Philadelphia Gum football cards certain to please the most condition sensitive gridiron specialist. A total of 52 cards (41 SGC and 11 PSA) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 5 cards w/#'s 39, 47, 105, 163 and 174; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 9 cards w/#'s 53, 96, 109 Tarkenton, 127, 140, 144, 166, 181 and 182; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 16 cards w/#'s 4 Marchetti, 12 Unitas, 14 Shula, 19, 56 Landry, 59, 62 Lary, 71 Adderly, 80 Taylor, 91 Olsen, 115, 128, 129, 142, 146 and 160; PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards w/#'s 74 Hornung and 89 Gabriel; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 6 cards w/#'s 3 Mackey, 41, 51 Meredith, 54, 55 and 112; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards w/#'s 18, 30 Brown, 46, 72 Davis and 84 Lombardi; PSA NM 7: 9 cards w/#'s 45, 77, 81, 82 Wood, 101, 116, 186 Jurgensen, 188 and 198 CL 2. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 Berry (EX), 17 Ditka (NM), 28 Halas (EX/MT), 48 Lilly (EX), 79 Starr (EX), 117 Gifford (EX), 124 Tittle (EX), 161 Johnson (EX), 197 CL (EX). Grades 54% NM to NM/MT, 46% EX to EX/MT (few lesser). SMR value exceeds $1,500.
1964 Topps CFL Football 36-Count Counter Display Box Nothing says "conversation piece" better than a complete box of trading cards from almost fifty year ago. Offered is a complete box of 1964 Topps CFL football cards. The box presents at the Near Mint level but has one corner separation and the side panels have begun to "fold in". The thirty-six 5-Cent packs all appear Excellent-Mint or better, undisturbed and to the the best of our review have not been tampered with and are unopened. Note: Although there are no signs of tampering, we cannot guarantee the results of any third party grading service, please bid accordingly.
1965 Philadelphia Football High Grade Complete Set (198). Note: This description has been updated to include two PSA graded cards.
This presentation was assembled from vending boxes and have that distinct "fresh from the pack" feel to them. This is a very nice 198-card complete set for the condition conscience gridiron enthusiast. Highlights include: Graded Cards: SGC 96 MINT 9: 4 cards w/#'s 64, 66, 79 Nitschke and 85; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards w/#'s 12 Unitas, 31 Brown, 41 Warfield, 44, 59, 69, 84 Lombardi, 87 Gabriel, 90 Lundy and 100; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards w/#'s 50 Meredith, 72 Adderly, 82 Taylor, 106, 110 Tarkenton and 162; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards w/#'s 105 Eller, 113 Giants and 131; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 42 and 126. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 14 Shula (EX), 19 Ditka (NM), 28 Halas (EX), 47 Lilly (EX/MT), 76 Hornung (EX/MT), 94 Olsen (NM), 188 Jurgenson (EX/MT), 195 Taylor (EX), 197 CL (VG/EX), 198 CL (VG/EX). Grades 56% NM to NM/MT, 38% EX to EX/MT, 6% lesser.
This presentation was assembled from vending boxes and have that distinct "fresh from the pack" feel to them. This is a very nice 198-card complete set for the condition conscience gridiron enthusiast. Highlights include: Graded Cards: SGC 96 MINT 9: 4 cards w/#'s 64, 66, 79 Nitschke and 85; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards w/#'s 12 Unitas, 31 Brown, 41 Warfield, 44, 59, 69, 84 Lombardi, 87 Gabriel, 90 Lundy and 100; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards w/#'s 50 Meredith, 72 Adderly, 82 Taylor, 106, 110 Tarkenton and 162; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards w/#'s 105 Eller, 113 Giants and 131; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 42 and 126. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 14 Shula (EX), 19 Ditka (NM), 28 Halas (EX), 47 Lilly (EX/MT), 76 Hornung (EX/MT), 94 Olsen (NM), 188 Jurgenson (EX/MT), 195 Taylor (EX), 197 CL (VG/EX), 198 CL (VG/EX). Grades 56% NM to NM/MT, 38% EX to EX/MT, 6% lesser.
1965 Topps Lance Alworth #155 PSA Mint 9. Who can resist the ultimate temptation of a top name Hall of Famer and condition rarity as only five exist at the Mint 9 level with none higher. A very nice example of a tall boy that stands out above most others.
1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus #31 PSA NM-MT 8. Extremely sharp, nicely centered example of the rookie card of a man ranked as one of the top 100 football players of all time.
1966 Topps Football High Grade Near Set (131/132) - With Over 30 PSA Graded Cards. This is a very attractive presentation with an abundance of sharp corners and glossy surfaces. '66 ranks as one of Topps' more popular football productions. The condition sensitive wood grain borders make completing a high grade set a challenging task for choosey gridiron specialists. The roster is highlighted by no less than a trio of scarce checklist cards and only the 2nd Joe Namath card. In total, 31 cards have been graded by PSA. Missing #15 for completion. Includes: Grades - PSA Mint 9: 11 cards, #'s 29, 38, 39, 52, 56, 71, 73, 105, 109, 111 and 116; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 20, 43, 48 Blanda, 66, 67 Dawson; PSA NM-MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 6, 13, 34, 42, 45, 61 Checklist, 72, 82, 88 and 90; PSA NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 26 Kemp and 125 Hadl; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #119 Alworth; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards, #'s 57 and 96 Namath. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Addison (EX/MT), 75 Taylor (NM), 95 Maynard (VG/EX), 104 Biletnikoff (EX/MT), 115 Otto (NM) and 132 CL (VG/EX). Grades 12% NM/MT+ to Mint, 49% NM to NM/MT, 39% EX to EX/MT with a few slightly lesser. The SMR value if the graded cards (not factoring in half grades) exceeds $2,000.00.
1966 Topps Football Complete Set (132) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with an 88.4 GPA. With 97% of the cards in NM/MT to MINT condition it should be no surprise that this near set makes for an impressive addition to any gridiron collection. In addition to physical quality, the rich hues of the wood grain borders and bold player portraits results in a presentation of both quality with tremendous eye appeal. It would be difficult to assemble a more eye catching display. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 17 cards, #'s 17, 25, 31, 43, 45, 48 Blanda, 57, 64, 69, 72, 76, 83, 90, 108, 116, 117 and 127; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 27 cards, #'s 1 Addison, 6, 9, 18, 24, 28, 36, 42, 51, 54, 55, 56, 60, 62, 66, 71, 79, 86, 91, 98, 100, 107, 111, 114, 115 Otto, 121 and 123; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 51 cards, #'s 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 Kemp, 27 Lamonica, 29, 30, 33, 35, 38, 41, 46, 47, 52, 53, 59, 68, 70, 73, 75 Taylor, 77, 78, 84, 85, 87, 92, 93, 94, 95 Maynard, 96 Namath, 99, 101, 103, 104 Biletnikoff, 106, 110, 112, 113, 122, 124, 126, 129 and 131; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 14 cards, #'s 2, 16, 32, 34, 49, 50, 67 Dawson, 82, 97, 105, 109, 118, 125 and 128; SGC 84 NM 7: 14 cards, #'s 5, 12, 39, 40, 44, 58, 61 Checklist, 63, 65, 80, 81, 88, 119 Alworth and 120; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, #'s 8, 15 Funny Ring CL, 21, 37, 102 and 132 Checklist; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 74, 89, and 130.
1966 Topps George Blanda #48 PSA Mint 9. One of less than ten examples at the Mint 9 level with none higher. George Blanda made his professional debut in 1949 with the Chicago Bears and would play in almost every game for the next 26 years. His years of service in the NFL is to this day a record. The proverbial "Iron Horse" of football, Bland appeared in 340 games as quarterback and kicker. The offered 1966 Topps card has four sharp corners and precise centering. Undeniably mint.
1967 Philadelphia Football High Grade Complete Set (198). This colorful production was the final installment in the Philadelphia Gum football library. Freshly pulled from vending boxes, this presentation ranks high in quality and eye appeal. A total of 44 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 6 cards w/#'s 62, 92, 109 Giants, 136, 137 and 180 49ers Insignia; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 12 cards w/#'s 3, 25 Bears, 70, 106 Tarkenton, 129, 133 Eagles, 135, 147, 160, 161, 170 and 184; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 19 cards w/#'s 22, 39, 40, 41, 49, 52 Hayes, 81 Skoronski, 96, 125, 138, 143, 145 Steelers, 146, 152, 163, 165 Smith, 171, 178 Wilcox and 193 Kelly IA; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards w/#'s 7 Nobis, 76 Davis, 142 Snead and 166; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards w/#'s 82 Starr, 111 and 186 Mitchell. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 7 Nobis (), 23 Unitas (EX/MT), 28 Butkus (), 29 Ditka (EX/MT), 35 Sayers (EX/MT), 43 Kelly (EX/MT), 46 Warfield (), 54 Jordan (NM), 55 Lilly (EX), 57 Meredith (), 58 Reeves (EX), 79 Nitschke (EX), 123 Hornung (EX/MT), 197 CL (EX), 198 CL (VG/EX). Grades 42% NM to NM/MT, 50% EX to EX/MT, 8% VG to VG/EX. SMR value approaches $1,500.
1968 Topps Football High Grade Football Set (219). Starting with the year this Topps issue was released, Topps became the only football card manufacturer after Fleer and Philadelphia Gum bowed out due to the AFL-NFL merger. There are a plethora of star cards throughout this issue, with Butkus and Lilly grading at the MINT level. A total of 46 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 7 cards, #'s 23, 67, 127 Butkus, 159 Kapp, 164 Wilson, 166 Krause and 181 Lilly; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards, #'s 30, 32, 73, 104, 178 and 212; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 20 cards, #'s 7, 18, 56, 60 Hart, 66, 85, 90, 128, 130 Karras, 136, 142 Blanda, 157 Nitschke, 158, 160 Taylor, 183, 192 Taylor, 197, 198, 203 and 209; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards, #'s 1 Starr, 21, 100 Unitas, 103 Hayes, 135, 144 and 173 Little; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 65 Namath, 75 Sayers, 88 Jurgensen, 161 Tarkenton, 194 Lamonica and 196 Griese. Ungraded - including: #'s 25 Meredith (EX), 49 Warfield (EX), 55 CL (EX), 149 Kemp (EX), 162 Ditka (NM), 163 Russell (EX), 168 Biletnikoff (EX), 169 Maynard (EX/MT), 171 Dawson (miscut), 193 Alworth (EX), 219 CL (EX). Grades 40% NM to NM/MT, 50% EX to EX/MT, 10% VG to VG/EX. The SMR value of just the graded cards exceeds $1,500.
1969 Topps 4-In-1 Very High Grade Near Set (65/66) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 93.6 GPA. The 1969 Topps 4 in 1 Football set contains 66 cards but shows almost 264 different players. Each standard size card has four 1" x 1-1/2" mini portraits affording the huge jump in quantity. There are players in this set that do not appear in the regular Topps series. This is an extremely strong 65-card near set that can boast being almost two-thirds (66%) MINT and 95% NM/MT or better condition. It's not often we can make that statement. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 43 cards, Alworth, Anderson, Ballman, Beer, Bosley, Buoniconti, Burson, Carolan, Coan/Hadl, Csonka, Dawson, Gabriel, Hart, Haymond, Houston, Howard, Johnson (2), Jurgensen, King, Lothridge, Maples, Meredith, Mitchell, Nelsen, Nitschke, Petitbon, Rassas, Richter, Scarpati, Sestak, Smith, Star, Stratton, Talamini, Tarkenton, Thomas, Trull, Walker, J. Wilson, L. Wilson, Wood and Woodeshick; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 14 cards, Allison, Baker, Bishop, Bowie, Gogolak, Griese, Hill, Howley, Lamonica, Lang, Mirich, Namath, Sayers and Stallings; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 5 cards, Johnson, Pardee, Roland, Unitas and West; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, Karras and Otto; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, Butkus.
1969 Topps Football High Grade Complete Set (263). The beautifully rendered 1969 Topps football set, released in two series, features brightly colored backgrounds and full-bleed printing in the first series (the second half has a white border). The issue includes rookie cards of Larry Csonka and Bryon Piccolo and star cards of Unitas, Starr, Griese, Sayers and Blanda. A total of 22 cards have been graded by PSA. Highlights include: Graded Cards - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards w/#'s 12 and 60 Maynard; PSA NM-MT 8: 9 cards w/#'s 35, 69 Alworth, 85, 86, 104, 107, 118, 128 Davidson and 170; PSA NM+ 7.5: 2 cards w/#'s 68 and 120 Csonka; PSA NM 7: 9 cards w/#'s 25 Unitas, 26 Piccolo, 30, 41, 75 Meredith, 100 Namath, 102, 121 and 145. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 Kelly (EX/MT), 20 Dawson (EX/MT), 51 Sayers (EX), 139 Butkus (NM), 150 Tarkenton (NM), 161 Griese (NM), 215 Starr (EX), 232 Blanda (NM), 263 Lamonica (EX/MT). Grades 51% NM to NM/MT, 49% EX to EX/MT (few lesser). SMR value exceeds $500.
1969 Topps Larry Csonka Rookie Card #120 PSA Mint 9 - No Example Graded Higher! The Dolphins' number one draft pick, and one of the hardest runners in the history of professional and collegiate football, Larry Csonka is presented beautifully on this superb high-grade rookie card from the 1969 Topps issue. There has never been a similar example graded higher than this PSA Mint 9 designation, and it's not surprising, as the cherry red background is heavily chipped on the majority of Csonka rookies that have appeared in the hobby. An absolutely fantastic specimen, there is not a single print defect on the front of this stunning piece, which displays a crystal clear image of the great Hall of Fame running back.
1969 Topps Dick Butkus #139 PSA Mint 9. The Chicago bears are called the "Monsters of the Midway" because of players like Dick Butkus who certainly gave their opponents nightmares. This 1969 Topps card of Butkus is a dream. All of the qualities one expects from a mint condition card. One of only eight assessed at this level with none graded higher.
1970 Kellogg's Football Sets (10) In Original Envelopes. After a brief test period Kellogg's Cereal took advantage of the new "Xograph" or "3-D" printing technology to produce football and baseball card to be inserted in cereal boxes. In 1970, the first sets were produced and would continue to be issued annually well into the 1980's. This edition has such names as Unitas, Sayers, Butkus, Simpson, Otto, Griese, Dawson, Jurgensen and many other stars. Each of the 10 envelopes is still sealed and sets are assumed to complete and in NM to Mint condition.
1970 & 1971 Topps Football Stars and Superstars PSA-Graded Collection (59). A high quality selection of PSA-Graded '70 and '71 Topps football star and superstar cards, with a few checklists tossed in for fun. Includes: 1970 Topps (22) - Graded - PSA Mint 9: 7 cards, #'s 24, 25 Stenerud, 72, 132 Checklist (2), 135 Warfield and 189; PSA NM-MT 8: 14 cards, #'s 20, 70 Sayers, 72, 114 Smith, 130 Brodie (3), 132 Checklist, 135 Warfield, 150 Namath, 175 Eller, 190 Butkus (2) and 249 Karras; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #190 Butkus. 1971 Topps (37) - Graded - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 53 Smith and 71 Page; NM-MT 8: 28 cards, #'s 1 Unitas (2), 10 Alworth (6), 26 Taylor (2), 39 Blanda (2), 50 Jurgensen, 53 Bubba Smith, 70 Lamonica, 113 Houston (2), 114 Lanier (3), 115 Brown (6) and 120 Tarkenton (2); PSA NM 7: 7 cards, #'s 1 Unitas (3), 3 Schottenheimer (2), 27 Checklist and 70 Lamonica. The SMR value is over $2,000.00.
1972 Topps Football High Grade Complete Set (351) Plus Wrapper. The high quality complete set is perfect for the condition conscious hobbyist. At over 70% judged at the NM or higher levels, this set needs little additional hype and wordy accolades. This colorful issue is known for the notoriously difficult high number series plus the key rookies of HoFers Staubach, Spurrier, Hendricks, Joiner, Little, Manning, Plunkett, Riggins and Upshaw. A total of 69 cards have been graded (66 SGC and 3 PSA) by a third party service. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 98 GEM MINT 10: 2 cards, #'s 271 Warfield AP and 339 Little IA; SGC 96 MINT 9: 38 cards, #'s 66 Adderly, 95 Brown, 153, 157, 231, 265 Yary AP, 267 Little AP, 268, 270, 274, 278 Smith AP, 279 Page AP, 280 Lilly AP, 281 Hendricks AP, 283 Lanier AP, 286, 287, 289, 291 Spurrier, 298, 301, 303, 305, 306, 308 Morrall, 310, 317, 318, 325, 331 Morris, 334 Taylor, 335, 337, 344, 345, 347, 348 Blanda and 349; PSA MINT 9: 2 cards, #'s 272 Griese AP and 343 Namath; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 20 cards, #'s 13 Riggins, 32, 65 Plunkett, 80 Griese, 101 Greenwood, 156, 191, 244 Joiner, 275, 276, 277 Eller AP, 284, 282, 288, 300 Page, 309 Nobis, 316, 324, 338 Spurrier IA and 341 Butkus IA; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 5 cards, #'s 165 Unitas, 235 Blanda, 266, 285 and 322; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #110 Sayers; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #200 Staubach. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 55 Manning (NM), 93 Hendricks (EX), 100 Namath (NM), 106 Alzado (EX), 122 Staubach IA (EX/MT), 140 Csonka (NM), 150 Bradshaw (NM), 160 Simpson (EX), 170 Butkus (EX), 186 Upshaw (NM), 240 Little (NM). Grades 72% NM to NM/MT, 28% EX to EX/MT (mainly due to centering and not corner/surface quality). SGC 98's were calculated at the MINT 9 level and the SGC 92's were calculated at the NM-MT 8 level resulting in the graded cards showing an aggregate SMR value exceeding $4,000.
1972 Topps Football High Grade Complete Set (351).
Note: The description has been updated to reflect the addition of card #170 Butkus in SGC 88 NM/MT 8.
This set brought to a close the concept of the scarce run of high number cards. Now, almost forty years later, this immensely popular production is still challenging hobbyists who seek completion. This is a very high grade assembly offering over 50% NM or better cards. A fine attention for you gridiron fans, or even a card fan who appreciate quality. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 7 cards, #'s 109, 266, 267 Little AP, 271 Warfield AP, 272 Griese AP, 275 and 278 Smith AP; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 119, 121 and 265 Yary AP; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #170 Butkus; PSA NM-MT 8: 20 cards, #'s 2, 11, 13 Riggins, 14, 43 Buoniconti, 57, 73, 74, 75, 77, 96, 98, 107, 165 Unitas, 215, 245 Dawson, 277 Eller AP, 280 Lilly AP, 281 Hendricks AP and 306 Pearson; PSA NM 7: 28 cards, #'s 15 Hadl, 28, 34, 40 Gabriel, 65 Plunkett, 95, 100 Namath, 110 Sayers, 115, 118, 135, 141, 144, 158, 160 Simpson, 167 Warfield, 181, 184, 197, 216, 217, 219, 235 Blanda, 244 Joiner, 248 Alworth, 249, 251 Unitas IA and 256. Ungraded - including #'s 55 Manning (EX), 93 Hendricks (NM), 101 Greenwood (NM), 106 Alzado (EX), 120 Bradshaw IA (EX), 122 Staubach IA (EX/MT), 150 Bradshaw (EX), 186 Upshaw (NM), 200 Staubach (NM), 230 Greene (NM), 240 Little (EX), 279 Page AP (EX/MT), 291 Spurrier (EX), 294 CL (EX/MT), 300 Page (NM), 338 Spurrier IA (EX/MT), 340 Dawson IA (EX/MT), 341 Butkus IA (EX/MT), 343 Namath IA (EX), 348 Blanda IA (NM). Grades 60% NM to NM/MT, 35% EX to EX/MT, 5% VG to VG/EX. SMR value exceeds $1,000.
Note: The description has been updated to reflect the addition of card #170 Butkus in SGC 88 NM/MT 8.
This set brought to a close the concept of the scarce run of high number cards. Now, almost forty years later, this immensely popular production is still challenging hobbyists who seek completion. This is a very high grade assembly offering over 50% NM or better cards. A fine attention for you gridiron fans, or even a card fan who appreciate quality. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 7 cards, #'s 109, 266, 267 Little AP, 271 Warfield AP, 272 Griese AP, 275 and 278 Smith AP; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 119, 121 and 265 Yary AP; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #170 Butkus; PSA NM-MT 8: 20 cards, #'s 2, 11, 13 Riggins, 14, 43 Buoniconti, 57, 73, 74, 75, 77, 96, 98, 107, 165 Unitas, 215, 245 Dawson, 277 Eller AP, 280 Lilly AP, 281 Hendricks AP and 306 Pearson; PSA NM 7: 28 cards, #'s 15 Hadl, 28, 34, 40 Gabriel, 65 Plunkett, 95, 100 Namath, 110 Sayers, 115, 118, 135, 141, 144, 158, 160 Simpson, 167 Warfield, 181, 184, 197, 216, 217, 219, 235 Blanda, 244 Joiner, 248 Alworth, 249, 251 Unitas IA and 256. Ungraded - including #'s 55 Manning (EX), 93 Hendricks (NM), 101 Greenwood (NM), 106 Alzado (EX), 120 Bradshaw IA (EX), 122 Staubach IA (EX/MT), 150 Bradshaw (EX), 186 Upshaw (NM), 200 Staubach (NM), 230 Greene (NM), 240 Little (EX), 279 Page AP (EX/MT), 291 Spurrier (EX), 294 CL (EX/MT), 300 Page (NM), 338 Spurrier IA (EX/MT), 340 Dawson IA (EX/MT), 341 Butkus IA (EX/MT), 343 Namath IA (EX), 348 Blanda IA (NM). Grades 60% NM to NM/MT, 35% EX to EX/MT, 5% VG to VG/EX. SMR value exceeds $1,000.
1977 Topps Mexican Football PSA-Graded Wax Packs (25) - All With HoFers on Top! When Topps produced this 528-card series for the Mexican marketplace, they utilized five different designs for the wax paper wrappers. Although HoFers appear more than once, in all but one instances each pack with that player will have a different wrapper. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 7 packs, w/Fouts (2), Largent (Rookie), Riggins (2: same), Staubach and White; PSA NM-MT 8: 16 packs, w/Bradshaw (5: different), Czonka, Fouts (2: different), Harris, Lambert, Payton, Stabler, Swann (3: different) and Webster; PSA NM 7: 2 packs, w/Swann and Theismann.
Basketball Cards
1948 Bowman Basketball High Grade SGC Collection (10) With NM Braun! Few sets of any sport from the 1940's are as difficult to find today in high grade as Bowmans' first, and last, Basketball edition from 1948. While this lot is modest in size, it scores huge points in rookie cards, a trio of scarce high numbers including a Near Mint example of the last card in the set! Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 10 Davies RC, 15 Hale RC and 26 Brookfield; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 34 Fulks RC and 62 Schaefer; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, w/#'s 26 Brooksfield, 44 Johnson and 72 Braun RC; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #2 Hamilton; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #36 Tidrick. The SMR value of this high grade selection exceeds $2,500.00.
1957-58 Topps Basketball Complete Set - #2 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 74.6 GPA. By 1957, three of the four major sports had all long-held relationships with card collectors young and old. It took some 50+ years but it looked as though basketball was finally taking a place in the spotlight. It was a grand idea which was to be the seeds that took another dozen years to take root. Thankfully Topps did take to an unproven court thus giving the hobby the rookie cards of all time greats Bill Russell, Bob Petit and Bob Cousey. With a major release not seen since 1949, this lone basketball entry of any brand from the 1950's is essentially an entire set of rookie cards. This presentation is 75% EX-MT or better, a exemplary effort indeed particularly under the conservative eyes of SGC. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, #'s 14, 22 Marshall, 31, 37, 65, 69, 70; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards, #'s 20, 30, 54, 61 and 68; SGC 84 NM 7: 19 cards, #'s 6, 7, 11, 27, 33, 35, 36, 41, 45, 48, 50, 55, 57, 58, 62, 64, 66, 74 and 76; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 20 cards, #'s 3, 5, 8, 9, 10 Arizin, 13 Schayes, 17 Cousy, 28, 29, 32 Kerr, 34, 39, 42, 53, 59, 60, 63, 67, 75 and 79; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 9 cards, #'s 2, 15, 16, 18, 21, 23, 56, 72 and 80 Schnittker; SGC 60 EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 12, 24 Pettit, 38, 40 Risen, 46, 71, 73 and 77 Russell; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 1 Clifton, 4, 19, 26, 44 Gola, 47, 51, 52; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 25, 43 and 78; SGC Authentic: 1 card, #49.
1957 Topps Walt Davis #49 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 2 with None Higher! The 1957-58 Topps basketball series is in some respects a test issue as the popularity of basketball at the time would generate into sales of trading cards. There had not been a card release for the sport since the multi-color cards Bowman produced in 1949. The series did have some success but the available supply could hardly be called plentiful. SGC has graded over 1,800 1957 Topps basketball cards and only 15 have been graded 96 Mint 9. It is almost a fluke that card #49 of Walt Davis is recorded as having two graded at this level with none higher. We could imply the card was a resubmission but that is pure speculation. Regardless, one of the finest '57 Topps cards in existence.
1961 Essex Meats Hawks PSA-Graded Collection (6) With Pettit. Each card from this very scarce regional issue is of the finest quality including the lye name in the set, Basketball HoFers Bob Pettit. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 6 cards w/Ferrari, Foust, Hagan, Levane, Lovellette and Pettit.
1961 Essex Meats Hawks Complete Set (13) - #12 On the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #12 on the PSA Set Registry with a 5.56 GPA. Presented is a 13-card complete set of 1961 Essex Meats basketball cards featuring players from the St. Louis Hawks. Single examples from this very scarce regionally issued team set are difficult to locate and a complete set is rarely offered. Among the series' exclusively St. Louis subject-roster is all-time great Bob Pettit. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards, Cable and LaCour; PSA NM 7: 3 cards, Foust, Levane and Sims; PSA EX-MT 6: 3 cards, Ferrari, Hill and McMillon; PSA EX 5: 3 cards, Lovellette, McCarthy and Pettit; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards w/Hagan and Hatton.
1961-62 Fleer Basketball Complete Set (66) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #3 on the SGC Set Registry with a 72.2 GPA. Very strong presentation with more than a few conservative grades. This series was the only major basketball production in over a decade. The set is anchored by the rookie cards of Baylor, Chamberlain, Robertson and West. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #48; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 7, 36 Robertson and 42 Twyman; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 8 cards, #'s 12, 28, 38 Russell, 39, 40, 46 Baylor IA, 58 and 63 Schayes IA; SGC 84 NM 7: 13 cards, #'s 2, 4 Bellamy, 16 Greer, 22, 27, 30, 34 Pettit, 43 West, 53, 54, 55, 61 Robertson IA and 62 Russell IA; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 13 cards, #'s 1 Attles, 3 Baylor, 6, 8 Chamberlain, 13, 18, 19, 23 Jones, 24, 41, 49 Cousey IA, 59 Pettit IA and 66 Wets IA; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 5 cards, #'s 21, 25 Kerr, 29, 37 and 64; SGC 60 EX 5: 12 cards, #'s 9, 10 Cousey, 11, 14 Gola, 15, 17, 26, 45, 47 Chamberlain IA, 52, 57 and 60; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 5, 33, 35, 44 Wilkins, 50, 51, 56 and 65; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 20, 31 and 32.
1968 Jack In The Box Basketball Graded Complete Set (14) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the PSA set Registry with a 9.42 GPA! In 1968 Jack-In-The-Box produced a 14-card set which showcased the players from the newly formed San Diego Rockets. These cards are among the precious few basketball cards to be circulated on any scale since the Fleer edition some seven years prior. Single examples are tough to acquire, a complete set of 14 is a true next-to-impossible achievement. With every card a rookie card, this set features the "true" rookie cards of HoFers Elvin Hayes and Pat Riley. The Henry Finkle and Harry Barnes cards are short-printed and are extremely rare in any condition. With one exception, each card equals the highest grade known for that subject. Includes: Graded - PSA Gem MT 10: 12 cards w/ Rick Adelman, Jim Barnett, John Block, Elvin Hayes, Toby Kimball, Don Kojis, Stuart Lantz, Pat Riley, Bobby Smith, John Trapp, Art Williams and Bernie Williams; PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards w/ Harry Barnes/SP and Henry Finkle/SP. A fine addition to any basketball collection.
1969-70 Topps Basketball High Grade Collection (70). These are the first Basketball cards made by Topps since 1957. The offered lot of 70 high end collectibles does have some light duplication but a fine selection of rookies, stars and superstars. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards, #'s 6, 12, 17, 28, 65 and 78; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 17 cards, #'s 4, 5, 18, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 38, 44 Wilkens, 50 Robertson, 55 Bing RC, 75 Hayes RC, 76, 85, 90 West and 93; PSA NM-MT 8: 6 cards, #'s 16 (OC), 34, 49, 56 Unseld RC, 73 and 95 Bellamy (OC); SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 2 Goodrich, 30, 39 and 97; SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 11, 15 Hawkins, 51, 56 Unseld RC, 71, 78, 89 and 90 West; PSA NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 13, 28, 86 and 96; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #1 Chamberlain. Ungraded - including #25 Alcindor (EX). Grades 65% NM to NM/MT+, 35% EX/MT with some EX. The SMR value of the graded cards (without factoring half-grades) is well over $1,500.00.
1969-1990 Topps & Fleer Basketball Complete Cards and Sticker Insert Sets (17)! An instant collection! If you love hoops then this lot is for you. Offered is a very nice and almost complete run of every major Topps and Fleer set from 1969 through 1990. The collection consists of 17 complete sets of cards and sticker inserts. Among the over 2,800 individual collectible is a vast array of stars, superstars and key rookie cards of Chamberlain, Jabbar, M. Johnson, Bird, West, Ewing, Malone, Havlicek, Walton, Erving, and the list could go on and on. A total of 31 cards have been graded by SGC. Includes: 1969-70 Topps - Complete set of 99 cards; 1970-71 Topps - Complete set of 175 cards; 1971-72 Topps - Complete set of 233 cards; 1972-73 Topps - Complete set of 264 cards; 1973-74 Topps - Complete set of 264 cards; 1974-75 Topps - Complete set of 264 cards; 1975-76 Topps - Complete set of 330 cards; 1980-81 Topps - Complete set of 176 cards; 1981-82 Topps - Complete set of 198 cards; 1986-87 Fleer - Complete set of 132 cards; 1986-87 Fleer Stickers - Complete set of 11 cards; 1987-88 Fleer - Complete set of 132 cards; 1987-88 Fleer Stickers - Complete set of 11 cards; 1988-89 Fleer - Complete set of 132 cards; 1988-89 Fleer Stickers - Complete set of 11 cards; 1989-90 Fleer - Complete set of 168 cards; 1990-91 Fleer - Complete set of 198 cards. Please see our web site for a more detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1969 Topps Jerry West #90 PSA Mint 9. Topps single handedly resurrected the basketball card market in 1969. From that inaugural edition comes this card #90 of LA Lakers legend Jerry West. Precise centering, sharp corners and problem free surfaces are all earmarks of the Mint grade level and this card scores on all points. Of the almost 500 copies submitted to date, only a dozen (2.5%) can boast the "Mint" grade, with none higher.
1970-71 Topps Basketball Counter Display Box Collection (10). Collectors are all accustomed to seeing cards in single holders, top loaders, sheets, albums, etc. but rarely does one see how they were originally sold in their year of issue. original packaging and wrapper collecting is a fascinating endeavor in it sown right or one that greatly enhances the interest of any card collection. This lot offers ten 1970-71 Topps counter display boxes. All have been used to house cards so there is obvious wear and/or creasing to each. One box has a partial corner split, one has tape repairs to the front panel with the other eight boxes being structurally sound with no splitting at corners. Each box has light ink marks on the top panel and all have ink & marker notations on the back panels. One box has a "New Series" sticker and all present rather nicely. A very neat addition to any basketball collection and one which allows a collector to keep some, trade some or sell some.
1970-71 Topps Basketball High Grade Collection (193) With Near Set. Offered is a high end collection of 193 Topps Basketball cards from the gum makers 2nd annual production for the 1970-71 season. There is an extensive selection of stars and superstars, and many have been graded by PSA or SGC. The strong majority of the set is represented including Chamberlain, Robertson, West and Maravich. In total, 80 cards have been graded by SGC or PSA. Almost 150 different numbers are represented plus some duplication. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 1 card, #69; PSA Mint 9: 3 cards, #'s 24 CL (OC), 100 Robertson and 146; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 20 cards, #'s 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 28, 48, 50 Chamberlain, 51, 52, 60, 66, 71, 76, 99, 101 Checklist, 125, 128, 130 Hawkins and 157; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 26 cards, #'s 7 Bradley, 11, 12, 14, 17, 15, 21, 24 Checklist, 25, 26, 30, 39, 60, 79, 85, 89, 98, 103, 105, 107 West AS, 109 Hawkins AS, 137, 148 Sloan, 166, 167 and 175 Knicks Win; PSA NM-MT 8: 12 cards, #'s 4 LL (OC), 78 (OC), 84, 95 (OC), 113 Baylor AS, 124, 133, 135, 141, 142,153 and 173 Game 6; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 7 cards, #'s 8, 9, 27, 34, 50 Chamberlain, 112 Havlicek AS and 150 Reed; SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 22, 57, 50 Chamberlain, 58, 67, 90 Thurmond, 120 Frazier and 123 Maravich; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #36; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, #13 Riley; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #46; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #45. Ungraded - including #'s 5 Jabbar LL (EX/MT), 50 Chamberlain (EX) and 107 West AS (EX/MT). Grades 52% NM to NM/MT to Mint, 41% EX to EX/MT, 7% slightly lesser. The SMR value of the graded cards is over $2,200.00.
1970-71 Topps Pete Maravich #123 SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5. One of the most beloved figures in post-war basketball history made his cardboard debut in this popular "Tall Boys" issue, and here we present a wonderful high-grade specimen featuring a baby-faced Pistol Pete. Color and registration is magnificent, and the wear so typically found within this issue is absent here. A gorgeous card.
1971-72 Topps Basketball Collection (3,000+) With 66 Pete Maravich Cards! There once was a song titled, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime." If this lot were a song it would be, "Brother Can You Spare a Maravich." Kidding aside, this is a group of unsearched, uncounted 1971-72 Topps basketball cards that fill up a four-thousand count box. What we do know is that there are probably only 40-50 different cards. The box is quite packed so the count estimate of 3,000 is a safe quantity to quote. All of the cards came from vending boxes and have survived quite well. High end corners and a fresh appearance is common with centering being the determining factor in grade. The cards will grade EX to NM/MT if not some Mint and we'll cover ourselves by saying there may be a very rare crease or wrinkle. A fantastic purchase for a group of hobbyists or dealer inventory.
1973-74 Topps Basketball Team Stickers SGC-Graded Near Set (31/33). Not only is this NOT a set you see everyday but never in this incredible condition. Only two cards shy of a complete set but what is here is almost all NM/MT to MINT condition. A fun addition to any basketball collection. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 16 cards, Braves-Lakers, Braves-Trail Blazers, Bullets-Knicks, Cavaliers-Hawks, Bulls-Pistons, Rockets-Spurs, Warriors-Bucks, Rockets-Braves, Colonels-Tams, Lakers-Celtics, Lakers-Bullets, Knicks-Warriors, 76ers-Hawks, Suns-Cavaliers, Conquistadors-Pacers and Squires-Rockets; SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, Hawks-Supersonics, Bucks-Knicks and Knicks -Bulls; SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 8 cards, Celtics-Braves, Celtics-76ers, Hawks-Celtics, Pistons-Warriors, Warriors-Kings, Pacers-Squires, Trail Blazers-Rockets and Spurs-Nets; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Stars-Colonels; SGC 80 EX-NM 6: 1 card, Cougars-Stars; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, Tams-Cougars and Supersonics-Suns.
1980-81 Topps Bird/Erving/Johnson # 6 SGC 96 Mint 9. Few players were more instrumental in the style, pace and growing popularity of basketball than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The superstar duo also make for one of the most highly prized dual-Hall of Famers rookie cards of any sport from any era. Rounding out the trio of players is basketball legend Julius Erving which doesn't hurt the value at all. The offered example is stunning and incredibly well centered, which is rare for an issue which is known for having centering problems. If you are looking for the best, this card is going to very hard to pass on.
1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie SGC-Graded Collection (17). The NBA suffered by a lack of interest in the sport and its players but that all began to change in the late-1970's Only a complete fool wouldn't agree that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were the faces of the sport -- fresh and positive faces that transformed public perception. Their talents on the court changed the way the very game itself is played. It is only befitting they share the same rookie card and only this pair could completely overshadow the NBA legend in Julius Erving who shares this card with them. Offered is a group of 17 such cards. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 4 cards; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 4 cards; SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards. The SMR value is well over $2,000.00.
1986 Fleer Basketball Complete Set (132) Plus Stickers Complete Set (11). This now landmark edition brought the sport of basketball card collecting to a new generation. The set spans the era from the newness of Jordan, Ewing and Barkley to established stars like Bird, and M. Johnson to the aging legends Abdul-Jabbar and Erving. A very clean all NM/MT to MINT presentation. Includes: 1986 Fleer Basketball (132) - Complete set of 132 cards. Graded - PSA Mint 9: 34 cards, #'s 1 Jabbar, 2, 3, 6, 16, 17, 20, 23, 25, 26 Drexler, 31 Erving, 34, 35, 36, 37, 42, 45, 56, 58, 63, 80, 81 Oakley, 83, 89, 90, 92, 95, 100, 103, 104, 113, 118, 125 and 127; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 7 cards, #'s 8, 24, 43, 47, 82 Olajuwon, 99 and 102; PSA NM-MT 8: 57 cards, #'s 4, 5, 7 Barkley, 9 Bird, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32 Ewing, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 Johnson, 54, 55, 57 Jordan, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 Malone, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 91, 93, 94, 96, 987, 98, 101, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109 Thomas, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121 Wilkins, 122, 123, 124, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131 Worthy and 132 Checklist; 1986 Fleer Stickers (11) - Complete set of 11 stickers. Includes: PSA Mint 9: 1 sticker, #3 Dantley; PSA NM-MT 8: 10 stickers, #'s 1 Jabbar, 2 Bird, 4, 5 Erving, 6 Ewing, 7 Johnson, 8 Jordan, 9, 10 and 11.
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57 GAI Gem Mint 9.5. The rookie card of Michael Jordan is, simply put, one of if not the most sought-after modern card of any sport and arguably the most popular card from any era or sport. The offered rookie is clearly a pack-fresh example, with perfect centering and superb colors. Four perfect and apparently never-touched edges culminate in four sharp corners tips.
Hockey Cards
1912 C57 "Hockey Series" Complete Set (50) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry! NOTE: The description has been updated to reflect upgrades. As of April 10, 2010 the set has a 4.88 GPA and is 74% EX to EX/MT with not a single card grading below the VG-EX 4 level!
Rank: #2 on the PSA Set registry with a 4.88 GPA. This is a presentation all hockey collectors dream of owning. Of the three 1910-1912 tobacco sets, the C57 edition is by far the most difficult for collectors to find, overall, let alone in middle to high grade. The thought of piecing together a complete set of 50 cards of largely matching quality is almost beyond the upper limits of reality. The set is excellence personified. Twenty cards either equal the highest grade known or have just one nicer example known including hockey legend Art Ross in EX-MT. This condition rarity is one of only three known for the grade with none higher! Another twenty-one subjects show only two or three nicer examples recorded. The only finer assembly is less than one grade nicer-5.41 vs 4.88. With some ice cold determination and some luck, this set could actually have a chance to rank in the coveted #1 position on the registry. All of the top players like Ross, Malone, Lalonde, Moran, etc. sit among the highest grade levels. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 20 Ross (Pop 3, none higher), 29 Darragh (Pop 2, none higher), 33 Kerr (Pop 2, none higher), 35 Kendall (Pop 3, none higher) and 40 Boyce (Pop 3, none higher); PSA EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #30 Shore; PSA EX 5: 31 cards, #'s 2 Broadbent (Pop 3, none higher), 5 Dunderdale (Pop 2, one higher), 6, 7 Delaire (Pop 2, none higher), 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 Cleghorn, 16 Hall, 17, 18 Moran, 19 Hyland, 21, 22 Smaill, 23 Roberts, 24 Gardner, 25 Johnson, 26 Russell, 27 Lesueur, 31, 34 Gerard (Pop 3, one higher), 36 Fournier (Pop 4, none higher), 37, 38, 42, 43 Taylor (Pop 4, one higher), 44 Lalonde (Pop 4, two higher), 45 Pitre, 46 Laviolette and 48 Malone (Pop 2, one higher); PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 5 cards, #'s 12, 28 Ridpath, 32, 41 Patrick and 49 Walsh; PSA VG-EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 1 Vezina (Pop 4, only one higher), 3 Benedict, 4, 13 Lindsay, 14, 39, 47 and 50 O. Cleghorn.
Rank: #2 on the PSA Set registry with a 4.88 GPA. This is a presentation all hockey collectors dream of owning. Of the three 1910-1912 tobacco sets, the C57 edition is by far the most difficult for collectors to find, overall, let alone in middle to high grade. The thought of piecing together a complete set of 50 cards of largely matching quality is almost beyond the upper limits of reality. The set is excellence personified. Twenty cards either equal the highest grade known or have just one nicer example known including hockey legend Art Ross in EX-MT. This condition rarity is one of only three known for the grade with none higher! Another twenty-one subjects show only two or three nicer examples recorded. The only finer assembly is less than one grade nicer-5.41 vs 4.88. With some ice cold determination and some luck, this set could actually have a chance to rank in the coveted #1 position on the registry. All of the top players like Ross, Malone, Lalonde, Moran, etc. sit among the highest grade levels. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 20 Ross (Pop 3, none higher), 29 Darragh (Pop 2, none higher), 33 Kerr (Pop 2, none higher), 35 Kendall (Pop 3, none higher) and 40 Boyce (Pop 3, none higher); PSA EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #30 Shore; PSA EX 5: 31 cards, #'s 2 Broadbent (Pop 3, none higher), 5 Dunderdale (Pop 2, one higher), 6, 7 Delaire (Pop 2, none higher), 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 Cleghorn, 16 Hall, 17, 18 Moran, 19 Hyland, 21, 22 Smaill, 23 Roberts, 24 Gardner, 25 Johnson, 26 Russell, 27 Lesueur, 31, 34 Gerard (Pop 3, one higher), 36 Fournier (Pop 4, none higher), 37, 38, 42, 43 Taylor (Pop 4, one higher), 44 Lalonde (Pop 4, two higher), 45 Pitre, 46 Laviolette and 48 Malone (Pop 2, one higher); PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 5 cards, #'s 12, 28 Ridpath, 32, 41 Patrick and 49 Walsh; PSA VG-EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 1 Vezina (Pop 4, only one higher), 3 Benedict, 4, 13 Lindsay, 14, 39, 47 and 50 O. Cleghorn.
1910 C56 "Hockey Series" PSA-Graded Collection (9). Overall, these nine cards are all very nice examples for their grades. This attractive lot represents almost one-third of the entire series. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7 (MC): 1 card, #4 Holden; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards, #'s 3 Roberts and 6 Dey; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 11 Clark, 17 Stuart, 27 Lake and 24 Poulin; PSA VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 22 Hern and 35 Marshall. The SMR value of this very clean middle grade start to the set is $900.00.
1910 C56 "Hockey Series" SGC 60 EX 5 Graded Quartet (4). Offered is a very nice high end quartet of grade C56 Hockey cards from 1910. This series is a must have for vintage hockey aficionados. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 18 Nick Bawlf, 21 Jack Laviolette (Pop 3, only one higher), 22 Riley Hern and 29 C. Toms. Each card is among the highest graded example recorded to date with a grade population no higher than three and there are only one or two cards graded higher. A chance to own a selection of the finer C56 cards known.
1911 C56 "Hockey Series" PSA-Graded Trio (3). Note: The description has been corrected from the catalog. Included is card #13, not #15.
From the premiere early 20th Century hockey tobacco card series we offer a quality trio of C56 collectibles, all garde by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 1 card, #13 Ed Decary; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards, #'s 16 Joseph Cattarinigh and 34 Bruce Ridpath. All strong examples for the respective grade levels.
From the premiere early 20th Century hockey tobacco card series we offer a quality trio of C56 collectibles, all garde by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 1 card, #13 Ed Decary; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards, #'s 16 Joseph Cattarinigh and 34 Bruce Ridpath. All strong examples for the respective grade levels.
1910 C56 "Hockey Series" PSA-Graded Trio (3). Offered is a trio of physically sound C56 hockey collectibles showing very clean surfaces and rich hues. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 20 Ernest Russell and 31 Horace Gaul; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #29 C. Toms.
1910 C56 Harry Hyland #10 SGC 60 EX 5. The subject of this 1910 C56 tobacco card once scored eight goals in a game as a member of the Montreal Wanders, and three seasons prior Harry Hyland led his team to the Stanley Cup Championship. Offered here is a spectacular example, which has been graded a solid SGC 60 EX 5. Card boasts adequate centering, moderate corner wear, and no visible creasing can be seen through the attractive SGC holder.
1910 C56 Art Ross #12 PSA VG-EX 4. The fearless legend, known for his superior leadership as much as for his rugged play, Art Ross is featured on this exemplar from the 1910 C56 issue. The former hockey executive and defenseman is presented brilliantly on this card, which exhibits fantastic color and centering. Graded a PSA VG-EX 4 this rare treasure is equally significant as it is stunning. An extremely important piece in any high-caliber hockey card collection, this is a perfect opportunity to own an extremely stunning card for its grade.
1910 C56 Jim Jones #19 PSA EX-MT 6. Only three Jim Jones 1910 C56 exemplars graded have been deemed of stronger quality by the vintage card experts at PSA, and this PSA EX-MT 6 is as strong as any at the same grade. A definite candidate for a grade review, this piece features the lightest of corner wear, and an amazingly clean surface. Its 70/30 left to right centering is the only noticeable detractor on this stunning card from the famed tobacco issue.
1910 C56 Didier Pitre #23 PSA EX 5. One of the first players to join the storied Montreal Canadiens, who went by the nickname "Cannonball," Didier Pitre is featured on this fabulous card from the 1910 C56 issue. Deep background and jersey color is presented on this PSA EX 5, featuring the 1962 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. A fantastic example for its grade, this piece exhibits moderate corner wear, and no noticeable staining.
1910 C56 Lester Patrick #26 SGC 60 EX 5. "The Silver Fox," Lester Patrick is widely recognized as the first defenseman to score a goal, and later earned great success as leader of the 1906 and 1907 Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Wanderers. He later became a high-priced free agent on the Renfrew Creamery Kings, the squad he represents on this 1910 C56 card. This solid pasteboard has been graded an SGC 60 EX 5, while exhibiting a strong surface and moderate corner wear.
1910 C56 Paddy Moran #28 SGC 60 EX 5. A gritty, tobacco-chewing goalie who spent all but one of his 16 seasons for the Quebec Hockey Club, Paddy Moran is featured as a member of the Haileybury Comets on this 1910 C56 tobacco card. Graded an SGC 60 EX 5, this card boasts a brilliant royal blue background and no noticeable creasing. Solid example representing the 1958 Hall of Fame inductee.
1910 C59 Lacrosse PSA-Graded Collection (10) - With Jos. Malone! This is a very sharp selection of C59 "Lacrosse Series" cards which included many of the top hockey players of the day. This lot is highlighted by HoFer Jos. Malone. Each is among the finest copies recorded to date. Note below are some population highlights. The group includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 9 McCarthy (pop 3, none higher), 13 Goodwin (pop 3, two higher), 22 Butterworth (pop 3, one higher), and 79 Bernard (pop 2, none higher); PSA VG=EX+ 4.5: 1 card, #94 Dulude (pop 2, one higher-a "5"); PSA VG-EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 24 Eastwood (pop 2, two higher), 26 McMillan, 84 J. Malone (pop 3, seven higher), 86 Alain and 96 Gagnon.
1910 C59 Lacrosse Paddy Moran #75 PSA EX 5. Canada's second passion after hockey was Lacrosse and for a time held a greater following. Many hockey stars played this sport during the hockey off-season including hockey HoF goaltender Patrick "Paddy" Moran. This excellent copy is one of a handful at this grade level with only one example grading higher. The prime hockey sets from this era are difficult enough to find. High end examples from the Lacrosse series are particularly challenging.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Jack Darragh #17 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, a total of only four have been graded. This is the only example for this grade with a pair higher. A surprisingly nice EX/MT card with a trio of small scuff spots on the reverse.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Joe Hall #2 PSA VG-EX 4 - Highest Grade Known. To date, only three examples have been graded. This is one of two at this grade which is the highest grade level known. Solid middle grade example with light corner wear.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Riley Hern #32 PSA VG-EX 4 - Highest Grade Known. To date, only four examples have been graded. This is one of two at this grade which is the highest grade level known. Solid example with stain on reverse.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Barney Holden #3 PSA VG 3. To date, only three examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with only one known higher. Solid middle grade example with light corner wear.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Albert Kerr #10 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only three examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with one higher. Terrific EX/MT looking cards with one surface spec imperfection and the slight top layer chipping at edges and lower, right corner.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Ed Lalonde #42 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only three examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with one known higher. Considered one of the greatest hockey players of the 20th Century. You will find his name as a member's list of both the Hockey and the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. A very strong example with just slight edge imperfections.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Jack Laviolette #45 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only two examples have been graded. This copy is tied with one other as the finest pair submitted to date with none higher. Light edge wear as seen with one very small spot of surface scuffing on the reverse. No creases or wrinkles.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Bert Lindsay #21 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only two examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with one higher. The first of two generations of Lindsay men who played professional hockey. Great card with slight spot surface wear and quality corners.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Joe Malone #4 PSA EX 5. To date, only two examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with only one higher. Malone is ranked among the top 50 Greatest Hockey players of all time. The seven goals he scored on January 31, 1920 still stands as the most scored by one player in a single game. Light corner wear and a very crisp image.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Rocket Power #40 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only two examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with only one higher - a VG-EX+ 4.5. One very faint, very short surface wrinkle on the reverse away from possibly being the finest Sweet Cap' Power known.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Skein Ronan #26 PSA VG-EX 4 - Highest Grade Known! To date, only three total examples have been graded. This is one of a pair at this grade level with none higher. A light wrinkle and one blunt corner away from being the finest copy known.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Arthur Ross #31 PSA Good 2. To date, only three examples have been graded of a player which should be one of the most commonly submitted. This is the only copy at this grade level with only two nicer. The "Babe Ruth" of his sport, he is one of the first 12 members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Ross is regarded as one of the greatest players ever to take to the ice. His talent recognized via the "Art Ross Trophy" which is awarded to the player who leads the league in points scored for the season. Not just a great player, Ross fought for player rights and is still the most successful coach in Boston Bruins history. A pair of light creases which only modestly impact the visual appeal of the cards account for the grade. Think of this as the "Babe Ruth Rookie Card" of Hockey.
1910 Sweet Caporal Postcards Hamby Shore #12 PSA VG-EX 4. To date, only three examples have been graded. This is the only copy at this grade level with only one higher. A small area of surface wear mitigated by nice corners and a sharp full-figure portrait.
1911-12 C55 Joe Malone #4 SGC 60 EX 5. Known as the "Phantom" during his prolific professional hockey career, Joe Malone weaved through the opposition with ease, and used his deceptive speed to put together his most memorable moment when he scored an NHL-record seven goals in one game. One of the greatest scorers ever to take the ice, Malone is featured as a member of the Quebec Bulldogs on this SGC 60 EX 5 graded example from the famed 1911-12 C55 issue. Extremely rare and significant, this piece exhibits no creasing, while presenting a colorful surface.
1911-12 C55 Percy Lesueur #16 SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. A true pioneer of the game, Ottawa Senators goalie Percy Lesueur is recognized for his design of goal used from 1912 onwards, and also for his introduction of the "gauntlet" style goaltending glove. An inductee of the 1961 Hockey Hall of Fame class, the tall stand-up goaltender won two Stanley Cups with the Senators, and is presented in his classic black, red and white sweater on this 1911-12 C55 tobacco exemplar. Graded an SGC 70 EX+ 5.5, this solid pasteboard presents a clean surface and no creasing.
1911-12 C55 Jack Darragh #17 SGC 70 EX+ 5.5. Heroic forward of the Ottawa Senators, who scored both goals in the 1921 Final versus Vancouver, in the a deciding 2-1 game victory, Jack Darragh is featured on this brilliant exemplar from the 1911-12 C55 Imperial issue. Carrying the strong grade of an SGC 70 EX+ 5.5, the four-time Cup winner is presented in perfect registration and color, while presenting an ultra-clean card surface. An extremely important card presenting the 1962 Hall of Fame inductee.
1911-12 C55 Fred Taylor #20 PSA EX-MT 6. One of the most skilled skaters in the history of professional hockey, Fred "Cyclone" Taylor was one of a few players who could skate as fast backwards as he could forwards. An all-around athlete, Taylor performed at an extremely high level at several positions and won several scoring championships and two Stanley Cup trophies. Offered here is an impressive PSA EX-MT 6 exemplar from hockey's C55 tobacco issue. At the time of this writing, only five examples have been graded higher, making this one highest quality offerings featuring the 1947 Hall of Fame inductee.
1911-12 C55 Odie Cleghorn #25 SGC 80 EX/NM 6. Odie Cleghorn was an innovator of professional hockey who created the idea of set lines. What may be taken for granted in the world of modern hockey, Cleghorn's idea of rotating players in a structured process replaced the action of resting players only when needed. Offered here is Cleghorn's significant card from the beautiful 1911-12 hockey issue. Graded an impressive SGC 80 EX/NM 6, this exemplar presents solid color and moderate corner wear. Extremely desirable card from hockey's most popular set.
1911-12 C55 Walter Smaill "Right Hand On Hip" #27 PSA VG-EX 4. A member of the 1910 Stanley Cup Champion Ottawa Senators, who is presented as a member of the 1911 Montreal Wanderers, Walter Smaill is featured with his "right hand on hip," making this one of the rarest variations of the C55 tobacco card issue. Graded a solid PSA VG-EX 4, this variation still eludes many serious hockey card enthusiasts, and offers a perfect opportunity to own a high-quality exemplar of the desirable rarity.
1911-12 C55 Harry Hyland #30 SGC 60 EX 5. One of the most notable stars of early professional hockey, Harry Hyland was a key player of the 1909-10 Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Wanderers. Hyland is sporting a brilliant red and white Montreal sweater on this offered example from the 1911-12 C55 issue, which has been graded a desirable SGC 60 EX 5. Crystal clear imagery and an ultra-clean surface superbly present this impressive pasteboard from the gorgeous tobacco card set.
1911-12 C55 Arthur Ross #31 SGC 60 EX 5. Ice hockey legend Art Ross contributed to the game as an exceptional player, on-ice official and later as head coach of the Boston Bruins, where he helped make many executive decisions, which aided the hockey powerhouse squad into becoming one of the most successful teams in the NHL. Offered here is Ross' gorgeous 1911-12 C55 Imperial tobacco card that has been graded an SGC 60 EX 5. One of the most important cards in the sports collecting world, this stunning pasteboard presents strong centering and bright color, which sets off Ross' Montreal jersey in stunning fashion.
1911-12 C55 "Hockey Series" SGC 60 EX 5 Collection (6). Offered is an impressive selection of C55 Hockey Series cards from the 1911-12 season. Each is among the finer examples graded to date. Overall, only about a handful of higher graded examples are known. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 6 cards, #'s 6 Tom Dunderdale, 18 Steve Vair, 24 Sprague Cleghorn, 33 Gordon Roberts, 37 Arthur Bernier and 41 Didier Pitre. The SMR value for this high end selection is well over $1,250.00.
1911-12 C55 "Hockey Series" SGC 60 EX 5 or 70 EX+ 5.5 Collection (5). Offered is a 5-card selection of high end C55 hockey cards from 1911. With the centennial anniversary approaching, this set is only going to become more and more popular. Includes: Graded - SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #22 Larry Gilmour; SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 13 Alex Currie, 32 Riley Hern, 36 James Gardiner and 39 G. Dallaire. The SMR value of this group approaches $1,000.00.
1911-12 C55 "Hockey Series" SGC-Graded Partial Set (19/45). The C55 "Hockey Series" is an essential segment for any vintage hockey collection. The cards are quite striking in appearance and they have never failed to entice generation after generation of card enthusiasts. The entirely middle grade selection is a great start toward a complete set with some nice looking examples for the grade levels. Includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 13 cards, #'s 1 Moran, 3 Holden, 7, 10 Kerr, 14 Ridpath, 15, 23, 26, 28, 29, 34, 35 Russell and 40 Power; SGC 40 VG 3: 6 cards, #'s 2 Joe Hall, 8 MacDonald, 9 Lake, 19, 43 and 44 Poulin.
1924 Champ's Cigarettes Cy Denneny PSA EX 5. Cyril "Cy" Denneny was a prolific scorer during his career who dominated the stat from 1917 to 1925. His 246 lifetime goals earns Cy a place on the All time 100 Best Players list and an induction into the Hall of fame in 1959. This C144 of the Ottawa Senators great is a stellar example for the player and the series. High end C144s are extremely hard to find in the States and finding them in Canada is no easy task. This is one of only eight total Denneny cards submitted to PSA.
1925 Dominion Chocolate PSA-Graded Quartet (4) - All Scarce & Low Pop. Like many other sets, the 1925 Dominion Chocolate set encouraged buyers to cut and save a complete set of coupons for an unnamed "valuable prize." Today, this series is scarce in its homeland and close to impossible to acquire in the states, especially cards with the mentioned coupons still attached. Each card within this offered selection has a total population between five and eight and each is among of the finest recorded for their respective subjects. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7 (MC): 1 card, #55 Collett (Pop 1, highest graded example known); PSA EX 5: 1 card, #86 Langtry (Pop 2 with three higher), PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 1 card, #49 Owen Sound Juniors (Pop 1 with two higher); PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #82 Forbes (Pop 2 with four higher).
1925 Dominion Chocolate Newsy Lalonde #95 PSA VG-EX 4. Newsy Lalonde was quite a champion in Canadian sports. On top of being considered one of the greatest hockey players of the 20th Century he is also a legend in the sport of Lacrosse. He is a member of the hall of fame for both sports. His 455 lifetime goals was a record until 1954 and his seven scoring titles is surpassed only by Wayne Gretzky. The scarcity, plus the fact it IS a Lalonde card makes this Dominion Chocolate card one of the most hotly pursued collectibles of any era. In addition to having the coveted redemption coupon intact, this is one of the finest examples known to date. The grade is based on some slight wrinkling which only affects the coupon portion of the card. Of the only five total submissions to PSA, this is the only card to have the VG-EX grade and is second to one which barely graded better at VG-EX+ 4.5.
1925 Dominion Chocolate Lionel Conacher #118 PSA VG-EX 4 (MC) - His Rookie card. Lionel "The Big Train" Conacher was among Canada's best all-around athletes. He was a star in Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Baseball, Canadian football and Boxing. After his career in sports ended Conacher was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Canadian House of Commons. One of ten children, Conacher saw sports as a path out of poverty. Making his debut in 1925, his career lasted for 12 seasons where he played with four teams. His team won the Stanley Cup titles in 1934 and 1935. On December 2, 1925 Conacher scored the first goal in Pittsburgh Pirates franchise history. This is Lionel Conacher's rookie card appearance. The card is a solid middle grade example with a factory miscut. The card shows light honest corner wear and has no creasing or wrinkles. A rare and significant hobby collectible.
1925 Dominion Chocolate Aurele Joliat PSA VG-EX 4 (MC). Aurele "Little Giant" Joliat was a 5'7" powerhouse who never backed away from an on-ice confrontation. His '22 Montreal arrival was "icy" at best as he was the compensation when fan favorite Newsy Lalonde went to Saskatoon. His remarkable skills instantly won him over with fans. With the Canadiens, he contributed to three Stanley Cup titles in 1924, 1930 and 1931. When Joliat's career came an end (said, in part due to the death of Howie Morenz) his achievements were considerable. Joliat played for the first NHL First All-Star Team in 1931; He won the Hart (MVP) trophy in 1934; When he retired, he ranked third for goals scored in a career behind Stewart and Morenz. The Hockey News ranks him among the top 75 players of all time. This is one of the first cards Joliat appears on. The PSA VG-EX 4 collectible has only honest corner wear to note and has retained the coupon portion which is by design meant to be cut off by consumers. The irregular factory cut accounts for the (MC) qualifier. A rare and significant card in any condition.
1936 "The Champions" Postcard Complete Set (10) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #2 on the PSA Set Registry with a 3.8 GPA. The sister edition, "The Triumph" is also being offered elsewhere in this auction. The Amalgamated Press sponsored a pair of now extremely scarce collectibles that circulated as supplements inside copies of two of the their publications. This 10-card complete set was found inside issues of "The Champion" magazine from January to March of 1936. Although there is a range in technical grading, this presentation offers a very consistent visual appearance close to the EX/MT level. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, Barry; PSA EX 5: 1 card, Smith; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards, Cook and C. Conacher; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards, Kelly and Schriner (MK); PSA VG 3: 4 cards, Clancy, F. Cook, Joliat and Marsh. How rare is this series? Not one subject has a total population higher than eight.
1936 "The Triumph" Hockey Postcard Complete Set (10) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry! This and its complement set, "The Champion" are fantastic additions for hobbyists who thrive on owning the obscure and flat-out scarce. The Amalgamated Press is the sponsor of these extremely scarce collectibles which circulated as supplements inside copies of "The Triumph" magazine from January to March of 1936. A specially designed album titled "Famous Ice Hockey Players" was also made to house the cards. This rarely offered complete set of ten is very evenly conditioned and all are very nice cards considering the technical assessments. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 4 cards, Johnson, Mantha, Shore and Thompson; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 1 card, Northcott; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, Conacher, Jackson, Lewis and Matz; PSA Good 2: 1 card, Worthers. A exciting opportunity to acquire a rare vintage where every subject has a total population of six or fewer!
1951-52 Laval Dairy QHL Hockey PSA-Graded Collection (11) - All Among the Finest Known. Talk a long walk down the path of obscurity and eventually you find the name "Laval Dairy." The cards featured players of the Quebec Senior Hockey League and witnessed limited regional distribution. This is an extremely nice display of these scarce 1950's collectibles. Each has a grade pop of four or less; all but one have only a trio or fewer nicer copies known; Two equal the finest recorded to date. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 33 Pelletier (Pop 4, none higher) and 74 Corriveau (Pop 3, none higher); PSA EX-MT 6: 8 cards, #'s 4 Gelineau (Pop 3, one higher), 17 Robert (Pop 1, two higher) 55 Mahaffy (Pop 1, one higher), 62 Hodgson (Pop 1, one higher), 71 Bisaillon (Pop 2, two higher), 96 Clune (Pop 1, six higher), 97 Denis (Pop 3, three higher) and 99 McNeil (Pop 3, none higher); PSA EX 5: 1 card, #85 Plamondon (Pop 1, one higher).
1971-72 Bazooka Bobby Orr #36 SGC Authentic. Maybe once or twice in a lifetime will sports fans have the chance to watch true greatness in action. Ironically enough, it is that same "once or twice in a lifetime chance" which also describes how many times one will probably see this card. It's those players who change the game, while propelling themselves into iconic status, who stand out even among "great" players as superior talents. Possibly, or should we say "probably," the best player ever to take the ice, Bobby Orr is featured on this card from the extremely rare 1971-72 Bazooka issue. Cut from a three-card panel, this piece has been graded "Authentic" by the folks at SGC for that reason and that reason alone. It is unaltered in every other aspect. A moderate stain is exhibited on the bottom-right quadrant of this extremely rare treasure, but the image of the Boston Bruins Hall of Famer stands out in crystal clear flare.
Extremely Rare 1971-72 Bazooka Hockey SGC-Encapsulated Collection (5). 1971-21 Bazooka Hockey cards are by far the rarest hockey cards of the modern era. It is almost criminal the lengths hobbyists have to go through to find just one precious example from this series which many are not even aware exists. This is the first opportunity Heritage has had to offer a selection of these rare collectibles. The key subject in the series is hockey legend Bobby Orr which is available elsewhere in this auction. Anchored by a trio of Hockey Hall of Fame players, we proudly say this lot includes: Graded - SGC Authentic: #'s 5 Henri Richard, 28 Walt McKechnie, 30 Rod Gilbert, 34 Ron Ellis and 35 Stan Mikita. Note: The only reason the cards are in Authentic holders is the long standing policy of SGC to not give numerical grades to hand cut cards. They are not altered in any manner.
1910 C56 "Hockey Series" Partial Set (26/36) - #18 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: The 16 graded cards of this set rank #18 on the PSA Set Registry with a 3.2 GPA. This series is considered by most to be the first major release devoted to Hockey. Being among the first sets every card is essentially a rookie card for that player. This presentation was stored away for the last century and is being offered for the first time. Includes: Graded - PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards, #'s 5 and 19; PSA VG-EX 4: 7 cards, #'s 1 Patrick, 6 Dey, 11 Clark, 16, 17 Stuart, 24 and 26 Patrick; PSA VG+ 3.5: 1 card, #28 Moran; PSA VG 3: 4 cards, #'s 3, 12 Ross, 13 and 20 Russell; PSA Good 2: 1 card, #14 Dunderdale; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #36 Lalonde. Ungraded - #'s 2, 4, 7, 25, 27, 29, . 30, 31, 34 and 35 Marshall (GD). Grades 54% VG to VG/EX+, 15% GD to GD/VG, 31% lesser with two miscuts. The SMR value of the graded potion of this lot is over $2,100.00 (not factoring half-grades).
1910 C56 Art Ross #8 PSA VG-EX 4. One of the great fighters of professional hockey, both on and off the ice. In 1910, Art Ross opposed the National Hockey Association's $5,000 per team salary cap, and did the same thing in 1915 when he was banned for actions. He was later reinstated and went on to become one of the most influential sports figures in history. Offered here is his desirable 1910 C56 tobacco card, which has been graded a PSA VG-EX 4. Card displays deep, brilliant color and strong centering, perfectly framing the portrait of the Hockey Hall of Famer.
1910 C56 Newsy Lalonde #36 SGC 40 VG 3. Not only was Newsy Lalonde regarded as one of the best hockey players of his day, but he doubled as one of the greatest Lacrosse players as well. Also known as one of the most colorful characters of the early 1900's, Lalonde is featured on this card from the famed 1910 C56 issue. Graded an SGC 40 VG 3, this exemplar presents brilliant red, white and blue color, and a killer surface.
1911 C55 "Hockey Players" Near Set (43/45) - #11 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #11 on the PSA Set Registry with a 3.96 GPA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 9 Lake and 15 Stuart; PSA EX 5: 12 cards, #'s 4 Malone, 11 Walsh (MC), 13 Currie, 16 Lesueur, 17 Darragh, 19 Smith, 25 O. Cleghorn, 26 Ronan, 32 Hern, 33 Roberts, 36 Gardiner and 45 Laviolette; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 10 cards, #'s 1 Moran, 2 Hall, 3 Holden, 8 MacDonald, 20 Taylor, 28 Johnson, 31 Ross, 35 Russell, 40 Power and 41 Pitre; PSA VG-EX 4: 8 cards, #'s 5 Oatman, 10 Kerr (MC), 14 Ridpath, 18 Vair, 29 Marshall, 30 Hyland, 37 Bernier and 43 Payan; PSA VG+ 3.5: 1 card, #6 Dunderdale; PSA VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 12 Shore, 22 Gilmour and 23 Rowe; PSA GD+ 2.5: 5 cards, #'s 7 Mallen, 21 Lindsay, 27 Smaill/Hand on Stick, 34 Glass and 38 Vezina; PSA GD 2: 1 card, #24 S. Cleghorn; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #44 Poulin. Without factoring any additional value for half-grades, the SMR value of this set exceeds $8,000.00.
1911 C55 Hockey Series Joe Hall #2 PSA EX-MT 6. Only three examples are recorded higher. Joe Hall was a fiery competitor who is noted for his aggressive style of play for which he earned the nickname "Bad" Joe Hall. Hall did play for a trio of Stanley Cup Championship teams during his 15 years career from 1904-1919. Sadly, Hall died of influenza in 1919 at the age of 36. This is one of his most popular card collectibles and a strong example it is. The ideal "EX" grade card, the light wear at the corners and off-center graphics are paired with good colors and problem free surfaces.
1911 C55 Georges Vezina #38 SGC 60 EX 5. As one of the 12-member inaugural class inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 the talent of George Vezina is immediately recognized. Vezina was the only man to play his position for the Montreal Canadians for 15 years qualifying him as the "Iron Horse" of hockey. This C55 of the man the Vezina Trophy is named after is as typical as it gets for this grade level. The corners have light amounts of wear at tips and the centering sits to the left and slightly low. This is a solid middle grade copy of one of the most highly sought after hockey cards ever produced. To date, only 31 C55 Imperial Vezina cards have been submitted to SGC.
Baseball Cards
1912 C46 Imperial International Baseball Partial Set (67/90). Like so many other card series, this minor league baseball set was released by the Imperial Tobacco Company. This was the first and for a long time the only baseball related tobacco set to come out of Canada. A solid middle-grade collector quality assembly which is not easy task to complete Highlights include: Graded - PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 3 cards, #'s 4, 7 Alperman and 48; PSA VG-EX 4: 10 cards, #'s 15 Kelly/Newark, 20, 30 Purtell, 32, 44, 55, 86 Abstein, 87 Jordan, 88 and 90; PSA VG+ 3.5: 2 cards, #'s 47 and 49 Corcoran; PSA PR 1: 2 cards, #'s 26 and 27 Kelley/Toronto. Ungraded - including: #'s 62 Jacklitsch (VG). Grades 69% VG to VG/EX+, 16% GD to GD/VG, 15% lesser.
Hockey Cards
1911 C60 "Lacrosse Series" Partial Set (35/100) - With HoFers Lalonde (PSA EX 5) and Malone.
Note: There are only 11 PSA graded cards in this lot. Card #'s 44, 83 and 86 were listed in error.
Canada's second passion after hockey was Lacrosse. Many hockey stars played this sport during the hockey off-season and make appearances in these sets. The offered 35-card partial set is a nice middle grade assembly anchored by Hockey great Ed "Newsy" Lalonde. Eleven cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 3 cards w/#'s 67, 77 and 95 Lalonde; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards #'s 6 and 13; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 45, 63, 70 and 92; PSA VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 78 and 84 Jos. Malone. Grades 51% VG to EX, 26% GD to GD/VG, 23% lesser.
Note: There are only 11 PSA graded cards in this lot. Card #'s 44, 83 and 86 were listed in error.
Canada's second passion after hockey was Lacrosse. Many hockey stars played this sport during the hockey off-season and make appearances in these sets. The offered 35-card partial set is a nice middle grade assembly anchored by Hockey great Ed "Newsy" Lalonde. Eleven cards have been graded by PSA. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 3 cards w/#'s 67, 77 and 95 Lalonde; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards #'s 6 and 13; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 45, 63, 70 and 92; PSA VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 78 and 84 Jos. Malone. Grades 51% VG to EX, 26% GD to GD/VG, 23% lesser.
Early 1920's Stratford Indians RPPC With Howie Morenz. He was called the Babe Ruth of Hockey, though his tragic early death evokes comparisons to Lou Gehrig as well. One of the most sought after names in the hockey collecting hobby is Howie Morenz who played for 14 seasons, almost all of those years with the Montreal Canadians. A sort of pre-rookie card is this 1920's Real photo postcard of the 1922-23 Stratford Indians with a young "Stratford Streak" kneeling front and center in his #4 jersey. That year, the Indians won both junior and senior league titles. The following season Morenz would begin his Hall of Fame caliber career and place in Hockey history. The offered card has some stains, a few short creases and corner wear. The back has an ink notation identifying the team but has not been used through the mail. The image itself is well defined with good contrast and detail.
1924 C144 Champ's Cigarettes Stanley Cup PSA VG 3. The goal of every baseball player is to take home the World Series trophy to present to adoring fans. The hockey equivalent is the Stanley Cup. The award was first donated by Lord Stanley in 1893 to the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada. While the cup has take on various forms over the last 110+ plus years it has lost none of its luster and importance. By all accounts, this is the first time the Stanley Cup Award was pictured on a hockey card. The card is not only one of the rarest subjects in the 1924-25 Champ's Cigarette series, it is one of the rarest hockey cards in the entire hobby. It's rarity is possibly accounted for as this one card could have been used in place of four players as part of a mail-in exchange promotion. The offered example is one of only six graded by PSA with two grading higher. A very significant card for vintage hockey card collectors to own.
1945-64 Bee Hive Photos-Group 2 Jack Gordon (Unconfirmed). This is the "T206 Wagner" of Bee Hive hockey photos. The popular Bee Hives photos were presented as hockey premiums for thirty years, and the Group 2 entries account for more than half of them. What we present here is one of the most unique gems in the hobby in the form of a Bee Hive featuring the New York Rangers' Jack Gordon. The photo itself appears mint with one slight dimple. The paper mount shows hand finishing and measures 5-1/4" x 8". The unconfirmed card was initially not even known to be part of the issue and is one of only a handful of Jack Gordon exemplars believed to exist in the hobby. Three are presently in private hands, so the opportunity to acquire this rarity may never happen again. One of the top 5 most desirable Bee Hive cards in the hobby.
1945-54 Quaker Oats Premiums "Montreal Canadians" Near Set (92/97) These 8" x 10" fragile paper premiums were circulated over a nine year period making complete sets an unlikely occurrence. This a rare opportunity to acquire 92 of the 97 different players showcasing the Montreal Canadians, plus it is a very strong high end assembly. Highlights include: Beliveau (PR, glued to paper), Blake/Auto Above (EX), Chamberlain/Still-Blue (EX), Curry/Still (VG, paper loss on rev), Durnan/Still-Blue (EX), Leach/Still-Stick Near Corner (EX), Laycoe/Portrait (VG/EX), McCormack/Horizontal (VG) McCormack/Vertical (VG/EX, st), McMahon (VG, two corners clipped), Richard/Full Auto (EX), Richard/Auto Cropped (FR, pin hole), Richard/Action (EX/MT), St. Laurent (EX) and Warwick (EX/MT with ink on rev.). Grades 63% EX to EX/MT with a couple nicer, 15% VG to VG/EX, 12% lesser (due to pinholes or ink marks).
1945-54 Quaker Oats Premiums "Toronto Maple Leafs" Near Set (98/105) - Plus Unlisted Variations Offered is the companion set of Quaker Oats Premium photos -- this time, players from the Toronto Maple Leafs are showcased. These fragile paper premiums are rarely, if ever offered in any quantity close to complete, let alone in this overall nice condition. Highlights include: 1947-49 Team (EX), Apps/With Stanley Cup (EX), Bastien (EX), Bell (VG/EX), Bently/Locker (VG), Horton (EX/MT), Kennedy/With cup (VG/EX), Lumley (FR, glue), Maloney (EX), Mathers (EX), McCool (PR, punch holes), Migay (EX/MT), Morris (VG), Nesterenko (GD, ink on rev.), Pratt (EX), Stewart/Blue (VG/EX), R. Stewart (EX) and Thomson/Blue (VG). Grades 55% EX to EX/MT with a couple nicer, 30% VG to VG/EX, 15% lesser (mainly due to glue or ink writing on the backs). Please see our web site for a list of uncatalogued and missing players.
1951 Quaker Oats Action Series A Premiums Complete Set (4). Offered is an extremely rare complete set of four 1951 Quaker oats Action Scene Hockey Premiums. Numbered "Series A and numbered 1 through 4, this is the only action series Quaker Oats produced. The scarce quartet of fragile, glossy paper 8"x 10" premiums showcases scenes between the Toronto maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Also offered is a rare 1938 Quaker Oats premiums catalog, one vintage photo and seven 1945-54 Quaker Oats premiums (all PR). Each of the rare Action premiums presents at the EX/MT to NM levels but do show some slight crinkling to the delicate paper.
1954-55 Parkhurst Hockey Complete Set (100) - With Almost 20 "Lucky Premium" Backs. Parkhurst enjoyed a three year reign as the king of the hockey card producers before this 100-card series appeared for the 1954-55 Hockey season which had to compete with the first Topps hockey release. The large card size was in line with the dimensions now used by both Topps and Bowman in the United States. This presentation offers a selection of high grade stars as well as almost 20 of the very scarce "Lucky Premium Card" (LPB) backs which appear on card #'s 13, 22, 23, 24, 35, 37, 38, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 61, 63, 67, 70, 73 and 76. A total of 14 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards w/#'s 22 Smith/LPB, 24 Armstrong/LPB, 50, 58, 62, 83 and 95; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards w/#'s 2 Moore, 14 Harvey, 33 Sawchuk and 92 Lum Stops Howe; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards w/#'s 41 Howe, 42 Kelly and 46 Lindsay. Ungraded Cards - include #'s 1 McNeil (FR), 3 Beliveau (GD), 7 Richard (GD), 8 Geoffrion (GD), 31 Horton (VG/EX), 36 Delvecchio (VG), 65 Bower (GD), 70 Howell (VG/EX), 96 Sawchuk/Kennedy IA (VG/EX), 97 Plante/Riebel IA (EX), 98 Plante/Harvey IA (VG/EX), 99 Plante/Kennedy IA (VG/EX), 100 Sawchuk/Geoffrion IA (VG/EX). Grades 7% NM, 51% EX to EX/MT, 26% VG to VG/EX, 16% PR to GD. The SMR value of the graded cards approaches $1,000.
1954-55 Topps Hockey Complete Set (60) - #4 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank:#4 on the SGC Set Registry with an 85.0 GPA. By 1954 Topps had hit its creative stride and was producing some of the finest looking gum cards of the 1950's or any other era for that matter. Topps' first entry into Hockey is still one of the finest looking Hockey sets they produced and is a hobby classic. At a state of preservation almost entirely Nm or better, this high quality assembly would make a proud addition to any hockey or 1950's specialist collection. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 17 and 44; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 15 cards, #'s 3 Howell, 10 Worsley, 14, 15, 18 Mohns, 22, 25, 30, 32, 33, 36, 39 Delvecchio, 40, 42 and 48; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 15 cards, #'s 13, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 28, 29, 35, 38, 45, 55, 56, 57 and 58 Sawchuk; SGC 84 NM 7: 24 cards, #'s 1 Gamble, 4, 5 Kelly, 7 Armstrong, 8 Howe, 9, 11 Bathgate, 12, 16, 26, 27 Pronovost, 31, 34, 37, 41, 43, 46, 47, 49 Quackenbush, 50, 51 Lindsay, 52, 53 and 59; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, #'s 2, 6 and 54; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #60 Schmidt.
1961-61 Shirriff/Salada Hockey Coins High Grade Complete Set (120). Shirriff/Salada Tea is well known for the baseball coins they produced in the early 1960's but baseball wasn't their only major endeavor. Just as colorful and fun to collect, is a set of 120-coins devoted to hockey players for fans both here and in Canada. Complete sets are scarcely offered and this is nicer than most. Just a small sample of the top names have been graded so far but there are many more prime candidates for encapsulation. Includes: Graded - PSA Gem MT 10: 1 coin, #116 Goyette; PSA Mint 9: 3 coins, #'s 49 Kelly, 72 and 120; PSA NM-MT 8: 2 coins, #'s 7 Bucyk and 77 Sawchuk; PSA NM 7: 1 coin, #43 Mahovlich; PSA EX/MT 6: 5 coins, #'s 24, 25 Hull, 44 Horton, 66 Howe and 102 Beliveau. Ungraded - including #'s 1 Pennington (NM/MT), 22 Mikita (EX/MT), 27 Pilote (NM), 29 Hall (NM), 41 Bower (EX/MT), 85 Worsley (NM), 110 Richard (NM) and 113 Plante (NM). Grades mostly NM to NM/MT with some slightly lesser and some nicer.
1964-65 Topps Hockey Graded Collection (10). Each high grade card has been assessed by SGC or PSA. All have the characteristics associated with the high grade levels. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 37 and 53 Laperriere; PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #41; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #44 Kelly; SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 6 Sawchuk, 12 Hall, 40 Bower and 47 Crozier; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #22. The SMR value exceeds $800.
1964-65 Topps Hockey SGC-Graded Collection (6). A half dozen very strong examples from a condition sensitive issue. Include: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 12 Hall and 47 Crozier; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 6 Sawchuk and 31 Mikita; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 54 Checklist and 56 Murphy. The SMR value approaches $1,200.
1964-65 Topps Hockey SGC-Graded Collection (10). An absolute flurry of blazing colors, bright white borders and sharp corners... plus four hall of famers. Fans of this set know how very hard it is to acquire high grade examples from this condition sensitive series. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 6 Terry Sawchuk, 9 Barkley, 13 Langlois, 24 Rod Gilbert, 34 Brown, 36 Mikol, 40 John Bower, 45 Punch Imlach, 46 Duff and 49 Jeffrey. The SMR value of this lot approaches $1,500.00.
1964-65 Topps Hockey SGC 88 NM/MT 8 Collection (10). Ten cards, each a high quality complement to the next. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 3 Harper, 19 Prentice, 21 Johnston, 30 McKenzie, 31 Stan Mikita, 35 Fleming, 37 Balon, 50 Boivin, 52 Talbot and 53 Laperriere. The SMR value of this lot exceeds $1,200.00.
1964-65 Topps Pit Martin #1 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. A beautiful example of a very difficult card to obtain in high grade. Often seen with a brown print line in the field beside his face, this example is free from that. A perfect picture with crystal clear clarity only brings out the best in this card. A finer Martin in this grade may not be available. A strong NM/MT example.
1964-65 Topps Denis DeJordy #22 SGC 96 Mint 9. Superb centering, gloss and colors all combine for an impressive display of Mint 9 greatness. A prime card from this condition sensitive issue. One of only three at this level with none higher.
1964-65 Topps Arnie Brown #34 SGC 96 Mint 9. Looking like it was printed yesterday, this almost 50 year old card hasn't aged a day. The rich gloss makes the colors jump off the surface. An undeniably Mint head turner. One of only three at the SGC 96 Mint 9 level with none higher.
1964-65 Topps Reg Fleming #35 SGC 96 Mint 9. One of only a handful at this grade level with none known higher. Every aspect a collector looks for in a Mint condition card is present. One of a small group of 96 Mint 9 cards we are offering, all well deserving of their grade.
1964-65 Topps Red Kelly #44 SGC 96 Mint 9. By 1964 Red Kelly had spent 17 years as a professional player and was in the twilight of his career. The extended card size depicts one of the league's elder stars on a deep red field which is the perfect complement to his deep blue Maple Leafs jersey. One of only seven at the Mint 9 level, one must wonder what the card would be without the factory rough cut lower right corner.
1964-65 Topps Dick Duff #46 SGC 96 Mint 9. Consider that all but three cards in the series show a 96 Mint 9 population of "5" or less, IF there is even one known. We are at a loss as to why this card shows a population of 13 except for a technical glitch or a passionate Duff fan who resubmitted his card numerous times. That aside, there is nothing about this card that doesn't make it right at home inside the Mint 9 holder.
1964-65 Topps Roger Crozier #47 SGC 96 Mint 9 - Pop 2 with None Higher! One of only two at this grade level with none higher. I don't know what its twin looks like but another with better visual appeal isn't likely. Perfect centering, coloring and gloss, the slight bit of wear to the lower right fully explains why this card isn't in the "Gem MT" class. An eye-catching condition rarity.
1965-66 Coca-Cola Hockey Uncut Panel Complete Set. A extremely rare piece that contains 108 players in panel form. The presentation consists of 6 teams, Black Hawks, Bruins, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Rangers and Red Wings. A total of 18 cards represent the 6 teams including a header card, which has information on receiving the N.H.L. Album. Some of the stars included in this great presentation are Beliveau, Richard, Tremblay, Worsley, Ullman, Howe, Delvecchio, Pronovost, Kelly, Horton, Keon, Mahovlich, Sawchuk, Giacomin, Ratelle, Cheevers, Bucyk, Parent, Hall, Pilote, Esposito, B. Hull, and Mikita. Cards grade in the EX/MT to NM/MT range.
1966 Topps USA Test Hockey Complete Set (66) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with an 84.6 GPA. Simply utter the term "USA Test" and the eye-brows of every hockey collector in the room rises with giddy anticipation. You instantly become the center of attention as all eyes are now upon you. It is that level of appeal that this 66-card series still commands to this day. The cards saw very little distribution in the United States earning this prized edition unquestionably the rarest hockey cards of the 1960's and most other eras. Their look parallels the more common variety but the format is distinct. The test cards lack the French language text on the reverse, the richly colored wood grain borders are somewhat lighter in appearance and they fully deserve the "Made in the USA" label. In addition to the appearance of hockey immortals Bobby Orr (His trading card debut) and Gordie Howe, the modest 66-player roster also offers an ample listing of some of the greatest players of the 1960's. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 6 cards, #'s 6, 11 Imlach, 16, 22, 23 Howe and 44; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 18, 19, 27, 31 Beliveau and 36 Geoffrion; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 24 cards, #'s 13, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 30 Keon, 37, 38, 39 Bucyk, 42 Kelly, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61 Mohns, 64, 65 and 66 McKenzie; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 2 Worsley, 7, 49 and 58; SGC 84 NM 7: 16 cards, #'s 3, 12 Bower, 14, 17 Armstrong, 26, 29, 33, 34, 35 Orr, 41, 51 Mahovlich, 52 Ullman, 53 Maki, 59 Pilote, 60 and 62 Mikita; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 1 D. Hull, 9, 10, 47 and 63 Delvecchio; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 5, 8 Richard and 15; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 4 and 32 Tremblay; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, #40 Hull.
1966 Topps USA Test Red Berenson #10 PSA NM-MT 8 - Pop 3 with None Higher. One of three at this grade level with NONE higher. If the centering on this very clean and attractive card were more precise this would have a tremendous chance to be earn the coveted "Pop 1 of 1 with none higher" title. A mint card in all but one aspect.
1966 Topps USA Test Vic Hadfield #19 PSA NM-MT 8 - None Higher! This is one of only three recorded examples of Vic Hadfield's 1966 Topps USA test card known with none grading higher. High grade examples from this very scarce test edition are extremely hard to acquire and the chances of more high grade inventory appearing is slim as the blade on Vics' skate. Undeniably Near Mint to Mint condition. .
1966 Topps USA Test Orland Kurtenbach #25 PSA NM-MT 8 - Pop 3 With None Higher. This one of only three examples for this grade with none graded higher. Grand example worth of being deemed among the finest known.
1966 Topps USA Test Ken Wharram #44 PSA NM-MT 8 - Highest Grade Known. One of a high quality quartet noted at this grade level with only one nicer. Hard to argue such a high grade assessment but it seems only the hint of wear at one corner tip and the centering of the reverse is keeping this high end card from "Mint 9" status.
1966 Topps USA Test Chico Maki #53 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1 With None Higher! The stand alone finest recorded example to date of card #53 Chico Maki from this very scarce test only issue. Not a card to pass up.
1966 Topps USA Test Rod Seiling #22 PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 - Pop 1 of 1 With None Higher! A condition rarity as it is the only example to reach the NM-MT+ 8.5 plateau with none higher. A near perfect example of Seilings' 1966 Topps USA Test card. It seem the slightest hint of wear at one corner kept this card from the Mint level.
1966 Topps USA Test Pierre Pilote #59 PSA NM 7 - Only One Higher! To date, only six examples of this card have been graded NM 7 by PSA with only one known higher. This particular copy has four NM-MT to Mint corners and clean surfaces. The vertical centering of the front accounts for the technical grade.
1966 Topps USA Test Ed Johnston #64 PSA NM-MT 8 - Pop 3 with None Higher! The opportunity to add a high grade card to any 1966 Topps USA test set doesn't occur very often. The offered card is one of only three at this grade level with none higher.
1966 Topps USA Test John McKenzie #66 PSA NM 7 - Pop 1 with Three Higher. The only example at this grade with only a trio known nicer. A condition rarity for the last card in the set and a condition oddity as well. The centering is precise and the corners are Mint. The only elements we find to explain the grade is an extremely faint spot of discoloration on the reverse and one inversed "pimple" on the reverse which may be an imperfection in the stock. All "NM" card should look this nice.
1966 Topps USA Test Hockey PSA-Graded High End Collection (12). From the rarest hockey card series of the 1960's comes this selection of a dozen high end examples including stars and hockey legend Gordie Howe. The lot includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 52 Ullman and 54 Fleming; PSA EX-MT 6: 9 cards, #'s 2 Worsley, 13 Cournoyer, 17 Armstrong (Only 1 higher), 21, 27, 31 Beliveau, 42 Kelly, 46 and 50; PSA EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #23 Gordie Howe. The SMR value of this stars studded lot is over $1,000.00.
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Complete Set (17) - #7 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #7 on the PSA Set Registry with a 6.41 GPA. Hockey specialists take note. This set is rarely offered intact, let alone in this enticing condition. Includes: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 2 cards, #'s 9 Flyers and 12 Kings; PSA NM-MT 8: 5 cards, #'s 6 Rangers, 8 Penguins, 10 Blackhawks, 11 Bruins and 14 Blues; PSA EX-MT 6: 4 cards, #'s 5 North Stars, 7 Seals, 13 Red Wings (MC) and 15 Sabres; PSA EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 1 Canucks, 2 Canadiens, 3 Maple Leafs, 4 NHL Logo and 17 Islanders; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #16 Flames.
1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA Mint 9. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Wayne Gretzky. These three are the singularly dominant figures in sports over the last quarter century. It is only befitting that an auction which features some impressive vintage hockey card collectibles also makes available the most desirable modern hockey card as well. "The Great One," as Gretzky was known, is largely responsible for the expansion of the sport in North America and this is his rookie card appearance. Seemingly perfect in every way, this beauty has all the qualities of being not just Mint, but a strong example at that. Of the more than 2,300 O-Pee-Chee Gretzky rookie cards submitted to PSA, only one has graded higher.
1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 SGC 88 NM/MT 8. The Great One played his frenetic style of hockey with a swagger that has him at the top of most fans' all-time best lists. Offered is the Canadian version of the most important hockey card issued in the last thirty years, Gretzky's 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie. Near perfect centering, minimal edge roughness (a problem with this issue) and just the slight hints of wear found at two corner tips accounts for the technical grade. The image area is glossy and perfectly registered. Considerably more difficult to find in high grade than its standard Topps counterpart and an essential entry of any advanced hockey collection.
1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA NM-MT 8. After several reviews we still wonder why this card isn't at least an NM-MT+ 8.5 . The card is immaculate in every way save for a slight print imperfection on the reverse. We recommend full acceptance of that one small anomaly as the rest of the card is as impressive as it gets. The overall quality rests in that "pack fresh" realm suggesting it may have just been removed from a recently opened pack. Visually impressive and not to be dismissed lightly.
1986-87 O-Pee-Chee Uncut Proof Sheets Pair (2) With 132 Cards. Offered are four proof sheets, printer's notes and all from the 1986-87 O-Pee-Chee series. The sheets display the front and back of 132 of the 264 card set. Includes: 1) - Stamped Board No. 2. Size: 30-1/8 x 22-1/2" with one obvious crease in upper right affecting Fellows card. Some stars include Potvin, Yzerman, Roy, Bourque, Lemieux, Sutter, Gretzky and Kurri. Size: 30-1/8 x 22-1/2" with one obvious crease in upper right affecting Fellows card; 2) Stamped Board No. 2. Shows back of cards on item #1. Size: 30-5/8" x 23" with a few minor edge rips and a few creases. Creases affect about 10 cards; 3) Stamped Board No. 4. Shows cards numbered in the 200s. Has stars Kurrie and Gretzky Leaders cards. Size: 30-1/4" x 22-1/2" with no rips, a pair of creases and light surface stains; 4) Stamped No. 4 showing the backs of cards on item #3. Size: 30-1/2" x 23" with 2 short edge rips and a few short crease. No cards are affected.
Boxing Cards
19th & Early 20th Century "T" and "N" Multi-Sport SGC-Graded Collection (25) - Mostly Boxers. This is a very nice selection of mostly boxing cards from six different 100+ year old series. Includes: Graded - 1887 N28 Allen & Ginter "World's Champions" (3) - 3 cards, Hamm (PSA NM 7), Hanlan (SGC 70 EX+ 5.5) and Weir (SGC 60 EX 5); 1887 N29 Allen & Ginter "World's Champions-2nd Series" (3) - 11 cards, Barry (SGC Authentic), Boyton (SGC 10 PR 1), Crocker (2: SGC 70 EX+ 5.5, SGC 50 VG/EX 4), Fitzgerald (SGC 50 VG/EX 4), McCormick (SGC 60 EX 5), Myers (SGC 60 EX 5), Queckberner (SGC 50 VG/EX 4), Ross (SGC 20 FR 1.5), Rowe (SGC Good 2), and Wood (SGC Good 2); 1888 N43 Allen & Ginter "World's Champions" (1) - 1 card, Lange (SGC 40 VG 3); 1908 Ogden's "Pugilists & Wrestlers" (7) - Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 33 and 48; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 1 and 23; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, #'s 21, 27 and 31; 1910 Mecca Silver Borders (2) - 3 cards, Carney (SGC 50 VG/EX 4 and McAuliffe (SGC 50 VG/EX 4); 1915 Ogden's "Boxers" (1) - 1 card, #20 Jim Sullivan (SGC 88 NM/MT 8);
1880's N28 & N29 Allen & Ginter "Worlds Champions" SGC-Graded Collection (30). Where other sets of the day went bold and colorful the two Allen & Ginter "World Champions" editions went elegant with a pure white background but retained the vibrant and finely detailed portraits. A total of 30 cards are included in this collection, (27) from the N28 and (3) from the N29 series (as noted). Include: Graded Cards - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, Temple-Cyclist (N29); SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards w/Dempsey-Pugilist, Ives-Cyclist (N29), Mitchell-Pugilist and Pettitt-Tennis (N29); SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards w/Daly, Dion, McAuliffe-Pugilist, Teemer and Trickett; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 8 cards w/Acton, Bubear, Carney-Pugilist, Kilrain-Pugilist, Malone, McKay, Muldoon and Vignaux; SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards w/Bogardus, Frey, Hosmer, McAuliffe-Pugilist, McLaughlin-Wrestling, Schaefer and Slosson; SGC 20 FAIR 1.5: 2 cards w/Sexton and Sullivan-Pugilist; SGC 10 POOR 1: 1 card, Daly; SGC A Authentic: 2 cards w/Adams and Carroll-Pugilist.
1893 N266 Red Cross "Boxing Positions and Boxers" SGC-Graded Group of (6). Offered is a six-card selection of very scarce N266 Red Cross "Boxing Positions and Boxers" cards. The group includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Ryan/McAuliffe; SGC 30 Good 2: 2 cards, Edwards/Collyer and Hall/Pritchard; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 3 cards, Chambers/Clark, Dawson/Needham and Murphy/Weir. There are seven or fewer total examples graded for each card in this lot.
1893 N266 Red Cross "Boxing Positions and Boxers" SGC-Graded Group of (7). As with other "Red Cross" brand productions, the N266 "Boxing Positions and Boxers" series is very scarce in any condition. This 7-card gallery of 115 year old collectibles includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, Griffith/Lunch; SGC 309 GD 2: 2 cards, DeBaum/Campbell and Jackson/Slavin; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, Choyinski/Goddard and Frazer/Daly; SGC Authentic: 2 cards, Dixon/Johnson and McCoy/Reagan.
1909 E75 and 1910 E76 American Caramel Boxing Set Pair (2). Offered is a collector grade collection of early 20th century "E" class boxing cards. The partial and near sets include: 1909 E75 American Caramel (14) - Partial set 14 of 20 cards. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card, Dixon, SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Burns and Corbett; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Sharkey; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, O'Brien. Ungraded - Attell (VG), Britt, Fitzsimmons, Gans, Jeffries (PR), Ketchell (VG)Munroe, Nelson and Walcott. Grades 57% VG to VG/EX with one EX/MT, 29% GD, 14% lesser. 1910 E76 American Caramel (19) - Near set 19 of 20 cards. Includes: Graded: SGC VG 3: 10 cards, J. Corbett, Dixon, Fitzsimmons, Gardner, Jeffries, McCoy, McGovern, Munroe, O'Brien and Sullivan; SGC 30 GD 2: 5 cards, Choyinski, Y. Corbett, Hart, Maher and Walcott; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, Britt and Nelson; SGC Authentic: 1 card, Gans. Ungraded - Ruhlin (GD). Grades GD to VG with a few lesser.
1910 E79 Philadelphia Caramel "27 Scrappers" Complete Set (21) - #4 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #4 on the SGC Set Registry with a 45.2 GPA. A solid middle grade presentation of this colorful and widely popular edition. The set is noted for having '19 Black Sox gambler Abe Attell and multiple appearances by Jack Johnson. All backs are printed in black ink. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, Jeffries, Sharkey and Arm and Fist/Right Way; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, Attell, Fitzsimmons, Ketchell, Gans-Nelson and O'Brian-Partner; SGC 40 VG 3: 13 cards, Burns, Corbett, Hart, Jeanette, Johnson, Langford, Rawlins, Sullivan, Arm & Fist/Wrong Way, Johnson-Burns, Johnson-Cole, Kaufman-Sullivan and Marto-Nelson.
1910 T223 Dixie Queen Charles Mitchell SGC 88 NM/MT 8. This is by far the finest example of Charlie Mitchell's T223 Dixie Queen card known. So far, SGC has graded over 250 Dixies' and this is the only card in the entire series to earn the 88 NM/MT 8 grade. Being the finest known to date, this is the perfect type card for the scarce T223 series.
1910 T225 "Prizefighter Series No. 101" Complete Set (25) - #4 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #4 on the SGC Set registry with a 44.4 GPA. This series is easily identified by the cool gray borders which surround the colorful full figure illustrations. With ten different backs known, a 25-card complete set with matching format reverses is no small accomplishment. This is mostly the "Surbrug Co. with stats" format reverses. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, Jas J. Jeffries and Jim Stewart; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 11 cards, Cross, Driscoll, Frayne, Hyland, Jeannette, H. Lewis, Nelson, O'Leary, Papke, Rothwell, and Jack Twin Sullivan; SGC 40 VG 3: 9 cards, Abe Attell, Barry, Coulon, "Kid" Goodman, Hart, Ketchel, McFarland, Sharkey and Mike Twin Sullivan; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, Gardiner and Murphy; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, Kaufman.
1910 T229 Pet Cigarettes Eddie Campi SGC 40 VG 3. This card is tied with only one other as the highest graded examples recorded to date with only one other lesser example known. Needless to say this is one rare subject from a rare brand name.
1924 Franklyn's Cigarettes "Boxing" Complete Set (25) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 86.8 GPA. This is a very nice presentation of a relatively obscure British series is simply titled "Boxing" and features 25 cards that each describes a boxing maneuver. The set includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 4 cards, #'s 2, 10, 13 and 21; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 4 cards, #'s 1, 7, 9 and 14; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 10 cards, #'s 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22 and 23; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 3 and 19; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 16 and 18; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #6; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #25; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #24.
1948 Leaf Boxing SGC-Graded Collection (10). Leaf Gum was just as prolific of a card producer as Bowman was in 1948 although the later is credited with starting a new era in card production. In addition to a colorful Football and Baseball editions, Leaf produced a great series featuring a roster of some of the greatest contemporary and long retired pugilists ever to step into the ring. When it comes to quality, this high end lot delivers a powerful punch. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 4 cards, #'s 51 pep, 57 wright, 78 Coulon and 98 Forbes; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #38 Sharkey; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 35 Armstrong, 95 Christoforidis and 102 LaMotta; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 7 Walker and 64 Ray Robinson.
1951 Topps Ringside SGC-Graded Collection (11). Offered is a high end selection of 1951 Topps "Ringside" boxing cards featuring a high grade Ray Robinson and a possibly unique "Puzzle Back" variation to card #26. The puzzle image appears to be the same art used for the counter display box. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 43 Robinson and 61 Mead; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, w/#'s 53, 66 and 85 Walcott vs Charles; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, w/# 37; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, w/#'s 12, 68 and 71; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, w/# 72; SGC Authentic: 1 card, w/# 26 Miceli/Puzzle Back.
1951 Topps Ringside Jersey Joe Walcott #31 SGC 96 Mint 9. Absolute knock-out of a card. This beauty can go 15 rounds with any boxing card from any era and come out the undisputed champ. To date, SGC has graded over 1,100 cards and only three cards have been graced with the 96 Mint 9 assessment. Oh, we should also add PSA has yet to garde a "Mint 9." "Jersey" Joe Walcott never looked better on this the best copy known after almost 60 years. Perfect centering, stunning color and razor sharp corners. You will probably not ever find a nicer '51 Topps Ringside. For the pugilist specialist or condition conscience investor who wants only the best.
1951 Topps Ringside Rocky Marciano #32 SGC 88 NM/MT 8 - Single Highest Graded Example! One of only a few professional boxers who can claim the impressive feat of never losing a fight in their career, Rocky Marciano is illustrated superbly on this high-grade exemplar from the scarce 1951 Topps Ringside issue. Graded an SGC 88 NM/MT 8, which is a coveted pop 1-of-1, with no example graded higher, this piece exhibits four crisp corners and an ultra-clean surface. An amazing exemplar, this pasteboard is as pristine as the "Brockton Blockbuster's" legendary record.
1951 Topps Ringside Rocky Marciano #32 SGC 86 NM+ 7.5. From the man who owns the distinction of retiring undefeated from the heavyweight division, we offer Rocky Marciano's entry from the 1951 Topps Ringside issue. The fact that he's widely considered among the finest pugilists in history, makes this valuable card a welcome addition to any boxing card collection. The most minute issue on this card is centering, which is the only reason that it does not grade perfect. The coloring and clarity on this terrific example is its strongest suit. Proudly, this illustration rates along with one other as the finest graded card ever submitted to SGC.
1951 Topps Ringside Bob Murphy SP #49 BVG NM-MT 8. Graded NM-MT by Beckett Vintage Grading, one of a half dozen graded at this level by BVG, SGC and PSA combined . The #2 undisputed heavyweight champion of all modern boxing cards is card #49 of Bob Murphy from the Topps "Ringside" extravaganza of 1951. This single-print stunner was obviously pulled from a 5-cent pack and was once the upper portion of a two-card panel. This beauty goes the distance with its rich coloring, corner quality and that fresh from the pack appearance. A real crowd pleaser.
Golf Cards
1996 Sports Illustrated for Kids Tiger Woods #536 GAI Mint 9. Off the course "accomplishments" aside, the success Tiger Woods has achieved on the green makes him, beyond argument, one of the greatest golfers ever to tee off. With so few gold related card sets being produced, the 1996 "Sports Illustrated for Kids" series produced the first card of Tiger Woods thus creating the Tiger woods rookie card. Issued in perforated panels, it is no easy feat to separate the cards without some minute spot of damage or creasing. All things considered, this is quite possibly a very astute investment for the day will come that Tiger returns to once again become the king of his sport.
Non-Sport Cards
1888 N2 A&G Indians Chiefs PSA-Graded Trio (3). Looking at the saturated colors which seem to leap off of the snowy white surface, one wonders how these could possibly be over 120 years old. This high end trio includes: Black Hawk-sac & Fox (PSA EX-MT 6), King of The Crows (PSA NM 7) and Man and Chief (PSA NM 7).
1888 N2 "American Indian Chiefs" Cayatanita PSA NM-MT 8. An extremely clean example of a 122 year old collectible. There are just three examples recorded at this grade level with only one copy a half-grade higher. A terrific addition to a high grade set.
1888 N22 Allen & Ginter "Racing Colors of The World" SGC-Graded Complete Set (50). Offered is a 50-card complete set of N22 Allen & Ginter "Racing Colors of the World" from 1888. This scarce edition was produced in two format, with and without white border treatments. This pleasing presentation offers a combination of the two styles. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card; SGC 60 EX 5: 7 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 14 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 10 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 7 cards; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 3 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 4 cards; SGC Authentic: 3 cards. Ungraded - 1 card, Prince Soltykoff (altered). Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1888 N79 Duke's "History of Poor Boys" Near Set (47/50) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry. This would have been a great looking series even if they were simply cards. Instead Duke's knew that the real interest behind these 50 people is their story so they dedicated a 16-page booklet to each. The bios are not about athletic achievement but about how they started with nothing and elevated themselves from their humble beginnings to become wealthy and famous. In the case of Vanderbilt and Carnegie, incredibly wealthy. A fascinating set and one rarely offered close to complete. Missing Barnum, Kilrain and Twain for completion. Includes: Graded - SGC 50 VG-EX 4: 1 book, Pres. Harrison; SGC 40 VG 3: 9 books, Alger, Astor, Sarah Bernhardt, Billings, Childs, Huxley, Ingersoll, Modjeska, Parnell, Tommaso, Salvin, Stanford, Talmage, Wanamaker and Whittier; SGC 30 GD 2: 10 books, Carnegie, Ericsson, Field, Gladstone, Irving, Materna, Meissonier, Peabody, Stanley and Tennyson; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 15 cards, Anderson, Blaine, Cornell, Depew, Eads, Thomas Edison, Gerster, Gould, Hoffman, Longfellow, Nilsson, Ole Bull, Patti, Edgar Allen Poe and Cornelius Vanderbilt; SGC 10 PR 1: 6 books, Buffalo Bill (Cody), Edwin Booth, Claflin, Jefferson, Morton and John L. Sullivan; SGC Authentic: 1 book, Millais.
1880's N181 Kimball "Arms of Dominions" Complete Set (48) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 74.0 GPA. In what seems an endless quantity of tobacco insert cards, a few series were treated to a couple extra "bells and whistles" as they say. This 48-card series of coat of arms of various countries and municipalities is not only enhanced by the use of gold metallic ink but each card is also embossed offering a 3-D look to the multi-colored logos. This mostly EX-NM or better assembly (67%) is very nice considering its age and the embossing feature which can be flattened easily. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, w/Denmark, France-Empire, and Sardinia; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, w/Chili, England, France-Bourbon, Hayti, Prussia, Tuscany-Medici and Two Sicilies; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards; SGC 84 NM 7: 8 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 11 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 9 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
1889 N38 "Birds of the Tropics" Near Set (48/50) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC set Registry with a 60.4 GPA. What finer venue to put on display the lithographers craft than showcasing the serene beauty of man's fine feathered friends. This wonderfully designed and produced series of 50 cards is one of the most visually appealing accomplishments of its age and worthy to be nominated for best set honors. Almost 60% of this presentation is "EX" or better which is no small feat with these larger sized Allen & Ginter productions. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card; SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 7 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 12 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 11 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 6 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 3 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 1 card. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this set.
1889 N222 Kinney "Leaders" Complete Set (25) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #3 on the SGC Set Registry with a 26.6 GPA. Some say one must pursue greatness while others believe greatness is a matter of happenstance. Either way be true, each of the 25 subjects in the Kinney Bro's expertly illustrated tobacco card series simply titled "Leaders" showcases those who have achieved greatness via one path or another and will forever be remembered by history for their actions or accomplishments. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards, Ney and Patti; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, Lind and Wellington; SGC 40 VG 3: 4 cards, Antoinette, Gen. Lee, Lord Nelson and Gen. Scobeloff; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, Empress Eugenie and Napoleon; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 9 cards, Julius Caesar, De Stael, Farragut, Lafayette, Mary Queen of Scots, Recamier, Scott, George Washington and M. Washington; SGC 10 PR 1: 3 cards, Alexander the Great, Joan D'Arc, and Catherine II Russia; SGC Authentic: 3 cards, Miss Mary Anderson, Gen. U.S. Grant and Louisa of Germany.
1880's N224 Kinney "Military Series" SGC-Graded Partial Set (209/600+) The most comprehensive set of tobacco inserts cards ever produced was produced by Kinney Bros. tobacco and is simply called "Military Series." The unassuming name belies the massive task of assembling the over 600 currently known titles. This selection offers many examples of both styles--color and white backgrounds. The illustrations of military personnel in full uniform from a wide selection of countries are very colorful and highly detailed. The professional quality art is so accurate the cards have served as historical reference. As best we can find, this is the second largest group to be offered at public auction. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, w/Officer of Dragoons - Norway; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, w/Malay - Warrior; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 28 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 36 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 28 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 40 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 40 cards; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 10 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 8 cards; SGC Authentic: 3 cards, Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this presentation.
1889 N230 Kinney "Famous Running Horses" Complete Set (25) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 63.1 GPA. Kinney "high class cigarettes" was the ideal product to distribute these 25 insert cards showcasing world class running horses, but contemporary and of the past. A minimal amount of upgrades evolves this presentation into an entirely "ex" or better assembly. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, Merry Hampton and Robert the Devil; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 7 cards, Cremorne, Galopin, Iroquois, The Marquis, Pretender, Silvio, and Tristan; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 4 cards, Bendigo, Dead Heat, Gladiateur, and Sir Bevys; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, Blair Athol, Caractacus, George Frederick, Shotover, and Voltigeur; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, Bend Or, Melton, The Promised Land and St. Blaise; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, Middle Park; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, Kingcraft and Ormonde.
1880's Admiral "National Types" Partial Set (25/50) - The Complete First Series. The N388 series, "National Types" is a 50 card edition published in two formats. This presentation is complete run of the first 25 titles, all displaying the "Julius Bien & Co., Lith. N.Y." on the back utilizing a thicker than usual card stock. To date, only two other N388s have been graded by SGC. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, German; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Swedish; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards, Chilian, Continental, Hungarian, Italian and Peruvian; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards, Dutch, French, and Grecian; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, Egyptian and Paraguyan; SGC 60 EX 5: 7 cards, American, Brazilian, Polish, Portugese, Spanish, Turkish and Venetian; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, Austrian, Belgian, English, Roumanian and Russian; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Corsair.
1890 N30 Allen & Ginter "The World's Decorations" Complete Set (50) - #2 on the SGC Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Registry with a 44.0 average grade. For hundreds of years countries have bestowed upon men awards and titles in recognition for their acts of bravery, chivalry and courage. This finely produced edition captures fifty of those titles/medals, all in in glorious color. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 17 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 12 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 9 cards; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 2 cards.
1890 N44 Allen & Ginter "World's Decorations" SGC-Graded Partial Set (22/50). How rare is this series? Only one recorded near set entry has ever been offered at auction. The larger card size gave Allen & Ginter the opportunity to build on what was already very well design/illustrated series. Scarce in any condition, this 22-card presentation represents the second largest offering of this series ever offered. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, The Imp' Order of the Rose of Brazil; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, The Cross of the Legion of Honor and Order of St. Anne; SGC 60 EX 5: 15 cards, Military Order of St. George, Order of Merit, Order of St. Andrew, Order of St. James, Order of St. John, Order of St. Michael, Order of the Elephant, Order of the Golden Spur, Order of the Indian Empire, Order of the Iron Crown, Order of the Polar Star, Red Eagle, St. Maurice and St. Lazarus, St. Olaf and St. Stephen; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, Order of Leopold, Order of St. Hubert and St. Michael and St. George; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Order of Civil Merit.
1890 N163 Goodwin "Dogs of the World" SGC-Graded Near Set (39/50). Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 50.7 GPA. A 39-card salute to man's best friend. This presentation offers half of the total population on N163s grade 84 NM 7 or better by SGC. Any fan of this set shouldn't pass on the opportunity to acquire a quality assembly of this semi-scarce edition. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, Chinese Puzzle; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Esquimaux; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, w/Bulldog, Deer Hound, Irish Setter, St. Bernard (Rough), Sky Terrier, and Yorkshire; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, w/Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Pug, Siberian Wolf Hound, and Toy Spaniel; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 7 cards, w/#'s Beagle, Bloodhound, Fox Terrier, Gordon Setter, Mexican Hairless, Persian Greyhound, and Poodle; SGC 60 EX 5: 10 cards, w/Berghund, Black and Tan Terrier, Chinese Crested, English Mastiff, Fox Hound, German Mastiff, Great Dane, Harrier, Irish Terrier, and Otter Hound; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, w/Bassett Hound, Chesapeake, and Sheep Dog (Rough); SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Bull Terrier; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, w/Pointer and St. Bernard; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, w/Newfoundland and Retriever.
19th Century "N" Tobacco Non-Sport SGC-Graded Collection (52).
Note: There are 52 cards in this lot.
Another exciting Grab bag collection, this time it's over 50 19th century "N" tobacco cards from 17 sets including six different series of the larger size Allen & Ginter editions. In addition to that is an N406 near set and a rare N2 Indian Chiefs Error card. This is a fun lot with a nice selection of colorful cards who to this day offer stunning testimonial to the art of lithography. Includes: 1880's N212 Kinney Actresses (1); 1880's N224 Kinney Military Series (9); 1880's N406 Ten Minutes Actors and Actresses (7) - Near set 7 of 10 cards; 1887 N35 Allen & Ginter American Editors (2); 1888 N2 Allen & Ginter American Indian Chiefs (1); 1888 N18 Allen & Ginter Parasol Drill (1); 1888 N40 Allen & Ginter Game Birds (7); 1888 N133 Duke Governors (1); 1887 N41 Allen & Ginter Quadrupeds (2); 1887 N42 Allen & Ginter Song Birds (2); 1889 N39 Allen & Ginter Fish From American Waters (5); 1889 N222 Kinney Leaders (1); 1889 N38 Allen & Ginter Birds of The Tropics (8); 1890 N163 Goodwin Dogs of The World (1); 1890 N457 Trumps Long Cut Playing Cards (2); 1891 N554 Finzer & Bros. Inventors & Inventions (2). Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
Note: There are 52 cards in this lot.
Another exciting Grab bag collection, this time it's over 50 19th century "N" tobacco cards from 17 sets including six different series of the larger size Allen & Ginter editions. In addition to that is an N406 near set and a rare N2 Indian Chiefs Error card. This is a fun lot with a nice selection of colorful cards who to this day offer stunning testimonial to the art of lithography. Includes: 1880's N212 Kinney Actresses (1); 1880's N224 Kinney Military Series (9); 1880's N406 Ten Minutes Actors and Actresses (7) - Near set 7 of 10 cards; 1887 N35 Allen & Ginter American Editors (2); 1888 N2 Allen & Ginter American Indian Chiefs (1); 1888 N18 Allen & Ginter Parasol Drill (1); 1888 N40 Allen & Ginter Game Birds (7); 1888 N133 Duke Governors (1); 1887 N41 Allen & Ginter Quadrupeds (2); 1887 N42 Allen & Ginter Song Birds (2); 1889 N39 Allen & Ginter Fish From American Waters (5); 1889 N222 Kinney Leaders (1); 1889 N38 Allen & Ginter Birds of The Tropics (8); 1890 N163 Goodwin Dogs of The World (1); 1890 N457 Trumps Long Cut Playing Cards (2); 1891 N554 Finzer & Bros. Inventors & Inventions (2). Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1910's-1950's Non-Sports High End SGC-Graded Collection (163). Note: The catalog title/description has been updated. There are 163 cards in this lot.
This is certainly one of the most exciting lots offered in this auction. There are 163 different cards from over 30 different non-sports sets spanning a half-century of trading card history. Included are many high grade cards from sets both common and rare. Most cards range in condition from "EX" to "Mint" condition. Others than a few PSA exceptions, all are SGC graded. This is just a few highlights from this incredibly fun collection: R147 Tarzan and The Vault of Isis, R13-1s, R20s, R24s, R39 Dare Devil, Sea Raiders, R60 G-Men and Heroes of the Law, R83 Lone Ranger (Five high #s!), R89 Mickey Mouse, R114 Presidents, R126s, Mutoscope pin ups, Elvis, Zorro, and many, many others spanning five decades. This is a quality presentation perfect for the dealer or type card collector. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
This is certainly one of the most exciting lots offered in this auction. There are 163 different cards from over 30 different non-sports sets spanning a half-century of trading card history. Included are many high grade cards from sets both common and rare. Most cards range in condition from "EX" to "Mint" condition. Others than a few PSA exceptions, all are SGC graded. This is just a few highlights from this incredibly fun collection: R147 Tarzan and The Vault of Isis, R13-1s, R20s, R24s, R39 Dare Devil, Sea Raiders, R60 G-Men and Heroes of the Law, R83 Lone Ranger (Five high #s!), R89 Mickey Mouse, R114 Presidents, R126s, Mutoscope pin ups, Elvis, Zorro, and many, many others spanning five decades. This is a quality presentation perfect for the dealer or type card collector. Please see our web site for a detailed list of the contents of this collection.
1900 T1 Actresses SGC-Graded Complete Set (25). T1s were so beautifully done Burdick chose them to be the first set entered in the 20th Century class of US Tobacco issues. The ladies are all Actresses of the time and the set is believe to have appeared right at the turn of the century in 1900. Each has been graded, some conservatively, by SGC. Includes: Graded - SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, Elliott; SGC 60 EX 5: 8 cards, Anglin, Conquest, Follette, Harne, Maddern Fiske, Marlow and Opp; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 11 cards, bates, Carter, Dall, George, Hopper, Irving, Magin, May, Mannering, Robson and A. Russell; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, Allen, Bingham and L. Russell; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, Barrymore and Shannon; SGC Authentic: 1 card, Spong (tape repair on reverse).
Circa 1910 H767 Piedmont "Life of Rip Van Winkle" Complete Set (10). The tale of the "Life of Rip Van Winkle" is told via this very rare set of "Piedmont" premium sized "H" class tobacco cards. As is usually the case with this type of collectible, they are very rare and almost never offered as a complete set. These premium sized collectibles are a surprising 8" x 5-1/2" in size and offer some of the finest and more colorful art work and quality lithography you'll ever hope to find as a collector. Each front shows a different scene with a full explanation on the reverse. The backs for the most part are clean although a few have very faint pencil marks. The fronts are colorful with exceptional production values. Grades VG to VG/EX.
Circa 1910 H-UNC Piedmont "Countries of the World" Complete Set (10). Entitled "Countries of the World," these extremely rare "Piedmont" tobacco premiums depict people from around the world all enjoying a good smoke. The faces will be immediately recognizable by collectors of the T113 "Types of Nations" series. The art is incredibly nice and the lithography is simply amazing. The 10-card complete set is so rare it seems even Jefferson Burdick wasn't aware they existed. The backs give the reader some insightful information about the respective country, interweaving the role tobacco and smoking plays in society. The fronts show a pair of smokers, one smoking a cigarette and the other a pipe. Measuring 8" x 5-1/2" each has either edge wear, corner wear or light crease or two. Grades VG to VG/EX with a couple lesser but excellent display value.
1910-11 Sub Rosa T113 "Types of Nations" Complete Set (50). This very well produced series of 50 cards features portraits of men dressed in the traditional garb from their respective nations. The backs are usually found with up to 14 different brands listed on the reverse. There are cards in this set with single brands including Recruit, Sub Rosa and Scrap Iron Scrap. This set Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, Siam; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, Japan and Samoa; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Morocco, Russia, Scotland and Syria; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 8 cards, Australia, Cuba, India, Java, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway and Servia; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, Italy and South Africa (Boer); SGC 60 EX 5: 8 cards, Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, Turkey and U.S. America; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 9 cards, Abyssinia, American Indian, Arabia, Canada, China, Holland, Persia, Philippine Islands and Spain; SGC 40 VG 3: 10 cards, Afghanistan, Burmah, England, Korea, Madagascar, Siberia, South Africa (Kaffir), South Sea Islands, Tasmania and Wales; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, Ireland.
1915 Susini "The Universe" Near Set (1,257/1,300) Plus Album Covers. At 1,300 cards, the 1915 "The Universe" series of real photo cards is the largest card series of different subjects ever produced. A large specially designed album titled "Album Universal" with the copy "Obseqio de Susini" which roughly translated means "A Gift of..." or "Presented by Susini" was made to house the massive undertaking. To complete this series card-by-card is certainly a close to impossible task today. Subjects include portraits of athletes, historical figures, authors, poets, scientists, world leaders both contemporary and long past plus sports, transportation, events and famous places and countries from around the globe. Some names include Madam Curie, Dr. Pasteur, Edison, Beethoven, Cortes, Czar Nicholas II, Boxer Jack Johnson, Churchill, Napoleon, Pres. Grant, Tolstov, Darwin, Com. Peary, Shakespeare, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, foot ball (Rugby) and a trio of Base Ball scenes, one featuring HoFer Tris Speaker. The 50-card sports section is missing #'s 219 and 220 for completion. The back of each card reads (Translated) "Post card for the collection of the New Universal Album." The fronts present in the VG EX/MT range (with a few lesser) and have been very cleanly removed from the interior pages of the supplied album covers (both FR to PR). Most have very, very little to modest traces of adhesive residue with a small percentage showing heavy glue stains. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire one of the most comprehensive sets in the hobby and a very attractive presentation at that.
1928 Exhibits Western Stars (Playing Card Format) Near Set (52). Offered is a 52-card near set of 1928 Exhibit vending cards featuring many of the top Hollywood western stars of the era. You'll find such names as Jack Holt, Tom Mix, Osbourne, Bill Cody, Betty Compson, Hoot Gibson, Tim McCoy and Edmund Cobb. Missing from the 13 numbers of the four suits is the 4-of-hearts. There is also one Joker card. Grades 75% VG to VG/EX, 25% lesser.
1930's R25-2 "Thrilling Stories" High Grade Partial Set (18/30). With a title like "Thrilling Stories" you are assured these aren't cards. They are in fact 8-page books with nicely illustrated, full-color covers. The "hands-on" format and thin fragile paper has all but guaranteed few examples would survive in high grade. Needless to say this a very high quality lot for this issue. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 book, Mirtho The Clown: Blazing Tents; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 book, Reckless Steele: Desert Bandits; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 book, Mirtho The Clown: Murder On The Flying Trapeze and Operator No. 7: The Arsenal Explosion; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 book, Flash Brown: Chinese Bandits, Flash Brown: S-O-S, Mirtho The Clown: Kidnapped, Operator No. 7: The Carved Dagger, Operator No. 7: Trail Of The Bills and Reckless Steele: The Mystery Racer; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 book, Reckless Steele: Death To The Tyrant and Reckless Steele: Treachery; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 book, Reckless Steele: Doomed By The Savage King; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 book, Flash Brown: Fight Against Death, Flash Brown: The Mysterious Band and Reckless Steele: Over The Top; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 book, Mirtho The Clown: A Thief In The Dark; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 book, Operator No. 7: Robbing The Air Mail.
1930's R135-1 United Candy "Beautiful Ships" Complete Set (24) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 48.1 GPA. Each back displays the reverse which offers in exchange for 10 wrappers of Sailor Boy Smokes and 10-cents for a specially designed album to house the cards. This obscure and very colorful series was advertised as a series of 48 but to date only the first series of 24 cards seems to have ever been produced. A lack of sales, no pun intended, could explain the non-existent second series. Rarely offered as a complete set, this 24-card complete set includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 13 and 21; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #15; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 6, 7, 12, 16 and 19; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 10, 22, 23 and 24; SGC 40 VG 3: 9 cards, #'s 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14, 17 and 18; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 1 card, #5; SGC 10 PR 1: 2 cards, #'s 11 and 20.
1930's R184, R131 and R128 Native American High-Grade SGC Collection (38). The people, places and tales passed down for generations captivated generations and was still a popular theme in the 1930's. The offered selection of almost 40 cards is from three distinct series and are all at or near the pinnacle of condition. Includes: 1930's R128 "Series of 48" (23) - Partial set 23 of 48 cards. Graded - SGC 98 GEM 10: 1 card, #222 Bridger; SGC 96 Mint 9: 4 cards, #'s 223 LaSalle, 228, 229 and 242 Buffalo Bill; SGC 92 NM?MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 221 and 226; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 4 cards, #'s 219, 220 Davy Crockett, 227 and 237; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards, #'s 214 and 215; SGC 84 NM 7: 6 cards, #'s 218, 224, 238, 239, 243 and 245; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 213, 216 Daniel Boone, 235 and 246; 1930's R131 "Series of 48" (6) - Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 812 and 836; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 822, 823, 843 and 844; 1930's R184 Indian Chiefs (9) - Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 107 and 118 Sitting Bull; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards, #'s 108, 114, 115, 117, 119 and 124; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #103.
1930's R.F. Ice Cream "Reg'Lar Fellers" Complete Set (25) - #2 on the SGC Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 60.7 GPA. Scarcely offered for auction is a 25-card complete set of Reg'lar Fellers premium cards from 1939. R.F. Ice Cream Inc. is the sponsor for this tough non-sport release. The two-color cards are drawn by Gene Byrnes and showcase the antics of "Reg'lar Fellers" characters. Issued within packages of ice cream, youngsters would have had to consume, albeit gladly, a hefty amount of ice cream to acquire a complete set. Add the fact that the cards appeared during the depression-era and the lack of sets available today is fully explained. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #11; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 5, 8 and 12; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 7, 14, 15, 17 and 20; SGC 60 EX 5: 6 cards, #'s 3, 9, 13, 16, 22 and 24; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, #'s 4, 21 and 23; SGC 40 VG 3: 6 cards, #'s 1, 2, 6, 10, 19, and 25; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #18.
1933-40 R73 Goudey Indians Collection (81). Offered is a collection of all most all different (just a few dupes) R73 Goudey "Indians" cards which appeared over the course of seven years from 1933-40. This series is the cornerstone to many vintage non-sport collections. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 79, 80 (MC) and 84 (OC); PSA NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 42 Tecumseh, 81 and 147; PSA EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 56 Penn and 66; PSA VG-EX+ 4.5: 2 cards, #'s 50 Boone and 78 Billy The Kid. Ungraded - #'s 25 Geronimo (EX), 33 Pocahontas (EX), 55 Custer (VG), 64 La Salle (EX), 190-264 (EX+), 198-264 (EX/MT) and 210-264 (GD/VG). The 68 red panel cards grade 60% EX to EX/MT with six nicer, 24% VG to VG/EX, 16% lesser; The 13 blue panel cards grade 62% VG to EX, 38% PR to GD. Master set builders, please see our web site for a detailed by series list of the contents of this collection.
1933-40 R73 Goudey Indians Complete Set (216) Plus Blue Panel Set (24). Goudey's Indian Gum set is among the most popular of all non-sports sets. The set contains 216 numbered, multi-colored artwork cards highlighting individual Indians, tribes, famous action scenes, and US military and leaders of the time. Highlights include #1 Shienne Tribe (VG), 25 Geronimo (trimmed), 33 Pocahontas (trimmed), 38 Sitting Bull (trimmed), 50 Daniel Boone (SGC 88 NM/MT 8), 52 Davy Crockett (trimmed), 55 General Custer (trimmed), 56 William Penn (EX/MT), 58 Wayne (SGC 84 NM 7), 59 Wild Bill Hancock (EX), 60 Buffalo Bill (trimmed), 65 Mrs. Merrill (SGC 84 NM 7), 70 Captain John Smith (trimmed), 90 Yellowstone Kelly (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5), 92 Chief White Cloud (trimmed), 109 Little White Cloud (trimmed), 125 Ute Tribe (SGC 80 EX/NM 6), 138 Osages Tribe (SGC 84 NM 7), 152 Blackfoot Tribe (SGC 84 NM 7) and 202 Wat-Che-Mon-Ne (SGC 86 NM+ 7.5). Most of these cards have a nice hand-cut appearance but around 80% are trimmed or were cut by hand from sheet(s).
1933 R78 Jungle Gum PSA-Graded Collection (11). Harkening back to the days of the Hassan "Animals" series is the R78 "Jungle Gum" set from 1933. The ambitious 192 cards advertised on the reverse actually turned out to be 48 cards skipped-numbered from 1-71. This is a high end selection where the "EX" cards present as nicely as the "NM-MT" examples. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9 (OC): 1 card, #3 S. African Fox; PSA NM-MT 8:3 cards, #'s 1 Giraffe, 53 Elephant and 65 Bison; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 20 African Bush Pig and 39 Zebra; PSA EX-MT 6: 3 cards, #'s 12 Kudu, 22 Lechwe and 47 Okapi; PSA EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 11 Adjutant and 16 Bushbuck.
1933 R136 National Chicle "Sky Birds" SGC-Graded Partial Set (64/108). Note: Card #25 was listed twice. Card #25 is an SGC 84, the second reference is actually card #35 in the SGC 60 section.
That same classic art deco style artwork that has made the Diamond Stars baseball series so popular is also seen in the "Sky Birds" edition put out by National Chicle in 1933 and 1934. Two of the biggest names in aviation are present in Orville Wright and Baron Von Richthofen (The Red Baron). Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards, #'s 10/48, 21/48, 29/48, 25/48, 46/48, 78 and 76; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 2/48, 18/48, 44/48 and 55; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 5 cards, #'s 32 Doolittle/48, 39/48, 51, 56 and 82; SGC 60 EX 5: 17 cards, #'s 7/48, 16/48, 19/48, 24/48, 35/48, 43, 49 Wright, 70, 74, 85, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60 Amundsen and 66; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 15 cards, #'s 1 Putnam/48, 12/48, 17/48, 20/48, 22/48, 23/48 Von Richthofen (Red Baron), 27/48, 28/48, 37, 47/48, 62, 69, 73, 81 and 97 Thenault; SGC 40 VG 3: 10 cards, #'s 3/48, 8/48, 11/48, 14/48, 31/48, 40/48, 50, 68, 77 and 80; SGC 30 GD 2: 4 cards, #'s 61, 75, 86 and 87; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, #'s 83 and 94.
That same classic art deco style artwork that has made the Diamond Stars baseball series so popular is also seen in the "Sky Birds" edition put out by National Chicle in 1933 and 1934. Two of the biggest names in aviation are present in Orville Wright and Baron Von Richthofen (The Red Baron). Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 7 cards, #'s 10/48, 21/48, 29/48, 25/48, 46/48, 78 and 76; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 2/48, 18/48, 44/48 and 55; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 5 cards, #'s 32 Doolittle/48, 39/48, 51, 56 and 82; SGC 60 EX 5: 17 cards, #'s 7/48, 16/48, 19/48, 24/48, 35/48, 43, 49 Wright, 70, 74, 85, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60 Amundsen and 66; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 15 cards, #'s 1 Putnam/48, 12/48, 17/48, 20/48, 22/48, 23/48 Von Richthofen (Red Baron), 27/48, 28/48, 37, 47/48, 62, 69, 73, 81 and 97 Thenault; SGC 40 VG 3: 10 cards, #'s 3/48, 8/48, 11/48, 14/48, 31/48, 40/48, 50, 68, 77 and 80; SGC 30 GD 2: 4 cards, #'s 61, 75, 86 and 87; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, #'s 83 and 94.
1934 R136 National Chicle "Sky Birds" SGC 88 NM/MT 8 Pair (2). The "Sky Birds" series shares the same professional quality artwork, art deco style and vibrant colors now synonymous with the National Chicle Company. Overall, noticeably tougher than the baseball edition, R136s are even scarcer in high grade. This incredibly sharp pair includes: #'s 32 James Doolittle/Series of 48 (SGC 88 NM/MT 8) and 75 White Springs/Series of 144 (SGC 88 NM/MT 8).
1933 R172 "Wild West Series" Near Set (47/49). This very nicely illustrated series is a popular entry in the Gum Inc. library of editions. The cards can be found in two formats, the common having a red or blue banner running across the bottom of the card with lines on the reverse to be cut into a puzzle or a white area across the bottom front and no puzzle lines. This set has four of the scarce later version (#'s 28, 35, 36, 49). Missing #'s 44 plus the nearly impossible bonus card #25 for completion. Includes: Graded - PSA EX 5: 1 card, #32; PSA VG-EX + 4.5: 3 cards, #'s 12, 15 and 20; PSA VG-EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 14, 18, 33 and 43. Grades 81% VG to EX, 19% lesser.
1933 R174 Goudey "World War Gum" SGC-Graded Complete Set (96). With tensions in Europe high and the whisper of war coming over the horizon Goudey reintroduced WWI scenes and events to youngsters via this 96-card production under the name "World War Gum." The set is built as two series, identified by tan (#'s 1-48) or orange (#'s 49-96) border treatments. Not an easy set to complete, especially in middle to high grade. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #54; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 49, 51, 62, 69 and 83; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 6 cards, #'s 19, 55, 57, 58, 80 and 82; SGC 60 EX 5: 26 cards, #'s 12, 13, 14, 16, 21, 25, 27, 28, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44, 52, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 81, 87, 89, 90, 94 and 95; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 26 cards, #'s 4, 10, 17, 23, 24, 31, 32, 36, 47, 53, 56, 67, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 84, 86, 88, 91, 92 and 93; SGC 40 VG 3: 21 cards, #'s 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 18, 20, 30, 33, 34, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 61, 71, 78, 85 and 96; SGC 30 GD 2: 8 cards, #'s 1, 8, 9, 15, 26, 29, 38 and 60; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, #'s 3 and 22; SGC 10 PR 1: 1 card, #37.
1935 R89 Mickey Mouse PSA-Graded Pair (2). Note: The catalog description is in error. The following is correct.
Mickey Mouse was only a youthful seven years old in 1935 but was already an international hit for Walt Disney. Issued under the name "Mickey Mouse Bubble Gum" this set of 96 cards still ranks high on the popularity list. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #45 Mickey Mouse with Pluto (Pop 3 with none higher) and PSA NM 7: 1 card, #81 Mickey with Minnie Mouse (Pop 4 with five higher).
Mickey Mouse was only a youthful seven years old in 1935 but was already an international hit for Walt Disney. Issued under the name "Mickey Mouse Bubble Gum" this set of 96 cards still ranks high on the popularity list. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #45 Mickey Mouse with Pluto (Pop 3 with none higher) and PSA NM 7: 1 card, #81 Mickey with Minnie Mouse (Pop 4 with five higher).
1935 R89 Gum Inc. Mickey Mouse Graded Collection (32 Different) M-I-C... He is an All-American original, K-E-Y... He is a star of movies, comics and holiday parades, M-O-U-S-E... The king of Disneyland and loved by kids and adults young at heart worldwide. The list of Disney characters is vast but none can claim the popularity of Mickey Mouse. Mickey and his friends make this series a hobby classic. All cards are type II unless noted. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #71; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 53, 71 and 75; PSA NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 59 (OC), 65, 82 and 95; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, #'s 26, 49, 61, 81, 88 and 93; PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 47, 66, 74, 86 and 90; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 28 and 87; PSA EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 22/Type I, 62 and 68; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards, #'s 22 and 96; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, #46; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards, #'s 51 and 64; PSA GD 2: 1 card, #40; SGC Authentic: 2 cards, #'s 39 and 79.
1935 V303 O-Pee-Chee Mickey Mouse SGC-Graded Collection (30 Different). These 30 cards actually represent almost a third of the entire set. The popularity of Mickey Mouse and his supporting cast of friends is an international phenomenon like no other. It is assumed at the same time (1935) Gum Inc. issued the American version (R89), O-Pee-Chee sold a parallel version of the 96-card set to Canadian gum chewers/card collectors. This "V' class entry is not an easy find up north and is extremely scarce here in the States. Includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 55, 73, 75, 76 and 85; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 7 cards, #'s 27, 51, 62, 66, 78, 82 and 84; SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards, #'s 28, 40, 49, 59, 83, 89 and 96; SGC 30 GD 2: 8 cards, #'s 20, 34, 39, 41, 42, 45, 50 and 79; SGC 10 PR 1: 3 cards, #'s 43, 44 and 77.
Extremely Rare 1935 R90 "Mickey Mouse With The Movie Stars" Complete Set (24) - #1 on PSA Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the PSA Set Registry with a 5.08 GPA. From within every theme and era of collecting a precious few sets capture the imagination like no other. When one thinks of 1930's non-sport, the name "Mickey Mouse and the Movie Stars" is the stuff dreams are made of. Produced by Gum Inc. in 1935. Although this series has been given its very own entry in the American Card Catalog, it actually serves as the closing run of high numbers to the very popular, and very common, R89 "Mickey Mouse" edition. There is no debate about calling them the rarest of the rare, especially when the opportunity to purchase just one card generates bidding that proves to be emotionally devastating to all but the top bidder. The cards are numbered from #97 through #120 and feature a cartoon scene of Mickey Mouse mingling with an unnamed star of the silver screen. We can only guess that the change in format and rarity account for the additional ACC entry. This is the first time Heritage has had the pleasure of offering these treasured collectibles in complete set form. The fact that this presentation is the #1 place holder on the PSA Registry is the sweetest "icing on the cake" as they say. It happens in so few instances where we can offer the most enticing combination of rarity and quality. We simply can't convey in words the tremendous chance this is for the advanced hobbyist to add this 24-card complete set to their prized collection. Includes: PSA NM 7: 1 cards, #117; PSA EX-MT 6: 13 cards, #'s 98, 99 Groucho Marx, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109 Durante, 110, 113 Garbo, 114, Fairbanks, 115, 118 and 119; PSA EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 97, 101, 102 and 111; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #112; PSA Good 2: 3 cards, #'s 100, 105 and 120; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #116.
Extremely Rare 1935 R90 "Mickey Mouse with the Movie Stars" SGC-Graded Partial Set (13/24). Hobbyists who pursue the R89 series featuring Mickey Mouse and the rest of the Disney gang consider their sets complete with 96 cards. Not so, a very rare high number series exists (#'d 97-120) which is listed separately in the ACC as R90. The separation is due to change in format as this rare final segment is titled "Mickey Mouse with the Movie Stars" and is extremely rare compared to the first 96 cards. Each card features a cartoon pairing Mickey with a Hollywood star of the era and copy on the reverse where consumers guess who the star is. . This presentation includes: Graded - SGC 60 EX 5: 7 cards, #'s 97, 98, 99 Gaucho Marx, 100 Will Rogers, 103, 113 Garbo and 119; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards, #'s 102, 111 Karloff and 116; SGC 40 VG 3: 106 Chaplin and 109 Durante; SGC 30 Good 2: 1 card, #101.
1936 R65 Goudey "History of Aviation" Near Set (8/10). These 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" "cards" are actually pages designed to be 2-hole punched and saved in some type of book or album. The fronts are very colorful illustrations of famous aviators with a tale of personal glory up in the wild blue yonder on the reverse. The set was made to educate and promote aviation which was improving with each passing year. Missing #'s 2 and 4 for completion. The very scarce 8-card near set includes: #'s 1 Howard Hughes (VG/EX), 3 Wiley Post, 5 Richard Byrd, 6 Willie Mae, 7 Hughes' Record, 8 Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis," 9 "Over The North Pole With Byrd" and 10 Wings Over the Pacific. All are unpunched. Grades EX to EX/MT with a couple nice and one slightly lesser.
1936 R60 "G-Men & Heroes of the Law" SGC-Graded Collection (31). It's no wonder why this series is so popular with modern hobbyists. This attractive selection offers cards from all scarcity levels of these colorful and exciting collectibles. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 13, 212 and 242; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #87; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #45; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, 16 and 58; SGC 60 EX 5: 10 cards, #'s 2, 3, 4, 8, 14, 15, 19, 20, 22 and 77; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 7 cards, #'s 5, 6, 7, 10, 21, 23 and 24; SGC 40 VG 3: 4 cards, #'s 11, 12, 17 and 18; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #9; SGC Authentic: 2 cards, #'s 69 and 131.
1936 R60 "G-Men & Heroes of The Law" #253 PSA NM-MT 8. This high grade example of card #253 from the G-Men & Heroes of the Law series is one of a trio at this grade with only one known better copy. Very sharp and colorful card.
1936 R147 "Tarzan and The Vault of Isis" Partial Set (18/50) - #3 on PSA Set Registry. Rank: # 3 on the PSA Set Registry with a 4.85 GPA. R147s were issued by Schutter-Johnson and feature an illustrated adaptation of the story " Tarzan and the Vault of Isis." Veteran non-sport enthusiasts are all too familiar with two aspects of this series - the cards are great to look at and gosh darn hard to find... in any condition. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very high end selection of this rare edition. Six noted cards are the stand alone finest examples recorded to date. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 1 card, #31 (Pop 1 with none higher); PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 2 cards, #'s 14 and 15 (Both pop 1s with none higher); PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 18, 22 (Pop 1 with none higher), 41, 44 (Pop 1 with none higher) and 47 (Pop 1 with none higher); PSA EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 25, 37 and 50; PSA VG-EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 9, 3, 13, 38 and 45; PSA FR+ 1.5: 1 card, #24; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #8. Not one card in this series has a total population of over seven.
1937 Wolverton "Ripley's Believe It or Not" SGC-Graded Collection (6). Offered is an attractive selection of these very interesting and somewhat elusive series. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #4 The Trench of Bayonets (2); SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #9 The Marooned Man; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, #19 A Record in Cannibalism; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #14 Black Bart, The Stage Robber; SGC 30 Good 2: 1 card, #15 The Largest Tree In The World.
1938 R69 Gum Inc. "Horrors of War" Partial Set (166). This edition was an ingenious vehicle to bring war propaganda to an impressionable generation... and all neatly wrapped in wax paper with a sugary piece of gum. This presentation consists of all low and middle series numbers between #1 and 191. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 80, 83 and 177; PSA NM 7: 8 cards, #'s 4, 8, 13, ,75, 91, 97, 109 and 129; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 4 cards, #'s 11, 17, 19 and 173; PSA EX-MT 6: 11 cards, #'s 9, 15, 21, 44, 49, 51, 101, 110, 127, 186 and 190; PSA EX 5: 4 cards, #'s 12, 78, 99 and 112; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #53. Grades 7% NM to NM/MT, 38% EX to EX/MT, 43% VG to VG/EX with some lesser, 12% sheet cut or small.
1939 R156 True Spy Stories Spy Web Over Washington #1 PSA EX-MT 6. The world of double agents, spies and government intrigue took center stage for Gumakers of America, Inc. classic series "True Spy Stories." A condition scarcity, this solid high end example of the first card in the series is titled "Spy Web Over Washington" and is the only EX-MT 6 copy known with only two confirmed better examples.
1930's R161 "Walt Disney Comics" Complete Set (32) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 54.6 GPA. This scarce set was issued in strips much like the war theme sets of the early 1940's. Unlike those sets, this 32-card classic is fun, colorful and features the Disney characters which have passed the test of time like Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Dumbo, Donald Duck and others! Issued with perforations, this set is hard to find in high grade as kids were certainly quick to separate the cards to play or trade with. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, Mickey Takes A Fall; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, Donald Yachting and Minnie Shuffleboard; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, Donald Takes A Dive, Dumbo Makes Landing, Joe Carioca Tries and Pluto Catches; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, Donald Bowling and Panchito Bull Fighter; SGC 60 EX 5: 9 cards, Donald Rides Bike, Goofy Does Fishing, Goofy Goes Swimming, Goofy Hole in One, Mickey The Champ, Minnie Takes Trip, Minnie Tennis, Panchito Rowing and Pluto Goes Hunting; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, Dumbo Plays Acrobatics, Mickey Football, Minnie Enjoys Skis, Panchito On Surf Board and Pluto Tries To Skate; SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards, Dumbo Runs A Race and Goofy Hits A Homer; SGC 30 GD 2: 4 cards, Dumbo Plays, Joe Carioca Plays Polo, Mickey Mouse and Panchito Plays; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 2 cards, It's A Cinch and Pluto Wins; SGC Authentic: 1 card, Joe Carioca Pitching.
1939 R165 Gum Inc. "War News Pictures" Near Set (129/144). War News Pictures" is a 144-card production that seemed to be hastily planned as the set features no less than four different design formats. With disturbing events surely heading for war, Gum Inc seemed to break out all the stops and circulate any and every piece of war related art or photos they could find. Missing #'s 109-120, 127, 128 and 129 for completion. In total, 28 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 89 and 90; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 5, 31 Hitler Congratulates Van Ribbentrop, 88 and 96; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards, #'s 22, 25, 87, 95 and 103; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 4 cards, #'s 6, 7, 15 and 97; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #14; SGC 60 EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 46, 47, 61, 98, 99, 107, 124 and 125; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards, #'s 12, 52, 101 and 123. Grades 9% NM to NM/MT, 22% EX to EX/MT, 43% VG to VG/EX, 26% PR to GD.
1939 Rothmans "Beauties of the Cinema-Round" Complete Set (24) - #3 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #3 on the SGC Set registry with a 90.9 GPA. This classic series features female stars of the silver screen, all portrayed surrounded by gold. The gold ink chips very easily and starts to form a green patina making truly high grade examples tough to find. To date, less than a handful of each have been recorded by SGC. The set is a combination of matte and glossy finishes. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 Mint 9: 13 cards, Angel, Colbert, Crawford, Dunne, Gulliver, Harlow, Matthews, Oberon, Stanwyck, Tovar, Wong, Wray and Young; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card, Sten; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 5 cards, Blane, Carlisle, Francis, Shearer and Stuart; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, Blondall, Marlowe and Wynyard; SGC 60 EX 5: 1 card, Bennett. Ungraded - Loy (VG/EX). Grades 54% MINT, 46% NM/MT to NM/MT+ with two lesser.
1930's R41 "Dick Tracy" Partial Set (94/144) - With Vintage High Numbers! In the early 1940's the Walter Johnson Candy Co. produced a series of cards dedicated to the most popular comic detective of all-time, Dick Tracy. This lot offers both high and low numbers, all 1940's vintage. Includes: Graded - PSA NM 7: 1 card, #72; PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards, #'s 12, 21, 24, 52 and 60; PSA EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #59; PSA EX 5: 1 card, #74; PSA VG-EX + 4.5: 1 card, #36; PSA VG 3: 1 card, #114. Grades 41% EX to EX/MT with one nicer, 45% VG to VG/EX, 14% lesser.
1930's R41 Dick Tracy Caramels PSA-Graded Collection (21). It isn't often vintage collectibles are available in such high quality. This very sharp selection comes to us from the find of decades ago which are becoming more difficult to find for sale with each passing year. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 2 cards, #'s 124 and 134; PSA NM-MT 8: 11 cards, #'s 122, 126, 127, 129, 133, 135, 136, 137, 139, 141 and 142; PSA NM 7: 5 cards, #'s 123, 125, 128, 130 and 140; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards, #'s 121 and 144; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card, #143.
1940 R145 "Superman" SGC-Graded Collection (15). Note: The description has been updated from the write up in the catalog.
Only The Beatles and Elvis could possibly claim to have been as popular as the man of steel. Superman first appeared in the summer of 1938 and shot to stardom faster than... yes, we'll say it, "a speeding bullet." Although the last son of Krypton appeared on practically everything at one time or another he was the subject of surprisingly few card sets. This 1940 series by Gum Inc. is by far his most popular. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #39; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 29 and 41; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 12 and 40; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 25 and 32; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 11, 42 and 45; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #34; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 15, 26, 42; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #51.
Only The Beatles and Elvis could possibly claim to have been as popular as the man of steel. Superman first appeared in the summer of 1938 and shot to stardom faster than... yes, we'll say it, "a speeding bullet." Although the last son of Krypton appeared on practically everything at one time or another he was the subject of surprisingly few card sets. This 1940 series by Gum Inc. is by far his most popular. Includes: Graded - SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card, #39; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 29 and 41; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, #'s 12 and 40; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, #'s 25 and 32; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 11, 42 and 45; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #34; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards, #'s 15, 26, 42; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #51.
1940 R83 "Lone Ranger" PSA-Graded Partial Set (27) - With Four High Numbers! Note: The description has been corrected to say card #'s 7 and 47 are graded PSA FR 1.5, not PR 1.
This and the other PSA-Graded Lone Ranger cards in this auction combine to make the #9 set on the PSA Set Registry. This selection is fresh to the hobby and offers four very scarce high numbers including #47 which seems to be the ire of many vintage non-sport enthusiasts. Includes: Graded - PSA EX/MT 6: 2 cards, #'s 2 and 8; PSA EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 22, 36 and 45; PSA VG-EX 4: 10 cards, #'s 3, 4, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 and 31; PSA VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 16 and 17; PSA GD 2; 2 cards, #'s 24 (MC) and 38; PSA FR 1.5: 2 cards, #'s 7 and 47; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #46.
This and the other PSA-Graded Lone Ranger cards in this auction combine to make the #9 set on the PSA Set Registry. This selection is fresh to the hobby and offers four very scarce high numbers including #47 which seems to be the ire of many vintage non-sport enthusiasts. Includes: Graded - PSA EX/MT 6: 2 cards, #'s 2 and 8; PSA EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 22, 36 and 45; PSA VG-EX 4: 10 cards, #'s 3, 4, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 30 and 31; PSA VG 3: 2 cards, #'s 16 and 17; PSA GD 2; 2 cards, #'s 24 (MC) and 38; PSA FR 1.5: 2 cards, #'s 7 and 47; PSA PR 1: 1 card, #46.
1940 R83 Lone Ranger PSA EX-MT 6 Collection (12) With High Numbers! So nicely produced, cards from this beautifully illustrated series are appealing even in lower grade levels. Examples from the high end of the grading scale are even more enticing, as is this presentation in its entirety. Includes: Graded - PSA EX-MT 6: 12 cards, #'s 10, 11, 25, 27 (2), 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 39 Smugglers' Love letters and 42 Storming the Indian Camp at Night.
1940 R83 Lone Ranger Graded PSA NM 7 Pair (2). Offered is a pair of very high end R83 Lone Ranger cars from 1940. Both have ben graded PSA NM 7 and include: #'s 26 The Vicious Circle and 34 Fire Trap. Two high quality examples destined to help a set registry user enhance his set.
1940 R83 Lone Ranger #1 "A Silver Bullet Stops A Hanging" PSA EX-MT 6 - Highest Grade Level Known. Graded EX-MT 6 by PSA, this copy is tied with little over a handful of others at the highest grade level available. This very tough and high end card #1 "A Silver Bullet Stops A Hanging." A quality example of a condition scarcity.
1930's R41 Dick Tracy SGC-Graded Collection (38). Dick Tracy has been a staple in the book of newspaper comic characters which made the stomachs of millions ache with laughter or tighten up in heightened suspense generated with each passing frame. As an added bonus, young card collectors were treated to a series by Johnson Candy which featured the exploits of the famous detective. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, w/#'s 124, 132, 133, 135 and 144; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 12 cards, w/#'s 121, 125, 127, 129, 132, 133, 134, 135, 137, 138, 139 and 144; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 6 cards, w/#'s 122, 128, 129, 134, 136 and 143; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, w/#'s 76, 128 and 131; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards, w/#'s 13 and 18; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards, w/#'s 31 and 83; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, w/#'s 39, 41, 44, 87 and 95; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #33; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, #81; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #68.
1941 R157 "Uncle Sam" Complete Set (96) and R158 "Home Defense" Near Set (19/24). The marketing dept. at Gum Inc. knew that the gum card would be an ideal propaganda tool to teach youngsters about the war that would soon be facing them. In times of complete uncertainty, the United States on the brink of entering World War II, these cards reminded Americans just how mighty our nation's military is. The Uncle Sam cards show each of the four branches of the military. Overall, 75 cards have been graded by SGC or PSA. Includes: 1941 R157 Uncle Sam (96) - Complete 1st Series of #'s 1-96. Includes: Graded - SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards, #'s 9, 16, 37, 61, 75 and 78; PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 45 and 93; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 4 cards, #'s 10, 14, 18 and 35; SGC 84 NM 7: 5 cards, #'s 5, 7, 54, 55 and 87; PSA NM 7: 1 card, #74; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 19, 20, 23, 39 and 53; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 3 cards, #'s 64, 90 and 95; SGC 60 EX 5: 13 cards, #'s 12, 13, 17, 22, 26, 27, 49, 50, 51, 63, 79, 81 and 85; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 9 cards, #'s 2, 6, 8, 58, 60, 62, 68, 70 and 71; SGC 40 VG 3: 16 cards, #'s 1, 4, 25, 28, 30, 41, 42, 46, 47, 56, 57, 59, 65, 66, 67 and 83; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #80. Grades 19% NM to NM/MT, 42% EX to EX/MT, 31% VG to VG/EX (few lesser), 8% trimmed. 1941 R158 Uncle Sam/Home Defense (19) - Near complete run of #'s 97-120. Includes: Graded - SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card, #101; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 1 card, #118; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 104, 109 and 113; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 99, 102, 117, 119 and 120; SGC 40 VG 3: 6 cards, #'s 97, 98, 105, 106, 111 and 115; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #107; SGC Authentic: 2 cards, #'s 112 and 116.
1948 F273-19 Kellogg's Pep Movie Stars & Celebrities Collection (106) Including Complete Sets. This star studded presentation offers a total of 106 '48 "Kellogg's PEP' real photo collectibles. This group has from 2 to 8 of each subject and will create two complete sets of all 24 celebrities plus the Sanders variation. Highlights include: Graded - PSA NM 7: 7 cards, Andrews, Breneman, Carson, MacMurray, Mayo, Scott and Stanwyck; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 1 card, Lamarr; PSA EX-MT 6: 4 cards, Bogart (2), Carson and Paige; PSA EX 5: 1 card, Sanders. Ungraded - including: Bennett (5: 2 VG/EX, 3 VG), Bogart (5: 2 EX, 3 VG/EX), Colbert (4: EX/MT, 2 VG/EX, VG), Lamarr (3: EX, VG/EX, VG), MacMurray (4: EX, 2 VG/EX, VG), Stanwyck (3: EX, 2 VG/EX) and Wyman (3: EX/MN, VG/EX, VG). Grades 55% EX to EX/MT with some nicer, 45% VG to VG/EX with some lesser.
1949 Bowman R701-6 "America Salutes the FBI" Complete Set (36) - #2 on the SGC Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the SGC Set Registry with a 56.2 GPA. The source of the stories of the seedy world of spies, secret agents, FBI agents and the infamous criminals they brought to justice came from "G-Men Detective" magazine. Bowman made these tales come to life via this 36-card series produced in 1949. This is a nice clean set where even the lower grade cards have great eye appeal where assessments don't fit the card. Includes: Graded - SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards, #'s 20, 25, 27, and 28; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 6 cards, #'s 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, and 30; SGC 60 EX 5: 3 cards, #'s 3, 8 and 35; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 12 cards, #'s 1, 4, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 26, 29, 31, and 32; SGC 40 VG 3: 10 cards, #'s 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 33, 34, and 36; SGC 30 GD 2: 1 card, #7.
1950 Bowman "Wild West" Mid to High Grade Complete Set (180). For a bunch of "yanks" from the big city of Philadelphia, the Bowman art department deserves a loud "Yah-hoo" for the high quality illustrations which elevates this classic release from the rest of the heard. This presentation offers a stunning display of color via each richly detailed portrait or scene surrounded by a this white border. Most borders are bright but some do have some toning. A total of 31 cards (26 SGC and 5 PSA) have been professionally graded. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 2 cards, #'s G5 and G15; SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s A23, E3, E10, F6 and G8; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards, #'s B2, B12, C12, F12, G4, H8 and H11; PSA NM-MT 8: 1 card, #D8; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards, #'s A34, B10 and D6; SGC 84 NM 7: 9 cards, #'s A11, A17, A35, C2, C4, E4, E5, F16 and G19; PSA NM 7: 4 cards, #'s A7, F3, F4 and G6. Grades 25% NM to NM/MT, 64% EX to EX/MT, 11% VG to VG/EX.
1952 Dixie Lids Movie Stars Complete Set (24) - #4 on PSA Set Registry. Rank: #4 on the PSA Set Registry with a 9.17 GPA. These one-color lids were issued with numerous brands but this is a matching assembly of "Nelsons Ice Cream" brand backs. The brief list of 24 subjects includes the biggest names of the era in Bob Hope, Clark Gable and John Wayne. Every lid is crisp and fresh with the wax coating intact and not one crease line where the delicate tab protrudes from the edge. Include: Graded - PSA GEM MT 10: 4 cards w/Bob Hope, Lane, Tucker and Shelly Winters; PSA Mint 9: 20 cards, w/Allen, Allyson, Brown, Cameron, Chandler, Bing Crosby, Dagmar, Elliott, Clark Gable, Gaynor, Granger, Hutton, Gene Kelly, Alan Ladd, Lanza, Peters, Starrett, Elizabeth Taylor, R. Taylor and John Wayne.
1952 Topps Look 'N See SGC-Graded Collection (41 Different) With NM/MT Babe Ruth. Topps' "Look and See" series is as popular with non-sport fans as the baseball series is with sports card collectors. The subject roster reads like a list of famous (and a few infamous) historical all-stars from throughout history. Includes: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards, #'s 27, 34 Lee and 49; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 15 cards, #'s 8, 15 Babe Ruth, 18, 19, 20 Einstein, 25, 26, 38, 41 Eisenhower, 39 Patton, 45 Earhart, 51, 53, 60 Hickok and 72; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 11 cards, #'s 12, 13, 16 Revere, 21 Franklin, 29 Twain, 44 Cleopatra, 52, 55 Boone, 56 Geronimo, 61 and 62; SGC 84 NM 7: 12 cards, #'s 5, 9 Washington, 11, 23, 32 MacArthur, 46 Oakley, 50, 58 Sitting Bull, 64 Churchill, 65 Ghandi, 67 Napoleon and 74. The SMR value of this collection exceeds $2,500.00.
1952 Topps Look 'N See" Geronimo #56 PSA Gem Mint 10. Of the close to sixty examples of card #56 from the Look 'N See series featuring the western legend Chief Geronimo this is the only copy to achieve the exalted Gem MT 10 grade. An attention grabbing combination of color and quality encased by four razor sharp corners. Geronimo is among the key subjects of this fun set.
1952 Topps "Wings" High End PSA-Graded Collection (78). This 78 card PSA-Graded collection entitled "Wings" was one of Topps' first major card productions next to the now classic baseball releases of the same year. Just as the military-based subject matter played on the Cold War era fears of war between the U.S. and Russia, "Wings" served as a colorful, well produced direct assault against Bowman's card producing supremacy. Highlights include: Graded - PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 7 cards, #'s 16, 27, 39, 64, 75, 76 and 137; PSA NM-MT 8: 56 cards, #'s 3, 4, 7, 11, 15, 17, 20, 22, 29, 31, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 63, 65, 68, 72, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 114, 126, 132, 136, 137, 146, 149, 150, 174 and 176; PSA NM+ 7.5: 6 cards, #'s 14, 23, 38, 50, 64 and 67; PSA NM 7: 9 cards, #'s 28, 37, 40, 46, 71, 73, 83, 123 and 131. The total SMR value exceeds $4,500.
1954 Topps Scoop "S.S. Titanic Sinks" #17 PSA Mint 9 - Pop 1 , Highest Graded Copy! One of the defining moments of the 20th Century happened on April 15, 1912 when the S.S. Titanic sank in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. This Topps "Scoop" briefly tells the tale of the ill fated ship and is one of the most commonly submitted non-sports related cards in the set. This is the only Mint 9 example graded by PSA to date of 25 submissions.
1956 Topps "Flags of the World" PSA-Graded Collection (14). The artists for Topps really hit their creative stride in 1956. If the baseball cards series from that season wasn't impressive enough, this 80-card edition devoted to the colorful flags from countries around the world certainly will, especially with these high grade examples. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 9 cards, #'s 3, 5, 20, 23 Russia, 27, 47 Portugal, 50 Cuba, 52 Tibet and 79 Monaco; PSA NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards, #'s 53 and 77 Norway; PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 14, 35 Colombia and 36 Japan.
1960 Fleer "Spins and Needles" Near Set (68/80) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with an incredible 95.8 GPA. It'll take one blockbuster of a melody to top this #1 hit. Almost every card rockets to the top the charts with a Mint 96 or Gem 98 rating and this is from the traditionally conservative eyes of SGC judges. A tremendous display of colors and quality. Includes: Graded - SGC 98 GEM 10: 8 cards, #'s 20 Uggams, 22, 28, 34, 43, 50, 65, and 67; SGC 96 MINT 9: 54 cards, #'s 1 Reese, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 Anka, 9 Lawrence, 10, 11, 12, 14, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 36 J. Lee Lewis, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 79, and 80; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 16, 17, 29, 45, and 74; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 1 card, #6.
1962 Topps Civil War News Currency Near Master Set (12) - #5 on the PSA Set Registry! Rank: #2 (Basic) on the PSA Registry with a 7.56 GPA; #5 (Master) on the PSA Registry with a 7.54 GPA. There was just something about the paper insert series Topps made in 1962 in that finding well-centered examples are very hard to find. That's not the case with this high end selection of these very popular paper "currency" collectibles. Includes: Graded - PSA Mint 9: 3 items, $20/Serial #1372, $5/Serial #24497 and $1/Serial #355; PSA NM-MT 8: 5 items, $100/Serial #801, $10/Serial #77389, $2/Serial #2473, $2/Serial #64505 and $1/Serial #3691; PSA EX-MT+ 6.5: 3 items, $500/Serial #33546, $50/Serial #59204 and $5/Serial #4763; PSA EX-MT 6: 1 item, $1000/Serial #176A. The ideal complement to a high grade set of "Civil War News" cards.
1962 Topps Civil War News #1 "The Angry Men" Artist Layout Proof Plus Final Card Pair (2) It's been said that "necessity is the mother of invention." Well sometimes needs are fulfilled with just a quick flip. This intriguing pair from the 1962 Topps "Civil War News" collectibles shows us the original full-frame, full-bleed (borderless), artist proof of the illustration for the crucial key card in any set-the #1 card. "The Angry Men" as originally envisioned by the artist. To accommodate the necessary title box, Topps simply "flipped" the image giving us collectors the final circulated card (Also included, EX-MT) as we all know and vigorously pursue.
1962 Topps "Mars Attacks" #55 Checklist Printers Proof. Mars Attacks was one of the greatest sets ever produced by Topps or any other sponsor. This could quite possibly be one of the rarest collectible from that history making series. This is a blank back proof of the black ink plate for the last card in the set-card #55 the Checklist. Hand cut, thus the GAI Authentic assessment. Presents Near Mint to Mint.
1963 Topps "Astronauts" Near Set (49/55) - Very Scarce "Popsicle Space Cards" Back Variation. The fronts show themselves to be completely identical to the standard Topps "Astronaut" issue. The startling exception are the reverses, which eliminates the 3-D feature and replaces it with a version promoting "Popsicle Space Cards" plus the designation of "Joe Lowe Corp, Englewood N.J". It is extremely rare to find even singles of this back version that some feel should be under the "Topps Test" umbrella, let alone an unheard of near set of 49 cards. Highlights include: Graded - PSA MINT 9: 9 cards, #'s 12, 15, 18 (OC), 21, 23, 28, 32 John Glenn, 33 and 37; PSA NM-MT 8: 3 cards, #'s 3, 24 and 27; PSA NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 4 and 43; PSA EX 5: 2 cards, #'s 5 and 53. Grades 27% NM to NM/MT, 73% VG to EX (most present EX/MT to NM but have a light crease or wrinkle). Visually more impressive than the technical grading suggests.
1965 Topps Test Bewitched "Mother and Daughter" GAI Mint 9. This extremely rare Topps test issue featured scene from the highly popular TV series "Bewitched" starring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens: suburban mom, homemaker and witch. The flawless blank-backed test card is graded GAI Mint 9. This endearing series is still seen in syndication around the world.
1966 Topps "Superman" Complete Set (66) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 81.4 GPA. This set is a testimonial to the popularity of the 1950's Superman TV series as it appeared almost a decade after the show ended its run in 1958. This is a nice crisp assembly likely taken from vending stock. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #31; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards, #'s 9, 140, 23, 33 and 46; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 20 cards, #'s 1 Krypton Is Doomed, 3, 4, 6, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 55, 56, 62 and 65; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 9 cards, #'s 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 47, 49, 61 and 64; SGC 84 NM 7: 12 cards, #'s 2, 5, 7, 11, 22, 28, 32, 37, 43, 48, 52, 53, ; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 5 cards, #'s 24, 30, 36, 54 and 66; SGC 60 EX 5: 5 cards, #'s 57, 58, 59, 60 and 63; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 5 cards, #'s 14, 19, 34, 44 and 50; Ungraded - 4 cards, #'s 8, 27, 45 and 51. Grades 71% NM to MINT, 15% EX to EX/MT, 14% VG/EX with four miscut.
1966 Philadelphia Gum "Tarzan" Complete Set (66) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with a 91.3 GPA. The adventures of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic character Tarzan have never looked better than in this 66-card series produced by Philadelphia Gum in 1966. Every card offers rich hues, bright borders and glossy, blemish free surfaces. It's rare that an auction description can say every card has achieved technical quality at the near mint to Gem Mint levels. Includes: Graded - SGC 98 GEM MT 10: 1 card, #48; SGC 96 MINT 9: 24 cards, #'s 1, 3, 11, 14, 18, 22, 24, 36, 37, 39, 43, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 60, 62, 63, 64, and 65; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 10 cards, #'s 2, 5, 9, 16, 20, 30, 40, 41, 54, and 58; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 21 cards, #'s 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 42, 44, 47, 55, 59, 61, and 66; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 8 cards, #'s 7, 13, 19, 21, 26, 28, 31, 57; SGC 84 NM 7: 2 cards, #'s 35 and 38.
1966 Topps Batman Display Box Trio (3). "Batman" carried as much star power in 1966 as did the Beatles and "The Monkees." The cards themselves are highly prized, essential additions to any 1960's non-sport collection with complete sets claimed by many. What far fewer hobbyist can attest to owning are the just as colorful counter display boxes which announced their desirable contents. Offered is a trio of boxes from the first series (Black bat), 2nd Series-detached sticker (Red Bat) and 3rd Series (Blue Bat) productions. Each box presents at the NM level with the only faults being a crease in the two side strips running horizontally at the level where the top panel is die cut. A fine trio which make for impressive display.
1966 Topps "Rat Patrol - U.S. Army Insignia Rings" Complete Set (22) - #2 on the PSA Set Registry. Rank: #2 on the PSA Set Registry with a 5.05 GPA. Offered is a complete set of one of the tougher insert series of the 1960's: 1966 Topps "Rat Patrol "U.S. Army Insignia Rings". Each of these die-cut cards was meant to be punched out and used as a ring, hence there have not been many sets or single ring die-cuts to ever reach the market. Includes: Graded - PSA NM-MT 8: 2 cards, #'s 7 63rd Division and 14 Aviation Cadet; PSA EX-MT 6: 4 cards, #'s 12 4th Air Force, 16 99th Infantry Battalion, 17 442d Regiment Combat Team and 18 101st Division; PSA EX 5: 8 cards, #'s 2 Army Air Forces, 4 2nd Division, 8 10th Mountain Division, 9 11th Airborne Division, 10 77th Division, 15 3d Observation, 19 Armored Forces and 21 VF-2; PSA VG-EX 4: 7 cards, #'s 1 7th Army, 5 17th Airborne Division, 6 59th Division, 11 187th Airborne Regiment, 13 Alaska Air Command, 20 U.S. Wing Marking and 22 31st Bombardment; PSA VG 3: 1 card, #3 HQ.
1966 Topps Rat Patrol #1 PSA NM 7 Plus Two Production Proofs. This trio of Rat Patrol collectibles give us insight into the steps necessary to bring trading to the look we all take for granted. This lot includes: 1) Card #1 They Were The Rat Patrol final production card graded PSA NM 7. This is a VERY tough card to find in high grade. This one of three at this grade with only two nicer as per the PSA pop report; 2) From the Topps Vault - Production proof with yellow and cyan inks. Blank backed and in the original sticker sealed case; 3) From the Topps Vault - Production proof with yellow, magenta and spot (warm) red inks. Blank backed and in the original sticker sealed case.
1960's Donruss, The Monkees "B" and "C" Series Display Box Pair (2). "The Monkees" are the greatest band that never should have been. The TV series was a monster hit from 1966-1968 with four comedic actors who played a band on TV so well that they eventually went on worldwide musical tours. The concept was also a prime opportunity for a series of gum cards. In fact, over a two year span there were no less than six different sets produced. Offered is a very high end pair of counter display boxes. The pair includes: 1) - 1966 Donruss "The Monkees" Series B display box with "3rd Series Featuring Color Photos" sticker; 2) - 1967 Donruss Series C "More of the Monkees" display box. Both boxes have few faults (a crease at side columns of the top panels) and present at the EX/MT to NM level. A fun addition to any 1960's Monkees or wrapper/display box collection.
1967 Leaf Star Trek PSA NM-MT 8 Group of (4). The Star Trek TV show aired for only two years to a less than enthusiastic audience but will last forever in syndication. The Star Trek cards Leaf produced only appeared briefly and seemed to have met the same lack of response as the available supply fails to meet demand. This quartet of high grade cards including #'s 15, 33, 42 and 68 have all been graded PSA NM-MT 8 and are among the finest known. Only one or two nicer examples of these numbers has been graded to date.
1967 Topps Captain Nice #12 PSA NM-MT 8. Fans who liked the campy satire of Get Smart and The Monkees probably enjoyed the very brief airing of Captain Nice as well. The humor of the show was at the expense of the other costume super-hero shows of the era. The show only aired from January to August of 1967 but somehow managed to have its own set of trading cards. Offered is a potentially under-graded copy of card #12 Do I Fly and Risk an Upset Stomach or do I Get There By Bus Feeling Healthy? Yes, I think we can all tell why this show didn't last. It seems the cards didn't either as they are very scarce in the current marketplace. To date only two examples of card #12 have been submitted to PSA.
1967 Topps "Who Am I ?" High Grade Complete Set (44). This humorous 44-card edition was designed for youngsters to guess who a famous historical person was using a supplied clue. Once they had their answer a handy coin was used to scrape off the removable disguise. The four baseball players, each an all-time legend, are the key subjects. Overall, this is a fresh assembly with great color and bright borders. A total of 18 cards have been graded by SGC. Highlights include: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 1 card, #39 Florence Nightingale; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 3 cards. w/#'s 15 Julius Caesar, 32 Alexander Graham Bell and 42 Jackie Kennedy; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 8 cards. w/#'s 2 Andrew Jackson, 4 Joan of Arc, 5 Nero, 11 Harry Truman, 13 Thomas Jefferson, 19 Charles Degaulle, John Adams and 27 Richard Byrd; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 2 cards. w/#'s 14 Dolly Madison and 41 Sandy Koufax; SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card, #33 Willie Mays; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards. w/#'s 12 Babe Ruth and 22 Mickey Mantle; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 1 card, #44 Lyndon Johnson. Grades 68% NM to NM/MT, 27% EX to EX/MT, 5% VG to VG/EX.
1967 Topps "Who Am I?" Complete Set (44) - #1 on the SGC Set Registry! Rank: #1 on the SGC Set Registry with an 88.6 GPA. What do kids dread the most? Eating their veggies at dinner and trading cards that are educational. Topps solved the "educational cards" problem with their "Who Am I?" series from 1967. Youngsters had to guess who the famous person was based on provided factual hints. If they didn't know the answer all they had to do was remove the goofy looking scratch-off disguise. Today, the four baseball subjects are the most popular and this set offers NM-MT 88 examples of each. Considering how most cards were scuffed-up after the disguises were removed, this all Near Mint or better assembly is no small accomplishment. Lots of sharp corners and glossy surfaces in this offering. Includes: Graded - SGC 96 MINT 9: 3 cards, #'s 9, 38 Revere and 39; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 6 cards, #'s 4, 7 Henry VIII, 10 Napoleon, 20, 21 Columbus and 28; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 27 cards, #'s 2, 5, 8, 11, 12 Babe Ruth, 14, 15 Caesar, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22 Mantle, 23, 25 Lincoln, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mays, 35, 37, 41 Koufax, 42, 43, and 44; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards, #'s 3, 6, 13, 24 and 40; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards, #'s 1 Washington, 34 and 36.
1967 Topps Wacky Pack "Crust" Proof GAI NM/MT 8. Graded NM/MT 8 by GAI. Offered is a fully printed but never die cut proof card of #12 from the first "Wacky Packages" series in 1967. This "Crust" spoof has four razor corners and is slightly off center. A beauty and possibly one-of-a-kind rarity from the set that started a craze.
1960's Topps Test "Crazy TV" Cards, Proofs and Wrapper. The extreme scarcity of this Topps test edition is well established by the fact only 32 total cards from this series have been graded to date. Topps's test series titled "Crazy TV" spoofs most popular Television show of the 1960's. This exciting lot of five items includes: 1) Final production card #'s 9 Gunstroke (EX/MT, sheet cut); 2) Final production card #47 May I? (EX-MT); 3) Proof - Dragged Net without wood grain border (EX, Blank Back); 4) Proof - What's Up Doctari? with wood grain border (EX/MT, Blank Back); 5) Approx. 6" x 5-1/2" plain white test wrapper with graphics. Has folds as if once processed as a pack, otherwise Near Mint. An exciting array of collectibles from a very scarce test issue.
Very Rare 1970 Topps Test "Hee Haw" #41 PSA NM-MT 8. The Topps marketing dept. found no television show, music act or trend off limits to having a trading card set. In 1970, a 55-card set was produced for "Hee Haw," the popular television show featuring everyone's favorite country bumpkins and town folks. Unfortunately, national circulation was not to be. Only a very small quantity was ever printed and most never saw store shelves. The extreme lack of examples available today certainly seems to bolster that fact. Offered is a close to one-of-a-kind copy of card #41 "Do You Think Kissing is Unhealthy" graded PSA NM-MT 8. Only two have been graded to date, this and one Mint 9. A rare chance to fill a long-standing hole in most non-sport collections.
Session 2
Baseball Collectibles
1913 World Series Game Used Baseball Signed by Tommy Connolly. We'll let the game used collectors and autograph hounds battle it out over this one, as we're frankly undecided as to which aspect of this important baseball is more appealing, though it must be noted that all writing was expertly enhanced subsequent to its initial application. The Official National League ball saw action at Game Three of this early Fall Classic, a historic battle between John McGraw's New York Giants and Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics, arguably the two finest and most star-studded rosters of the Dead Ball era. A bold black fountain pen inscription makes note of the details, reading "World Series 1913 - Sept. 9, Score Athletics - 8, New York - 2." Clearly umpire Charles Rigler, from whose estate the ball derives, got the month wrong, as the score is correct for the October 9th game.
While Rigler's black ink signature appears on an adjacent side panel, the real treat here is that of Hall of Fame umpire Tommy Connolly, whose resume includes the first ever American League game, the first World Series (1903) and the distinction of joining Bill Klem as the first men in black enshrined at Cooperstown. Connolly's "Compliments of T.H. Connolly" inscription is likewise flawlessly bold. Some red ink on another panel is too faded to discern, but it may be an inscription from Bill Klem, who also wore the mask for this important Series. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (noting tracing of writing).
While Rigler's black ink signature appears on an adjacent side panel, the real treat here is that of Hall of Fame umpire Tommy Connolly, whose resume includes the first ever American League game, the first World Series (1903) and the distinction of joining Bill Klem as the first men in black enshrined at Cooperstown. Connolly's "Compliments of T.H. Connolly" inscription is likewise flawlessly bold. Some red ink on another panel is too faded to discern, but it may be an inscription from Bill Klem, who also wore the mask for this important Series. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (noting tracing of writing).
1920 Bob Emslie Single Signed Baseball, Umpire for Merkle's Boner. Furious Giants manager John McGraw dubbed Emslie "Blind Bob" after the call which robbed New York of its 1908 pennant-clinching victory, but Emslie had the last laugh, showing up at a Giants practice with a rifle over his shoulder. Emslie placed a dime on the pitching rubber and retreated to his umpiring position behind home plate. Aiming and firing, Emslie sent the dime skipping into the outfield. McGraw never used the nickname again. The presented ball is the only known autograph from this notorious umpire, the black fountain pen inscription applied to a side panel of the ONL (Heydler) model. A date of "1920" appears on the opposing panel. Please note that the lack of known exemplars makes standard authentication impossible, but Heritage is as confident as can be of the signature's legitimacy. No third party paperwork will be available, however, due to the ball's singular status.
1922 "Babe" Ruth Signed Baseball. Very early OAL (Johnson) sphere might be worth tens of thousands if Ruth was the only man to lay pen to horsehide here, as his sweet spot signature is a phenomenal 9+/10, and that quotation-marked, stylized, slightly smaller format that precedes the World Championship Yankees era. And the fact is, the ball practically does present as a single, as this tough and highly coveted signature variation appears on the sweet spot with just one other significantly less prominent autograph on the southern panel, and that signer's equally light personalization and "1922" date on the northern side. We're fairly convinced that this other signature is simply a civilian who gifted the Ruth single to a friend, edging the ball ever closer to true "single" status. In any case, early Ruth autographs on baseballs remain highly prized among discerning collectors, and you'll find few finer. A thrilling relic predating The House that Ruth Built. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. A notation in an unknown hand reading "1924 World Series" suggests rather forcefully that the presented ONL (Heydler) sphere was utilized in the unsuccessful campaign to vanquish Walter Johnson's Washington Senators in the famous Fall Classic. The Big Train's team must have been pretty solid, as we find Hack Wilson, Bill Terry, Ross Youngs, Travis Jackson and Heine Groh among the signatures still visible upon the ball's deeply toned surface. About fourteen autographs remain legible, averaging perhaps 3/10, while others have faded beyond recognition. Still a very desirable artifact for its intense scarcity and stunning assembly of legends. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 "Babe" Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. Just eight days after completing a four-game World Series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates to conclude the greatest season in New York Yankees history, the two greatest heroes of Murderer's Row faced off as leaders of battling barnstorming teams in Omaha, Nebraska. Presented is an "Official League Ball" signed for one of the spectators that day, with Ruth rating 8/10 in his standard sweet spot position and Gehrig to the south at a strength of 6/10. The date is written just below in an unknown hand. Included in the lot are five fantastic period 8x10" photos snapped that day as Ruth and Gehrig met a famous Omaha chicken which had displayed a Gehrig-like consistency of laying an egg a day for more than six months straight (though, oddly, the chicken was named "Babe Ruth" instead). Three of the five picture Ruth and Gehrig, and all are slightly curled by age but could be framed to a NRMT appearance. Also here is a 2002 article in the Omaha World-Standard recounting that memorable day. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 "Babe" Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The brilliant Bambino was just two weeks from hitting the first of his record-setting sixty home runs during the Yankees' most glorious season when he autographed the sweet spot of this Harwood baseball for a fan in West Palm Beach, Florida near the close of 1927 spring training. The black fountain pen survives at a boldness of 7/10 upon this toned and evidently game used sphere, as a barely discernible notation on the western panel appears to provide a game score of some sort. The eastern panel reveals a notation (in an unknown hand) which reads "West Palm Beach 3-31-27." Rest assured that Ruth is the only autograph present though, with the 1927 vintage elevating this specimen to the peak of desirability for collectors looking for something special. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1927 "Babe Ruth" Single Signed Baseball. Note the quotation marks around George Herman's famous nickname and you're assured that this is no post-career single. Ruth dropped the punctuation around 1928 so there's no question but that this is pure Murderer's Row era vintage. The "League Junior" ball is approximately three-quarter size but the Babe's sweet spot autograph is as big as ever, and rates a conservative 6/10. An appealing relic from the greatest era in Yankees history. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Babe Ruth, Jack Johnson, Arthur Conan Doyle Signed Baseball. We had toyed with the prospect of entitling this lot, "The Strangest Multi-Signed Baseball on Earth," but figured that we'd stick with more common search terms instead. But the supplemental title certainly does apply, and we use the adjective "strangest" in the most positive possible light. The ball begins in very typical fashion, with a 5/10 black ink sweet spot signature from Babe Ruth, though it quickly takes a turn for the bizarre as we find that the Babe is sharing space with the first black Heavyweight Champion of the World, Jack Johnson (4/10). But wait, it gets even stranger, as we find the pairing of Arthur Conan Doyle (author of the Sherlock Holmes books) and Clarence Darrow (famous legal mind best remembered for his defense of the theory of evolution in the famous Scopes vs. State of Tennessee trial of 1925). These signatures rate 3/10 and 8/10 respectively. Jack Dempsey appears on a side panel at a barely visible 1/10 along with another name we have yet to discern. The final panel presents Bob Meusel (7/10) and Ted Williams (8/10), the Red Sox Hall of Famer obviously signing decades later. Almost certainly the only baseball ever signed by Johnson, Doyle or Darrow that has ever existed, and unquestionably the only one signed by all, this is a piece which will draw the lion's share of attention in all but the most unusual of private collections. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1927 "Babe" Ruth Single Signed Baseball. Pay attention the quotation marks around the "Babe," as it assures the most desirable Bambino vintage possible. Ruth dropped the punctuation around 1928, definitively dating this Spalding "Star" baseball to the homicidal height of Murderer's Row. His black fountain pen ink has survived the better part of a century admirably, teetering between an impressive "7" and "8" on a scale of 10. The ball remains free of any noteworthy defects, gently toned to a pleasing vintage patina. A solid investment for the advanced Ruth collector. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1927 "Babe" Ruth Single Signed Baseball. Take notice of the quotation marks around the "Babe" on this solid sweet spot signature, as they assure the most ideal vintage. Ruth dropped the punctuation in 1928, definitively pegging the presented sphere to the period of the Bambino's greatest days. Surface abrasions throughout the non-official ball have had limited effect upon the autograph, resulting in a conservative 7/10 rating, but our catalog imagery should properly indicate that the aesthetics remain as strong as the Babe's left arm. An attractive opportunity for the Ruth collector interested in something particularly special. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1920's Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. The presence of this first great New York Yankees duo upon a Western League sphere leads us to theorize that it may well derive from the famous Bustin' Babes vs. Larrupin' Lous barnstorming tour featuring Ruth and Gehrig in off-season following the World Championships of 1927 and 1928. The Babe is a bit light on the sweet spot but still fully discernible at 4/10. Gehrig fares better on the northern panel, registering at an entirely respectable 7/10. The ball itself is lightly and evenly toned with a few minor surface abrasions which remain clear of the signatures. No Yankees collection should be without a Ruth/Gehrig ball so it's time for the pinstriped faithful to step up to the plate. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1928 Ki Ki Cuyler Single Signed & Game Used Baseball. We'll let the autograph and game used collectors duke it out over this one, as this lot carries no shortage of appeal for either. For lovers of vintage ink, the presented ONL sphere is a missing component of many advanced collections, as Cuyler singles hardly grow on trees. Sports Market Report lists a $5,000 price tag for such a rarity, and the 5/10 black ink specimen presented here carries the added appeal of playing-days vintage. The period fan's inscription tells the other half of the story. Bold fountain pen ink states "Pitched by Grover Cleveland Alexander (Cardinals), Fouled by "Ki Ki" Cuyler (Cubs), April 29, 1928." How's that for some serious brushes with greatness? A one-of-a-kind artifact from the glorious Golden Age of Sport, blessed by the touch of two of the period's greatest stars. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1928 Rogers Hornsby Single Signed Baseball. The greatest National League slugger of his age makes full use of the side panel of an OAL (Johnson) sphere to create this single dated to the dead center of his illustrious playing career. Hornsby writes, "To My Friend Frank Fitzsimmons from Rogers Hornsby Oct. 5, 1928," likely regretting somewhat having left the St. Louis Cardinals following the 1926 season as the red birds were in the Bronx this day (though fellow Hall of Famer G.C. Alexander was slaughtered by Murderer's Row). The black fountain pen ink remains quite bold with the exception of Rajah's surname, which is light but entirely legible. The ball itself is clean and exhibits only mild surface wear. A tough playing-days single from one of the most significant sluggers of the pre-war era. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's-80's Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig & Joe DiMaggio Signed Baseball. Numbers Three, Four and Five stack up in a row on this Official International League ball, answering the most fanciful dream of any serious Yankee collector. The magical trio is the result of an autograph hunt spanning decades, as Ruth and Gehrig's black fountain pen signatures (rating 5/10 in strength) clearly predate DiMaggio's 9/10 blue ballpoint offering by half a century. Intriguingly, the anachronistic assortment doesn't end there. Another side panel features the 6/10 black fountain pen signature of Hall of Famer Bill McKechnie, which he dates "July 23/29." It's interesting to note that this marks the day that he was reinstated as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, ending a failed experiment placing Billy Southworth at the reins. Another rotation of the ball finds legendary pugilist Jack Dempsey, who dates his 5/10 blue ink signature "5/16/60." Bob Feller and Lou Boudreau also appear to have been added in later years, and a final unidentifiable light black ink signature dates to the prewar era. Will the winning bidder put it in his trophy case, or keep the project going? Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez might be options to consider. Regardless, you can be sure you won't find a ball quite this intriguing any time soon. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1930 Rabbit Maranville Single Signed Baseball. Soon after having been named manager of the 1925 Cubs, he made his rounds through a Pullman car dumping water on sleeping players' heads and announcing, "No sleeping under Maranville management, especially at night!" Despite his irreverent nature, the tiny infielder is remembered as one of the era's top talents, earning a Hall of Fame plaque for his efforts. Sadly, that day came months after his passing in January of 1954, limiting the availability of his important autograph to the collecting hobby. The presented ball provides a "Best Wishes from Rabbit Maranville" sweet spot inscription, with a small scuff affecting the word "from" and the first letter of Rabbit's surname, leaving the rest essentially 9/10 in strength. The black and red stitching and faint remnants of a Spalding logo allow us to identify the sphere as an ONL breed. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1930's Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. It's as close as you can get to a Gehrig single without a strong five-figure price tag. The Iron Horse's black fountain pen signature survives at an impressive 7/10 strength on the side panel of this OAL (Harridge) ball, while a secretarial Babe Ruth autograph on the sweet spot would only be spotted by those looking very closely. A third unidentified signature is equally camouflaged. Only the light impression of the pen in the horsehide remains, with the ink entirely vanished from view. With the vast divide between supply and demand for Gehrig single signed baseballs, the presented sphere will fill that empty spot in your collection admirably, and will fool all but the most eagle-eyed collector. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
Circa 1932 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The appearance of the great Bambino upon an Official National League baseball dating to the presidency of John Heydler assures playing days vintage, as Ford Frick would take over duties as head of the Senior Circuit at the close of the 1934 season. We're then led rather reasonably to the assumption that this magnificent 8.5/10 black fountain pen signature applied to the ball's sweet spot was acquired by a fan attending one of the many World Series in which the game's greatest calling card found himself a participant. The enormous proportions of the autograph--one could call it downright "Ruthian"--suggest late career, hence the "Circa 1932" title which would peg the ball to the period surrounding the Babe's historic "Called Shot" home run at Wrigley Field. Of course all of this is mere supposition, but the elite quality of the presented orb is empirical fact. It's one of the nicest Ruth singles to hit the auction block in recent memory, for the collector who demands nothing but the best. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1934 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The style of OAL (Harridge) ball that serves as a home for the Bambino's essential autograph allows us to date the signature to a period between 1934 and 1939, so it's likely that it dates to the final season of Ruth's service to the New York Yankees. The delectable vintage is only half the story though, as the black fountain pen offering is huge and finely rendered, with a degree of surface wear factoring to a conservative rating of 6/10. The ball itself is evenly and attractively toned, perfect for display. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. If you're one of the many collectors holding off on adding the essential Babe Ruth single to your collection, why not turn over a new leaf today? Solid though admittedly imperfect, this entirely respectable representation will fill that empty spot nicely without the astronomical price tag assigned to Mint examples. The black fountain pen sweet spot signature rates an unmistakable 6/10, and scattered surface abrasions and minor foxing of the "Official League" ball do little to distract. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Babe Ruth Signed Baseball. An enormous inscription from the iconic Yankee inhabits a side panel and sweet spot of the presented "Official League Ball," provided in the Babe's distinctive black fountain pen script. The last few letters of the recipient's name have been lost to a spot of wear, but otherwise the writing survives at an average strength of 7/10. A second autograph of an unknown figure (Jake Betz) derails "single" status, though the ball certainly can display as such, providing a nice opportunity for a reasonable autograph collector. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. A signature much like the man who penned it--bold, Yankee blue, and larger than life. This exceptional "Official League" ball represents the very bedrock of the sports collecting hobby, and no serious hobbyist could afford to be without one. The sphere remains much as it did when the Babe held it in his history-making hands, with the passing years toning the leather to a creamy vanilla hue, the boldness of the ink all but unchanged over the passing decades, easily a 9/10. If it was ever in your mind to own a Babe Ruth single signed baseball, then the time to buy it is now. The cost and value of such fine specimens as this have risen consistently, and with increasing speed, with each passing year. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Jimmie Foxx Signed Baseball. For those collectors hesitant to pay the exorbitant tab for a strong sweet spot single, we present a Foxx that should fill that empty spot nicely. The first man to join the Babe in the 500 Home Run Club commands the prime position of this OAL (Harridge) ball with 7/10 boldness, surrounded by an impressive assortment of baseball legends whose autographs didn't survive quite so admirably. Perhaps most notable among these Red Sox icons is Hall of Fame executive Tom Yawkey, almost never seen on horsehide, just below Joe Cronin and Mickey Harris on the eastern panel. Ted Williams and Lefty Grove are also discernible, though the average for all listed names other than Foxx stands between 1/10 and 2/10. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Mel Ott Single Signed Baseball. With a powerful left-handed swing and a short right field Polo Grounds porch at which to aim, the superstar New York Giants slugger became the third member of the illustrious 500 Home Run Club. Presented in an ONL (Frick) ball autographed around the time Ott earned his key to the clubhouse. It appears that the original recipient of the ball's name was sanded away after Ott's application and replaced by another hand with a different one. This should not distract from the fact that the "From Mel Ott" below is original and unaltered, presenting with impressive 8+/10 boldness. The ball is likewise in fine condition. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Gabby Hartnett Single Signed Baseball. Best remembered today for his game-winning "Homer in the Gloaming" which helped catapult his Chicago Cubs to its eventual National League Championship, Hartnett became one of the first occupants of the Hall of Fame when his bat and catcher's mask from the game were delivered to the newly constructed Cooperstown museum. His bronze plaque would arrive a little over a decade and a half later. Hartnett's 7/10 blue ink signature appears on the side panel of this ONL (Frick) ball, which exhibits toning and surface degradation from poor storage but still presents well despite these concerns. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1946 Ty Cobb & Honus Wagner Signed Baseball with Incredible Provenance! Over a century has passed since that early October day in 1909 when the two greatest figures of the Dead Ball era finally met on the field of battle, as the Pirates and Tigers found themselves competing for the Championship in the sixth edition of the World Series. And since that day we have seen many great pairings of teammates and rivals--Ruth and Gehrig, DiMaggio and Williams, Mantle and Maris--but Cobb and Wagner was the first, and rarely did a discussion of the brilliance of one fail to elicit some opinion of the other. Forever linked by their respective dominance of the early game, we nonetheless almost never find them sharing space on a signed baseball such as the one we proudly present here.
The baseball comes to us from a gentleman who had the great fortune of meeting the Georgia Peach in person just after the close of the second World War. Having won an essay contest for which the prize was tickets to a Comiskey Park playing of the "All American Boys Baseball Game," twelve-year old Dennis Varvel was thrilled to find that the managers of the East and West teams were Wagner and Cobb respectively. As included newspaper clippings note, one of the event promoters "corralled Cobb and in a few minutes we had a picture of the 'Georgia Peach' gifting Dennis with an autographed baseball, signed by both East and West team managers. Wide-eyed Dennis gaped at the signatures of both Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner and decided right then and there that would be one baseball he'd keep for the rest of his life."
Thankfully for our Heritage collecting family, this final statement did not prove to be entirely accurate, though Mr. Varvel did cherish the baseball for over six decades before consigning it to our Signature auction. And so this baseball, which is being passed from Cobb's right hand to Dennis' in the included 8x10" photo (printed in the newspaper clipping as well), is offered here for the first time to the collecting community. On the sweet spot of this "Official American Association" baseball is the blue ink inscription, "J. Honus Wagner, Pirates," while the side panel just above reads, "Ty Cobb, 8/6/46." Each presents as an impressive 6-7/10 in strength. Barely visible to the right of Wagner is the childlike autograph of Dennis Varvel, further verifying the iron-clad provenance of the piece. The ball itself is modestly and evenly toned and shows an absolute minimum of wear, clearly having been cherished from the moment it left Ty Cobb's hand and was placed in that of a wide-eyed kid from Chicago. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
The baseball comes to us from a gentleman who had the great fortune of meeting the Georgia Peach in person just after the close of the second World War. Having won an essay contest for which the prize was tickets to a Comiskey Park playing of the "All American Boys Baseball Game," twelve-year old Dennis Varvel was thrilled to find that the managers of the East and West teams were Wagner and Cobb respectively. As included newspaper clippings note, one of the event promoters "corralled Cobb and in a few minutes we had a picture of the 'Georgia Peach' gifting Dennis with an autographed baseball, signed by both East and West team managers. Wide-eyed Dennis gaped at the signatures of both Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner and decided right then and there that would be one baseball he'd keep for the rest of his life."
Thankfully for our Heritage collecting family, this final statement did not prove to be entirely accurate, though Mr. Varvel did cherish the baseball for over six decades before consigning it to our Signature auction. And so this baseball, which is being passed from Cobb's right hand to Dennis' in the included 8x10" photo (printed in the newspaper clipping as well), is offered here for the first time to the collecting community. On the sweet spot of this "Official American Association" baseball is the blue ink inscription, "J. Honus Wagner, Pirates," while the side panel just above reads, "Ty Cobb, 8/6/46." Each presents as an impressive 6-7/10 in strength. Barely visible to the right of Wagner is the childlike autograph of Dennis Varvel, further verifying the iron-clad provenance of the piece. The ball itself is modestly and evenly toned and shows an absolute minimum of wear, clearly having been cherished from the moment it left Ty Cobb's hand and was placed in that of a wide-eyed kid from Chicago. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1940's Rogers Hornsby & Jackie Robinson Signed Baseball. Our best guess is some form of baseball banquet, as the unusual cast of characters follows no theme of team or playing era. We like the cast of characters though, as Rajah and Jackie are joined by fellow luminaries like George Sisler, A.B. Chandler, Dizzy Dean and a scattering of period Dodgers like Jorgenson, Walker and Reiser. Eighteen autographs are here in total, with all listed rating 7/10 or better, as is the case with all but a few of the balance. No manufacturer's stamping is visible, and the ball is deeply but evenly toned. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1949 Cy Young Single Signed "Stat" Baseball. Decades before statistics-related notations became the norm in baseball autograph collecting, one smart hobbyist had the foresight to ask for something a little extra from the game's most prolific victor. Along with Cy Young's bold side panel signature, graded 8/10 by PSA/DNA, the Hall of Fame pitcher also writes "Pitched - 874, Won - 511." A notation in an unknown hand dates the meeting to June 6, 1949. We also note that an aborted attempt at Young's signature appears on the opposing side panel, though it's clear that the legendary hurler decided it wasn't going well and that he'd try again on the other side. Medium is a lightly and evenly toned Official Little League ball (graded 4/10 by PSA/DNA). A special find for the advanced hobbyist. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1950 Connie Mack Single Signed Baseball. He began his career as a twenty-three year old catcher at Swampoodle Grounds, the home ballpark of the 1886 Washington Nationals, and concluded his sixty-six years in Major League Baseball at Shibe Park as manager of the 1950 Philadelphia Athletics. One of the most fascinating and enduring figures of our National Pastime, Mr. McGillicuddy provides a 8.5/10 signature on the sweet spot of the provided OAL (Harridge) ball, with a "To Leon" personalization on the northern panel. A tough Hall of Fame single despite Mack's lengthy service to the game. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
1920's-2000's 500 Home Run Club Signed Baseballs Lot of 25. If he's in the Club, he's in the lot. The list below is delivered in chronological order of Club membership, with the first three appearing on multi-signed spheres and the balance in single format. All the work is done for you. You're welcome.
Ruth (grades 1/10 on an OAL (Barnard) baseball with Gehrig, Simmons, etc. All signatures are very light. Includes full PSA LOA.), Foxx (7/10 on a baseball banquet ball with Feller, Averill, etc.), Ott (9/10 on a 1929 New York Giants ball, averaging 5/10), Williams (8/10 red ink on non-official ball), Mays (10/10 on OML ball graded PSA Mint+ 9.5), (Mantle (9/10 on toned OAL (Brown) ball), Mathews (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Aaron (9/10 on clean ONL (White) ball), Banks (10/10 on clean OML ball), Killebrew (10/10 on clean OAL (Budig) ball), Robinson (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), McCovey (9/10 on lightly toned ONL (White) ball), Jackson (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball), Schmidt (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Murray (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball ), McGwire (9/10 on moderately toned OAL (Brown) ball), Bonds (9/10 on moderately toned ONL (White) ball), Sosa (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Palmeiro (10/10 on clean OML ball), Griffey (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball), Thomas (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Budig) ball), Thome (10/10 on clean OML ball), Rodriguez (10/10 on a lightly toned OML ball), Ramirez (10/10 on clean 2001 All-Star baseball), Sheffield (10/10 on clean OML ball). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Ruth (grades 1/10 on an OAL (Barnard) baseball with Gehrig, Simmons, etc. All signatures are very light. Includes full PSA LOA.), Foxx (7/10 on a baseball banquet ball with Feller, Averill, etc.), Ott (9/10 on a 1929 New York Giants ball, averaging 5/10), Williams (8/10 red ink on non-official ball), Mays (10/10 on OML ball graded PSA Mint+ 9.5), (Mantle (9/10 on toned OAL (Brown) ball), Mathews (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Aaron (9/10 on clean ONL (White) ball), Banks (10/10 on clean OML ball), Killebrew (10/10 on clean OAL (Budig) ball), Robinson (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), McCovey (9/10 on lightly toned ONL (White) ball), Jackson (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball), Schmidt (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Murray (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball ), McGwire (9/10 on moderately toned OAL (Brown) ball), Bonds (9/10 on moderately toned ONL (White) ball), Sosa (10/10 on clean ONL (Coleman) ball), Palmeiro (10/10 on clean OML ball), Griffey (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Brown) ball), Thomas (9/10 on lightly toned OAL (Budig) ball), Thome (10/10 on clean OML ball), Rodriguez (10/10 on a lightly toned OML ball), Ramirez (10/10 on clean 2001 All-Star baseball), Sheffield (10/10 on clean OML ball). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1951 Hall of Famers Multi-Signed Ball with Cobb, Young, Foxx. We haven't been able to track down exactly what event brought together this dazzling array of early baseball legends on February 2, 1951 (according to notation on the ball), but we sure wish we could have been there. The ONL (Frick) ball is autographed by nineteen in bold blue ink, and the cast of characters is outrageous: Cobb, Young, Foxx, Greenberg, Walsh, Clarke, Chandler, Durocher, Hornsby, Frick, Hubbell, Traynor, Maranville, Cochrane, Gehringer and Red Barber. That's sixteen Hall of Famers! The only folks lacking a Cooperstown plaque: Horace Stoneham, Chuck Dressen and Jack Warhop. A thin coating of shellac has served its intended purpose admirably, maintaining an average signature strength of 9/10. Some minor bleeding of the ink to Hornsby, Dressen, Chandler and Durocher must be noted, but they still remain bold and impressive. ONL (Frick) ball. You won't find too many baseballs with a more impressive roster of talent! Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Urban "Red" Faber Single Signed Baseball. An honest (though inactive) member of the 1919 Chicago White Sox World Series team, Faber had been brilliant in the 1917 Fall Classic two seasons earlier, earning three of the four wins required to dispatch the New York Giants. Here we find the Hall of Fame right-hander in 9/10 blue ink on the side panel of an ONL (Giles) ball. An inscription has been rubbed away, leaving only the signature. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Max Carey Single Signed Baseball. Ten times during his two-decade career Carey owned the National League record for base thefts, and he remains to this day number nine on the Major League career chart. Ideal sweet spot positioning and 10/10 blue ink quality provides a single with few equals in the collecting world. The horsehide is a "Ted Williams Autograph" model. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Bucky Harris Single Signed Baseball. His years with the hapless Washington Senators left him below the .500 mark for career managerial wins, but World Series Championships with the 1924 team, and with the 1947 Yankees helped to earn a place in Cooperstown. Harris' sweet spot signature on this "Ralph Kiner League" ball presents at an impressive 9+/10 boldness. A marvelous specimen from the famous collection of Bill Zekus, who acquired hundreds of singles through the mail with this unique Kiner brand of ball. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1955 Rogers Hornsby Single Signed Baseball. "Any ballplayer that don't sign autographs for little kids ain't an American," the Hall of Fame second baseman once told a reporter for The Saturday Evening Post. "He's a communist." The mighty Rajah remained in the good graces of Senator Joe McCarthy with the application of a bold blue ink side panel signature to this OAL (Harridge) ball, adding the year "1955" with the same 9/10 strength. The ball itself exhibits a degree of wear which appears to be game related, but nothing which compromises the aesthetics of the signed panel in the slightest. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1957 Hall of Fame Induction Multi-Signed Baseball with Cobb, Foxx, Baker. Bold blue ink signatures from a dozen of the most influential ballplayers of the prewar era turns this hard molded rubber sphere to pure gold. A strong Philadelphia Athletics theme permeates the proceedings, as Ty Cobb, Jimmie Foxx, Frank "Home Run" Baker, Tris Speaker, Lefty Grove and Mickey Cochrane are among the signers, each a servant for at least a couple years to the illustrious Connie Mack. Also present are Wahoo Sam Crawford, Ray Schalk, Charles Gehringer, Joe Cronin, Paul Waner and Carl Hubbell. Not a single signature dips below a boldness of 7/10. A minor split at the ball's equator passes through several signatures with no real impairment of aesthetics, and other mild wear is likewise innocuous. One of the most star-studded artifacts within this auction. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1950's Jackie Robinson Single Signed Baseball. The most important man in post-war baseball history provides one of the boldest inscriptions and autographs you'll ever encounter on vintage horsehide. Tell all your friends this special ball came out of the Monroe estate (it didn't really) and watch their jaws drop. Reading "Best wishes Marilyn, Jackie Robinson," this non-official ball is just as pretty as DiMaggio's ex-wife and a good bit more affordable. A rock-solid example of what should be considered an essential single in any serious baseball collection. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1961 Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris & Whitey Ford Signed Baseball. Check the subtle signature variations and model of non-official baseball and you'll quickly realize that this is no 1980's autograph show relic--it's a good bit older than that. Clearly this trio of signatures was acquired in close proximity to the remarkable home run chase of 1961 when the M&M boys had the eyes of the sporting world upon them. Each of their blue ink signatures, and that of their buddy Whitey, is applied with 8/10 or better strength, suitable for any private Monument Park. A fine keepsake from another memorable era in Yankee lore. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Roger Maris Single Signed Baseball. Providing the most ideal vintage imaginable, this ONL (Giles) baseball was autographed for the son of the New York Yankees' team pilot the evening following Maris' record-breaking sixty-first home run. The newly-crowned single season home run king's blue ballpoint ink is a glorious 9+/10, and reads, "To Randy, Best of Luck, Roger Maris." A few small scuffs on the ball are noted for the sake of full disclosure, but do not interfere with the tremendous visual appeal. A notarized letter of provenance from the pilot's son Randy Jr. will accompany the lot. A very tough single made all the more desirable by its marvelous condition and spectacular provenance. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Paul Waner Single Signed Baseball. Big Poison has been big trouble for collectors of Hall of Fame singles, as his relatively young passing in 1965 limited the supply to figures well below demand. Here we present an ONL ball autographed by the Pirates star in 9/10 blue ink. The ball itself is quite well handled, leaving only a faint "Spalding" logo which allowed us to classify its National League heritage but not the reigning president. Clearly the heavy use predates the application of the signature, leading us to surmise the ball was signed near Waner's Bradenton, Florida hometown, likely first used in a spring training game he had attended. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Dizzy Dean Single Signed Baseball. With good ol' boy charm to match his world class pitching abilities, Dean remained a fan favorite throughout his active duty as a player and his post-career service to the broadcasting industry. The presented sphere dates to the latter, and provides a 9+/10 black felt tip side panel signature from the lead Gashouse Gangster. The "Energized League Ball" is lightly and evenly toned, providing a appropriate medium for baseball royalty. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Heinie Manush Signed Baseball. Conservatively listed at $2,000 for a single signed baseball in Sports Market Report's price guide, Heinie Manush has bedeviled collectors for years. One other autograph upon this non-official ball disallows a "single" characterization, but the ball easily presents as one, and makes a great compromise for the collector unwilling to wait the average two-year span between major auction house appearances. Adding to the appeal, the signature presents at a 9+/10 level. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Dizzy Dean Single Signed Baseball. The ringleader of the historic Gashouse Gang of 1934, Dean was once quoted as saying, "Anybody who's ever had the privilege of seeing me play knows that I am the greatest pitcher in the world." While some might disagree with this assessment, there's certainly no question that Ol' Diz is well deserving of his Cooperstown plaque, and that any autograph collection would be the better for the addition of this "Special Official League" ball, sporting an 8/10 side panel signature. Fill that empty space on your Hall of Fame singles shelf with this solid example. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1970 Jackie & Brooks Robinson Signed Baseball. Wilbert may not be a possibility, but you can still track down Frank and further expand upon this theme of Robinsons from Cooperstown. Jackie's black felt pen inscription, reading, "To Clark, Best wishes, Jackie Robinson" survives with impressive 8/10 boldness, while Brooks is several shades lighter just below. The non-official ball exhibits no troubling condition issues, just light general surface wear. An unusual pairing for the collector whose preferences tend toward the quirky. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Bill Veeck Single Signed Baseball. He gave baseball Eddie Gaedel and Disco Demolition Night, testing the limits of our National Pastime's sense of humor. His black ink side panel signature is no joke, however, registering at a 9+/10 boldness. Signature is ideally placed upon a "Chicago White Sox" souvenir ball. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
1970's Joe McCarthy Single Signed Baseball. He called the shots for everyone from Cuyler and Hornsby to Ruth and Gehrig to Williams and Doerr, notching a remarkable 2,125 career victories against just 1,333 defeats. Yet managers, however great, just never tended to inspire autograph requests, leaving collectors of Hall of Fame singles battling for the short supply. A 10/10 black fountain pen signature commands the sweet spot of a ball purchased in the Baseball Hall of Fame gift shop. Full letter from PSA/DNA.
1970's Jesse Haines Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8. All but five innings of Pop's Hall of Fame career were pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, which enjoyed four National League pennants during the term of his service. Haines' blue ink side panel signature is a gorgeous 10/10. A very tough single which should draw significant attention from Hall of Fame collectors. Graded PSA/DNA NM-MT 8. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA..
1970's Red Ruffing Single Signed Baseball, PSA/DNA EX-MT+ 6.5. A very tough single from the New York Yankees Hall of Fame hurler who shared a dugout with Ruth, Gehrig and DiMaggio during his Bronx service. Professional grading by the experts at PSA/DNA issues a grade of 7 for the signature and 6 for the "Official Professional League" ball for the combined score as listed. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Lloyd Waner Single Signed Baseball. Tipping the scales at just 150 pounds during his playing days, Little Poison followed his big brother to the Hall fifteen years after Paul's induction. While a more common signature than his older sibling, Lloyd singles are still quite tough, and this ONL (Feeney) sphere fills the job quite nicely. The sweet spot signature is a perfect 10/10. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
1970's Hilton Smith Single Signed Baseball. The first and only Hilton Smith single to reach the auction block of a major house in the past decade, this specimen would likely rule as the finest in the hobby even if they were as common as Bob Feller balls. The ONL (Feeney) ball provides far more than just a 10/10 black ballpoint signature, making full use of the sweet spot and southern panel, reading, "Hilton Smith pitcher, Kansas City Monarchs, played 19 yrs 15 with KC Monarch." A winning bid will assure the new owner bragging rights over almost the entirety of the collecting community, as the vast majority of serious hobbyists lack a Smith representation of any quality, and certainly one as magnificent as this. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Hank Greenberg Single Signed Baseball. Born in the Bronx in 1911, Greenberg was actually recruited by the New York Yankees in 1929 though the team's ownership of a rather dependable first baseman inspired Hank to instead attend NYU for a year before signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1930. Presented is an ONL (Feeney) ball signed late in the Hall of Fame slugger's life, inscribed "To Jeff, Best Wishes, Hank Greenberg" in 10/10 black marker. An expertly applied clear coat is partially to thank for the pristine condition of the signature. A rock-solid example of one of the most sought after singles in the hobby. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Hank Greenberg Single Signed Baseball. Before there was Jackie Robinson, it was Greenberg who endured the threats and taunts of bigotry at the ballpark, answering the anti-Semites in the same way that Robinson did the segregationists--with quiet strength and Hall of Fame ability. While the ONL (Feeney) ball that Greenberg has claimed as his own shows moderate toning, the black ink sweet spot signature is an absolutely unimprovable 10/10 in clarity and boldness. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Earl Averill Single Signed Baseball. Direct from the most famous private baseball memorabilia collection in the world, this scarce single was inscribed to Barry Halper by the Earl of Snohomish at some time during the American League presidency of Lee Mac Phail. Averill's sweet spot inscription rates an impressive 8+/10, while the ball remains overwhelmingly white with staining well clear of the focal point along the southern hemisphere. Graded PSA/DNA NM 7. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA.
1970's Rube Marquard Single Signed Baseball. Five times a National League Champ but never a Series victor, Marquard is properly recalled as one of the finest southpaws in the game's history, finally earning his Cooperstown plaque at eighty-four years of age. The original collector made note of Marquard's 1971 induction just below the 9/10 black ink inscription the elderly legend applied to the sweet spot of the presented ONL (Feeney) sphere. Some yellowing of the hide, typical of many of the Haiti-manufactured balls, does little to detract. A very tough single absent from some pretty impressive collections. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Hank Greenberg Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM 7. Intensely popular with collectors today for his supreme slugging skills and preference for the Old Testament of the Bible, Greenberg passed away at the very beginning of the autograph craze, leaving the hobby with a woefully insufficient supply of quality singles. This one will be particularly appealing to collectors named "Jim," as that is the identity of the person to whom this OAL (MacPhail) sphere is inscribed. The blue felt tip inscription covers a wide swath of the western panel and sweet spot, and grades a "9" on the included PSA/DNA grading letter. The ball rates a "6" to somehow factor to the final NM 7 score. Grading cube has been opened for photography, but rest assured the ball matches the included full letter. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Roger Maris & Tracy Stallard Signed Baseball. Here's a duo we've never encountered sharing horsehide previously, providing one sharp bidder the opportunity to set himself apart from the collecting herd. The ever-humble Maris takes his standard lower side panel position in 9/10 blue felt tip upon this OAL (Brown) ball, while Stallard is given no option but to claim the sweet spot for himself, in 9+/10 blue ink. Stallard, of course, is best remembered as the Boston Red Sox pitcher who surrendered Maris' historic sixty-first home run of the 1961 season, joining Charlie Root (victimized for Ruth's sixtieth in 1927) in an infamous brotherhood. The ball itself remains marvelously clean and white, supplying impressive aesthetics to match the historical relevance. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1979 Thurman Munson Single Signed Baseball. High-grade sphere is consigned to Heritage by Maria herself, who wisely imposed upon the Yankee captain for an autograph shortly before his tragic death in a Canton airplane accident. The non-official ball is one of the boldest and cleanest Munson singles in the hobby, the simple "To Maria, Best Wishes, Thurman Munson" rating a conservative 9/10 in blue ballpoint ink. The heart and soul of the glorious New York Yankees World Championship teams of the late 1970's, Munson is one of the toughest singles of the sixteen retired jersey numbers honored in Monument Park. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1980 Roger Maris Single Signed Baseball, PSA/DNA NM-MT 8.5. Extraordinarily bold black sharpie signature is applied to the sweet spot of the Official Pacific Coast League ball presented within this lot. The two-time American League MVP is particularly tough on singles and we expect considerable bidder interest in this top shelf example. PSA/DNA assigns a grade of 9 for the autograph and 8 for the ball itself for the combined score as listed. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris Signed Baseball. After Ruth and Gehrig, there's no more memorable duo in the pinstriped fold than the M&M boys, who captivated the world with raw power during the summer of '61. And like the Babe and Lou, baseballs bearing the autographs of Mickey and Roger can only continue to soar in value, with no limit but the sky. This attractive specimen is one of the nicer ones you'll find, with a 9/10 Maris signature unusually and ideally placed upon the ball's sweet spot, and Mantle equally strong on the side panel. The unofficial ball is mildly but evenly toned, only adding to the vintage appeal. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1990 500 Home Run Club Signed Baseball. With today's top sluggers laboring under a cloud of pharmaceutical suspicion, our affection for the Hall of Fame batsmen who populate this ONL (White) ball only continues to grow. All blue ink autographs are uniformly 9/10 or better, and include Williams, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Schmidt, Killebrew, McCovey, Mathews, Banks (8/10), Robinson and Jackson. The baseball itself likewise exhibits no flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1990 DiMaggio, Mantle, Mays & Snider Signed Baseball. The theme: legends of the New York City center field. Each Hall of Fame representative of the Yankees, Giants and Dodgers provides a 10/10 blue ink signature upon the provided OAL (Brown) sphere, recalling the glory days of Big Apple baseball. Ball is lightly toned but presents very well. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1990 500 Home Run Club Members Single Signed Notation Baseballs Lot of 11. The "Original Eleven," in an unusual format. One collector has done all the work for you, tracking down singles from each of the sluggers typically encountered on 500 Home Run Club lithographs, bats and baseballs, but only accepting those notated with each legend's career total. From low to high, we find: Ernie Banks, Eddie Mathews, Ted Williams, Willie McCovey, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Harmon Killebrew, Frank Robinson, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron ("755" applied in another hand). All appear on Official American or National League spheres, with 9/10 or better signatures. Killebrew and Robinson exhibit some toning, but the rest (including the very valuable Mantle) remain clean and white. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990's 300 Win Club Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12. A dozen of the top hurlers in the game's history are compiled here for your collecting pleasure. Unless otherwise noted, each appears on an Official American, National or Major League ball. Carlton, Clemens (Little League ball), Glavine (non-official), Randy Johnson (Official WS ball), Maddux (Official WS ball), Niekro, Perry, Ryan, Seaver, Spahn (Little League ball), Sutton, Wynn. Signatures are uniformly 9/10 or better but most balls exhibit some degree of spotting or toning. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990's Ted Williams UDA Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 3. Every experienced autograph collector knows that Upper Deck material carries extra appeal (and value), and here we present three singles from the greatest star in the Fenway constellation. Each OAL (Brown) ball holds an 8/10 or better blue ink sweet spot signature from the Splendid Splinter, and two of the three feature complete packaging including certificate, box and velvet bag. The third includes COA only. Two of the balls exhibit a degree of toning, while the third remains effectively NRMT-MT. COA's from UDA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990's-2000's 3,000 Hit Club Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 19. It's one of the most popular themes in single signed baseball collecting, and most of the work is done for you. Presented are nineteen OAL, ONL and OML baseballs, each autographed in 9/10 or better blue ink on the sweet spot by the best hitters in the game. Aaron, Biggio, Boggs, Brett, Brock, Carew, Gwynn, Henderson, Kaline, Mays, Molitor, Murray, Musial, Palmeiro, Ripken, Rose, Winfield, Yastrzemski, Yount. About half exhibit mild to moderate toning, doing little to affect aesthetics. The rest are very clean. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 2000 Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky Signed Baseball. We're guessing that it's the relatively indistinct (5/10) sweet spot signature from the former President which made this likely one-of-a-kind dual signed sphere possible, as we'd assume that neither would knowingly sign a baseball already autographed by the other. Ms. Lewinsky's side panel black sharpie signature is a huge and bold 10/10 on this OAL (Brown) ball, creating a collectible which will surely be a (Kenneth) Starr in any baseball autograph collection. Ball exhibits scattered toning but still presents nicely. Let the jokes begin! Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2000's Stan Musial Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 24, PSA Mint+ 9.5 . Just about as close to perfect as you can get, much like the Hall of Fame slugger himself. Two dozen OML balls are here, each autographed in blue ink on the sweet spot. Each is joined by its own PSA grading certificate, assigning a grade of 10 for the autograph and 9 for the baseball, or the reverse. Ten received a perfect 10 score for the autograph, with the remaining fourteen claiming a 10 score for the baseball. Enormous break down value here, perfect for the dealer and investor alike.
2000's Willie Mays Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12, PSA Mint+ 9.5. Direct from Mays' personal marketing company, and complete with his affixed "Say Hey Authenticated" holographic stickers, this offering of a dozen OML balls skirts perfection in much the same way as the ballplayer himself. Nine balls achieve their Mint+ 9.5 ratings with autographs graded 10 and baseballs graded 9, while the other three find those ratings in reverse. A unique serialized PSA certificate accompanies each ball. A perfect lot for the dealer or the investor.
2000's Greg Maddux Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12, PSA Mint+ 9.5. Stock up before Maddux' inevitable Cooperstown induction sends prices skyward! Spectacular assortment of OML spheres just miss pure perfection, each grading Mint+ 9.5 on PSA's ruthless ten point scale. Seven achieve the grade with a score of 9 for the autograph and 10 for the ball itself, with the other five rewarded the same scores in reverse. A unique serialized PSA certificate accompanies each ball. A perfect lot for the dealer or the investor.
2000's Carl Yastrzemski Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12, PSA Mint 9. A perfect lot for the enterprising dealer with strong Boston connections, this offering of one dozen OML baseballs celebrates one of the most beloved figures in Beantown sporting history. Each ball bears a blue ink sweet spot signature with Yaz' "HOF 89" notation. In every instance, both the ball and the signature are graded "9" on the unique serialized PSA certificate that accompanies each ball.
2000's Nolan Ryan Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12, PSA Gem Mint 10. The Strike Out King is pure perfection in this lot of twelve OML baseballs bearing sweet spot signatures from the fire-throwing Texan. In every instance, both the ball and the signature are graded "10" on the unique serialized PSA certificate that accompanies each ball. Tremendous break down value here, or a smart investment for the savvy businessman.
Circa 2001 Barry Bonds Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12. One day when the smoke finally clears from the scandal surrounding this superhuman slugger, and it will, we'll remember again what an absolutely phenomenal ballplayer Barry Bonds was. The smart investor is well aware of this fact and is buying low to sell high. While Heritage certainly couldn't guarantee a future rise in any collectible value, it's a pure statement of fact that the Home Run King will always carry a special place in the hearts of baseball fans. Here we find a dozen pristine singles, each an OML ball and complete with Bonds' personal holographic marketing company sticker. All sweet spot signatures are 9+/10 or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2000's Alex Rodriguez Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 12. A dozen A-Rod balls for the smart investor or dealer looking to add this newly minted World Champion to his personal inventory. There's a bit of variety here, so the breakdown is as follows. Seven are standard OML balls, of which four include individual PSA certs. Two of these balls exhibit mild toning. Two other OML balls feature Steiner Sports holographic stickers and velvet bags, though no matching certs. One OML ball is stickered by Rodriguez' personal marketing company and includes a PSA COA as well. The final two balls are from the 1996 and 1997 All-Star Games respectively, the former signed on the side panel and the latter on the sweet spot. Each exhibits mild toning. Unless otherwise noted, the balls remain clean and white. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2000's Ernie Banks Single Signed "Merry Xmas" Baseballs Lot of 12. One of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports history provides a dozen holiday greetings for one smart dealer or investor who understands the premium carried by unusual notations. Banks' 10/10 blue ink signature appears on the sweet spot of each OML ball along with a "Merry Xmas" inscription, and each ball is likewise free of any visible flaws. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 2009 Bob Feller Single Signed Baseballs Lot of 72. It's been almost a quarter century since a seventeen-year old Feller made his Big League debut and the oldest living Hall of Famer is still going strong today. Presented are six dozen flawless Official Major League baseballs autographed on the sweet spot by the blazing fastball pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Terrific break down value here for the dealers out there, or a solid investment for business savvy collectors. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed Baseball. He had averaged thirty wins a year for the four seasons prior to his World War I service, all but assuring that Alexander would have become just the third member of the 400 Win Club had he not lost the bulk of the 1918 and 1919 seasons. His black ink signature registers at a boldness of 9/10 on the side panel of the provided non-official ball, scrubbed clean of every other autograph that once joined this inaugural Hall of Fame inductee. Unquestionably a five-figure ball as a genuine single. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Chief Bender Signed Baseball. A graduate of the same Carlisle Indian School which launched the athletic career of Jim Thorpe, Charles Albert Bender racked up Hall of Fame numbers under the guidance of the great Connie Mack during a dozen years of service to the Philadelphia Athletics. Here we find his 9/10 side panel signature on a toned baseball of unknown manufacturer, once signed by multiple athletes but altered to leave the Native American superstar to stand alone. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Mickey Cochrane Signed Baseball. A solid 9/10 rating for this blue ink side panel signature from Connie Mack's favorite catcher. The OAL (Harridge) ball which serves as its home once housed multiple tenants, though all others have been evicted by a proprietary chemical process, leaving Cochrane to stand alone. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Ki Ki Cuyler Signed Baseball. Just fifty-one years of age when he passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack, Cuyler is a significant hurdle to clear for collectors of Hall of Fame singles. His 8/10 sweet spot signature upon this Official Southern Association sphere provides the appearance of a genuine single signed baseball, though we must admit that expert signature removal has been accomplished to make it so. Still a very tough autograph on horsehide, particularly with this ideal placement. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Frank Frisch Signed Baseball. The Hall of Fame switch hitting second baseman was one of the game's premier base thieves during the 1920's, ranking in the top five for steals each season of that decade. Here the man they called "The Old Flash" provides an enormous and brilliantly bold blue ink side panel signature upon an ONL (Giles) ball wiped clean of all other autographs once joining Frisch. One of the finest Frisch signatures we've ever encountered upon horsehide. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. How fitting that the noble Iron Horse's side panel signature would appear upon a "Fairplay American League Ball," given the Hall of Fame first baseman's well-documented dedication to good sportsmanship. The two-tone stitching is instantly evocative of 1920's baseball, and the signature variation is likewise proper for the glorious Murderer's Row era. Expertly rendered signature removals give the presented sphere the appearance of a $50,000 single, as Gehrig's autograph rates an impressive 8/10. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Goose Goslin Signed Baseball. Once a Tigers team signed sphere, this OAL (Harridge) ball has been professionally cleaned of all autographs other than the Hall of Fame outfielder, mimicking the appearance of a tough and valuable single. Goslin's signature rates an impressive 9/10, with light foxing around the signature doing little to distract. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Clark Griffith Signed Baseball. A star pitcher during his youth, Griffith would develop into a successful manager and team owner after hanging up his spikes, giving his name to the Senators' home ballpark. His large black ink signature rates an 8/10 on this OAL (Harridge) ball once housing a selection of other autographs, but now home to Griffith alone. The ball exhibits scattered foxing and handling wear, each remaining clear of Griffith's signature. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Lefty Grove Signed Baseball. Discovered on a Baltimore sandlot by the same scout who discovered Babe Ruth, Robert Grove was twenty-five years old when he threw his first Major League pitch and yet still retired with an even three hundred career victories. Here we present an outstanding 9+/10 sweet spot signature from the superstar southpaw, on an OAL (Cronin) ball wiped clean of all former roommates. Despite living almost thirty years beyond his 1947 Hall of Fame induction, Grove is rarely seen in single format, with bona fide specimens commanding many thousands of dollars at auction. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Chick Hafey Signed Baseball. A lifetime .317 batting average helped lead Hafey's St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series four times, and himself to Cooperstown enshrinement. Here we find the Hall of Fame outfielder in 9/10 blue ink on the sweet spot of an ONL (Feeney) baseball, providing the look of a single without the exorbitant cost a true solo commands. Expert signature removal is the secret. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Gil Hodges Signed Baseball. Simply flawless blue ink sweet spot signature from the man whose service to the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Mets makes him one of the Big Apple's favorite baseball sons. The OAL (Cronin) ball has been chemically altered to erase signatures once joining Hodges, providing the appearance of the hobby's finest single signed specimen. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Harry Hooper Signed Baseball. He came up with the 1909 Red Sox and won four World Championships in Boston with teammates like Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth. Hooper's blue ink side panel signature presents with unimprovable boldness on the side panel of this Little League ball. Other signatures have been expertly removed through professional restoration. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Rogers Hornsby Signed Baseball. Likely signed as the Hall of Fame slugger was managing the Beaumont, the presented Official Texas League ball may have once held signatures from the rest of the squad, but now features Rajah solo, appearing on the sweet spot with 8/10 boldness. Only the most eagle-eyed viewers will ever realize it's not a genuine single after the restorationist's expert work. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Cal Hubbard Signed Baseball. The only man with a plaque in both the Football and Baseball Hall of Fame. A strong side panel signature turns this OAL (MacPhail) ball into a single for one of the many collectors lacking this scarce artifact. It must be noted that professional signature removal is to thank for the appearance, as Hubbard was once joined by other autographs. He remains in 8/10 condition. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Chuck Klein Signed Baseball. Inducted into the Hall of Fame twenty-two years after his passing in 1958, Klein represents a significant complication for collectors of Cooperstown singles. The presented ball will fill the space nicely until the opportunity and/or funds arise for a true single, as expert signature removal makes this beauty look like the best in show. The side panel autograph is a perfect 10/10 on this Little League ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Bill Klem Signed Baseball. Along with Bill McGowan, Klem was honored as the first umpire to gain Hall of Fame enshrinement, a fact which continues to trouble Hall of Fame single signed baseball collectors decades later. The presented ONL (Frick) ball was once a multi-signed sphere, but has been expertly scrubbed of all other besides Klem, providing the look of a true single. His black fountain pen signature rates 9/10. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie Signed Baseball. A "Cleveland Baseball Federation" sphere provides a fitting home for the man who once lent his name to the city's American League franchise. Nap utilizes his less formal "Larry" nickname here, adding the date of "5-14-54" to his impressive 8/10 side panel signature. Once a multi-signed ball, expert restoration provides the appearance of a tough and very valuable single. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Heinie Manush Signed Baseball. An exceptional sweet spot signature from this Hall of Fame outfielder covers a wide swath of the presented "Official League" ball, and would command several thousand dollars as a genuine single. Professional restoration work has eliminated other autographs which once shared space here to create the look of a true dream piece. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Rabbit Maranville Signed Baseball. A key member of the 1914 Miracle Braves. Maranville sadly did not live long enough to enjoy his Hall of Fame induction, passing away just months before his bronze plaque was installed at Cooperstown. Booking at a conservative $2,500 in Sports Market Report, the Maranville single has long frustrated collectors, and while the presented sphere once housed other autographs besides Rabbit's, professional restoration and sweet spot placement provides a convincing approximation here. Signature rates 9/10 on an "Official League" ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Bill McGowan Signed Baseball. OAL (Harridge) ball is likely a gamer once signed by the entire umpiring crew, but expert signature removal has left this Hall of Fame arbiter to stand alone, and in 9/10 black fountain pen ink, no less. True McGowan singles are as rare as hen's teeth, so this is a fine alternative for the collector frustrated with the chase. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Joe Medwick Single Signed Baseball. His sudden passing at age sixty-three while serving as a St. Louis Cardinals batting coach during 1975 spring training robbed the baseball world of one of its greatest stars, and autograph collectors of a sufficient supply of signed baseballs. Here we find a stunning example, with Medwick's sweet spot offering a flawless 10/10. The unofficial ball has been professionally cleansed of a personalization, but remains a genuine single. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Mel Ott Signed Baseball. The most challenging single in the hobby for collectors with a 500 Home Run Club concentration is this prince of the Polo Grounds, and our consignor has done well to locate a multi-signed ball with a sweet spot Ott to magically transform into an apparent single. The thunderously bold autograph would launch the price well into the five-figure range were it a genuine single. Manufacturer's stamping is lost, but the red-stitched ball presents very nicely. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Sam Rice Signed Baseball. His American League-leading 216 base hits in 1924 helped Walter Johnson to his first and only World Championship with the Senators, and edged Rice ever closer to eventual Cooperstown enshrinement. Though once a multi-signed sphere, the presented Little League ball presents today as a single thanks to professional restoration and fortuitous placement of Rice's 9+/10 signature in an area which a solo signer might choose. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Branch Rickey Signed Baseball. Arguably the most important executive in 20th century baseball history, Rickey served as the main catalyst in overturning the great injustice of baseball's ironically termed "Gentleman's Agreement" with his advocacy of Jackie Robinson's Major League enrollment. His attractively rendered 9/10 blue ink side panel signature appears on a non-official ball cleaned of any other autographs that once joined Rickey's. Ball exhibits some scattered foxing well clear of the focal point. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Jackie Robinson Signed Baseball. One of the most essential autographs in the baseball collecting hobby is provided here with superb quality, the brave Hall of Famer signing "Best Wishes, Jackie Robinson" with 10/10 boldness. The ONL (Giles) ball has been subjected to expert restoration to remove other autographs which once joined the Dodgers legend. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1953 Ray Schalk Signed Baseball. He caught all eight games for the Chicago White Sox during the notorious 1919 World Series, playing all but five games of his Hall of Fame career under the ownership of the Comiskey family. Historic sphere was autographed the day Schalk earned his Hall of Fame plaque, as his 9/10 sweet spot signature indicates: "Ray 'Cracker' Schalk, Cooperstown July 25th 55." Other signatures have been expertly removed to give this ball the appearance of the most desirable Schalk single imaginable. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's George Sisler Signed Baseball. His record of 257 hits during the 1920 season stood for eighty-four years before Ichiro Suzuki upped the record by five in 2004 (though, notably, with seventy-three more at-bats). This marvel of batting brilliance provides a 9/10 blue ink sweet spot signature upon the provided Little League ball, once housing a selection of other names but recently restored to apparent single status. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Billy Southworth Signed Baseball. The rather unexpected installation of Southworth into the Baseball Hall of Fame fifty-seven years after managing his final Major League game has left collectors of Cooperstown singles at a bit of a loss. Here we present the next best thing, an ONL (Frick) ball with Southworth ideally positioned upon the sweet spot. Other signatures have been expertly removed through a chemical process to create a ball on thousands of wish lists. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Tris Speaker Signed Baseball. Had Ty Cobb never picked up a baseball bat, it would be Speaker whose name would be synonymous with batting brilliance during the fabled Dead Ball Era. His career total of 792 doubles figures to reign for eternity, outpacing even Barry Bonds by nearly two hundred. Speaker's 8/10 blue ink signature dominates the side panel of this OAL (Harridge) ball, scrubbed of every other signature which once shared space with the Grey Eagle. The result is an apparent single at an affordable price. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Turkey Stearnes Signed Baseball. Our auction results database compiling results of all major houses since 1999 finds not a single example of a genuine Stearnes single, so this is likely the best you could hope for. The Negro League Hall of Famer appears with impressive 9/10 boldness on the side panel of the presented non-official ball, with signatures removed to provide the visuals of an exceedingly rare artifact. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Honus Wagner Signed Baseball. "You can have your Cobbs, your Lajoies, your Chases, your Bakers," once said Hall of Fame manager John McGraw, "but I'll take Wagner as my pick of the greatest." Perhaps best remembered as the face on the most valuable baseball card in the world, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop remains a particularly tough autograph despite his many years in uniform, first as a player and later as a coach for the team he loved. His sweet spot signature upon this OAL (Harridge) ball is an unimprovable 10/10, left to stand alone after other autographs once joining his have been removed through chemical wizardry. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Paul Waner Signed Baseball. Big Poison's number "11" was retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates just three years ago, illustrating that the fans in Steeltown still haven't forgotten about this Hall of Fame slugger. His enduring popularity has shifted the balance of supply and demand heavily toward the latter in regard to single signed baseballs, with genuine examples booking at a conservative $4,000 in Sports Market Report. This altered OAL (Harridge) ball is the next best thing, providing an 8/10 blue ink side panel signature. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Hack Wilson Signed Baseball. Were it a true single the sky would be the limit when this stunning sphere hit the auction block. One of the finest, and certainly the most perfectly positioned, Hack Wilson signatures we've ever encountered on horsehide gives the look of a collector's dream piece. Expert signature removal leaves this 9+/10 black fountain pen sweet spot offering to stand alone. Certainly one of the toughest Hall of Fame autographs from a Major Leaguer to live past the close of the Second World War. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Ted Williams Signed Junior High School Yearbook, Earliest Autograph Known. Authenticator Steve Grad claims to have never encountered an earlier Ted Williams signature than the one presented here in this "Annual of the February 1934 graduating class" of San Diego's Horace Mann Junior High School. Born in August of 1918, The Kid was not yet sixteen years old at the time. Listed under Teddy's main ambition? Sewing teacher. Sadly that dream would remain unrealized, as he would resign himself instead to being a Hall of Fame baseball player and war hero fighter pilot. Williams' signature appears amidst the jumble of youthful signatures on one of the back pages in 10/10 pencil. Soft cover yearbook is complete and exhibits handling wear, with a couple loose pages, but remains complete with no troubling damage. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Ted Williams Single Signed Game Used Baseball, Oldest Known Autographed Baseball. The earliest known signed baseball from the great Ted Williams (as well as the earliest known game used artifact) is presented here for the advanced collector. The Official California League ball is boldly notated in an unknown hand, "Hoover vs. Cathedral, Southern California Finals, Played at Wrigley Field, LA, June 8, 1934." Williams' black ink signature presents boldly on a side panel, with moderate surface wear resulting in a technical grade of 6/10. Any such condition issues, however, must be forgiven in light of the tremendous rarity and desirability. One could rest quite comfortably in the belief that no earlier baseball will ever arise in the collecting world, providing the winning bidder bragging rights for life. Included in the lot is a recent printing of a photo of the young Williams with our consignor. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1937 Ted Williams High School Yearbook, Graduation Invitation, More. Intriguing assortment of artifacts from the friendship between Williams and the father of our consignor is itemized as follows:
1) 1937 Hoover High School Yearbook, unsigned. EX. Here Williams switches his Jr. High ambition of "Sewing Teacher" to a more reasonable "Baseball."
2) High school graduation invitation and ticket, unsigned. EX.
3) Circa 1960 multi-signed baseball with Williams and others (no notable figures). Williams' signature is 9/10.
4) 1957 inscription and autograph to wife of childhood friend, 10/10.
1) 1937 Hoover High School Yearbook, unsigned. EX. Here Williams switches his Jr. High ambition of "Sewing Teacher" to a more reasonable "Baseball."
2) High school graduation invitation and ticket, unsigned. EX.
3) Circa 1960 multi-signed baseball with Williams and others (no notable figures). Williams' signature is 9/10.
4) 1957 inscription and autograph to wife of childhood friend, 10/10.
1957 Ted Williams Single Signed Baseball. Pacific Coast League ball is inscribed and signed to Williams' boyhood buddy Hank Ondler, from whom the collection of early Ted Williams memorabilia presented within this auction derives. The ball is deeply toned but the blue ink survives at a boldness rating of 9/10. Included in the lot is a snapshot taken around the time of the signing, picturing the two old friends joking at a banquet of some sort. "Playing days" singles from Williams continue to be highly sought after, and the ironclad provenance makes this example particularly appealing. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1883 Harry Wright Signed Scorecard, Providence vs. Detroit. One of the true pioneers of the early game, Wright took center field duties for the first all-professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, designed the standard baseball uniform and engineered the box scoring system, a specimen of which is wonderfully represented here. Offered is a single page from Wright's personal scoring book, filled out and signed entirely in the early Hall of Famer's hand as he managed the Providence Grays in a eight to two victory over the Detroit Wolverines. Wright's skilled hand captures the events of this June 16, 1883 game with a military precision, offering an intriguing look into the 19th century game--six total errors!--with names on the batting line-ups like Charles Radbourne and future Hall of Fame manager Ned Hanlon. All pencil writing is as strong as the day it was applied to this 4x6.5" sheet, including that within the box marked scorer, into which Wright has entered his full "Harry Wright" signature. Wright's passing in 1895 makes his one of the most difficult of all Hall of Fame autographs, and the appearance of one on a personal box score pays big dividends. The page itself remains in wonderful condition, with no condition issues worth noting. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1883 Harry Wright Signed Scorecard, Providence vs. Philadelphia. One of the true pioneers of the early game, Wright took center field duties for the first all-professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, designed the standard baseball uniform and engineered the box scoring system, a specimen of which is wonderfully represented here. Offered is a single page from Wright's personal scoring book, filled out and signed entirely in the early Hall of Famer's hand as he managed the Providence Grays in a fifteen to eight victory over the Philadelphia Quakers. Wright's skilled hand captures the events of this June 22, 1883 game with a military precision, offering an intriguing look into the 19th century game--nine total errors!--with Hall of Fame pitcher Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourne among the participants. All pencil writing is as strong as the day it was applied to this 4x6.5" sheet, including that within the box marked scorer, into which Wright has entered his full "Harry Wright" signature. Wright's passing in 1895 makes his one of the most difficult of all Hall of Fame autographs, and the appearance of one on a personal box score pays big dividends. The page itself remains in wonderful condition, with no condition issues worth noting. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1896 Barney Dreyfuss Handwritten Signed Letter. The 2008 Hall of Fame inductee is best remembered today as the former owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, builder of Forbes Field, and the founder of the World Series, the sport's most celebrated contest. Here he writes on the letterhead of The Louisville Base Ball Company just a year before his club secretary Harry Clay Pulliam convinced him to take a chance on an awkward looking shortstop by the name of Honus Wagner. His gorgeous calligraphic script addresses player Ed Boyle, who would go hitless in the fourteen at bats of his professional career. Ironically, Dreyfuss closes, "Trust to see you here in course of this week and wishing you much success in the Big League and in our Club. I am, Truly Yours, Barney Dreyfuss, Secty & Treasr." All ink is 9/10 or better, and professional restoration has removed ancient tape and repaired the fold line tears it once supported. Some water staining at right edge causes no concern, and given the tremendous scarcity and importance of Dreyfuss material, any condition flaws must be entirely forgiven. Original mailing envelope, completed in Dreyfuss' hand but unsigned, is included. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1910 Christy Mathewson Signed Book. "Mathewson was the greatest pitcher who ever lived," Connie Mack once explained. "He had knowledge, judgment, perfect control and form. It was wonderful to watch him pitch when he wasn't pitching against you." Matty's supreme relevance to the game of baseball and his early death in 1925 as a delayed reaction to a World War I gas attack have had dramatic effects on his autograph's demand and supply, with serious collectors skirmishing for the few quality examples that exist. We expect fierce bidding for the example we present here, a 10/10 beauty penned upon a book plate that remains affixed inside a presentational copy of Mathewson's 1910 book Won in the Ninth. Mathewson's elegant script is found at the bottom of the 3x4" card, which holds a typed attribution to its original owner and a "225" serial number from what one could reasonably expect is a limited run of either 500 or 1,000. The book shows far less wear than one would expect for a century of life, and the volume remains tightly bound. A thin band of tanning intersects the autograph but to no significant detriment. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1910 Johnny Evers Signed Letter. There were few Dead Ball infielders more skilled with the leather than this pivot man for the game's most famous double play combination, so the provided endorsement of Goldsmith gloves was no small thing. The text, in full: "Gentlemen: I have given your Professional Glove a thorough try-out and find it just what I have always wanted. Shall use it constantly, Sincerely yours, [signed] John J. Evers." The letter is typed on Evers' business stationery and signed in 9/10 black fountain pen ink. It appears the page was trimmed at the lower edge, and it certainly has been affixed to a backing page, but neither issue affects the displayability in the slightest. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1911 Ban Johnson Signed Letter. Intriguing letter appears to address the possibility of an All-Star Game, a baseball tradition which was still twenty-two years in the future when this letter was mailed. Johnson writes, in part, "There can be no objection on the part of the American League in the arrangement of such a series of games between picked teams from the National and American League." Though Johnson was known to have opposed the Addie Joss Memorial Benefit Game contested less than a month before this letter's date, one can't help but wonder if the success of the event, often called the first All-Star Game due to its outrageous Dead Ball talent, softened his stance. An historic letter autographed in 7/10 black fountain pen ink at the close. Single typed page on American League letterhead exhibits age tanning, most notably a thin stripe down the center of the page which has no effect upon the closing signature. Original mailing folds, but no creasing or tearing. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1915 Charles Comiskey Signed Letter. Four seasons before he would be betrayed (or served his just desserts, depending upon your viewpoint) by the notorious Eight Men Out, the imperious owner of the Chicago White Sox sent this typed RSVP to a local industrial league ballclub. Comiskey's stylish closing signature is a flawless 10/10, and the single page of team letterhead exhibits original mailing folds but no other issues of note. A solid and highly desirable TLS from one of the most influential executives of the pre-war 20th century. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1915 Charles Comiskey Signed Letter. Brief letter written by the Hall of Fame manager for the Chicago White Sox is likely referring to first baseman Jack Ness, who played seventy-five games for the 1916 club, when he advises that "...the Chicago Club has selected player Ness under this option." Solid baseball content, addressed from one Cooperstown inductee to another (American League president Ban Johnson). The closing signature is a flawless 10/10, and the page exhibits only original mailing folds and minor rumpling to suggest its approaching centennial. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1918 Connie Mack Handwritten Signed Letter & Signed Envelope. His 1914 World Championship team spread to the wind due to the increased salary competition spurred by the Federal League's brief existence, the Tall Tactician was back at the bottom of the American League when he penned this note on the Philadelphia Athletics' gorgeous official letterhead. He courts a college ballplayer in his brief text, though no record of the recipient's name appears in Major League statistics. All ink remains 9/10 or better and the single page exhibits original mailing folds and tiny filing holes at upper edge but presents perfectly despite these minor concerns. A rare and highly desirable early Mack letter. Included is original mailing envelope written in Mack's hand, with "C. Mack" autograph at return address. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920 Jack Calvo Signed Check. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1894, Calvo was just eighteen when he made his debut with the 1913 Washington Senators, becoming one of the first foreign born players in the Majors. A Cuban Hall of Fame inductee and Negro League star, Calvo is an enormously challenging autograph for collectors. This 1920 check dating to his second season of service to the Senators after a seven-year absence is drawn from a Washington, DC bank, paying $150 for a hotel stay. All ink is 9/10, and a single vertical fold line is the only condition issue beyond bank stamping and punch coding. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1923 Joe Tinker Signed Stock Certificate. Tough signature from the Hall of Fame shortstop for the last Chicago Cubs team to secure a World Championship appears at lower right upon this certificate awarding two shares of capital stock in the Orlando Athletic Association. Following his Major League career, Tinker relocated to central Florida where he became the owner/manager of the Orlando Tigers of the Florida State League. The presented certificate dates to this era and survives in fine condition with storage folds. Tinker's autograph rates an impressive 9/10. Certificate is matted and framed to ultimate dimensions of 13.5x16". Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1923 Roderick "Bobby" Wallace Signed Chicago White Sox Payroll Check. His career began with the 1894 Cleveland Spiders, where the future Hall of Fame shortstop actually joined the pitching rotation anchored by fellow legend Cy Young. Almost thirty years later Wallace was still drawing a Big League paycheck, now from Bill Veeck, Sr., the father of the man who would bring the names Eddie Gaedel and Disco Demolition Night into the baseball vernacular. But the important signature is on the verso, as the improperly issued check ("Robt. J. Wallace" is the name typed on front) is endorsed in 10/10 black fountain pen ink "R.J. Wallace" on verso. Bank stamping remains clear of the important autograph and the check remains in splendid condition with no flaws worthy of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Babe Ruth & Ty Cobb Signed World Series Program. Fifteen years before they would share space on the dais for the grand opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, the two greatest batters of the prewar era met at the Polo Grounds in New York City for a Christy Walsh promotion and to view the Fall Classic contest between the Giants and the Washington Senators. Born of that historic summit is this official World Series program signed in 10/10 black fountain pen ink by the former Home Run King and Hit King respectively. While artifacts from the Hall of Fame induction and the later Esquire Magazine baseball competition which pitted Ruth and Cobb as opposing managers have surfaced in the hobby, it is exceedingly rare to find them paired in a playing-days format. The program itself is worth no small amount of attention, particularly in its impressive condition, with no tears or staining to report, and only a couple small bends in the cover's border area. Center score sheets are unmarked. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Christy Mathewson Signed Letter. Just over a year before his passing at the tragically young age of forty-five, the legendary right-hander mailed this brief correspondence upon Boston Braves team letterhead to a prospect objecting to the salary proposed by the club. "You say in your letter of January 31st that you do not think that $3,000 is a fair salary for you this year. We think that the increase is a very material one and the offer is the best that we can make you," he writes, in part. The gorgeous, flowing "C. Mathewson" closing signature rates a conservative 9/10, and the page exhibits original mailing folds and a mild crease near the left edge well clear of the autograph. A splendid example of one of the most sought after Hall of Fame signatures in the hobby. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1925 Oscar Levis Handwritten Signed Postcard. Less than a year after becoming the first pitcher to complete a no-hit game in 20th century Cuban League action, Levis mailed this postcard from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Havana. He notes at top, "Con los 'Estrellas," translated to mean, "with the Stars," an obvious reference to his Cuban Stars baseball club. His elegant script and closing signature rate 9/10 or better, and edge wear to the postcard does little to distract. This is the only known example of Levis' signature, making traditional authentication an impossibility. While there will be no third-party paperwork as a result, Heritage firmly believes in the authenticity of the piece. A tremendously scarce Negro League artifact from this famous Panamanian star.
1925 Kenesaw Mountain Landis Signed Photograph. Just five years after banishing Shoeless Joe and the seven other Black Sox conspirators to the dustbin of baseball history, the imperious Landis autographed this appropriately stern portrait to an admirer in the boldest of black fountain pen ink. The personalized and dated inscription competes for contrast against the dark background, but has faded not one iota from its original application. A mild corner bend is no concern, leaving the 7x9" photo to present at an approximate NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Rogers Hornsby Signed Large Cabinet Photograph. A big smile from a youthful Rajah, who appears in civilian attire in an image almost certainly snapped during his years of service to the Cardinals of St. Louis. Hornsby's black fountain pen inscription has oxidized to a gorgeous vintage brown, and reads, "To Cullen Cain, Very Sincerely, Rogers Hornsby." Contrast is imperfect against the sepia background but upon close inspection the writing remains quite bold. The cardboard mount surrounding the 7.5x10" image exhibits considerable wear, but this could easily be matted out to at least an EX overall appearance. A tough and impressively large signed photo from a period when Hornsby owned every National League slugging title. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1926 Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed Index Card, PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10. Had he not lost a season and a half to military service during the first World War, Old Pete almost certainly would have joined Cy Young and Walter Johnson as the only men in Major League history to tally four hundred victories. Still the bronze medalist in that event, the troubled hurler is remembered with this simply unimprovable autograph to a fan penned upon the blank side of a 3x5" index card. It reads simply, "To Arthur, Grover C. Alexander" in the boldest of blue fountain pen ink. The card is free of stains, creasing or tearing. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1926 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph. Magnificent sepia studio portrait photograph was inscribed by the Bambino less than a month after he made what is arguably the greatest blunder of his storied career when he was caught stealing second to record the final out of the 1926 World Series. The Babe's black fountain pen ink registers at a strength of 8/10, and reads, "To 'Doc' Searle, A Regular honest to God fellow, From Babe Ruth, Nov. 7th, 1926." The photo has endured the passing eight decades marvelously, with a small imperfection at the upper right border, easily matted out when framed, the only issue of note. Size is 7.5x9.5". An elegant, early signed photo from the game's greatest name. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig & Christy Walsh Signed Page. Marketing icons like Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan and Peyton Manning might not be cashing million dollar checks from Nike and Gatorade if it hadn't been for Christy Walsh, the first sports superagent whose Midas touch turned the star power of Yankees sluggers Ruth and Gehrig into pure gold and redefined sports celebrity. One of the few pieces we've encountered to feature this important trio, the presented 4x5" page was apparently signed at a Los Angeles Kings of Columbus event on November 1, 1927 as the famous Bustin' Babes vs. Larrupin' Lous barnstorming tour passed through the City of Angels in the weeks following the greatest season in Yankees history. All pencil autographs are unimprovably bold, and the page exhibits moderate toning which only adds to the vintage aesthetic. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's "Babe" Ruth & 1980's Hank Aaron Signed Album Page. We'll leave it up to you if you want to add Barry Bonds to the mix. The Babe's black fountain pen signature is clearly a circa 1927 model, adding intrigue beyond its 10/10 aesthetics. Just below is the man who topped him, applied in equally bold black sharpie. Both reside upon an unlined 3.5x5.5" page which shows chipping at the edges but could easily be matted and framed to a NRMT appearance. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1920's Tommy Connolly Signed Photographic Image. He presided over the inaugural American League game on April 24, 1901 and the first World Series two years later, and joined Bill Klem in 1953 as the first umpires inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Another Connolly first is represented by this lot, believed to be the first Connolly signed photographic image ever offered at auction. We sure haven't seen one before. An appealing 8x10" in size, this page carefully removed from an issue of Who's Who in Baseball is flawlessly autographed in bold black fountain pen ink by the man at the center of the proceedings, who provides his desirable full "Thomas A. Connolly" signature. The page exhibits a minor tear at the bottom border but no other faults of note. Almost assuredly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fill that gap in your Hall of Famers signed photo collection. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 Earle Combs Signed New York Yankees Payroll Check. Though overshadowed by the dazzling exploits of teammates Ruth and Gehrig, Combs posted American League-best numbers in hits (231) and triples (23) in 1927, the World Championship season during which he banked this Yankee payroll check. Team owner Jake Ruppert and fellow Hall of Famer Ed Barrow assert their acceptance of the $1153.11 payment to Combs on the check front with their bold black fountain pen signatures, with the star outfielder penning "Pay only to the Southern National Bank, Richmond, Kentucy By Earle B. Combs" on verso as an endorsement. His writing is likewise NRMT-MT. The check exhibits mild handling wear and a vertical center fold but displays perfectly. A rare and special relic from the glory days of Murderer's Row. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 Babe Ruth Signed New York Yankees Team Photograph. The legends of Murderer's Row pose against a backdrop of a sparsely populated Yankee Stadium grandstand during the greatest season in pinstriped history. Just one of players pictured has graced the image with his signature, but it just so happens to be the one you'd hope for. The Bambino's black fountain pen signature rates a perfect 10/10 on this 5x8" image, matted and framed to final dimensions of 10x13". Photo exhibits very minor corner wear, but effectively carries a NRMT visual strength. A wonderful memento of the Babe's sixty home run season. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 Charles "Chief" Bender Signed Photograph. He won almost two hundred games during twelve seasons in service of the Philadelphia Athletics, earning a Cooperstown plaque and Connie Mack's undying gratitude. Here we find the Native American ace in the uniform of an Athletics minor league franchise as he passed along his vast knowledge to a new generation of ballplayers. It's one of the earliest Bender signed photos we've ever encountered, as the vast majority date from late in his life. The black fountain pen inscription, reading "Aug. 21st - 27, Sincerely yours, 'Chief' C.A. Bender," presents with impressive 9/10 boldness. The 8x10" photo exhibits wear, most notably an archival tape repaired left side and various chips around the borders. Our catalog imagery should indicate however that the photo still presents nicely despite these faults. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1929 Honus Wagner Signed Letter. More stylized and aesthetically pleasing than the more commonly seen geriatric version from the very Old Dutchman, the provided 10/10 blue fountain pen ink signature predates the iconic shortstop's Hall of Fame induction by seven years. The typed message on the letterhead of Wagner's eponymous sporting goods store regards the delivery of some gold baseballs (!) and concludes with Wagner's acceptance of an event invitation. The page is rather rumpled and bears deep original mailing folds, but it presents quite well despite these condition issues and the all-important signature is entirely unhindered. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1931 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph by George Burke. It's one of our favorite photographs of the Babe, instantly recognizable as the work of celebrated lensman George Burke, whose photography defines the way we see Depression-era baseball in our mind's eye. Here Ruth leans on his bat in his road greys, intently following the action from the visitor's dugout. He makes use of the lighter tones of his uniform to apply a lengthy black fountain pen ink inscription, which reads, "To The Three Musketeers, Charlie, 'Doc' and Patty, From your friend, Babe Ruth, Nov. 10th 1931." The end of the inscription competes for contrast against the dark background, but all ink is technically 8/10 or better. The 7x9" image is partially affixed to a cardboard mount and has lost a small segment over Ruth's left shoulder, but fortunately this area is clear of the image's focus and Ruth's handwriting. Heritage will be happy to suggest a restoration expert should the winning bidder wish to return the photo to a NRMT appearance, though the piece still presents marvelously as is. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1931 Dizzy Dean Signed Letter. Historic typed letter on the letterhead of the St. Louis Cardinals' Houston farm club finds the great Dizzy Dean already spending the money he was bound to earn as a Big League star. Though Dean pitched a single meaningless game at the close of the 1930 season for the Cardinals, this letter finds him as the hottest pitching prospect in the minors and on the brink of becoming a legend of the sport. Perhaps most intriguing is the signature format, utilizing Dean's initials rather than the woozy nickname for which he is best remembered. The black fountain pen ink rates a stellar 9/10 and the page exhibits original mailing folds, minor rumpling and paper clip rust, none of which distract the eye. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1932 Babe Ruth Signed Album Page, PSA/DNA Mint 9. Baseball autograph collecting at its essence. There is no "purer" collectible in this hobby of ours than the Babe Ruth signed album page, and you'll find few finer than the presented specimen. Our friends at PSA/DNA are clearly in agreement, as this gorgeous fountain pen specimen finds a home in a Mint 9 slab. Album page measures a hair under 5x6" in size. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
Early 1930's Lou Gehrig Handwritten Signed Letter. Brief note likely written as the Yankees traveled to our nation's capital to meet the Washington Senators illustrates the class and generosity for which the Iron Horse was famous. He writes, "Dear Mr. Leslie, I shall be only too glad to autograph your baseballs if you will forward them to Yankee Stadium at once. Thank you for your kind letter, Cordially, Lou Gehrig." All ink rates 9/10 or better. The single page on hotel letterhead is somewhat rumpled but the writing is none the worse for this wear. A very rare and desirable ALS from one of the greatest Yankees of them all. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Album Page. Blue fountain pen signature from baseball's biggest name is applied to the upper quadrant of a 4x6" album page, just waiting for a collector to pair it with his favorite photo of the Bambino. A vintage collector's pencil notation just below could either be matted out or erased if desired, and minor handling wear to the page is of no aesthetic concern. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1932 New York Yankees Hall of Famers Signed Album Page with Gehrig, Ruffing. Impressive display centers around a 3x4" unlined sheet of paper autographed in 10/10 black fountain pen ink by six Yanks: Dusty Cooke, Charles "Red" Ruffing, Bill Dickey, Lou Gehrig, Joe Sewell and Art Jorgens. Custom made engraved plaques recount the pertinent details of the careers of each, and are matted and framed with Baseball Magazine photographs of Dickey, Gehrig and Ruffing. Full framed dimensions are 21x36". Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
1934 New York Yankees Team Signed Sheet. We've always been of the opinion that team sheets are underrated, as they almost always supply a signature quality superior to that of baseballs, which tend to suffer from that third dimension which attracts wear. But this is about as cool as it gets, a page which approximates a hotel ledger with a list of signatures, jersey numbers and positions in a neat grid. We particularly love the fact that the column headings of "Names of New York Yankees of 1934, No., Position" are penned in the unmistakable hand of the first signer, Babe Ruth. Following him below are fellow Bronx stars Gehrig, Combs, Gomez, Dickey, Ruffing, Sewell, Grimes, Crosetti, Chapman, Rolfe and more. Twenty-three signatures are here in total, each either a 9/10 or 10/10 in quality. Toning and wear at the edges has no bearing upon the writing. Page measures 8.5x11". Also note that Ruth's handwriting is found on page reverse, denoting similar columns for the St. Louis Browns, who did not subsequently sign. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 New York Yankees Team Signed Sheet. Flawless signature exemplars from twenty-seven members of the Bronx Bombers represent Arthur Fletcher's fulfillment of a favor for a friend, penned at the wide lower margin and back of this brief typed autograph request. Babe Ruth is here, beginning his final month in pinstripes, joined by the likes of Gehrig (on verso), Lazzeri, Sewell, Ruffing, Gomez, Crosetti (twice), Saltzgaver, Byrd, Chapman and more. Rolfe and Selkirk have been deemed secretarial. Page measures 5x8" in size and exhibits original mailing folds but no other faults of note. Included is original mailing envelope with August 29th New York City postmark. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Rabbit Maranville Handwritten Signed Letter. Twenty years after helping to lead the most stunning comeback in baseball history as part of the 1914 World Championship "Miracle Braves," the diminutive Hall of Famer penned a brief note to a fan in the boldest of black fountain pen ink. The single page of personal letterhead exhibits no flaws beyond the original mailing folds, and includes the original mailing envelope handwritten but unsigned by Maranville. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Walter Johnson Handwritten Signed Letter. Just two years before he was named to the inaugural class of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and seven years after pitching the last of his 417 career victories, the Big Train mailed this brief note to a friend, writing, "Dear Bryant, Your letter came and I was glad to hear from you. Right now I don't think I could do a thing for you but come up and see us and maybe some thing will turn up. Sincerely, Walter Johnson." The black fountain pen ink, including the closing signature, rates 9/10 or better, and the letter is dated in blue, perhaps in another hand. The single page of Huntsville, Alabama hotel letterhead exhibits original mailing folds otherwise Fine. Original mailing envelope addressed in Johnson's hand (but unsigned) is included. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Babe Ruth Signed Tour of Japan Snapshot Photograph. Magnificent photographic portrait of the game's greatest figure may be small in stature (2.25x3.25"), but it's massive in collecting appeal. It captures the Babe's distinctive round face wonderfully, his eyes shaded by his visor as he gazes into the distance. The bold black fountain pen signature at bottom was gently brushed by Ruth's hand upon signing, but to little detriment. Signed photos from this most important of foreign baseball tours are exceedingly scarce, so this singularly unique photo should be on every serious collector's radar. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication
Circa 1934 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph. Babe Ruth possessed a rare eloquence with the bat when he dug in to the batter's box, wielding his lumber with the same demeanor that captivates the audience of a booming orator. His affinity for bombast both on and off the field, as well as the prowess he drew from to back it up, elevated the Great Bambino to the position of the world's most popular face during the height of his Major League run. Exceptionally detailed, this elegant portrait of the Babe brings the player back into the realm of humanity as we are afforded a look directly into the tired eyes of the Hall of Famer. Ruth has perfectly signed his name to the 8x10" print, making out a personalized inscription that reads, "To a real pal - Fridie Wright - From Babe Ruth" in 8/10 ink. Photo has been mounted on a thick stock backing. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Napoleon Lajoie Signed Index Card. Now this is more like it! We've never quite been able to understand how someone with a cool name like "Napoleon" would choose to go by "Larry," but we've had to resign ourselves to the fact that the vast majority of his autographs utilized the less regal nomenclature. But here we find the inaugural class Hall of Famer staying true to his imperial roots, providing a gorgeously scripted "Napoleon Lajoie" in 9/10 black ink on a blank 3x5" index card. Clearly one of the finest exemplars in the hobby. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1935 Babe Ruth Signed Government Postcard. The Babe was perhaps the most generous signer in history, but only rarely do we find him in the coveted GPC format. This one, intriguingly, was sent to a young Bronx autograph collector just three days after Ruth's very last game, just after his return to Boston from Forbes Field where he launched three home runs to end his storied career with a fitting flourish. The Bambino's standard "Sincerely, Babe Ruth" inscription survives with unbeatable boldness, and is underscored with the original collector's somewhat outdated list of Ruth's career highlights (note 708 career home runs, for instance). The postcard has been slightly trimmed and bears a couple pieces of tape on verso from scrapbook adhesion, but such minor concerns must be ignored in light of the tremendous scarcity. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1935 New York Yankees Uniform Player's Contracts Lot of 6, Signed. With Babe Ruth wearing a Braves uniform and the great Joe DiMaggio yet to arrive in the Bronx, the Yankees were in a major period of transition when they executed these half-dozen contracts with various role players for the 1935 season. Each standard four-page contract features typed identifications of player and salary with autographs consenting to the terms from both the player and team owner Jake Ruppert on page three. American League president Will Harridge signs each cover as well. The players in question: James DeShong, Walter Brown, John Broaca, John Murphy, Vito Tamulis and Clifford Melton. All contracts exhibit original mailing folds but no other issues worthy of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Charles "Red" Ruffing Signed Uniform Player's Contract. A rare pre-war New York Yankees Hall of Famer contract for the 1936 season is presented here, assigning a salary of $12,000 to the big right-hander who would win twenty for the eventual World Champions with the help of Lou Gehrig and a rookie Joe DiMaggio. The standard four-page document is signed in 10/10 black fountain pen ink by "Chas. Ruffing" and celebrated team owner Jacob Ruppert on page two. Hall of Fame American League president William Harridge signs his consent on page four. Original storage folds and mild handling wear are to be expected, but the contract otherwise presents flawlessly. A special artifact from the Yanks' most reliable ace during the 1930's. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 All-Star Game Ticket Stub Signed by Grover Cleveland Alexander. Few ballplayers in our National Pastime's history have battled more personal demons than Ol' Pete Alexander, who faced down alcoholism, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder from World War One horrors to become one of the most effective pitchers of all time. How appropriate that we would find his 8/10 pencil autograph on the ticket stub for an All-Star Game, despite the fact that his Big League retirement was six years in the past at the time. The stub has an irregular gate tear at left edge but otherwise presents very well. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
1936 Johnny Evers Handwritten Signed Letter. The pivot man in baseball's most storied double-play combination graciously responds to an autograph request with this handwritten note on the letterhead of his Albany, NY sporting goods store. All black fountain pen ink, including the closing "John J. Evers" signature, rates a marvelous 9+/10. The page appears to have been expertly trimmed of the last four inches of its length, but otherwise exhibits no flaws beyond original mailing folds. An exceedingly tough ALS, absent from all but the most comprehensive of private collections. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1937 Jim Bottomley Signed Letter. The St. Louis Browns won forty-six of their 154 games during the 1937 season, illustrating that Bottomley's prediction ("I think we have a real ball club this year and we are going to try and win a lot of games for you good loyal Brownie fans in East St. Louis.") had been perhaps overly optimistic. This friendly typed missive on attractive team letterhead was signed at the close by the 1974 posthumous Hall of Fame inductee during his last season in the game, a 9+/10 black fountain pen beauty. The page exhibits original mailing flaws and remnants of scrapbook removal on verso which causes no distraction to the obverse. A scarce TLS from fan favorite Sunny Jim. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1937 Babe Ruth Double Signed Check. Just two years after the Babe retired his thunderous bat he made use of the presented check to withdraw fifty dollars from his Chemical Bank account in uptown Manhattan. All writing is in Ruth's bold black fountain pen ink, as is the "GH Ruth" signature at bottom right. A slight brush of Ruth's hand has caused very minor feathering of the ink here, to no significant detriment. The attractive and expensive framing job provides a window for viewing the back of the check as well, where a second (and flawless) "GH Ruth" autograph resides. Bank stamping remains entirely clear of both Ruth signatures. The museum quality framing expands the dimensions of the fine display to 21x24". Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
1938 Tris Speaker Signed Letter. Less than a year after the Grey Eagle's Cooperstown induction, Speaker crafted this brief correspondence in response to a request for a particular group of photographs. The single typed page on the early legend's personal letterhead is signed at the close in unimprovably bold 10/10 black fountain pen ink. Some scattered light staining and the remnants of scrapbook removal along the left edge and verso of the page cause little distraction, nor do the original mailing folds. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1938 Johnny Evers Double Signed Cut Signature, PSA/DNA Mint 9. Though best remembered as the second baseman of the famous Chicago Cubs double play combination, it was during Evers' first season in Boston with the 1914 Miracle Braves that the future Hall of Famer would earn his National League MVP. Provided is a blank business card sent in response to a fan's autograph request. Perfect 10/10 black fountain pen ink provides "Sincerely Yours, John J. Evers, Jan. 20. 38." Flip the card over for an added treat: "Only too pleased to do this. Sorry for the delay it was mislaid, Johnny." Rare in any format, this Evers autographed piece distinguishes itself from the small population. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1939 Hall of Fame Induction Brochure Signed by Ruth, Cobb, Young & More. More baseball royalty than you could shake a Louisville Slugger at convened at Cooperstown to celebrate the Baseball Centennial and the grand opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Presented is an official program from the festivities, signed by a selection of honorees and attendees. Most notable are the inaugural class members earned bronze plaques that day: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Walter Johnson and Connie Mack, though future inductees Carl Hubbell, Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman and Hank Greenberg are likewise found among the nineteen autographs. All listed signatures rate 8/10 or better. Tape staining is present along the fold lines, the result of professional restoration, but the effects do nothing to diminish the autographs. A special artifact from one of the most memorable events in baseball history. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 William "Cy" Perkins Signed Puerto Rican League Contract. Though Satchel Paige had been battery mates with Negro League legends like Josh Gibson, Double Duty Radcliffe and Quincy Trouppe, his favorite catcher was Bill Perkins who, according to Paige, "handled a pitcher like nobody's business." Presented is an incredibly scarce contract securing Perkins' services for winter ball down in Puerto Rico, with the star of such historic Negro League teams as the Homestead Grays, Philadelphia Stars and Baltimore Elite Giants signing his consent with 10/10 black fountain pen ink. While Negro League autographs tend to be challenging regardless, Perkins' murder in 1948 complicated the hunt for his signature even further. You'll be hard pressed to find a superior specimen. Contract exhibits original storage folds and punch holes, minor staining and general handling wear but is otherwise solid and complete. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Babe Ruth Signed Opening of Hall of Fame Ticket Stub. Highly collectible even in unsigned format, this impressive ticket stub providing entry for one lucky fan to Doubleday Field, not far from the grounds of Cooperstown, New York's brand new Baseball Hall of Fame, is autographed by one of the legends to gain induction on June 12, 1939. The Babe's pencil signature on verso is a bold 9/10, sandwiched between a 10/10 black ink offering from Postmaster General James Farley and a 9/10 pencil signature from Chicago Cubs third baseman Stan Hack. The ticket exhibits a moderate degree of handling wear and some tape staining at the left edge, likely from time in the original owner's scrapbook, but still presents wonderfully. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Bill McKechnie Signed Letter. Fantastic baseball content and a little dose of sarcasm makes this one a particularly appealing TLS. McKechnie provides a brief resume in the form of a list of teams he has represented as a player, but not before noting, "...if I were to try and give you the information you desire, it would be necessary for me to get all the statistics and statisticians in baseball, and I know you do not want to bore me with that time." The single typed page appears on Cincinnati Reds team letterhead, and provides a 10/10 black fountain pen signature from the 1962 Hall of Fame inductee. Original mailing folds and remnants of scrapbook removal on verso, but letter presents nicely with no distracting flaws. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Ty Cobb Handwritten Signed Letter. Cobb's reputation for ferocity and brutality never seems in keeping with his written correspondence, which is almost unfailingly cordial and humble. Here we find the iconic Dead Ball star flattered by a request for his autograph, which he provides at the close of this single page penned upon his personal letterhead. All ink is 9/10 or better. Page exhibits original mailing folds but no other flaws of note. A fine little letter sent upon Cobb's return from Cooperstown for the opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Lou Gehrig Signed Scorecard, Day After Retirement Announced. Note the handwritten date of June 22, 1939 at the center scorecard of the provided twelve-page program for a Chicago White Sox visit to Yankee Stadium. It was on this day that newspapers across the country carried the heartbreaking news that the Yankees had yesterday announced Lou Gehrig's retirement and proclaimed July 4th to be "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day." One can only imagine the emotion the Iron Horse must have felt this day in the Yankee dugout, having just learned the nature of his terrible illness and the inevitability of his fate. His bold black fountain pen ink appears upside down on the Chicago half of the center score page, with teammates and fellow future Hall of Famers Earle Combs and Joe DiMaggio in pencil above. Two minor autographs appear in pencil on the cover. The scorecard is toned with age but complete and essentially undamaged, presenting very nicely. A wonderful and melancholy relic from the beginning of the end for one of the game's great heroes. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Cum Posey Signed Cut Signature. One of the most significant figures in the history of the Negro Leagues, Cumberland Posey rose through the ranks of the Homestead Grays from a player in 1911, to manager by 1916, to owner in the early 1920's. With legends like Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard and Judy Johnson at his disposal, Posey would lead the Grays to nine consecutive pennants between 1937 and 1945 and earn enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here we present a rare example of Posey's essential signature, clipped from a diploma for the Homestead High School where he served as an administrator in his time away from the diamond. His black fountain pen autograph is unimprovable. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1940 Bill Klem Handwritten Double Signed Letter. The Hall of Fame umpire's distinctive black fountain pen script sings the praises of former Gashouse Gangster John "Pepper" Martin upon his appointment as manager of the Sacramento Solons of the Pacific Coast League. Fantastic baseball content is found throughout the lengthy correspondence penned on both sides of Klem's personal letterhead, concluding with the great compliment, "Martin was the greatest hustler in the game since Ty cobb's day and allways (sic) a spark plug yet he was too smart to become embroiled with the Umpires." The letter is signed "W.J. Klem" at the close, and again as "Bill" at the completion of the postscript. Tough in any format, Klem's autographs within the context of a baseball-heavy ALS are particularly appealing. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Walter Johnson Signed Album Page, PSA/DNA Mint 9. Perfectly rendered black ink beauty is the standard by which all other Walter Johnson autographs should be judged, and the perfect companion piece to your favorite vintage photograph of the Big Train. The 10/10 masterpiece is centered upon a 3x5" piece of lightly toned paper, mimicking perfectly the appearance of a signed index card. A gorgeous offering from the inaugural class Hall of Famer. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1940 Hillerich & Bradsby Advertising Sign, Signed by Joe DiMaggio. While similar signs issued in 1947 and featuring Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Johnny Mize and Mickey Vernon have made brief and infrequent appearances in the hobby, this much earlier and infinitely more desirable DiMaggio specimen is believed to be one of just four or five to exist. Worth a tremendous sum in its as-issued state, this one of a kind gem takes the appeal to an even higher realm with perfect blue sharpie proof that Joltin' Joe did indeed have a sense of humor. He makes comedic reference to the caricature at center that places his head on a dwarf-like frame, writing, "Barry-- Where's the rest of me -- Best Always, Joe DiMaggio." The "Barry" in question is, of course, famed collector Barry Halper, from whose collection this piece derives. The sign, which measures 15.5x20.5", shows some incidental creasing and a few small surface tears, but nothing that catches the eye upon viewing. One of the finest autographed DiMaggio pieces to reach the market this year. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA, NM-MT 8.
1940 Cum Posey Signed Homestead High School Diploma. One of the most significant figures in the history of the Negro Leagues, Cumberland Posey rose through the ranks of the Homestead Grays from a player in 1911, to manager by 1916, to owner in the early 1920's. With legends like Josh Gibson, Buck Leonard and Judy Johnson at his disposal, Posey would lead the Grays to nine consecutive pennants between 1937 and 1945 and earn enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here we present a rare example of Posey's essential signature, applied to a diploma for the Homestead High School where he served as an administrator in his time away from the diamond. His black fountain pen autograph is unimprovable, as is the condition of the diploma itself. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1941 Harry Heilmann Signed Check. From one "collector" to another. Personal check penned by the Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer just seventy-two hours before the Pearl Harbor attacks makes payment of $229.90 to the "Collector of Internal Revenue, Detroit Mich." All ink is rendered in Slug's 9+/10 black fountain pen ink. Bank stamping remains clear of Heilmann's signature, as does a single vertical fold line. A solid example of this rare and desirable check. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1942 Eppa Rixey Signed Letter. The Hall of Fame pitcher sends a quick note to an old baseball buddy on the letterhead of his insurance company. He praises Babe Herman for his success with the minor league Hollywood Stars baseball team, writing in part, "Congratulations on the way you have been hitting out there and I wish you were back with the Reds. They could certainly use you." Rixey's tough closing signature rates an impressive 9+/10, and the page is likewise NRMT with original mailing folds but no other flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1942 Rogers Hornsby Signed Letter. Only once between 1920 and 1928 did Hornsby fail to claim the National League batting title, indicating that the General Manager of the Fort Worth (TX) Panthers might have had a thing or two to teach his players. Here he responds to an autograph request from our nation's capital, signing the typed reply on team letterhead with 9+/10 fountain pen boldness. The page itself exhibits original mailing folds but is otherwise NRMT. Original mailing envelope included. Hornsby letters are quite tough, so bid accordingly. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1940's Baseball Autograph Book Signed by 486 Including 35 Hall of Fame Autographs. The pride and joy of an early 1940's baseball fan is presented here, a standard autograph album filled with hundreds of pencil signatures applied typically in groups of six to ten on front and back of each unlined page. No shortage of big names here, as we find legends like Ted Williams, Musial, Schoendienst, Al Simmons, Foxx, Mack, Lyons, Greenberg, Feller, Doerr, Cronin and more. At least five Ted Williams autographs are inside (each counting as one in the tally of 35 Hall of Fame signatures). Tremendous break down value here, though it would be a shame to dismantle such a charming collection. The vast majority of autographs are applied to the album pages directly, though a few dozen cut signatures are glued in as well. All autographs remain as strong as the day they were acquired. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1942 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph to Fellow "The Pride of the Yankees" Cast Member. Though it has been well-documented that Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig shared a rocky relationship throughout their historic years in the Bronx, the tragic news of the Iron Horse's illness buried any hatchets that remained between them. In a final tribute to his teammate, Ruth appeared as himself in the biopic that is ranked by many as the greatest sports film of all time, and which served to further elevate Gehrig in the pantheon of the game's legendary figures. The provided photograph finds Ruth posing with actor Vernon Rickard, who played a fellow Yankee in the film. It is inscribed in 9/10 black fountain pen ink, "To My Pal Vernon From Babe Ruth." The 5.75x9.5" photo has been mounted upon a cardboard backing and exhibits no distracting flaws. Also included is a 4.5x6.5" snapshot, presumably also from Rickard's collection, picturing the actor with another Yankees Hall of Famer, catcher Bill Dickey. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Johnny Evers Handwritten Signed Letter. The Hall of Fame second baseman for the last Chicago Cubs team to celebrate a World Championship graciously responds to a young autograph collector, noting, "I never fail to comply with the wishes of my vast army of young American Boys who think so much of me." All ink, penned upon the letterhead of Evers' eponymous sporting goods company, registers at a strength of 9/10, as does the closing signature applied in its most desirable format: "John J. Evers (Johnny), Tinker to Evers to Chance." Page exhibits original mailing folds and tack holes at the corners but presents wonderfully. One of the most desirable examples we've encountered from the tiny supply of the coveted Evers ALS. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Babe Ruth Signed Blank Business Card, Graded PSA Gem Mint 10. When nothing but the best will do. The notoriously tough graders at PSA/DNA saw no other option but to award its highest grade to this black fountain pen beauty, penned upon a mildly toned blank business card for one of the Babe's millions of fans. An unknown hand recounts the exact moment of creation. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Herb Pennock Signed Check. He was a member of the World Champion 1914 Athletics, the 1916 Boston Red Sox and four Yankees Series winners between 1923 and 1932, so let's hope this check is as lucky for the winning bidder as Herb himself was for the teams he represented. This tough personal check was filled out and signed entirely in the hand of the Hall of Fame southpaw just three years before his passing in 1948. Pennock's black ink is flawless, drawing fifty dollars in cash from a bank in the town where he was born in 1894. Pennock does not endorse the verso, but his signature on front is marvelous, and untouched by the bank's punch coding. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Charles "Kid" Nichols Signed Letter. A gracious response to an autograph request from the mother of a sick child is the subject of this rare TLS, featuring wonderful baseball content and encouragement from one of the Dead Ball Era's greatest hurlers. He writes, in part, "...some day I hope to see his name in the head lines of all the papers. It is a great life for a young boy, clean in every way, and great to build a boy up." Nichols' closing black fountain pen ink signature rates a definitive 10/10, and the single typed page of letterhead from a Kansas City recreational center exhibits original mailing folds otherwise EX-MT+. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Chief Bender Handwritten Signed Letter. A graduate of the same Carlisle Indian Industrial School which provided the sporting world with Jim Thorpe, Charles Bender was considered perhaps the greatest big game pitcher of the Dead Ball Era, helping his Philadelphia Athletics to three World Championships during his tenure with the club. Here he graciously answers an autograph request from his adopted hometown, his elegant script and closing signature rating 9+/10 in strength. Letter exhibits original mailing folds and very mild scattered creasing which causes no distraction. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Cy Young Signed Album Page. Signed thirty-three years to the day after Young registered his 500th career victory, the presented album page provides a marvelously bold inscription from the man with the most secure record in the sport. The 3x5" album sheet mimics the appearance of a blank index card, and reads "July 19th 1943 from Cy Young Peoli O," the final word and letter announcing his Ohio hometown. Some very minor wrinking to the paper is only apparent upon the closest of inspection, leaving the important artifact in perfect condition for display. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1945 Oscar Charleston Double Signed Check. One of the toughest of all Baseball Hall of Fame autographs, genuine Oscar Charleston exemplars have been identified fewer than ten times in the collecting hobby. We produce two of them here, applied to the verso of a check making payment to Charleston for his managerial service to the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers of the United States League. If the league does not sound familiar, there is good reason--it had been the brainchild of Branch Rickey, who envisioned it as a farm club of sorts to develop African-American players for their eventual integration into the Majors. It is a point of speculation as to whether the league ever got off the ground, but the presented check confirms its existence.
Though Charleston had hung up his spikes for good after his service to the 1941 Philadelphia Stars at the age of forty-five, his vast experience and great intelligence made the man considered by many to be the greatest Negro League player of all time an obvious choice for the skipper role. His black fountain pen ink signatures each rate a stunning 9+/10, one entirely clear of the bank's stamping and the other intersecting but to no major distraction. The check itself exhibits a vertical center fold but no other condition issues of note. Considering the extreme scarcity of Charleston signatures, one could rightfully assume that an opportunity such as this will not surface anytime soon, if ever again. Bid accordingly. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Though Charleston had hung up his spikes for good after his service to the 1941 Philadelphia Stars at the age of forty-five, his vast experience and great intelligence made the man considered by many to be the greatest Negro League player of all time an obvious choice for the skipper role. His black fountain pen ink signatures each rate a stunning 9+/10, one entirely clear of the bank's stamping and the other intersecting but to no major distraction. The check itself exhibits a vertical center fold but no other condition issues of note. Considering the extreme scarcity of Charleston signatures, one could rightfully assume that an opportunity such as this will not surface anytime soon, if ever again. Bid accordingly. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed Index Card. He was named after the twenty-second President of the United States and portrayed in film by the fortieth (Ronald Reagan in the 1952 biopic "The Winning Team"). The third winningest pitcher in Major League history supplied one autograph hound with this fine specimen, an expansive "Grover C. Alexander" exemplar rating 9/10 on a blank 3x5" index card. You'll be hard pressed to find a superior example. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Honus Wagner Signed Index Card, PSA/DNA Mint 9. "He was the nearest thing to a perfect player no matter where his manager chose to play him," once said Hall of Fame manager John McGraw about the stout Pirates shortstop. Here we find a flawless example of Wagner's essential autograph, applied to the unlined side of a 3x5" index card. An unimprovable specimen perfect for framing with your favorite photo of the Old Dutchman. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1945 Herb Pennock Signed Letter. Intriguing team letterhead features both the standard Phillies logo as well as the scarce Blue Jays logo used during the two years (1943-44) that the team adopted the avian nickname. But the real treat here is the identity of the letter's author, the New York Yankees Hall of Famer turned Phillies GM who provided a 9+/10 black fountain pen signature at the close. The single page exhibits original mailing folds but no other flaws to note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1945 Mel Ott Signed Letter. Just months before the victorious close of the Second World War, the Hall of Fame slugger for the New York Giants mailed this letter of thanks to a Navy officer in appreciation for treatment his team received during a series of exhibition games at the US Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Tennessee. The single typed page on onion skin paper is signed at the close with flawless 10/10 black fountain pen ink. The page itself is likewise free of troubles, bearing only the original mailing folds. A rare and highly desirable TLS from the third man to summit the 500 Home Run plateau. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Joe Tinker Signed Cut Signature, PSA/DNA Mint 9. The shortstop of the famous double play trio, the last to taste World Championship glory in a Cubs uniform, provides an unimprovable black fountain pen signature complete with a "Cubs" notation below. The autograph is applied to a blank piece of paper the same size and shape of a standard business card. A perfect companion to your favorite photograph of this 1946 Hall of Fame inductee. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1940's-80's Andy Seminick Archive of Signed & Unsigned Contracts, Photographs. Voluminous archive of paperwork derives from the filing cabinets of this popular catcher for the Whiz Kids. Featured is the following:
Fourteen Andy Seminick contracts, unsigned unless noted: 1943, 1949 (3), 1950, 1951(signed), 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957 (signed), 1957(signed), 1957, 1971 PCL.
Sixty-three unsigned photos, some original.
Forty-four signed photos, various sizes. Among the signers: Robin Roberts, Tom Henrich, but most are signed by Seminick himself.
Nineteen paper pieces, mostly newspaper articles, scorecards, programs and a handwritten manuscript on catching .
Four Phillies letters/documents.
Enormous break down value here, or hours of fun for the avid Phillies collector. Condition averages EX throughout, with autographs mainly 9/10 or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Fourteen Andy Seminick contracts, unsigned unless noted: 1943, 1949 (3), 1950, 1951(signed), 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957 (signed), 1957(signed), 1957, 1971 PCL.
Sixty-three unsigned photos, some original.
Forty-four signed photos, various sizes. Among the signers: Robin Roberts, Tom Henrich, but most are signed by Seminick himself.
Nineteen paper pieces, mostly newspaper articles, scorecards, programs and a handwritten manuscript on catching .
Four Phillies letters/documents.
Enormous break down value here, or hours of fun for the avid Phillies collector. Condition averages EX throughout, with autographs mainly 9/10 or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1946 Cuban Professional Baseball Constitution Signed by Forty-Seven including Martin Dihigo. One of the most important documents in the history of Cuban baseball is provided here, the very one which establishes the "Asociacion Nacional de Peloteros Profesionales de Cuba," or "The National Association of Professional Cuban Baseball Players." Below the fifteen lines of typed text enacting this new governing body reside forty-seven autographs from the top players in the country at that time. Fifteen of these are on verso, including the enormously scarce and desirable Martin Dihigo, the 1977 Cooperstown inductee whose autograph appears in only the most comprehensive of Hall of Fame collections. This is arguably the most important exemplar in existence, applied with unimprovable 10/10 boldness. Other notables include Armando Marsans (debut 1911 Cincinnati Reds), Oliverio Ortiz (debut 1944 Washington Senators), Roberto Ortiz, Armando Roche, Lazaro Salazar, Avelino Canizares, Louis Tiant, Sr., Silvio Garcia, Hector Rodriguez and more. All autographs remain as bold as the day of their application. The page exhibits the toning one would expect from decades in a tropical climate, but neither this, nor the original storage folds, cause any distraction. A genuine Cuban national treasure. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1946 Lewis "Hack" Wilson Signed Check. Our auction database, which compiles results for every major house since the 1999 Halper sale, indicates that just two examples have reached the auction block in the past decade, illustrating just how rare an opportunity is presented here. Penned just two years before the former slugging great was buried in a pauper's grave, the presented check withdrew seventy-five dollars from Wilson's account. All ink is an unimprovable 10/10. No endorsing signature on verso. No tears, folds or stains, and all bank punch coding remains clear of Wilson's signature. In short, the finest of the minuscule supply. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1946 Morris (Moe) Berg Signed Nuremberg Trials Ticket. He was one of the most fascinating figures in baseball history despite his limited athletic talents, a Princeton-educated multi-linguist who joined legendary players like Ruth, Gehrig and Foxx on the 1934 Tour of Japan for the purpose of espionage on behalf of the OSS, the precursor to the modern-day Central Intelligence Agency. Here we find an autograph from the man Casey Stengel once called "the strangest man ever to play baseball," provided in the most intriguing format we've ever encountered, a ticket for the "International Military Tribunal" of Nazi Germany war criminals, better known to history as the Nuremberg Trials. Berg's black fountain pen ink survives at an impressive 9+/10 strength, and the ticket (2x4") is likewise NRMT-MT. It is particularly noteworthy that the ticket is for Session 209, which focused primarily upon the persecution and extermination of Jews in Nazi concentration camps. As a member of the Jewish faith, Berg surely witnessed the proceedings with particular interest and sadness, and one can only imagine his state of mind when providing this autograph to a fellow attendee. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1947 Babe Ruth Signed Photograph. The Babe made good use of his wide girth with a lengthy inscription to a medical health professional charged with his care a little over a year before his passing. The touching note reads, "To A Nurse that was Wonderful to Me for many months, Muriel Holland, From Babe Ruth, 7-14-47." Very minor ink adhesion faults affect the signature but the inscription is overwhelmingly a brilliant 10/10. The classic 8x10" photo exhibits minor handling wear at the borders, leaving the image itself free of any distractions. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1948 Harry Heilmann Signed Letter. Touching typed letter on the posthumous 1952 Hall of Fame inductee's personal stationery offers sincere gratitude for the 1948 "Harry Heilmann Day" feting the former Tiger at Navin Field. The letter was directed to Fred Sanders, a local Detroit confectioner widely credited with the invention of the ice cream soda. Heilmann's closing blue ink signature is a bold 9/10. Page exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1949 Joe DiMaggio Signed New York Yankees Contract. Historic contract marks the first time in baseball history a player had reached the six-figure mark. The handwritten "$100,000" on the first page of this Uniform Player's Contract was a story that dominated the sports pages throughout the early Spring, as fans wondered if even the great DiMaggio could justify such a paycheck.
Though injuries limited DiMaggio's service to just seventy-six games, his first season playing fewer than 120, he also posted his best batting average (.346) since his historic 1941 campaign. And despite a weak Series against the club's perpetual October opponents, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Yankees began a five-year World Championship run never duplicated before or since.
Flawless 10/10 black fountain pen ink signatures appear on page three from DiMaggio and fellow Hall of Famer George Weiss, who signs as VP of the ballclub. Original storage folds represent the entirety of condition issues, leaving the contract otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Though injuries limited DiMaggio's service to just seventy-six games, his first season playing fewer than 120, he also posted his best batting average (.346) since his historic 1941 campaign. And despite a weak Series against the club's perpetual October opponents, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Yankees began a five-year World Championship run never duplicated before or since.
Flawless 10/10 black fountain pen ink signatures appear on page three from DiMaggio and fellow Hall of Famer George Weiss, who signs as VP of the ballclub. Original storage folds represent the entirety of condition issues, leaving the contract otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1949 Independence (KS) Yankees Signed Photograph with Mickey Mantle. Two years before the Mick would first step onto the hallowed baseball grounds of the Bronx he was already wearing the pinstripes of the Independence (KS) Yankees, where he would bat .313 with seven homers and sixty-three runs batted in to guide the club to the Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri League Championship. That's the future legend kneeling at far right and, comically, the only kid to blink when the photographer snapped the shutter. Each player has signed his image with varying strengths, but Mantle's boyish signature in the rarest of early formats is a magnificent 9/10. The photo derives from the personal collection of Bob Wiesler, who rookied with Mantle for the 1951 New York Yankees and stands fourth from the right in the 8x10" photo. His 2003 signed letter of provenance accompanies. Photo exhibits mild edge wear but otherwise presents as NRMT. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1949 Jackie Robinson Signed Letter. Just two seasons into his historic and heroic career, the Hall of Fame barrier-buster replies to an autograph request letter. The single typed page appears upon Robinson's personal letterhead which features a small photographic image of the Brooklyn Dodgers superstar, and is signed at the close in 10/10 black fountain pen ink. Page exhibits original mailing folds otherwise no flaws to note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1950 Hugh Duffy Signed Hall of Fame Plaque. His 1894 offensive campaign for the Boston Beaneaters was among the finest in the game's history, as he posted a staggering .440 batting average while likewise leading the National League in doubles and home runs. Duffy's 9/10 black fountain pen ink signature is applied to the white lower border of this collectible postcard, which exhibits some corner creasing and minor toning but still presents nicely. Encapsulated by JSA/Beckett for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1950 Roy Campanella Signed Government Postcard, PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10. Go submit this one for grading because if it doesn't come back a perfect 10 you should ask for your money back. Campy's generous fulfillment of an Indiana youngster's autograph request couldn't be any bolder, and is postmarked from the Brooklyn borough that adored the Hall of Fame backstop. No creasing or tearing here either, just the way you like it. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
Circa 1950 Charles "Kid" Nichols Signed Index Card. At the time of his 1906 retirement from Major League Baseball, only Cy Young had registered more than his 361 career victories, and Nichols still holds steady at number seven today. Here we present a spendid example of his tough signature, applied to a blank and evenly toned 3x5" index card, complete with a printed personalization in the Hall of Famer's hand. An impressive offering from the 1949 Cooperstown inductee. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1950's Cy Young Signed Index Card, PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10. Unimprovable black ink signature is ideally situated on the blank side of a 3x5" index card and ready for matting and framing with your favorite photo of this early legend. The card itself is likewise free of flaws, without a stain, crease or tear to be found. An essential component to any quality Hall of Fame autograph collection. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1950 Ty Cobb Signed Check. A fully executed check in Cobb's most desirable format, sporting the custom printing at left end, and filled out and signed entirely in the inaugural class Hall of Famer's 9+/10 black fountain pen ink. His simple request for five dollars cash apparently had charitable roots, as it is endorsed on verso by a "Brother Cornelius" of St. Mary's College. Two vertical fold lines cause no distraction to the eye, leaving this essential relic perfect for display. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1951 Cy Young, Mel Ott & Jimmie Foxx Signed Program. Perhaps the greatest baseball summit of the post-war era was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in early February of 1951, as The New York Chapter Baseball Writers' Association of America honored the game's greats. Though the hundreds of banquet tables were populated by Hall of Famers like Branch Rickey, Leo Durocher and Bill McKechnie, the men on the dais were the only figures given the honor of signing this program's cover. Presented in 8/10 or better pencil are Cy Young, Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx, Pie Traynor, Ed Walsh, Tris Speaker and George Sisler. The program exhibits the effects of earlier scrapbook adhesion, but to no real detriment. A special relic from an event we'd give our right arms to attend. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1951 Mickey Mantle Handwritten Signed Postcard. In just the third week of his Major League career, and visiting Comiskey Park for the first time, a young Mantle sent this postcard home to friends in Commerce, Oklahoma from the Yankees' hotel on the banks of Lake Michigan. He writes, "Hello Ike, I am in Chicago and thought I would drop a few lines to you. I guess you are getting ready to graduate about now. Tell your dad I will come over this winter & fix the house. Tell everyone I said hello, Mick." According to the included letter from our consignor, a relation of the postcard's addressee, the house repair to which Mantle refers is damage he inflicted with a batted baseball. The postcard exhibits typical handling wear and a center vertical fold line, but all ink survives at a 10/10 boldness. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1952 John Donaldson Completed & Signed Questionnaire. One of the greatest southpaws in Negro League history, Donaldson dominated hitters for over two decades and inspired New York Giants manager John McGraw to estimate his value at $50,000 to the Majors had he been white. Donaldson's rare autograph appears at lower right of this form mailed to him by baseball historian Karl Wingler, with Donaldson also providing such details as birthdate, height, weight and date of marriage. All ink is 10/10, and page exhibits original mailing folds and staple holes and rust stains, but otherwise no problems. Original mailing envelope included. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1950's Mickey Mantle Signed Letter. Highly desirable rookie-era signature is applied in unimprovable 10/10 blue ink by the hot young Yankees prospect, who responds to an autograph request with a brief typed letter on team letterhead. Page exhibits original mailing folds, otherwise no issues of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1950's Jimmie Foxx Signed Black & White Hall of Fame Plaque, PSA/DNA NM-MT 8. The second man to gain entry into Babe Ruth's 500 Home Run Club provides a 10/10 blue ink signature at the white bottom border of this Artvue plaque. Very minor edge and corner wear is noted for the sake of accuracy, but these small faults are only noticeable upon close inspection. A solid example of a tough and valuable commodity. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1950's Frank "Home Run" Baker Signed Photograph. Great second generation print of the Dead Ball Era's greatest long ball artist is autographed at lower right in 8/10 black ink. Some chipping along the left border must be noted, as well as the occasional wrinkle in the photo surface, but a simple matting job will minimize the distraction considerably. And with Baker signed photos surfacing at auction at the approximate rate of two per year, small condition issues must be seen in their proper context. Photo is 8x10" in size. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 Roy Campanella Signed Photograph. Mayor Armstrong's pencil notation on verso provides the details: "Campie (sic), Al Lang field, St. Pete, March 1954." The 8x10" photo finds the Hall of Fame catcher honoring fans' autograph requests as Armstrong directs his photographer to snap the shot. Campy's "Best Wishes, Roy Campanella" inscription is a marvelous blue fountain pen ink 9/10. Photo presents only a hint of border wear, providing a NRMT appearance. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Jackie Robinson Signed Photograph. Just prior to the start of Robinson's tenth and final Major League season, Mayor Armstrong tracked the cultural icon down at a spring training event for a quick photo and, later, an autograph. Robinson's blue ink signature rates a conservative 8/10 at upper right, while Armstrong's notation balances the composition at upper left. Photo measures 8x10" in size, EX-MT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1953 Dazzy Vance Signed Photograph. The 1924 National League MVP shows Mayor Armstrong how it's done in the yard of his Florida home. Armstrong details the scene in pencil on verso, dating the image to January 1953. Vance's black fountain pen ink inscription remains quite bold despite minor ink adhesion issues in places, rating a very conservative 8/10. It reads, "To my friend Jim Armstrong, A.C. 'Dazzy' Vance." Armstrong signs as well. Photo measures 8x10", with any signs of wear confined to the narrow white borders. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Ed Walsh Signed Hall of Fame Plaque, PSA/DNA Mint 9. Walsh's path to Cooperstown was lubricated with saliva, and fellow Hall of Fame Sam Crawford would recount years later, "He threw a spitball. I think that ball disintegrated on the way to the plate, and the catcher put it back together again. I swear, when it went past the plate, it was just the spit went by." Presented is a tough black and white Hall of Fame plaque from the Chicago White Sox ace, autographed at the bottom margin in 10/10 blue ink. The postcard exhibits light corner wear but presents wonderfully. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1950's Mel Ott Signed Hall of Fame Plaque. Beginning a sad trend in 1958 of New York Giants Hall of Famers perishing in automobile accidents, teammates Frank Frisch (1973) and Carl Hubbell (1988) would likewise suffer mortal injuries behind the wheel. But while the latter two were well into their golden years at the time of their passing, Ott was just forty-nine, and only seven years removed from his Cooperstown induction. As a result, his autograph is by far the toughest of the three, particularly in this format. His blue ink signature is a magnificent 10/10 on the front of this coveted rarity, which exhibits light corner wear but no other flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1955 Roy Campanella Signed Photograph. A devastating automobile accident on an icy road in January of 1958 brought an end to one of the most noteworthy careers in Brooklyn Dodgers history, leaving the ballclub's sturdy backstop confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Though he would eventually regain limited use of his arms, Campy was only able to sign autographs after the accident with very limited skill, leaving his scarce pre-1958 examples highly prized by collectors. A fine example is offered here, applied to a 7x9" photo of Campy with Hall of Fame sportswriter Jack Lang, to whom the photo is inscribed. A light brush of Campy's hand to the wet ink of his signature has caused three letters of his surname to feather ever so slightly, but the effect is so minimal as to barely merit a mention. Otherwise the inscription and autograph are 10/10, and the photo is likewise free of any notable condition issues. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Roderick "Bobby" Wallace Handwritten Signed Note. Though Wallace earned a Cooperstown plaque for his batting and play at shortstop, it is worth noting that he entered the National League on the 1894 Cleveland Spiders' pitching rotation, taking cues from teammates Cy Young and John Clarkson. Here he replies to an autograph request and gives his personal take on a pitching issue, emphatically claiming "Spitter should not be allowed in modern baseball." All writing and his closing "Roderick J. Wallace" signature are applied in 9+/10 blue fountain pen ink. Page measures 2.5x4" and exhibits only a single small insignificant area of toning, otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Ty Cobb Signed Government Postcard. The fearsome Dead Ball legend responds to a young autograph seeker with a 9/10 signature in blue ballpoint ink on a penny postcard, postmarked from his Menlo Park, California hometown. The card shows appropriate mailing wear, with some creasing, including one which bisects the signature, but the autograph remains in simply stellar condition. The perfect piece to frame with your favorite photo of the Hall of Fame's first resident. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie Signed Government Postcard. Number thirteen on the career hits chart with an impressive 3,242, Lajoie was so popular in his day that the Cleveland ballclub he represented was nicknamed the Naps in his honor. Here we find a 9+/10 blue ink autograph in his standard "Larry Lajoie" format. He adds the date of "5-16-56" and a brief note which reads, "Best Wishes, Send the Ball," obviously giving his consent to provide another autograph to the collector. Postmark from "Holly Hill, FLA" is dated May 17, 1956. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1958 Roderick "Bobby" Wallace Handwritten Signed Letter. Gracious response to a fan's autograph request laments Wallace's inability to provide a signed photo, returning the dollar payment sent by the collector and advising "...if I had a picture of myself I would gladly autograph it and mail it to you without any handling charge." All ink and closing "Roderick J. Wallace" autograph retains its original 9+/10 boldness on the single unlined page. Included is original mailing envelope hand printed by Wallace. A pristine exemplar of this scarce and highly sought after ALS. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1960 Oscar "Heavy" Johnson Signed Index Card. At six feet tall and 250 pounds, Oscar Johnson came by his "Heavy" nickname honestly. But, much like Babe Ruth, Johnson used his size to generate enormous slugging power, becoming one of the most feared batters in the Negro League. His blue ballpoint ink signature registers at a boldness of 9/10 on the presented unlined 3x5" index card. Paper loss on verso from scrapbook removal does not affect the signature in the slightest. One of the only known exemplars of Johnson's autograph, for the advanced Negro League collector. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Ty Cobb Handwritten Signed Letter. Touching letter written during the last year of Cobb's fascinating life is sent in response to a request to either attend or provide some words to be read at a banquet honoring Fred Haney, a Detroit Tigers teammate during the 1920's. Cobb begins with the hope that he might be able to attend, but seems aware that his health would likely never return, asking the following be read at the event, "Fred, Ty is sorry he cannot attend the honoring of you. I feel you know how I feel about you but those their (sic) in attendance I want them to know. I come awful close to a love for you a fine fellow, great ability, player and manager, and am proud of your accomplishments." He signs with a full "Ty Cobb." All ink rates 9/10 or better. The single sheet of personal letterhead exhibits original mailing folds, light rumpling and tape stains at corners, but still presents very nicely. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1961 Ty Cobb Signed "Spiking of Home Run Baker" Photograph. It was one of the most controversial plays of the Dead Ball Era, and one that led the usually quiet and circumspect Connie Mack to proclaim that Cobb was "the dirtiest player in baseball history." It was late August and the rookie Frank Baker has been a key force in lifting the Philadelphia Athletics from the lower half of the American League standings in 1908 into a virtual deadlock with the Detroit Tigers entering the final month of the 1909 season. On a close play at third, Cobb's fabled spikes found their way into the flesh of Baker's forearm, drawing blood and the ire of most of the city of Philadelphia. But a few days later, this very photo of the play snapped by a Detroit News photographer showed Baker reaching across the bag to tag Cobb, apparently vindicating him and leading the paper to proclaim Baker a "soft-fleshed darling" for his complaints.
The debate lived on, however, and it was something that concerned Cobb even in the final months of his life, as his fascinating but somewhat inscrutable inscription would suggest. Though he is quoted in noted sportswriter Grantland Rice's famous book The Tumult and the Shouting as saying, "I only recall intentionally spiking one man in twenty-four years. He was Frank Baker, who was squarely in the path in a Philadelphia game. There was no other way to reach the base," he seems to contradict that statement here. Perhaps with death approaching, the fiercest competitor of all wished to cleanse himself of his sins.
He writes, "The 'so called' spiking of Baker. Looks like I am trying to (evade?) him, he is in line, he looks like is trying to spike my foot with his arm. To Rex from Ty Cobb." While the language is unclear, the message is not. Cobb is innocent.
Cobb's standard green ink is flawless here, as is the second generation 8x10" photo of this famous play. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Letter of provenance from Rex Teeslink, Cobb's caretaker in the final years of his life.
The debate lived on, however, and it was something that concerned Cobb even in the final months of his life, as his fascinating but somewhat inscrutable inscription would suggest. Though he is quoted in noted sportswriter Grantland Rice's famous book The Tumult and the Shouting as saying, "I only recall intentionally spiking one man in twenty-four years. He was Frank Baker, who was squarely in the path in a Philadelphia game. There was no other way to reach the base," he seems to contradict that statement here. Perhaps with death approaching, the fiercest competitor of all wished to cleanse himself of his sins.
He writes, "The 'so called' spiking of Baker. Looks like I am trying to (evade?) him, he is in line, he looks like is trying to spike my foot with his arm. To Rex from Ty Cobb." While the language is unclear, the message is not. Cobb is innocent.
Cobb's standard green ink is flawless here, as is the second generation 8x10" photo of this famous play. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Letter of provenance from Rex Teeslink, Cobb's caretaker in the final years of his life.
Baseball Cards
1961 Fleer Frank "Home Run" Baker #6, Signed. Collectors of trading cards signed by Hall of Famers will find no shortage of stumbling blocks for pre-war superstars. So we're pleased to do our part in facilitating the process for hobbyists of that discipline with the offering of a selection of signed cards from the 1961 Fleer set honoring the best of yesteryear. Here we find early slugger Frank Baker, who provides his famous nickname to create his most desirable signature variation. His blue ink rates an impressive 9/10, and the card is a technical VG-EX due to edge and corner wear which does not affect the autograph. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Mickey Cochrane #15, Signed. Pitchers from Lefty Grove to Schoolboy Rowe trusted no man more than this Hall of Fame catcher, who provides a 9+/10 inscription upon the obverse of the presented collectible card. Cochrane's passing in late June of 1962 made signed examples of this 1961 card exceedingly rare, and we've never seen another. Scattered creasing remains clear of the writing but necessitates a G-VG rating. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Jimmy Foxx #28, Signed. Member number two in the 500 Home Run Club gives his winning smile on the face of this VG example of the 1961 Fleer. Foxx' blue ink signature rates a conservative 6/10 in strength, though condition issues must be forgiven in light of the considerable scarcity. Foxx' passing just six years after this card was issued has further limited the population of signed specimens, and very few Foxx autographed trading cards have ever surfaced in any form. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Bump Hadley #111, Signed. The only signed 1961 Fleer card presented within this auction lacking Hall of Fame credentials, this Bump Hadley variety is another intense rarity nonetheless given Hadley's untimely death in 1963. Hadley is best remembered today for fracturing Mickey Cochrane's skull with an errant fastball, ending the legendary catcher's career. Hadley signs, "To Know Wasley, Bump Hadley" in 9+/10 red ink. The card itself is VG-EX. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Rogers Hornsby #43, Signed. The card verso describes Rajah as "the greatest hitter in the history of the National League," and if it's not the truth, it's not far from it. The Hall of Fame slugger provides a 10/10 blue ink signature along with a "1961" notation pegging his John Hancock to the year of the card's issue. The card itself exhibits a diagonal crease which steers clear of the all-important ink, accounting for its technical G-VG grade. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Eppa Rixey #71, Signed. Rixey's death in February of 1963 left just a narrow window of time for the acquisition of an autograph upon the provided card, so it's not tough to imagine that only a handful could possibly exist. Bold blue ballpoint ink makes this one a real looker too, with a moderate degree of wear providing for a VG-EX appearance to the card itself. A tough piece from the veteran southpaw. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Fleer Paul Waner #85, Twice Signed. Big Poison is quite a bit tougher than his little brother Little, and particularly so on this trading card issued just four years before Paul's passing at the age of sixty-two. His red ink signature registers a 9/10 on the image side of the presented card, and 10/10 on verso. Typical edge and corner wear here but no troubling condition issues, making for a very conservative VG-EX rating for the card itself. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1962 Topps Roberto Clemente #10, Signed. The Hall of Fame outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates was at the peak of his world class talents when he autographed this bubble gum card for a young fan. The signature contrasts imperfectly against the dark background of Clemente's black sleeve but rates a technical 9/10. The card itself exhibits the typical corner and edge wear one usually encounters with vintage cardboard, a technical VG with a superior visual strength. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Collectibles
1961 Alex Pompez Handwritten Signed Letter. Enormously scarce ALS is written in response to an inquiry directed to him by the San Francisco Giants Farm System and Scouting Department, on team letterhead. Pompez pens his reply in 10/10 blue ink at the bottom of the page, writing, "Dear Mr. Schwarz, I am sorry but I do not remember the exact date because I work the first year without a contract but I am sure it is round the same date you have. Concerning my birthdate it is correct May 3 - 1890. Thanks. Sincerely Yours, A Pompez." Page exhibits original mailing folds and a tiny chip at lower left corner, otherwise no flaws of note. Included is a file folder full of various scouting reports of Schwarz', mainly from the early 1970's. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1963 Alex Pompez Signed Check.
Refer to a copy of Sports Market Report magazine to find a price for an Alex Pompez check and you'll be met with three letters: UNK. Well, your friends at Heritage are happy to contradict that "unknown" status with the offering presented here, a high-grade personal check made payable to a "Luis Triana Diaz" in the sum of $200. All ink and Pompez' official signature at bottom right are in the Hall of Famer's 9+/10 hand, and though bank stamping does intersect with the writing, it does little to distract. No creases, stains or tears to be found. Here's a chance to take your Negro League and/or Hall of Fame check collection to a place where few (if any) could follow. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Refer to a copy of Sports Market Report magazine to find a price for an Alex Pompez check and you'll be met with three letters: UNK. Well, your friends at Heritage are happy to contradict that "unknown" status with the offering presented here, a high-grade personal check made payable to a "Luis Triana Diaz" in the sum of $200. All ink and Pompez' official signature at bottom right are in the Hall of Famer's 9+/10 hand, and though bank stamping does intersect with the writing, it does little to distract. No creases, stains or tears to be found. Here's a chance to take your Negro League and/or Hall of Fame check collection to a place where few (if any) could follow. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1972 Alex Pompez Signed Letter. The Hall of Fame Negro League executive sends a quick letter to the Secretary of the New York Giants on team letterhead. The eighty-two year old Pompez discusses his health, "I am feeling much better but not quite as good as I would like to be..." and the ballclub, "I am happy to see the Giants improving in their play. I was quite worried about them for a while." Pompez concludes the letter with a 10/10 blue ink signature. The single page is likewise free of flaws, with only the original mailing folds to note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Jackie Robinson Signed Black & White Plaque. The Major League's first black ballplayer was likewise the first to cross Cooperstown's color line, and here we present his highly collectible Artvue black and white postcard picturing the bronze prize for his brilliance. Robinson's bona fide 10/10 blue ink signature appears in the white margin below, creating the standard by which all other Jackie plaques should be judged. The postcard itself exhibits only the faintest hint of wear at the extreme edges that doesn't affect the display whatsoever. A real gem here. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1965 Gil Hodges Signed Check. When was the last time you saw a Gil Hodges signed check? Never? Then we're in agreement. Presented is (according to our database) the first Hodges signed check ever offered within a major auction, at least in the past decade. This one was issued a decade to the day after Hodges and his fellow Dodgers secured their only World Championship as Brooklyn representatives, drawn from the account for Hodges' bowling alley not far from the former site of Ebbets Field. Adding further appeal is the rare "Gilbert Hodges" signature variation, penned in 9/10 black ink at bottom right. The check is filled out in blue ink in another hand. The check appears to have never been cashed, which may explain its survival, and bears a tack hole at either side and three vertical fold lines from having been folded into quarters. None of these issues hinders aesthetics in any significant manner. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Hall of Famers Signed Index Cards Lot of 4. Autograph collecting in its purest form. Four individual blank 3x5" index cards provide 9/10 and better ink autographs from a quartet immortalized in Cooperstown bronze. Presented are Rogers Hornsby (with "1961" notation), Eppa Rixey, Wahoo Sam Crawford and Casey Stengel (personalized). All cards are NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Willie Foster Signed Index Card. He was the half-brother of Negro League founder Rube Foster, and considered by many the finest southpaw pitcher in Negro League history. Presented is a blank 3x5" index card autographed by the 1996 posthumous Hall of Fame inductee in 9+/10 blue ballpoint ink. The index card is likewise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1970's Thurman Munson Signed Photograph, PSA Mint 9. A tragic plane crash in August 1979 robbed the New York Yankees of their beloved captain and ensured that collectors for decades to come would have to scramble for a woefully insufficient supply of quality autographs. Here we present one of the finest of that endangered species, an early career 4x5" photo of a clean shaven Munson autographed in bold black felt tip at a rather conservatively graded PSA Mint 9. The photo itself exhibits two minor corner bends which don't extend past the white border, and paper on the back from scrapbook removal. None of these issues have any detrimental effect upon the considerable visual appeal. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Negro Leaguers Multi-Signed Book with Hilton Smith, Turkey Stearnes. Hardcover copy of Bill Heward's Some are Called Clowns, A Season with the Last of the Great Barnstorming Baseball Teams bears the autographs of sixty-eight former Negro League players, each applied with 9/10 or better boldness to the opening pages of the volume. Most notable are the first two encountered, that of Hilton Smith and Turkey Stearnes, each of whom is immortalized in Cooperstown bronze. Other noteworthy signers include Monte Irvin, Buck O'Neil, Buck Leonard, Ted Page, Double Duty Radcliffe, Quincy Trouppe, Peanut Johnson, Joe Black, Don Newcombe, Wilmer Fields and many more. Light dustjacket wear is the only condition issue worth noting in an otherwise pristine offering. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Willard Brown Signed Index Card. You know you've got power when Josh Gibson gives you the nickname "Home Run." Brown was among the crop of Negro Leaguers to gain Hall of Fame induction in 2006, immediately putting his scarce autograph on thousands of want lists. The former Kansas City Monarch, and author of the first American League home run by a black ballplayer (with the 1947 St. Louis Browns), signed this lined 3x5" index card for a collector decades ago. It remains in flawless 10/10 condition, both the autograph and the card itself. Who knows when you'll have the chance at another? Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1976 Effa Manley Signed Book. The first and only woman enshrined at Cooperstown, Effa Manley married into the sport of baseball, sharing ownership responsibilities of the Negro League's Newark Eagles with her husband Abe from 1935 to 1946, and taking sole control upon his death until 1948. Her posthumous Hall of Fame induction would spawn enormous interest in her autograph, with supply falling far short of demand. Here we find one of the finest examples in the hobby, a personalized inscription in 10/10 blue ink applied to the "In Memoriam" page honoring her deceased husband in her softcover book Negro Baseball..Before Integration. The 1976 first edition book likewise presents in flawless condition. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Cards
1979 Roger Maris & Hank Aaron Signed Topps Card. Black sharpie signatures from the reigning single season and career Home Run Kings make this number 413 card from the 1979 Topps Baseball issue something really special. Each autograph rates 9/10 or better, and the card itself exhibits light corner wear but otherwise presents very nicely, grading EX 5. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
Baseball Collectibles
1979 Thurman Munson Signed "Temporary Airman Certificate." No need to explain the extraordinary significance of the presented lot to anyone with a familiarity with the tragic story of the former Yankees captain. Issued just six weeks before Munson's shocking death 1,000 feet short of a Canton, Ohio landing strip, the presented certificate is the very one which gave the star catcher the privilege of taking to the skies in his twin engine Cessna Citation. While Munson's signature remains one of the most sought after and collectible of the post-war era, its appearance upon a document such as this arguably makes it the most significant exemplar in the hobby. The 4x5.5" certificate exhibits a single vertical horizontal storage fold but is otherwise NRMT, as is Munson's black ink autograph. A poignant reminder of one of the most popular Yankees since the departure of Mickey Mantle. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Roger Maris & Mickey Mantle Signed Photograph. There will always be a strong market for any piece signed by both of the M&M boys, and this is a particularly nice one, picturing the superstar sluggers joking around with their agent Frank Scott around the time of their 1961 long ball heroics. The signatures date from a good bit later, however, each applied in 9+/10 sharpie, though competing for contrast against the dark background. The image measures 8x9", and is elegantly matted and framed to final dimensions of 15x16". Ex-Mickey Mantle Museum, with Tom Catal sticker at lower right. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris Signed Photograph. With each passing year, baseball historians appreciate a little bit more what an amazing story the Summer of '61 was, and what a phenomenal pair of sluggers were the M&M boys. As such, the value of the rather short supply of dual-signed artifacts continue to rise with unwavering consistency, and at a sharp angle to boot. So those following the market will know that the time is now to invest in this classic photo of the hard-hitting pair, each signing in blue sharpie for posterity. Both autographs remain as bold as the day they were applied, and the 8x10" photo is likewise free of flaws. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Hall of Famers & Stars Signed Photograph Hoard of 128. Enormous selection of 8x10" photos leans heavily toward the icons of the sport, with dozens of Cooperstown residents and dozens more who remain household names. Each is signed in 9/10 or better blue or black sharpie, and all photos remain in stellar, undamaged condition. Highlights include Anderson, Aparicio, Appling, Berra, Branca, Burdette, Carew, Carlton, Cepeda, Crosetti, Erskine, Feller (2), Fingers, Ford, Garagiola, Gwynn, Henrich, Jenkins, Kaline, Kell, Killebrew, Kiner, Larsen, Lemon, Mathews, Mazeroski, Mize, Morgan, Musial, Newcombe, Newhouser, Niekro, Palmer, Perry, Podres, Brooks Robinson, Sain, Schmidt, Schoendienst, Seaver, Sewell, Skowron, Slaughter, Snider, Spahn, Sutton, Thomson, Vander Meer, Wilhelm, Billy Williams, Wynn. Enormous break down value here, or enough baseball superstars to fill a huge wall of your home. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Cards
1980's-90's Perez Steele Hall of Fame Postcards Full Set Signed by 68. Meticulously filed and documented collection was clearly a labor of love for one dedicated collector who kept his collection of 228 postcards nearby at all times, taking every opportunity to present one for an autograph. It was a mission successfully completed sixty-eight times. Each postcard is numbered 04696 from a limited edition of 10,000, with the following names (in card number order) autographed in NRMT blue sharpie: Hubbell, Gehringer, Dickey, Terry, DiMaggio, Feller, Appling, Ted Williams, Musial, Boudreau, Berra, Gomez, Koufax, Leonard, Wynn, Irvin, Spahn, Bell, Conlan, Ford, Mantle, Herman, Judy Johnson, Kiner, Lemon, Roberts, Banks, Lopez, Sewell, Mathews, Mays, Kaline, Snider, Bob Gibson, Mize (secretarial), Aaron, Chandler, Frank Robinson, Kell, Marichal, Brooks Robinson, Aparicio, Drysdale, Killebrew, Brock, Slaughter, Doerr, McCovey, Dandridge, Hunter, Billy Williams, Stargell, Barlick, Bench, Schoendienst, Yastrzemski, George Bush, Morgan, Palmer, Carew, Jenkins, Perry, Fingers, Newhouser, Seaver, Reggie Jackson, Carlton, Rizzuto. All cards are likewise free of flaws. Considerable break down value here, though it would be a shame to dismantle such an impressive "matching numbers" set. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's-90's Perez-Steele Great Moments Signed by 55. Impressive collection of autographs appears on one of the Perez-Steele Galleries' most popular sets, paying tribute to the gorgeous Turkey Red T3 issue dating to the early years of the twentieth century. The following appear in 9/10 or better blue sharpie: Kaline, Ford, Campanella, Aaron, Musial, Ted Williams, Spahn, Koufax, Roberts, Mantle, Banks, McCovey, Mize, Reese, Irvin, Mathews, Slaughter, Gehringer, Snider, Dandridge, Hubbell, Doerr, Dickey, Stargell, Brooks Robinson, Herman, Aparicio, Gomez, Killebrew, Bench, Bell, Berra, Schoendienst, Marichal, Leonard, Kell, Hunter, Boudreau, Lopez (secretarial), Brock, Lemon, Billy Williams, Ferrell, Yastrzemski, Seaver, Kiner, Perry, Newhouser, Wynn, Feller, Barlick, Morgan, Jenkins, Frank Robinson, Wilhelm. Only the autographed cards are here, not the complete set. All cards are NRMT or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1989 Perez-Steele Celebration Set Signed by 38. Created to commemorate the Golden Anniversary of the Baseball Hall of Fame, this popular issue from the artistic mind of Dick Perez features forty-four subjects, thirty-eight of which bear a 9/10 or better blue sharpie signature from the honoree. Included are: Aaron, Aparicio, Banks, Bench, Berra, Boudreau, Campanella, Chandler, Dandridge, Dickey, Doerr, Ferrell, Gehringer, Herman, Hunter, Irvin, Kaline, Kell, Killebrew, Kiner, Lemon, Leonard, Mantle, Marichal, Mathews, McCovey, Mize, Musial, Reese, Brooks Robinson, Dewell, Slaughter, Snider, Spahn, Stargell, Billy Williams, Ted Williams, Yastrzemski. Each postcard is numbered 1699/10000 and presents in NRMT or better condition. Original packaging and booklet are not included. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's-90's Perez-Steele Great Moments Set Signed by 51. Perhaps second only to LeRoy Neiman in sports art fame was the great Dick Perez, whose moving portraiture of baseball's greatest legends has fueled one of the most popular subgenres of autograph collecting. Here we present a full set of the oversized "Great Moments" issue, each numbered 3,223/5,000, autographed in 9/10 or better blue sharpie by fifty-one of the honored Cooperstown residents. The full list of signers, in card number order: Kaline, Ford, Aaron, Musial, Ted Williams, Spahn, Koufax, Roberts, Mantle, Banks, McCovey, Mize, Reese, Irvin, Mathews, Slaughter, Gehringer, Snider, Dandridge, Hubbell, Doerr, Dickey, Stargell, Brooks Robinson, Herman, Aparicio, Gomez, Killebrew, Bench, Bell, Berra, Schoendienst, Marichal, Leonard, Kell, Hunter, Boudreau, Lopez (2), Mays, Brock, Lemon, Billy Williams, Ferrell, Yastrzemski, Fingers, Perry, Wynn, Mantle (on Willie, Mickey and the Duke card), Reese, Frank Robinson, Wilhelm. Cards are NRMT or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Collectibles
1991 Ted Williams Serigraph by LeRoy Neiman, Signed by Both. Instantly recognizable as the work of the sporting world's most celebrated artist, the presented serigraph is numbered "89" of a limited edition of 270 produced by Neiman to be autographed by both artist and subject. Each signs in 10/10 pencil beneath the colorful portrait of The Kid doing what he did best. The serigraph measures 22x29", with museum-quality framing expanding the final dimensions to 33x40". An heirloom quality piece certain to impress sports collectors and art connoisseurs alike. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
1990's Curt Flood Signed Checks Lot of 10. A "Flood" of checks from the man whose bold opposition to Major League Baseball's reserve clause spawned more millionaires than 1990's tech stocks. Each of the ten fully executed checks presented here are drawn against the account of the "Curt Flood Youth Foundation" and signed at lower right in 10/10 ink. A few of the checks have a minor fold line here or there but none exhibit anything which could be characterized as damage, rating a conservative average of EX-MT overall. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Cards
1999 Ernie Banks Signed Baseball Card Hoard of 165. Enormous collection of identical signed cards is the ideal lot for dealers and investors alike. Each "Hillshire Farms Home Run Heroes" card is flawless, with a 10/10 black sharpie signature on its face. A matching COA (issued by Hillshire Farms, which oversaw the signing) for each card is included. Enormous "break down" value here, well beyond the auction's estimate range. Individual COA's from Hillshire Farms. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Collectibles
2004 Boston Red Sox Team Signed Photograph. The cruel eighty-six year term of the Curse of the Bambino finally came to an end on October 27, 2004 as the Red Sox completed a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series since 1918. Experience that long awaited joy every time you gaze upon this oversized (16x20") photo snapped moments after the final out was recorded, signed by over twenty-five members of the World Championship team. All the notables are here: Manny, Papi, Pedro, Schilling, Damon, Varitek, Youklis, Beckett and more. Limited edition 199/250. Professionally matted and framed to 22x26". COA from Steiner Sports. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
2004 Cy Young Award Winners Multi-Signed Print. Very limited edition (30/56) print features the 10/10 black sharpie signatures of twenty-eight pitchers who earned baseball's highest honor for the position. Prominent among the signers are such Hall of Fame legends as Perry, McLain, Palmer, Gibson, Seaver, Koufax, Carlton, Sutter, Fingers, Ford and Jenkins. Each adds the year(s) of his achievement. Matted and framed to impressive dimensions of 26x30". Frame shows some wear but piece itself is NRMT-MT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed Original Artwork. The toughest signature of all inaugural class Hall of Fame inductees is presented here in the largest format we've encountered to date. Spanning almost six inches from end to end, the highly desirable "Grover C. Alexander" variation is applied with 10/10 black fountain pen boldness. The 6x10" pencil artwork exhibits original mailing folds and minimal tape staining at the outermost borders, but presents marvelously despite these minor concerns. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Roy Campanella Signed Original Artwork. Fine pencil portrait of the Hall of Fame Brooklyn Dodgers backstop carries an unimprovable example of his coveted pre-accident signature, applied in 10/10 black ink with a "Best Wishes" notation. Page is 5x8" in dimension, with original mailing folds and insignificant tape remnants at the corners. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Ty Cobb Signed Original Artwork. This might be our favorite work in the collection, a masterfully executed pencil portrait of the most feared player in baseball history. Cobb offers his own words of praise to the artist, adding "Very good" to his 10/10 signature and date in his standard green ink. The 5x8" image exhibits original mailing folds and the slightest hint of tape staining at the edges, none of which detracts from the visual strength in the slightest. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Lou Gehrig Signed Original Artwork. The Iron Horse's elegant script will make this a particularly special piece to any collector named "John," as Gehrig personalizes his 10/10 inscription to the artist. The 5.5x8.5" work exhibits original mailing folds and tape staining at the corners from scrapbook adhesion, but the visual effect is not diminished by these issues. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Joe Gordon Signed Original Artwork. Gordon's 2009 Hall of Fame induction has caused a surge in interest in his autograph, and here we present a bold blue inscription dating to the 1947-50 span of his service to the Cleveland Indians. He writes, "Best wishes John, your drawing is fine. Joe Gordon." Ink flow is a little irregular but very strong, and 5x8" pencil drawing exhibits original mailing folds and scrapbook corner remnants, otherwise NRMT. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Rogers Hornsby Signed Original Artwork. Expertly executed pencil portrait of the man who won the National League batting title every season between 1920 and 1925 provides a 10/10 blue fountain pen ink signature below. The 5x8" page exhibits original mailing folds but no other flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie Signed Original Artwork. They loved him so much in Cleveland they named the team after him. The former leader of the Naps provides a bold blue fountain pen signature and date, the ink of the first letters almost imperceptibly brushed by Lajoie's hand, otherwise 10/10. The 5x8" pencil artwork exhibits original mailing folds and inconsequential tape staining at bottom edge, otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Tony Lazzeri Signed Original Artwork. One of the toughest Murderer's Row autographs, and you'll find few finer. Lazzeri's black fountain pen ink signature is a perfect 10/10 on this 4x5.5" pencil drawing providing a wonderful likeness of the Hall of Fame second baseman. Minor tape staining at the edges, otherwise no flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Mel Ott Signed Original Artwork. The slugger who made the 500 Home Run Club a trio provides an unimprovable example of his black fountain pen ink signature upon this 5x8" pencil drawing sent to him by a young artist and autograph collector. You'll note a stain from a vintage tape repair on verso, and another small stain at the bottom edge, but the signature remains entirely unaffected. Original mailing folds. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Jackie Robinson Signed Original Artwork. Fine pencil portrait of the brave Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Famer is signed in 9/10 blue ink. Page measures 5.5x8.5" and exhibits original mailing folds but no other faults to note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Babe Ruth Signed Original Artwork. Our intrepid artist clearly realized that no baseball autograph collection could be considered complete without the big guy, and Ruth has blessed this 5.5x8.5" pencil drawing with a flawless "Sincerely Babe Ruth" in 10/10 black fountain pen ink. Artwork exhibits original mailing folds and tape staining at the edges, but the central focus is not hampered by these issues. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Billy Southworth Signed Original Artwork. The recently minted Hall of Famer provides a 10/10 black fountain pen signature above a nice compliment of this artfully rendered pencil portrait. Size is 5x8". Original mailing folds and just the smallest hint of tape staining at the edges, leaving work to present at a NRMT level. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Tris Speaker Signed Original Artwork. Impressive pencil portrait finds the Grey Eagle in service of the Cleveland Indians during the second half of his Hall of Fame career. His 10/10 black fountain pen ink signature is centered in the blank area below. The 5x8" work exhibits original mailing folds and hints of tape staining at the corner but presents perfectly. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Dazzy Vance Signed Original Artwork The Hall of Fame right-hander for the Brooklyn Dodgers is expertly captured by an artist's pencil, with the subject underscoring his portrait with a 10/10 blue ink, "with kind regards, A.C. 'Dazzy' Vance." The 5x8" page exhibits a few scattered inconsequential tape stains and original mailing folds, but nothing of any significant concern. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Arky Vaughan Signed Original Artwork. His death by drowning in the crater of an inactive volcano ended the superstar shortstop's life at the tragically young age of forty, drastically limiting the availability of autograph exemplars for the collecting community. Here we present a 10/10 black fountain pen beauty, applied to a 5x8" pencil portrait. Original mailing folds and hints of tape stains at the edges are mentioned in the interest of full disclosure, but these issues cause no distraction. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Honus Wagner Signed Original Artwork. Flawlessly rendered blue fountain pen inscription from the Old Dutchman reads, "With best wishes, J. Honus Wagner, Pirates 1942." The 5x8" pencil drawing exhibits original mailing folds and minimal tape staining at the outermost edges, but essentially presents as NRMT otherwise. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Bat, PSA/DNA NM-MT 8. While our national pastime's most noteworthy figure laid pen to the horsehide of tens if not hundreds of thousands of baseballs during his lifetime, it is a particularly rare and exciting occurrence when one encounters a bat bearing the mark of the Babe. Autographing bats just wasn't something that was typically done back in the days before permanent markers were in vogue, so those collecting pre-war signed wood are a brave and ambitious lot. They'll have cause to celebrate now, however, as we present a remarkably strong signature from Ruth on a signature model Hillerich & Bradsby 40 B.R. retail issue. On the rare occasions when bats were autographed during the pre-war era the glossy finish of the area to be signed was often filed away to present a more welcoming home for fountain pen ink, and such is the case here. The Babe centers his autograph within a 1.5x3.5" filed patch, with his signature surviving in remarkably strong 8/10 condition to this day. The bat itself likewise presents beautifully, and measures thirty-five inches in length. As it was with a Hillerich & Bradsby in his hands that Babe carved himself a heaping helping of athletic immortality, we couldn't think of a better home for his autograph than some Louisville lumber. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1958 Los Angeles Dodgers Signed Miniature Bat. One of the coolest pieces of Los Angeles Dodgers memorabilia to come down the pike in recent memory, the presented "mini bat" (22" in length) was autographed by the Bums the night before they defeated the San Francisco Giants six to five in front of 78,672 fans at the LA Memorial Coliseum in the first west coast Major League contest. Though a heartbreaking relic to those fans left behind in Flatbush, this souvenir of the welcome dinner hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association is pure gold to residents of the Golden State, autographed by over twenty-five players including Reese, Snider, Koufax, Drysdale, Hodges, Dressen, Podres, Labine, Gilliam and many more. A thin stripe of damp staining affects eight signature (only one severely), but none listed above. Otherwise all signatures rate 8/10 or better, and the bat is likewise well preserved. A special keepsake literally from the eve of a new era in baseball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1960's Nellie Fox Signed Bat. It's the first example we've ever encountered, and our database of auction results from all major houses compiled over the past decade would appear to agree that this could be the only Nellie Fox single signed bat in the hobby. Oddly, the medium is an unused game issued model once belonging to a rookie-era George Scott of the Boston Red Sox. We may never know the relevance of this relationship, but it's of little concern. The bat has weathered the passing decades marvelously, and Fox' black ink signature on the barrel remains an impressive 8+/10. Any serious autographed bat collector should consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Mickey Mantle Signed Bat. The Mick hated to sign bats and discouraged lumber-toting autograph seekers by charging what were thought at the time to be astronomical prices to lay sharpie to Louisville Slugger. Today those intrepid/foolish few who forked over the dough have been proven to be visionaries, as the hobby clamors for the small existing population. Here we present a solid specimen, applied to a nice later replica of the Mick's old gamers, sporting a 9+/10 signature on the barrel. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1998 Joe DiMaggio Signed Limited Edition Artist's Proof Print by Neiman. It's likely that you've seen this image before, but you've never encountered an example quite like this one. There are a few reasons why this one stands head and shoulders above the rest (much like the man it honors). First, this is an Artist's Proof, meaning that it was personally examined and approved by superstar sports artist LeRoy Neiman, who boldly autographed the work at lower left. Just below his autograph is the second noteworthy attribute: the positioning as the final number in the full edition of 56, the figure representing DiMaggio's 1941 record-setting hitting streak. And, finally, DiMaggio's 10/10 blue sharpie signature at upper right in joined by the rare and desirable inscription "Yankee Clipper." The museum quality framing job is only fitting for a piece of this quality, ready to "class up" any private baseball memorabilia collection. Framed dimensions 29x33". LOA from Yankee Clipper Enterprises. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
1990's Joe DiMaggio "The Yankee Clipper" Signed Bat. "He was just a smooth outfielder and smooth in his hitting," fellow Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst once explained. "No mistakes, ever. He was a solid ball player in every way. I never saw him make a mistake, but there was a smooth way he had of going about everything. That's why they put that name on him, The Yankee Clipper." This perfect replica of the signature model Hillerich & Bradsby with which DiMaggio helped establish his immortality is signed in 10/10 blue sharpie with the tough and desirable nickname notation. Limited edition 193/361. Authenticating sticker from DiMaggio's personal marketing company "Yankee Clipper Enterprises" is affixed to knob end. LOA from Yankee Clipper Enterprises. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 2009 Alex Rodriguez Signed Bats Lot of 6. After a heroic 2009 postseason and its resultant World Series Championship, it's never been a better time to be A-Rod, or an A-Rod collector. Half a dozen Mint Rawlings Adirondack Big Stick bats are presented here, each bearing a flawless sharpie signature from the future Hall of Famer. Four of the six bear stickering from Rodriguez' personal marketing company. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1922 Cincinnati Reds & Chicago Cubs Signed Baseball with Alexander, Rixey. Hall of Fame pitchers Grover Cleveland Alexander and Eppa Rixey faced off to launch the 1922 season at Crosley Field, and though Old Pete would emerge with the seven to three victory, it was Rixey who would take top National League honors at the close of the season with an impressive twenty-five wins. Each legendary hurler is among the thirty-five signatures applied to this retail model ball from a Cincinnati sporting goods shop. Some players only print their names, others apply scripted signatures (as do Alexander and Rixey). Other notable names include Jake Daubert, Dolf Luque, Lew Fonseca, PJ Moran, Babe Pinelli, Bubbles Hargrave, Bill Killefer and many more. Signatures quality ranges from 1/10 to 9/10, with the majority in the higher end of that range. The ball is modestly toned and has a flat spot on one panel where it was stored for decades, but to no significant detriment. A very early multi-team ball including many players rarely encountered upon horsehide. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1922 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. Only the fourth specimen to reach the auction block of a major house in the past decade, this remarkably scarce team sphere recounts the team which tamed the Yankees during the last season in which the rival tribes shared a Polo Grounds home. The super-tough Ross Youngs (6/10), who would perish at age thirty just five years later, is among the nineteen signature present, as is Casey Stengel (7/10), George Kelly (7/10), Heinie Groh (5/10), Irish Meusel (8/10) and pitching ace Jesse Barnes (8/10). The balance averages perhaps 5/10, though a couple autographs do teeter upon the brink of illegibility. Imperfections must be forgiven in light of the tremendous rarity. A notation in an unknown hand appears to connect the ONL (Heydler) ball to the "Series Giant-Yankee 1922," so Fall Classic game use is a genuine possibility as well. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth Signed Barnstorming Tour Baseball. The great Babe Ruth is joined upon this OAL (Johnson) ball by a vast assortment of Sacramento Solons, a club that joined the festivities of the famed Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous barnstorming tour that showcased the talents of the New York Yankees slugging superstars throughout the western United States in the late 1920's. While Gehrig unfortunately appears in clubhouse format, Ruth's sweet spot signature is the genuine article, presenting at a boldness of 7/10. All other autographs of the two dozen or so Solons likewise fall into that general vicinity. A great chance to own a Babe Ruth signature from the absolute height of his talent and fame. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1928 New York Yankees & Philadelphia Athletics Signed Baseball with Ruth, Gehrig, Cobb. Excluding All-Star events, we believe that a meeting of the 1928 New York Yankees and Philadelphia Athletics would result in the greatest population of future Hall of Famers ever to share a single playing field. The original owner of this remarkable OAL (Johnson) ball was a lucky witness to such a majestic event, leaving behind an absolutely staggering relic of his multiple brushes with greatness. Of the eighteen black fountain pen ink signatures preserved beneath the amber coating of shellac, an even dozen would one day be enshrined at Cooperstown. The iconic cast of characters: Ruth (8/10), Gehrig (8/10), Cobb (8/10), Speaker (8/10), Foxx (7/10), Huggins (6/10), Lazzeri (7/10), Combs (8/10), Grove (8/10), Pennock (9/10), Simmons (7/10), Hoyt (9/10). The very tough Eddie Bennett (7/10), the hunchbacked bat boy who served as Babe Ruth's lucky charm, is here as well. One of the most impressive autographed baseballs we've encountered in some time. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1928 Chicago Cubs Team Signed Baseball. Strong black fountain pen ink signatures from Hack Wilson, Ki Ki Cuyler, Gabby Hartnett and a rare genuine Joe McCarthy make this ONL (Heydler) ball a winner even if the Cubbies couldn't manage a National League pennant in 1928. Twenty-six autographs are here in total, averaging an impressive and consistent 8/10 beneath a thin coating of amber shellac. Other notables include Grimm, Stephenson, English, Maguire and the famous Charlie Root, who would surrender the Babe's "Called Shot" in three years time. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1928 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. Magnificent specimen dates to the height of the Murderer's Row era, and more precisely to the first months of that World Championship season. We know this from the appearance of the tough and tragic Urban Shocker on the OAL (Johnson) ball's side panel, the superstar spitballer who was released by the Yanks in the late spring of 1928 and would succumb to pneumonia several months later. Twenty-four fellow Yanks join Shocker, including Ruth (clubhouse), Gehrig, Lazzeri, Combs, Durocher, Coveleski, Dickey, Meusel, Koenig, Collins, Pipgras, Bengough, Grabowski and more. The black fountain pen ink utilized by this iconic Golden Age club remains stunningly bold, with only Cedric Durst (in blue) dipping below a strength of 7/10. The ball's stamping has been lost to the passing decades, but the ball's distinctive stitching is a dead giveaway assuring official status. Notations in the original owner's hand only add to the appeal. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1929 Chicago Cubs Team Signed Baseball. Stocky slugger Lewis "Hack" Wilson helped light the way to the National League pennant this season with the Senior Circuit's leading tally of 159 runs batted in, a figure which still seems enormous even in light of his all-time record 191 which would come the following year. His very tough autograph is prominent among the twenty-three which decorate this ONL (Heydler) sphere, rating 9/10. All signatures remain within three points of this enviable boldness, and include Hartnett, Grimm, Stephenson, McMillan, Root and a clubhouse McCarthy. Ball itself is clean with a creamy, even toning. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1929 Chicago Cubs Team Signed Baseball. The Cubbies had cruised to a double-digit final win margin in the National League pennant chase by the time the final gun sounded, due in large part to the slugging supremacy of stocky superstar Hack Wilson. His enormous side panel signature is reason enough to bid upon this ONL (Heydler) ball signed by sixteen Wrigley residents. Other notables include Hartnett, Grimm, Root, Stephenson and Blair. Average autograph quality is an impressive 9/10, with none dipping more than two points below. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. The appearance of the Big Apple club on an official Pacific Coast League ball is explained by the accompanying photocopy of the April 3, 1932 front page of the San Francisco Chronicle Sporting Green, which reports "San Francisco Club Pounds Out 10 to 5 Victory Over New York Giants." It had to be quite a feather in the cap of the Seals team, as the signatures verify a roster which included Ott (in rare and desirable "Melvin Ott" format), Hubbell, Terry, Jackson, Bancroft, Lindstrom, Luque, Fitzsimmons, Critz, Hogan and more. Even Len Koenecke is here, who would be beaten to death with a fire extinguisher by an airplane crewmember trying to stop him from wrenching the yoke from the pilot's hands in 1935. Twenty-one signatures are here in total, averaging 6/10 in strength. All are legible. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1933 Washington Senators Team Signed Baseball. A tough American League Championship ball from one of just three seasons in which the Junior Circuit flag flew over our nation's capital. As our catalog photography indicates, the signatures upon this ONL (Heydler) ball remain stunningly bold, with twenty-two autographs presenting at an average strength of 8.5/10. Among the notable names are Cronin, Manush, Goslin, Bluege, Crowder, Whitehill and the fascinating Moe Berg. Ball exhibits a fine vintage patina indicative of possible game use, most likely in the World Series due to the National League lineage. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. A bold (8/10) and enormous sweet spot signature from Babe Ruth is worth the price of admission alone on this OAL (Harridge) ball autographed by nineteen members of the last team to enjoy the services of the Sultan of Swat. Prominent among them are Gehrig (5/10), Gomez (4/10), Dickey (7/10), Lazzeri (3/10) and Ruffing (4/10), each of whom would one day rejoin Ruth in Cooperstown. The balance falls into the same range of the Hall of Famers, each protected by a thin coating of shellac. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. A fifteen-season partnership between George Herman Ruth and the New York Yankees franchise would come to an end this season, making this "Babe Ruth Home Run Special" ball a poignant reminder of the end of an era. Ruth (4/10) takes his standard sweet spot position with Gehrig (3/10) just to the right. Also here are Ruffing (8/10), Lazzeri (8/10), Sewell, (6/10), Combs (8/10), Gomez (7/10), Dickey (7/10), providing no shortage of Cooperstown talent. Fletcher, Gomez and McCarthy are the only secretarial signatures. Twenty-seven autographs are here in total, ranging from 2/10 to 9/10 under a thick clear coating which has chipped in places but served its intended purpose quite well. A splendid find for the serious Yankees collector. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1935 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball with St. Louis Cardinals. We've done our best to sort out the birthdate of this unusual sphere, and our suspicion is that it was signed at some point just before Ruth's February 26, 1935 release from the Yankees, just prior to the start of spring training in Florida. Lou and the Babe's joint appearance assures that this predates Ruth's departure from the club he defined, and the roster of Gashouse Gangsters which joins them includes 1935 rookie Bill McGee. Regardless of precise vintage, the cast of characters presented is beyond impressive: Ruth (5/10), Gehrig (3/10), Dizzy Dean (twice: 7/10 and 4/10), Frisch (7/10), Durocher (2/10), Medwick (3/10), Paul Dean (6/10). Nineteen signatures are here in total, averaging 4/10 due to surface wear. "New York Club" brand baseball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1935 Detroit Tigers Team Signed Baseball. The fierce felines of Motor City extended the woes of the luckless Chicago Cubs this October, cruising to a World Championship in five games armed with a lair of Hall of Fame talent. Cochrane, Greenberg (CH), Gehringer and Goslin each appear upon this ONL (Frick) ball likely signed at the World Series, joined by nineteen others including Rogell, Owen, Fox, Hayworth, Hogsett and Rowe. Perkins is secretarial. Signature quality averages an impressive 8/10, and the ball remains lightly and evenly toned. A top representation of an important team ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball with Honus Wagner. Almost four decades after first donning the uniform of the Pirates, the Old Dutchman was still a fixture in the Pittsburgh dugout, helping to lead his beloved squad to within two victories of the National League pennant in 1938. The 1936 Hall of Fame inductee would one day share space again, this time in Cooperstown, with teammates Traynor, Vaughan, Manush and the Waner brothers, all of whom are counted among the twenty-six signatures on the presented ONL (Frick) ball. Other notables: Suhr, Young, Rizzo and Blanton. The black fountain pen ink utilized by this Steel City squad has survived the passing decades marvelously, with signature quality averaging 8/10 and only a few (none listed above) dipping below 6/10. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940 American League All-Star Team Signed Baseball. The enormous talent present upon this OAL (Harridge) ball leaves us baffled as to how such a dangerous crew could be shut out in the historic 1940 Midsummer Classic. Among the notable names: Foxx, Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Appling, Dickey, Gordon, Ruffing, Feller, Keltner and more. Greenberg and Bridges are secretarial. Signature quality ranges from 2/10 to 9/10, with all but Frank Hayes registering at 7/10 or better. A very solid and surprisingly white sphere featuring the greatest bats and arms of the Junior Circuit. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1941 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. As the great Joe DiMaggio turned the eyes of the baseball world to the Bronx with his fifty-six game hitting streak, this Polo Grounds posse labored just across the Harlem River. Provided is a fine 8.5/10 signature from Mel Ott, who is joined by a full roster of twenty-seven teammates including Hubbell, Terry, Bartell, Schumacher, Young, Danning, Rucker and more. Most signatures remain quite bold and legible, on the positive side of 7/10, though a few dip to the 3/10 realm. Overall a very nice specimen of "Reach Official League" breed. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1942 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. Solid offerings from Big Apple legends Mel Ott and Carl Hubbell leave little question as to which panel to display upon this OAL (Harridge) ball autographed by twenty-four residents of the Polo Grounds. Sixteen signatures from the balance rank within a point or two of the 8/10 strength shared by Ott and Hubbell, with the remainder generally in the 3/10 to 5/10 range. Other notables include Mize (5/10), Luque, Schumacher, Witek, Danning and Marshall. The ball itself is lightly and evenly toned. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1947 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. A classic Fall Classic ended in its typical fashion this October, with the Yanks edging the Brooklyn Dodgers in a close contest to take the World Championship. The victorious squad is represented upon this OAL (Harridge) ball by twenty-seven bold (8/10 and better) blue ink signatures. Notables include DiMaggio, Berra, Rizzuto, Bucky Harris, Henrich, Crosetti, Houk, Stirnweiss and more. A personalization in an unknown hand causes no distraction and remains entirely clear of the signatures. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1951 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. The most thrilling pennant chase in National League history came down to one swing, as Bobby Thomson blasted the most famous walk-off long ball in the sport's history to earn the Giants a Fall Classic meeting with their cross-river rivals, the New York Yankees. Presented is an ONL (Frick) ball from this immortal Polo Grounds edition, signed by twenty-five NL Champs including Thomson, Mays, Irvin, Maglie, Stanky, Dark, Lockman, Mueller and the tough Hank Thompson. Signature strength is uniformly 9/10 or better, and only Durocher appears in non-authentic (stamped) format. Ball is lightly and evenly toned. A splendid example of one of the most collectible post-war team balls in the hobby. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. Auction LOA from PSA/DNA.
1952 Brooklyn Dodgers Team Signed Baseball. The Bums redeemed themselves after the heartbreaking end to their 1951 pennant dreams, bludgeoned by the bat of Bobby Thomson, earning the 1952 National League Championship and another meeting with the hated Yanks. Presented in an ONL (Giles) ball autographed by twenty-six members of the Flatbush franchise. Jackie and Pee Wee are here in stunning 9+/10 blue ink, the quality which characterizes the entirety of the sphere, along with such notables as Erskine, Roe, Black, Pafko, Labine, Dressen and more. Campy, Snider, Hodges and Cox appear in secretarial format, keeping this spectacular sphere from flirting with the five-figure range. A bargain for the budget-conscious condition freak. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 New York Giants Team Signed Baseball. After watching their neighbors across the Harlem River claim a dozen World Championships since the Giants themselves won their last World Series in 1933, the boys from the Polo Grounds finally got it right in 1954, cruising to a four-game October sweep of the 111-game winning Cleveland Indians. Presented upon this OAL (Harridge) ball are twenty-four autographs from the World Champs, including Mays (whose Game One "Catch" is the most famous in baseball history), Irvin, Wilhelm, Maglie, Westrum, Mueller, Thompson, Lockman and more. Durocher is present in typical stamped format. Signature quality rates a consistent 8+/10. The American League model ball suggests Fall Classic vintage, adding further appeal. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1955 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. One of the most significant careers of the post-war era began during the historic 1955 National League season, as a twenty-year old Puerto Rican named Roberto Clemente made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His 8+/10 signature joins twenty-one others on the presented ONL (Giles) ball, notably Face, Long, Friend, Law, Freese, O'Brien and Thomas. Ball exhibits mild surface wear and a small mounting hole at the Giles stamping but still presents very nicely. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Team Signed Baseball, Graded PSA EX+ 5.5. The Yankees got them in 1941. Then again in 1947. Then 1949, 1952 and 1953. But the sixth time was a charm for the long-suffering Bums, whose ace pitcher Johnny Podres twirled a shutout when it mattered most for a Game Seven victory and delirious joy on Flatbush Avenue. Presented is a "Dodgers" souvenir ball signed by twenty-seven members of Brooklyn's only World Champs, the list including Robinson, Campanella, Reese, Snider, Alston, Podres, Hodges, Erskine, Furillo, Gilliam, Labine and the key Frank Kellert, assuring 1955 vintage. Snider, Newcombe, Loes, Walker and Roebuck appear in secretarial format. PSA/DNA grades the autographs a conservative 7/10, with the ball scoring 4/10 for the combined grade as listed. Included print-out of email correspondence from Roger Craig indicates this ball once belonged to the former Dodger. Full grading LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Team Signed Baseball. Outrageously spectacular sphere remains so unchanged from the date of its birth one would almost expect to look out the window and see kids with bobby socks and greased pompadours. The secret to its youthfulness is included in the lot, the original Spalding bag which served as a lonely home for decades, allowing none of the thugs of time to enter. A full roster of twenty-four signatures is here, recalling that one joyous season when the tough luck Bums finally got the best of the mighty Yanks. Manager Walt Alston takes sweet spot duties, with Jackie, Campy, Pee Wee, the Duke, Hodges, Erskine, Furillo, Labine, Gilliam and the rest of the gang right around the corner, including the essential Frank Kellert who assures 1955 vintage. Reese, Snider and Loes are secretarial. The ONL (Giles) ball is the precise model utilized during those glorious and heartbreaking final seasons at Ebbets, its horsehide mellowed to a delectable, creamy hue. The blue ink coating its surface never dips below 9/10 in strength. An essential lot for the collector who demands nothing but the best. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. Rare "Bob Clemente" signature variation speaks volumes about the racial climate in Major League Baseball less than a decade after Jackie Robinson's integration, suggesting the future Hall of Famer believed the Amerian people might not be ready for "Roberto." The superstar outfielder is joined by twenty-three teammates, including Mazeroski, Friend, Face, Virdon, Groat, Long, Bragan and Shepard. All signatures retain a boldness of at least 8/10, with the only condition flaw being a nickel-sized brown spot on one panel which affects only Groat of the names listed above. ONL (Giles) ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Pittsburgh Pirates & Chicago Cubs Signed Baseball. One enterprising baseball fan with no particular team loyalties apparently took what he or she could get, passing this ONL (Giles) ball to players sporting both white and grey jerseys until space ran out. Twenty-seven signatures are here in total, with such notables as Clemente, a rookie Mazeroski, Monte Irvin, Groat, Friend, Face, Law, Sukeforth and key 1955 Dodgers figure Frank Kellert. An amber shellac coating has served its purpose admirably, preserving the blue ink at an average strength of 9/10. A smart way to bulk up your vintage Hall of Fame autograph collection in a hurry. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1959 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. While the great Roberto Clemente had every right to claim the sweet spot whenever a baseball and a pen passed through his hands it was rare that he did, so collectors should pay attention when such a specimen arises. Here the pride of Puerto Rico shares space with manager Danny Murtaugh (CH), each appearing in 9+/10 blue ink. They're joined by twenty-seven fellow Bucs, notably Mazeroski, Face, Friend, Hoak, Groat, Virdon, Haddix and more. Stuart is secretarial. All listed signatures maintain a boldness of 7/10 or better, as do all but seven of the balance, which are quite light and difficult to discern. Still a fine opportunity for an early-career Clemente and some other notable Pirate stars. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. Any Yankees fan alive to witness the Bucs' improbable World Series victory this year will surely cringe at the sight of this ball, making the painful loss seem as if it just happened yesterday. After all, it certainly appears as if that was when the ball was signed! Clearly one of the finest 1960 Pirates balls in the hobby, this ONL (Giles) sphere contains not a single signature rating below 8/10. Twenty-six autographs appear, including the heroic Mazeroski, Clemente, Law, Virdon, Burgess, Haddix, Friend, Face and Groat. Murtaugh is secretarial. A spectacular representation ranking among the finest known. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. While Bobby Thomson's "Shot" is generally accepted to be the most historic of all long balls, ask fans in Pittsburgh and you'll hear instead that it was Bill Mazeroski's Series-ending blast that earned the thirty-three Bucs that signed this ball a World Championship crown. The Hall of Fame hero is here on this ONL (Giles) ball, joined by fellow superstar Clemente, Friend, Face, Haddix, Burgess, Law, Groat, Vernon, Hoak and more. All listed signatures register at a strength of 8/10 or better, as do all but eight of the rest, which range from 5/10 to 7/10 in strength. Murtaugh has been deemed secretarial. A high-grade sphere from an unforgettable season. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 New York Yankees Partial Team Signed Baseball with Mantle, Maris. Any experienced collector of Yankees team balls knows that it's just about impossible to find a 1961 specimen with genuine Mantle and Maris signatures, but we've got one for you here. While the signature count only tallies fifteen, the original owner chose well, tracking down Ford, Berra, Skowron, Howard, Kubek, Richardson, Downing and Houk to join the fabled M&M boys. All signatures rate 8/10 or better. Maris' signature dates to later years. One panel is toned by a partial shellac application, while the rest remain free of coating. A fun project for a collector willing to track down the other surviving members to fill in the blanks, though we should stress that all signatures currently present are vintage to the period. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1962 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. Two years removed from the glorious 1960 World Championship season, the presented sphere provides most of the same stars which had made the earlier incarnation so successful. Most important is the Hall of Fame pairing of Clemente and Mazeroski, each appearing in the same 9/10 blue ballpoint ink which characterizes the majority of autographs on the ball. Also here are Friend, Virdon, Hoak, Face, Groat (affected by surface loss), Burgess, Haddix, Sturdivant and more. Murtaugh appears in secretarial format. Some small divots in the ball affect four signatures, and only one listed above. Four unlisted signatures are quite light, but all the rest rate 6/10 or better. ONL (Giles) ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1962 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. Just two seasons after the Bucs' improbable Fall Classic victory brought the club its first World Championship since 1925, twenty-nine members of the crew joined forces upon this ONL (Giles) ball for an autograph seeker. The hero of that 1960 World Series Bill Mazeroski is among the names, as is tragic Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, Burgess, Clendenon, Face, Friendd, Groat, Haddix, Hoak, Law, Trucks, Virdon and more. Murtaugh and Stuart are secretarial. Signature quality averages 7/10. Scattered surface abrasions to the lightly toned horsehide causes only minor concern. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1964 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. Roberto Clemente's .339 batting average this season represented the second of his four career National League batting titles, and transported him ever further toward his ultimate 3,000 Hit Club induction. His 8+/10 blue ink signature is joined upon the ONL (Giles) ball by twenty-nine fellow Bucs ranging from 7/10 to 9/10 in strength below a light coating of shellac. Among the notables: Mazeroski, Stargell, Schofield, Face, Vernon, Friend, Burgess and more. Clendenon, Murtaugh and Narron have been deemed secretarial. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1967 St. Louis Cardinals Team Signed Baseball with Maris. Though Maris was not an instant darling to the fans and media of New York City upon his Yankees arrival, many Big Apple hearts were broken when he traded his pinstripes for the birds and bat logo in 1967. You can find his 9/10 blue ink signature upon the presented ball, joined by the likes of Carlton, Gibson, Brock, Schoendienst, Flood (8/10) and McCarver, each sharing the same ink boldness unless otherwise noted. Twenty-four signatures are here in total, with four minor names dipping well below the average, but the rest remaining in that upper deck of the ballpark range. Stamping of the ball is entirely lost, but is likely ONL heritage. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1969 National League All-Star Team Signed Baseball. Home runs by Johnny Bench and Willie McCovey helped power the Senior Circuit to a nine to three dismantling of the American League at Washington's RFK Stadium, where this ONL (Giles) ball was autographed by eighteen members of the victorious squad. Appearing with a boldness of 7/10 or better are Bench and McCovey, along with Clemente, Rose, Gibson, Schoendienst, Marichal, Perez and Carlton. Only four signatures don't meet this standard, and these are all but faded from existence, with Banks the only Hall of Famer. A spectacular power summit for the autograph collector looking to bulk up his holdings in a hurry. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team Signed Baseball. The tragic Roberto Clemente was just months from his untimely death when he autographed this ONL (Feeney) ball along with twenty-five members of a team which fell to the Cincinnati Reds in the 1972 NLCS. All signatures rate 9/10 or better under an expertly applied layer of shellac, and include Mazeroski, Stargell, Ellis, Virdon, Sanguillen, Cash, Oliver and more. The team is identified with two pieces of dymo tape over the presidential stamping, not affecting any of the autographs. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1976 Cincinnati Reds Team Signed Baseball. A clean Machine! The celebrated Reds squad which earned back to back World Championships with one of the most stacked line-ups in baseball history appears with gorgeous clarity upon the presented ONL (Feeney) ball. A full roster of twenty-nine signs in, none below an 8/10 strength, including Rose, Morgan, Bench, Perez, Foster, Anderson, Geronimo and Griffey. A splendid NRMT specimen from one of the top ten teams of all time. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1979 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. Team captain Thurman Munson was just weeks away from his tragic passing in an Ohio airplane crash when this OAL (MacPhail) ball was autographed by the defending World Champs. Twenty-seven autographs are here in total, notably Munson himself, Berra, Lemon, Jackson, Guidry, Chambliss, Nettles, Rivers, John and Piniella. All signatures are 9/10 or better, and the ball presents wonderfully with just the slightest hints of toning. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1996 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. After eighteen seasons of disappointment, by far the longest World Championship drought since the team's first in 1923, the Bronx finally returned to Fall Classic glory in October 1996. Commemorating that joyous chapter in pinstriped history is this OAL (Budig) ball signed by twenty-four members of Joe Torre's new dynasty including the skipper himself, Jeter, Rivera, Posada, Strawberry, Girardi, Boggs, O'Neill, Williams, Raines and Charlie Hayes, who caught the last out to start the Big Apple celebration. All signatures are 9/10 or better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Boxing Collectibles
1868 Fistiana; or The Oracle of the Ring Rare Book. An invaluable reference guide for the boxing historian, this small hardcover volume printed in London, England soon after the close of the American Civil War is the most complete available record of prize fights contested between the years 1700 and 1867. The 160+ page book remains complete and tightly bound, with moderate wear to the covers and spine, but nothing which could be properly characterized as damage. The original owner has penned his name and the year "1870" on the opening page, and some pencil writing is found here as well. Otherwise minor foxing is the only issue of note regarding interior pages.
1904 Philadelphia Jack O'Brien Handwritten Signed Letter. Nat Fleischer, founder and editor of The Ring magazine ranked O'Brien as the number two all-time Light Heavyweight, though he is best remembered for his battles against pure Heavyweights Bob Fitzsimmons, Tommy Burns and Jack Johnson. The presented handwritten letter features fine boxing content noting that O'Brien had "really lapsed into a state of 'dopiness' since the Ryan match" and that "I have two bad hands and with all the bandages put on by McCoy I almost finished them for good." Black fountain pen ink averages 9/10 on both sides of a single lined page, which exhibits mild edge wear but still presents wonderfully. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 Johnson vs. Jeffries Glass Lantern Slides Lot of 3. Glass slides once used to project still images upon a movie screen prior to the start of the main feature hype the impending meeting of two of the greatest Heavyweights of the pre-war era in perhaps the most culturally relevant bout of the century. Two of the slides feature portraits of the legendary Jack Johnson, with one making specific reference to the "Jeffries - Johnson Contest." The third pictures the massive Jeffries posed for the camera above the caption "Jeffries stripped." The slides are numbered 10, 12 and 14 from an unknown series, and each remains in flawless condition. Size of each is 3.25" square.
1910 Jeffries vs. Johnson Full Ticket. Following Jack Johnson's assumption of the Heavyweight Championship in 1908, the former titleholder Jeffries was wooed out of five years of retirement to reclaim what white America believed was rightfully theirs. On Independence Day, 1910, the overwhelmingly white crowd at Reno, Nevada saw their worst fears realized, as Johnson battered the overmatched Jeffries for fourteen rounds before his corner saved him from an inevitable fifteenth round knockout by throwing in the towel. Presented is one of the rare few unused tickets from this most culturally relevant boxing match of the twentieth century, exhibiting typical corner wear but none of the creasing, staining or tearing typical of century old paper collectibles. A marvelous keepsake with wonderful period graphics that recall a very different time in our nation's racial and athletic history.
1912 "Battling Mike" Donovan Handwritten Signed Letter. After participating in Sherman's March through Georgia during the Civil War, Donovan turned to the fight game, meeting both John L. Sullivan and Jack "The Nonpareil" Dempsey during his active career. Later he would work Kilrain's corner for the Sullivan fight, and prepare Corbett for his historic defeat of Sullivan in 1892. The International Boxing Hall of Famer passed away in 1918, making documents like this 1912 ALS on "New York Athletic Club" letterhead, written during Donovan's reign as boxing instructor for the prestigious institution, enormously scarce. Donovan makes a reference to the white boxing world's search for a Caucasian to unseat Jack Johnson from the Heavyweight title, noting "We have a white hope. Come in and see him perform." All ink and Donovan's closing signature survive with 9+/10 boldness, and the three-page letter (written on three quadrants of a single sheet) exhibits original mailing folds and light handling wear but no significant faults. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Gene Tunney Oversized Photograph. Enormous (20x29" framed) colorized image of the man who bested Jack Dempsey in the historic "Long Count" fight at Chicago's Soldier Field clearly derives from some form of public display, likely a museum or sporting arena. The mounting brackets on verso and "Gene Tunney" identification glued to the glass leave little doubt of this fact. The frame exhibits an expected degree of wear but the image itself remains in fabulous condition. A stirring portrait of this Golden Age great.
1929 Sharkey vs. Stribling Official Program. The one and only example we've ever encountered of the program for the historic meeting of two International Boxing Hall of Famers, a bout widely hyped by gangster Al Capone, just two weeks removed from the gruesome St. Valentine's Day Massacre when he joined his friend Jack Dempsey at ringside. The thirty-two page program pictures Dempsey on the cover along with the fighters, promoter George R.K. Carter, and the late Tex Rickard, the legendary promoter who passed away just a month before the contest. Expected handling wear is evident, but the program remains complete and tightly bound despite its technical VG rating. Condition issues must be forgiven in light of the intense scarcity. A special artifact from a date which helped to put the City of Miami on the map of the sporting world.
1936 Louis vs. Schmeling Full Ticket. The first of two unused tickets presented within this auction for what is widely considered the most important two-fight series in pugilistic history. Not yet aware of the dangers lurking in Germany, most of white America supported the foreigner in this contest, joining the Nazis in the belief that it was a battle for racial supremacy. Schmeling gave his fans the victory they craved, finishing the seemingly unbeatable Louis in the twelfth round and becoming an unwilling hero to the Nazi party. The presented unused Mezzanine ticket is hampered only by moderate corner rounding and mild toning, with no unsightly tears or creases. Slabbed "Authentic" by PSA for unquestioned authenticity.
1938 Louis vs. Schmeling II Program & Ticket Stubs (2). The great Joe Louis learned that revenge is a dish best served cold as he met the only man who had ever vanquished him in the ring two years and three days after that crushing defeat. Louis had confided in his trainer that he intended to devote all of his energy to the first three rounds, confident that he would be able to dispose of Schmeling with a "bull's rush" strategy. Louis' prediction was proven to be overly conservative, as he sent the German to the canvas three times before the referee mercifully called an end to the bout at two minutes and forty seconds of the first round. The colorful program for the bout presents quite nicely upon display, with light spine wear, a corner crease and a touch of paper loss evident on the front cover. The back cover exhibits more serious paper loss as the result of scrapbook removal. Interior pages remain unaffected by the passing decades. A pair of imperfectly torn stubs for adjacent seats likewise exhibit back damage but present nicely from the front.
1938 Louis vs. Schmeling Full Ticket. The second of two unused tickets from this historic series is presented here, a living relic of Louis' revenge over his only conqueror to date. Dating almost exactly two years after the initial bout, this contest proved almost the exact opposite of the debut as Louis annihilated Schmeling with a brutal first-round knockout, much to the delight of American fans growing increasingly uncomfortable with the political climate in Europe. Moderate corner rounding and a half-inch tear at upper border are noted for accuracy, but the ticket still presents marvelously with no flaws of any considerable distraction. Slabbed "Authentic" by PSA for unquestioned authenticity.
1944 Joe Louis Signed Fight Contract. The Heavyweight Champion of the World signs on for an exhibition match of three two-minute rounds with challenger Johnny Denson, though the Brown Bomber would ultimately need fewer than four of the alotted six minutes to dispatch his opponent. The standard contract promises a quarter of the gate and three round-trip Pullman tickets to the legendary pugilist, with Louis signing his consent to the terms at bottom right in 10/10 black ink. Also here is Denson's matching contract for the bout, which earned him just $500 for the privilege of being sent to the canvas by the long-reigning Champ. Each 8x11" page exhibits no condition flaws of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1944 Jake LaMotta Signed Fight Contract & Addendum. Always popular among boxing aficionados, LaMotta became a household name after Robert Deniro's award-winning portrayal of him in the acclaimed "Raging Bull," providing an unflinching look at the complex and violent Middleweight Champion. Here we find a contract and addendum for LaMotta's November 3, 1944 meeting with George Kochan, a fight which would end with a ninth round knockout of the challenger. Both the standard contract and the addendum discussing particulars about compensation for the bout are signed by LaMotta in 10/10 black ink. Matching documents for Kochan are here as well, each likewise in fine condition. Completing the lot are contracts only (no addendums) signed by the other fighters on the card, missing only one. The contracts provided: Arnold Deer, Wilfie Shanks, Al Ellis, Ray Tellino, Johnny Martin, Larry Ray and Willie Watkins. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1944 Sugar Ray Robinson Signed Fight Contract & More. Assortment of nine "Promoter's Copy" versions of various boxing contracts is highlighted by the appearance of Robinson, considered by many the pound-for-pound greatest in the history of the sport. Here he signs on for a ten round bout with Vic Dellicurti, contested during the year separating the second and third fights of his epic four-match series with Jake "Raging Bull" LaMotta. Robinson would earn the decision in the Dellicurti contest. The standard contract features various notations regarding advances and compensation, and is signed in 10/10 black ink by the Hall of Fame boxer. Dellicurti's matching contract is here as well, joined by similar documents signed by the following pugilists: Odett Reilly, Al Ellis, Chuck Ackworth, Willie Watkins, Charley Padalino, Howell King and Bill Eddy. All signatures are 9/10 or better, and contracts exhibit no flaws worthy of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960 Cassius Clay National A.A.U. Finals Fight Worn Gloves. Historic gloves were sourced directly from the personal collection of Joe Martin, the man who took a young Cassius Clay off the streets of Louisville, Kentucky and molded him into a future champion at the Columbia Street Gym, where the gloves were displayed for years. Noted boxing expert Craig Hamilton supplies the letter of provenance, noting that these gloves were used by an eighteen-year old Clay in the National A.A.U. Finals on April 9, 1960 as the burgeoning Louisville Lip stopped Jeff Davis in the second round.
The burgundy leather gloves feature a white "Rawlings" manufacturer's label at each wrist, denoting them as "Golden Gloves." Inside the right hand glove is found an AAU tag specifying the ten ounce weight, and each glove sports the proper commission stamping reading "Nat'l Toledo 1960 Approved." The gloves are initialled here by the commission inspectors as well. Original laces are present.
Fight used gear from the career of Muhammad Ali, one of the most significant in twentieth century sport, will always carry enormous appeal in the collecting marketplace. But the opportunity to own fight worn gloves predating The Greatest's ascension to the professional ranks is one which cannot be overlooked. A special offering worthy of a position of honor in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian, or the finest of private collections. LOA from JO Sports, Inc.
The burgundy leather gloves feature a white "Rawlings" manufacturer's label at each wrist, denoting them as "Golden Gloves." Inside the right hand glove is found an AAU tag specifying the ten ounce weight, and each glove sports the proper commission stamping reading "Nat'l Toledo 1960 Approved." The gloves are initialled here by the commission inspectors as well. Original laces are present.
Fight used gear from the career of Muhammad Ali, one of the most significant in twentieth century sport, will always carry enormous appeal in the collecting marketplace. But the opportunity to own fight worn gloves predating The Greatest's ascension to the professional ranks is one which cannot be overlooked. A special offering worthy of a position of honor in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the Smithsonian, or the finest of private collections. LOA from JO Sports, Inc.
1965 Ali vs. Liston Full Ticket PSA NM-MT 8. Phantom punch or legitimate knock out, this decisive victory for Ali in his Lewiston, Maine rematch with Sonny Liston remains one of the most famous events in post-war pugilism. This high-grade ticket would have granted one spectator entry to St. Dominic's Arena for the brief but important spectacle. You'll be hard-pressed to locate a superior example. Encapsulated in a NM-MT 8 holder by PSA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
1966 Muhammad Ali vs. Karl Mildenberger On-Site Fight Poster. Exceptionally rare on-site poster was produced for display on the streets of Frankfurt, Germany, where the Heavyweight Champ continued his world tour of title defenses after victories over George Chuvalo in Toronto and back to back technical knockouts of Brian London in London. The German language poster measures 23x33" in size and features the bold, no-nonsense style which typifies the national aesthetic. Apparent rust staining on the verso appears only on the outermost edges of the front border, leaving the poster otherwise to present in NRMT condition with no folds or tears to note. The first such poster we've ever encountered, and the first to reach the auction block of a major house in the past decade at a minimum.
1967 Muhammad Ali Music Festival Poster. At the height of the psychedelic Haight-Ashbury music scene in San Francisco, several of the top acts of the day convened on the shores of the Bay to honor the recently crowned Heavyweight Champ. Presented is an exceptionally rare surviving poster from the event, featuring a fine image of the legendary pugilist at center and the names of such musical acts as the "Steve Miller Blues Band" among the names noted. Size is 16x22", condition EX-MT to NRMT.
1960's Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) Training Worn & Signed Gloves. Early career training gloves were originally released to the collecting public in the historic 1990 sale of the collection of Drew "Bundini Brown, the cornerman, assistant trainer and closest confidant of the former Heavyweight Champ. The lightly padded black leather relics are tagged for the Philadelphia-based "Passon's" sporting goods store, and signed "Cassius Clay" in black marker at each wrist strap. Each autograph is accompanied by its own full PSA/DNA letter of authenticity, though it would be a shame to break up the matched pair. The gloves exhibit fine sweaty wear from the early days of Ali's ascension to pugilistic immortality. Genuine Ali fight and training used gear, and particularly those pieces dating to the early years of his storied career, remain among the most prized artifacts in the boxing collectibles hobby. The ironclad Bundini Brown provenance only enhances the enormous appeal. Full PSA/DNA LOA's (2) for each autograph.
1973 Joe Louis & Max Schmeling Signed Sports Illustrated Lithograph. The rarest and most coveted of the popular series of signed lithographs issued by Sports Illustrated in the 1970's is presented here, celebrating the historic twin bouts which traded the Heavyweight Championship of the World in the 1930's. Each combatant has autographed the lower border in 10/10 pencil, and the limited edition number of 116/500 is penciled at lower left. Print size is 17x22", with an elegant matting and framing job extending the final dimensions to 23x27". NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1974 Ali vs. Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" Program & Ticket Stub. Unquestionably the most coveted post-war boxing publication in the hobby, the on-site Rumble in the Jungle program is also the hobby's scarcest. The story of the bout, taking on mythic proportions, is familiar to even the most casual fight fan. The great Muhammad Ali, unfairly stripped of his Heavyweight crown for failing to comply with Vietnam draft laws, looks to regain it from the frighteningly powerful Foreman, who many boxing experts believe will not only knock Ali out, but might kill him in the process. Ali was no longer the the elusive jungle cat he had once been, they believed, and no man could weather the storm of Foreman. But Ali is as smart as ever, if not as fleet of foot, and employs a plan that will come to be known as "Rope-a-Dope." Rather than eluding the sledgehammer blows of Foreman, Ali leans back against the ropes and takes on the role of heavy bag, absorbing scores of punches on his arms and shoulders while protecting his head and midsection. The chants of "Ali, bomaye" ("Ali, kill him!") of the African crowd quiet as the fight drags on, as it appears that the ex-Champ will do nothing but receive a beating. But suddenly, in the eighth round, Ali sees his opportunity as he pounces on the exhausted Foreman, landing a series of heavy blows that sends the Champ cartwheeling to the canvas. And once again, after seven long years, Ali is King.
One of only a theoretical handful from the event ever to leave the continent of Africa, this sixteen-page French language program remains in simply spectacular condition, with only the lightest touches of wear at the corners and minor surface rubbing to the cover to note. Joining the program is a fantastically scarce ticket stub from the bout, bearing mild corner wear and a single diagonal wrinkle running from bottom edge to the center of the ticket. Technical VG-EX, with superior appearance.
One of only a theoretical handful from the event ever to leave the continent of Africa, this sixteen-page French language program remains in simply spectacular condition, with only the lightest touches of wear at the corners and minor surface rubbing to the cover to note. Joining the program is a fantastically scarce ticket stub from the bout, bearing mild corner wear and a single diagonal wrinkle running from bottom edge to the center of the ticket. Technical VG-EX, with superior appearance.
1970's Muhammad Ali Handwritten Magic Trick. Apparently the legendary Heavyweight Champion liked to work his magic outside the ring as well. While we can't quite get the gist of what it is that Ali is trying to convey here, we can definitely imagine the fun-loving fighter blowing off steam with his entourage with some trading card trickery. The single page of Ali's personal letterhead features the Champ's 10/10 blue ink and some light, inconsequential staining. It is attractively framed in a shadowbox beneath a fine black and white photographic portrait to final dimensions of 10x21". Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. Third party shipping required.
Circa 1977 Muhammad Ali Custom Car Plans & Drawings Lot. Unusual assortment of documents relates to a custom car made for the Champ, setting a precedent for the many superstar athletes to come who would express their individuality through automotive modifications. Included are seven preliminary sketches for Ali's custom Toronado, with gold-plated grill and rims, and custom decals on the sides. Four photos of the finished ride are here, and a fifth finding Ali posing in front of the car on the cover of the February 17, 1977 issue of Jet Magazine. Everything remains in fine condition, with no flaws worthy of note.
1978 Muhammad Ali Training Large Photographs Lot of 20. Exquisite collection of twenty different limited edition photographic prints created in 2004 from photographer Jeff Julian's original negatives provide the most artful documentation imaginable of Ali's life at his Deer Lake training headquarters. Each gorgeously rendered 11x14" black and white photograph is matted to 16x20" and signed and identified on the mat by the artist. An insider's look at the work which would help The Greatest reclaim the Heavyweight title he had lost to Leon Spinks earlier that year. NRMT-MT.
1983 Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini vs. Deukoo Kim On-Site Fight Poster. One of professional boxing's great tragedies would happen this night, as Mancini recovered from an early onslaught from the Korean challenger to dominate the bout in the later rounds. During one exchange in the thirteenth round, Mancini connected thirty-nine times in a row, but the bout continued into the fourteenth, when Mancini struck with a hard right which sent Kim to the canvas, hitting his head hard. Kim rose to his feet, but the referee stopped the bout and awarded the TKO to Mancini. Minutes later Kim collapsed and fell into a coma, passing away four days later. Both Kim's mother and the referee would die by their own hands within the year, compounding the guilt of Mancini, who was never the same fighter again.
Presented is a rare on-site poster for the Caesar's Palace bout which was broadcasted live to a national television audience. But make no mistake--this is a poster from the Palace, advertising ticket sales for the bout. The poster survives in stunning NRMT condition, and measures 22x28". Poster is professionally affixed to a cardstock back for protection and display.
Presented is a rare on-site poster for the Caesar's Palace bout which was broadcasted live to a national television audience. But make no mistake--this is a poster from the Palace, advertising ticket sales for the bout. The poster survives in stunning NRMT condition, and measures 22x28". Poster is professionally affixed to a cardstock back for protection and display.
1990's Muhammad Ali Signed Limited Edition Stephen Holland Lithograph. Moody black and white portrait of the aging Champ is one of our favorite works by noted sports artist Stephen Holland, the 1993 Sports Artist of the Year as recognized by the American Sports Art Museum and Archives. The 26x47" limited edition (606/1000) print is autographed by both artist and subject in 10/10 pencil at the bottom margin. Minor rumpling extending perhaps a half inch from the left edge will be completely hidden with a simple framing job, allowing the work to present flawlessly. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics Torch Signed by Muhammad Ali. One of the most moving moments in Olympic history came during the summer of 1996 when 1960 Gold Medal-winner Muhammad Ali, his body enfeebled by the brutality of the sport he loved, lit the Olympic cauldron to signal the beginning of the Atlanta Games. Presented here is a torch identical to the one Ali held in his quaking hand as he stood upon the podium in Atlanta, autographed by the boxing legend in 10/10 black sharpie upon the wooden handle. The signature bears authentication paperwork and stickering from Online Authentics, the firm responsible for Ali's autograph contracts. An inspiring and elegant piece worthy of a place of honor in your trophy room. LOA from Online Authentics. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1996 Muhammad Ali Signed Original Artwork by Ron Lewis. Masterful portrait is the unmistakable work of noted sports artist Ron Lewis, best remembered for his 500 Home Run Club portraits that were widely reproduced for signings in the 1980's. This is the genuine article, however, a wonderful acrylic on canvas that captures the Champ in his prime with a stunning photorealism. Honoring Lewis' work is the subject himself, who applies a 10/10 black sharpie signature at his chest. Framed dimensions are 29x34". NRMT-MT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2006 Muhammad Ali Bronze Sculpture by Ralph Crawford. Limited edition (of 30) artist's proof bronze is a marvelous likeness of the iconic Heavyweight Champion, originally retailing for $2,500. Measuring sixteen inches tall on its solid granite base, the expertly rendered bust finds the Champ in a pensive moment, eyes cast over his right shoulder. Weight is approximately forty pounds, requiring third party shipping.
Golf Collectibles
1930's Spalding Kro-Flite Persimmon Woods Attributed to Bobby Jones. Gorgeous set of Persimmon Woods was manufactured by the Spalding Sporting Goods Company (Kro-Flite Golf), and designed by the great Bobby Jones. They were regarded as one of the finest wood sets of their time. The presented set remains housed in its original Spalding box, which opens to a beautiful display of the clubs. The box exterior exhibits expected handling wear but remains solid and complete, with the interior exhibiting no wear whatsoever.
The outstanding feature of this rare set of boxed woods is the original Spalding shipping label which shows the clubs addressed to Mr. George Sargent, Atlanta Athletic Club, East Lake Club House, with the designation of "Hold for Mr. Bobby Jones." Jones was a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club, with East Lake the home course for the club's members. Jones regarded East Lake as his own home course as well, and was an active member there when he won the Grand Slam of Golf in 1930. The course was also the site of Jones' last round of golf in 1948. George Sargent was the head golf pro at East Lake, a position he gained upon Jones' personal recommendation, and had been the winner of the 1909 US Open.
The woods show light use, most likely from testing, and are in near perfect condition.
The outstanding feature of this rare set of boxed woods is the original Spalding shipping label which shows the clubs addressed to Mr. George Sargent, Atlanta Athletic Club, East Lake Club House, with the designation of "Hold for Mr. Bobby Jones." Jones was a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club, with East Lake the home course for the club's members. Jones regarded East Lake as his own home course as well, and was an active member there when he won the Grand Slam of Golf in 1930. The course was also the site of Jones' last round of golf in 1948. George Sargent was the head golf pro at East Lake, a position he gained upon Jones' personal recommendation, and had been the winner of the 1909 US Open.
The woods show light use, most likely from testing, and are in near perfect condition.
1949 The Masters Signed Photograph Presented to Ben Hogan. Unquestionably the finest and most historically important autographed golf piece ever to reach the public auction block, this remarkable artifact is essentially a "get well card" for iconic linksman Ben Hogan from the participants in the 1949 Masters Tournament. Two months earlier, the car Hogan had been driving collided head-on with a Greyhound bus on a fog-shrouded bridge east of Van Horn, Texas. Hogan had thrown his body across his wife Valerie's in the passenger seat in order to protect her, escaping certain death as the steering column impaled the driver's seat. The accident left Hogan with a double-fracture of the pelvis, a fractured collar bone and left ankle, a chipped rib and near-fatal blood clots. Doctors were unsure that Hogan would ever walk again, but few doubted that his golf career was over.
Days after leaving the hospital, but still well before his miraculously successful convalescence was complete, Hogan received a shipment from Augusta, Georgia containing this remarkable gift, a framed 15x19" photograph (matted and framed to 25x26") of all Masters competitors, a wide selection of former Champions, and various others, posed on a rolling fairway with the gallery behind them. Elegantly penned beneath the photo are the following words of encouragement:
"To Our Friend Ben Hogan,
On the eve of the 1949 Masters Tournament we send you heartfelt good wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. In the above photograph you will notice a silver humidor which Bowman, Leven and Tom have in their care. We take this means of letting you know that our signatures are to be engraved on it and the humidor will then be delivered to you in affectionate appreciation of what you have meant to us and to the Masters Tournament."
Ninety-seven signatures fill the wide lower border formed by the matting, an outrageous assortment of Masters Champions past, present and future, and various other legends of the game. Fifty-one of the fifty-three participants in this 1949 tournament are present, and eleven Masters winners representing every Champion since the event's inception except for Ralph Guldahl, who did not participate in the 1949 contest. Among the names:
Master's winners: Horton Smith, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Henry Picard, Jimmy Demaret, Craig Wood, Herman Keiser, Claude Harmon, Sam Snead, Cary Middlecoff.
1949 participants (excluding those already listed above): Johnny Bulla, Lloyd Mangrum, Johnny Palmer, Jim Turnesa, Lew Worsham, Joe Kirkwood, Jr., Clayton Heafner, Herman Keiser, Herman Barron, Leland Gibson, Bobby Lock, Charlie Coe, John Dawson, Jim Ferrier, Frank Stranahan, Pete Cooper, Bob Hamilton, Dutch Harrison, Lawson Little, Tony Penna, Fred Haas, Skip Alexander, George Fazio, Dick Metz, Skee Riegel, Art Bell, Billy Burke, Vic Ghezzi, Ellsworth Vines, Johnny Revolta, Harry Todd, George Schneiter, Al Smith, Herschel Spears, Fred Mosely, Denny Shute, Ed Furgol, Otto Greiner, Gene Dahlbender, Jr., Dick Chapman, Mike Turnesa, Bob Sweeny.
Other notables: Bob Jones, his father Robert P. Jones and Masters chairman Cliff Roberts, Bobby Locke.
Signature quality is exceptional, 8/10 or better without a single exception. The piece came to our consignor from a former employee of Hogan's to whom the Hall of Fame golfer gave the photo personally. Piece has been reframed with UV resistant non-glare glass, but is otherwise 100% original and unrestored. Unquestionably a once in a lifetime opportunity for the advanced golf collector. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Days after leaving the hospital, but still well before his miraculously successful convalescence was complete, Hogan received a shipment from Augusta, Georgia containing this remarkable gift, a framed 15x19" photograph (matted and framed to 25x26") of all Masters competitors, a wide selection of former Champions, and various others, posed on a rolling fairway with the gallery behind them. Elegantly penned beneath the photo are the following words of encouragement:
"To Our Friend Ben Hogan,
On the eve of the 1949 Masters Tournament we send you heartfelt good wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. In the above photograph you will notice a silver humidor which Bowman, Leven and Tom have in their care. We take this means of letting you know that our signatures are to be engraved on it and the humidor will then be delivered to you in affectionate appreciation of what you have meant to us and to the Masters Tournament."
Ninety-seven signatures fill the wide lower border formed by the matting, an outrageous assortment of Masters Champions past, present and future, and various other legends of the game. Fifty-one of the fifty-three participants in this 1949 tournament are present, and eleven Masters winners representing every Champion since the event's inception except for Ralph Guldahl, who did not participate in the 1949 contest. Among the names:
Master's winners: Horton Smith, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Henry Picard, Jimmy Demaret, Craig Wood, Herman Keiser, Claude Harmon, Sam Snead, Cary Middlecoff.
1949 participants (excluding those already listed above): Johnny Bulla, Lloyd Mangrum, Johnny Palmer, Jim Turnesa, Lew Worsham, Joe Kirkwood, Jr., Clayton Heafner, Herman Keiser, Herman Barron, Leland Gibson, Bobby Lock, Charlie Coe, John Dawson, Jim Ferrier, Frank Stranahan, Pete Cooper, Bob Hamilton, Dutch Harrison, Lawson Little, Tony Penna, Fred Haas, Skip Alexander, George Fazio, Dick Metz, Skee Riegel, Art Bell, Billy Burke, Vic Ghezzi, Ellsworth Vines, Johnny Revolta, Harry Todd, George Schneiter, Al Smith, Herschel Spears, Fred Mosely, Denny Shute, Ed Furgol, Otto Greiner, Gene Dahlbender, Jr., Dick Chapman, Mike Turnesa, Bob Sweeny.
Other notables: Bob Jones, his father Robert P. Jones and Masters chairman Cliff Roberts, Bobby Locke.
Signature quality is exceptional, 8/10 or better without a single exception. The piece came to our consignor from a former employee of Hogan's to whom the Hall of Fame golfer gave the photo personally. Piece has been reframed with UV resistant non-glare glass, but is otherwise 100% original and unrestored. Unquestionably a once in a lifetime opportunity for the advanced golf collector. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1960 Ben Hogan Tournament Used Golf Bag. There's probably not a top golfer in the world that wouldn't agree with the statement that Ben Hogan was the purest ball striker in the history of the game. During his time, he dominated his competition like Nicklaus and Woods have done with theirs. No one approached the game with the mental toughness that Hogan had.
Presented is a beautiful 1950's/60's tournament staff bag used by the great Ben Hogan while he was still active in tournament play. The bag was manufactured by The Hogan Company, which he owned. One look at this bag and you'll understand the saying "quality of workmanship." The bright red leather bag is accented with gold tones. Keeping with the standards of its time, the bag is not cluttered with any advertisements or endorsements, it simply has the owner's name "Ben Hogan" exquisitely painted on the front in gold. The bag is a magnificent piece of golf history. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Presented is a beautiful 1950's/60's tournament staff bag used by the great Ben Hogan while he was still active in tournament play. The bag was manufactured by The Hogan Company, which he owned. One look at this bag and you'll understand the saying "quality of workmanship." The bright red leather bag is accented with gold tones. Keeping with the standards of its time, the bag is not cluttered with any advertisements or endorsements, it simply has the owner's name "Ben Hogan" exquisitely painted on the front in gold. The bag is a magnificent piece of golf history. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Early 1960's Gene Sarazen Tournament Used Iron with Sarazen Letter. You can't beat this provenance! A 1993 handwritten and signed letter from the golf icon is penned to a collector who had recently purchased a set of Sarazen's clubs. He writes, in part, "The clubs are enroute via UPS. I included an extra club which I thought you might add to your collection. My pet no. 9 iron, I used this club in the early sixties. Please except (sic) this as a gift." The club exhibits fine use (it was Sarazen's favorite, after all!) with "Staff" and "Gene Sarazen" imprinted in the back of the club head, and "Wilson 9" on the underside. Original leather wrap remains in fine condition. Letter exhibits original mailing folds and all ink is 8/10. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (letter). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (letter).
1960's Ronald Reagan Match Used Golf Bag. During his time in the White House he rarely had time to play but when once asked what his favorite hobby was, the President replied "golf". When asked what his handicap was, he answered, "Congress!"
Presented here is a Wilson Sporting Goods Staff Bag owned and used by the Hollywood star who would later become the fortieth President of the United States. The bag is a 1960's era model, most likely used during his pre-political days, however the bag is politically correct, as it sports only his name and not the usual advertising on the sides. The red and white bag is in great condition but shows definite signs of use. The factory applied name "Ronald Reagan" is displayed on the front of the bag in the traditional Wilson brush script font. A special piece showing another side of one of America's most beloved political figures. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Presented here is a Wilson Sporting Goods Staff Bag owned and used by the Hollywood star who would later become the fortieth President of the United States. The bag is a 1960's era model, most likely used during his pre-political days, however the bag is politically correct, as it sports only his name and not the usual advertising on the sides. The red and white bag is in great condition but shows definite signs of use. The factory applied name "Ronald Reagan" is displayed on the front of the bag in the traditional Wilson brush script font. A special piece showing another side of one of America's most beloved political figures. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1960's Sam Snead Tournament Used Golf Bag. Golf analysts have said "If you watch someone pour a glass of water, you'll know what Sam Snead's swing looks like--smooth and fluid." That smooth and fluid swing won "Slammin' Sammy" over 100 professional titles, including seven major championships. He still ranks to this day as the leading tournament winner in the history of golf.
Snead was a member of the Wilson Golf staff from 1937 until his death in 2002. During this sixty-five year association, Sam must have used a lot of Wilson bags, but none could be finer than the one offered here. Presented is a 1960's style Wilson staff bag in the traditional red and white color scheme. The bag's factory screened Wilson logo adorns both sides of the bag along with Sam Snead's name on the front. The bag shows moderate use and displays in great condition. This is a remarkable item from a true golfing icon. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Snead was a member of the Wilson Golf staff from 1937 until his death in 2002. During this sixty-five year association, Sam must have used a lot of Wilson bags, but none could be finer than the one offered here. Presented is a 1960's style Wilson staff bag in the traditional red and white color scheme. The bag's factory screened Wilson logo adorns both sides of the bag along with Sam Snead's name on the front. The bag shows moderate use and displays in great condition. This is a remarkable item from a true golfing icon. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1971-2004 The Masters Badges Lot of 30. It's the toughest ticket in sports, and we've got thirty of them right here. Or rather, we have thirty of the exclusive badges, issued in very limited numbers to fans attending the sport's most illustrious contest on the Augusta, Georgia grounds where Bobby Jones built his dream course. Tremendous "break down" value here, or the foundation for building a complete set. All are in fine condition and ideal for display. The years offered: 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004.
1973 Jack Nicklaus Tournament Used & Signed Scorecard. A heck of a round for the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, who posted a nine-under sixty-two during the third round of the 1973 Ohio Kings Island Open at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Center in Mason, Ohio. This is the lowest round Nicklaus ever shot in a professional tournament. In this first of four annual contests at the course it was Nicklaus who would emerge the winner, adding further appeal to this rare collectible. The card is scored in the hand of Nicklaus' playing partner Tom Weiskopf, and is signed by both Weiskopf and Nicklaus in 10/10 pencil. Card exhibits expected handling wear and storage folds but no damage of note. Scorecard is affixed to cardboard backing for protection and display. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Frank Sinatra Tournament Used Golf Bag. Sinatra was not only an avid golfer, he was founder and host of the Frank Sinatra Invitational Golf Tournament, which was played in Las Vegas and was a favorite stop on the PGA tour. This staff bag was a top of the line item in its day. It was given to Frank when he was associated with Caesar's Palace during his "Live in Vegas" performances and recordings in the 1970's. Manufactured by the Ben Hogan Company, the bag is dark navy blue with white factory printing on the sides reading "Caesar's Palace" along with the name "Frank Sinatra" on the front of the bag.
This is a very interesting and unique piece of Americana, owned and used by Frank Sinatra. Combine the elements of golf, gambling and Vegas, and top it off with Mr. Sinatra's connection to all three, and this item couldn't be any more unique. The bag is in immaculate condition and would make a tremendous display/conversation piece. Letter of provenance from consignor.
This is a very interesting and unique piece of Americana, owned and used by Frank Sinatra. Combine the elements of golf, gambling and Vegas, and top it off with Mr. Sinatra's connection to all three, and this item couldn't be any more unique. The bag is in immaculate condition and would make a tremendous display/conversation piece. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1970's-80's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Used Driver. All great athletes, no matter what the sport, rely on equipment to help achieve their goals. Mantle had his baseball bat, Gretzky had his hockey stick, McEnroe had his tennis racquet. Each of these athletes could wield his instrument like no other and this holds true for Jack Nicklaus and his driver. When Nicklaus had the driver in his hand, no one was better off the tee.
Beautiful blonde colored "Tourney" persimmon driver was made to Nicklaus' personal specifications and is factory stamped "Jack Nicklaus" in block letters on the sole (a factory designation only Nicklaus' personal clubs received). This magnificent prototype design was never put into production or released for public sale. The steel shafted driver shows moderate but definite usage, especially to the "sweet spot" of the club head. Club is complete with leather wrapped grip. An extremely rare and desirable piece from the greatest golfer in the world. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Beautiful blonde colored "Tourney" persimmon driver was made to Nicklaus' personal specifications and is factory stamped "Jack Nicklaus" in block letters on the sole (a factory designation only Nicklaus' personal clubs received). This magnificent prototype design was never put into production or released for public sale. The steel shafted driver shows moderate but definite usage, especially to the "sweet spot" of the club head. Club is complete with leather wrapped grip. An extremely rare and desirable piece from the greatest golfer in the world. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1980's Jack Nicklaus Prototype Putter: The George Low. When a major title is on the line and Nicklaus has the putter in his hand, put his name on the trophy because you know he's going to make the putt. There is no other golfer in the history of the game that had the talent and the mental approach to make a putt that had to be made. Every golfer knows the feeling of standing over a "must make" three-footer. And now imagine you're Nicklaus, facing a twenty-footer downhill with a double break on a green that is slick as glass. You stand over the ball for what seems like hours, you pull the putter back slowly and finish with a smooth deliberate follow through. You know how this scenario ends--birdie for a tournament win. Nicklaus must have had this feeling many times in his career which included over 100 professional victories.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The George Low model. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The George Low model. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1980's Jack Nicklaus Prototype Putter: The Bristol. When a major title is on the line and Nicklaus has the putter in his hand, put his name on the trophy because you know he's going to make the putt. There is no other golfer in the history of the game that had the talent and the mental approach to make a putt that had to be made. Every golfer knows the feeling of standing over a "must make" three-footer. And now imagine you're Nicklaus, facing a twenty-footer downhill with a double break on a green that is slick as glass. You stand over the ball for what seems like hours, you pull the putter back slowly and finish with a smooth deliberate follow through. You know how this scenario ends--birdie for a tournament win. Nicklaus must have had this feeling many times in his career which included over 100 professional victories.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The Bristol model. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The Bristol model. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1980's Jack Nicklaus Prototype Putter: The Model 600. When a major title is on the line and Nicklaus has the putter in his hand, put his name on the trophy because you know he's going to make the putt. There is no other golfer in the history of the game that had the talent and the mental approach to make a putt that had to be made. Every golfer knows the feeling of standing over a "must make" three-footer. And now imagine you're Nicklaus, facing a twenty-footer downhill with a double break on a green that is slick as glass. You stand over the ball for what seems like hours, you pull the putter back slowly and finish with a smooth deliberate follow through. You know how this scenario ends--birdie for a tournament win. Nicklaus must have had this feeling many times in his career which included over 100 professional victories.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The Model 600. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Whether it be for a tournament championship or a personal record round, the putter always plays the major role in achieving victory. Here is the opportunity to own the ultimate putters associated with the ultimate golfer of all time. These putters were made specifically for Jack Nicklaus and to his exact specifications, with hand forged "blade" pattern, fluted steel shaft, double sight lines and hand wrapped leather grips. All putters are a prototype design and were never released for public sale. All three putters are the same style Nicklaus used while winning fifteen of his twenty major golf titles. This lot features The Model 600. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1980's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Used MacGregor Golf Clubs. When you think of the greatest moments in the game of golf, the name Jack Nicklaus comes to mind.... the 1 iron shot at Pebble Beach, the 9 iron at Firestone, the 5 iron at Augusta. The list goes on and on. Whether you're a fan, a player, or a collector, the name Jack Nicklaus is always foremost when you think of golf.
Here is the rare opportunity to own the ultimate golfing package used by the ultimate golfer. The package includes:
Nicklaus' Personal MacGregor Staff Bag
Persimmon Driver (#1), Persimmon Fairway Wood (#3)
Complete Set of Custom Prototype Irons (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P, S)
These are true custom-made irons produced for and used by Jack Nicklaus. They represent a rare prototype design and are the same style used in his 1986 Masters victory, with hand-ground forged heads and a satin finish. The irons show magnificent wear, with the 7 iron displaying evidence of the skill of the greatest golfer in the world with wear centralized at one precise and perfect striking point. These clubs were never commercially available. The woods and sand iron are in near mint condition and were most likely never used in tournament play. They were, however, manufactured for Nicklaus and do make a nice addition to "round out the set." All the clubs feature leather wrapped grips and are housed in the famous green and white MacGregor staff bag with the Jack Nicklaus nameplate factory applied to the front. The woods are protected by the traditional hand knit large pom pom headcovers. Nicklaus' MacGregor staff bag travel cover is also included in the package. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Here is the rare opportunity to own the ultimate golfing package used by the ultimate golfer. The package includes:
Nicklaus' Personal MacGregor Staff Bag
Persimmon Driver (#1), Persimmon Fairway Wood (#3)
Complete Set of Custom Prototype Irons (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P, S)
These are true custom-made irons produced for and used by Jack Nicklaus. They represent a rare prototype design and are the same style used in his 1986 Masters victory, with hand-ground forged heads and a satin finish. The irons show magnificent wear, with the 7 iron displaying evidence of the skill of the greatest golfer in the world with wear centralized at one precise and perfect striking point. These clubs were never commercially available. The woods and sand iron are in near mint condition and were most likely never used in tournament play. They were, however, manufactured for Nicklaus and do make a nice addition to "round out the set." All the clubs feature leather wrapped grips and are housed in the famous green and white MacGregor staff bag with the Jack Nicklaus nameplate factory applied to the front. The woods are protected by the traditional hand knit large pom pom headcovers. Nicklaus' MacGregor staff bag travel cover is also included in the package. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1986 Official Masters Tournament Scorecard Signed by Jack Nicklaus. Jack Nicklaus proved the doubters wrong as he posted an astounding sixty-five in his final round (including a back nine thirty) to become the oldest winner in Masters history, and the second oldest major winner (behind Julius Boros) of all time. So this official unused scorecard from that historic Augusta event provides a perfect home for Nicklaus' 10/10 black sharpie autograph. Scorecard is likewise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1986 MacGregor Muirfield Golf Clubs Set & Bag. The Muirfield 20th Clubs were the ultimate golf clubs of their time and the top of the line model from the MacGregor Staff Collection. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the clubs were patterned after the MacGregor clubs with which he won the 1986 Masters Tournament (the 20th major win of Nicklaus' career, hence the "Muirfield 20th" name). These are true tournament caliber clubs featuring forged, hand-ground irons and beautiful oil-hardened persimmon woods and the Muirfield blade putter. The clubs are housed in a green and white Staff bag (featuring the Nicklaus nameplate). The woods and putter are protected by the hand-knit pom pom headcovers. The set is in unused, immaculate condition and includes the following:
Persimmon woods (1, 3, 4, 5)
Iron set (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Pitching wedge and sand wedge
Muirfield putter
Green & white MacGregor staff bag with Jack Nicklaus nameplate
Four matching knit pom pom covers.
Letter of provenance from consignor.
Persimmon woods (1, 3, 4, 5)
Iron set (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Pitching wedge and sand wedge
Muirfield putter
Green & white MacGregor staff bag with Jack Nicklaus nameplate
Four matching knit pom pom covers.
Letter of provenance from consignor.
1980's Payne Stewart Tournament Used Golf Bag. When it comes to golf, there was probably no greater fan favorite than Payne Stewart. No one will ever forget his calf length knickers and matching ivy cap. A reporter once asked Payne what motivated him to play great golf and Payne replied "when you dress like I do on the course, you'd better play great golf."
Presented here is a very nice tournament used bag from the early days of Payne Stewart's professional career. The 1980's style black and white Titleist staff bag is exquisite in every way, from the shiny patent leather body and gold trim to Payne Stewart's name across the front of the bag. This is a great golf collectible from a great golfer, who left us far too early. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Presented here is a very nice tournament used bag from the early days of Payne Stewart's professional career. The 1980's style black and white Titleist staff bag is exquisite in every way, from the shiny patent leather body and gold trim to Payne Stewart's name across the front of the bag. This is a great golf collectible from a great golfer, who left us far too early. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1993 Tiger Woods Signed Golf Ball. Any golf collector worth his salt knows just how tough a Tiger signed golf ball is, but this one dates from a time when the most famous player in the world was just a collegiate star for Stanford and a good bit more generous with his autographs. The black sharpie signature on this "Titleist 4" ball presents marvelously, surviving with an unexpected strength of 9/10. Tiger may have taken a few lumps in recent months, but we're betting a few more big wins will put him right back at his earlier strength, and make this scarce collectible a smart investment. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1990's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Used Golf Bag. What can be said about Jack Nicklaus that is not common knowledge? He's the greatest golfer of all time. With over 100 career wins and twenty major championship titles, Nicklaus' legacy is as secure as any in the history of sport.
Presented here is a tournament used bag of Nicklaus', most likely carried in the late 1990's, during the end of his Champions Tour career. The bag is manufactured by his company, Nicklaus Golf. It is a huge, dark blue staff bag, fully embroidered with an array of "Golden Bears" and a facsimile Nicklaus signature. The bag is absolutely stunning, more of an art object than a tool of the golf trade. The bag is in excellent condition displaying light but definite use, an absolutely phenomenal piece of golf history. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Presented here is a tournament used bag of Nicklaus', most likely carried in the late 1990's, during the end of his Champions Tour career. The bag is manufactured by his company, Nicklaus Golf. It is a huge, dark blue staff bag, fully embroidered with an array of "Golden Bears" and a facsimile Nicklaus signature. The bag is absolutely stunning, more of an art object than a tool of the golf trade. The bag is in excellent condition displaying light but definite use, an absolutely phenomenal piece of golf history. Letter of provenance from consignor.
1997-2005 Tiger Woods Signed Masters Badges Lot of 4. Each accompanied by its own Upper Deck holographic authentication sticker and matching certificate, the presented four Masters badges represent the four Augusta victories by golf's greatest star. Flawless sharpie signatures appear on each. Tremendous break down value for dealers with a golf clientele, or a special collection for a big Woods fan. COA's from Upper Deck. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2000's Greg Norman Tournament Used Golf Bag. This white MacGregor Staff golf bag is stunning in design, almost space age in appearance. Used during the early to mid 2000 time period by Greg Norman, this bag is factory embroidered with Norman's name and his signature Shark logo. The bag is gently used with no flaws and displays perfectly. Since his first appearance on the PGA tour, the Australian born Norman has been regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his time, holding golf's number one world ranking for 331 weeks. Norman was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. Letter of provenance from consignor.
Miscellaneous Collectibles
1980 Summer Olympics Torch, Moscow. The U.S.S.R. invasion of Afghanistan in December of 1979 earned widespread international condemnation, with the United States joining more than sixty other nations, including Japan and West Germany, in boycotting the Moscow Games. This sleek aluminum alloy and gold plate torch fittingly recalls the Cold War competition with its classically Soviet utilitarian design. The top ring is a bit bent/warped, quite possibly from the intense heat of the Olympic flame, but the torch exhibits no other noteworthy flaws. Despite the much diminished field of participants, the Moscow Games will be long remembered for its social and political implications, and this torch serves as its most recognizable artifact.
1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics Torch in Original Packaging. Fresh off the showroom floor comes this torch from an Olympics best remembered for Carl Lewis' four Gold Medals to match Jesse Owens, and Mary Lou Retton's flawless vault in women's gymnastics. While other torches got in on the fun, however, this one was left at home. The result is a Dead Mint specimen in its original leather case and cardboard box, complete with instructions manual and documentation regarding the torch relay. Highly collectible in any condition, this unimprovable representation should really strike a chord with serious Olympic collectors.
1984 Summer Olympic Games Salesman's Sample Gold Medal. Direct from the personal collection of a former Josten's employee comes this magnificent and convincing replica of the gold medal crafted for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The 2.5" diameter gold plated masterpiece is identical in design to those presented to Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton except for the word "Sample" stamped on each side. The medal is housed in an attractive wood and lucite display stand and carrying case for the collector on the go. A fine alternative to spending the entirety of your childhood on a track or at the gym in an attempt to get the real thing.
Auto Racing Collectibles
1987 Dale Earnhardt Winston Championship Ring Prototype & Signed Lithograph. Extraordinarily scarce ring was consigned to Heritage by the Josten's employee who designed it, who assures us that it is one of only two ever produced. Complete with an attractive wood display box, the size 9.75 ring is crafted from 10k gold and features a pink stone at center of the face, embossed with a golden eagle and surrounded by twenty faux diamonds and the words "The Winston, Nascar." Left shank reads "1987, The Winston," while right attributes the ring to "Earnhardt" above the logo of the race. Mint, unworn condition. Included is a Garry Hill artist's proof of the famous last lap move Earnhardt put on Jeff Bodine, who took out leader Bill Elliott to afford Earnhardt the win. It is framed attractively to dimensions of 22x31" and boldly signed by both artist and driver. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
Miscellaneous Collectibles
1988 Summer Olympics Torch, Seoul. Scandal rocked this XXIVth Olympiad, with Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson losing his Gold Medal after a world record performance in the 100 meter sprint after a drug test turned up evidence of steroid usage. And Greg Louganis recovered to take a Gold Medal in diving after a scary injury in the preliminary rounds. The torch crafted for those Games boasts splendid condition to flatter its stunning design, which pays tribute to the most celebrated themes of Asian art. A top-tier specimen of one of the most beautiful Olympic torches in the hobby.
Baseball Collectibles
1875 Trophy Baseball Bat Presented by Civil War Veterans' Society. Extraordinary ancient lumber was presented to the victorious Star BBC by the Grand Army of the Republic, a brotherhood of former Union Army soldiers, just a decade after the close of hostilities in the American Civil War. Our consignor located the bat in the attic of an outbuilding on newly purchased property and is unable to assist with a history of the bat, but our research seems to indicate New Jersey as the probable state of issue. An elegantly engraved plaque affixed at lower barrel reads, "Presented by GAR, at Hamilton Park, Friday Sept. 10, 1875, to the Star BBC, Stars 14 - Madison 9."
A team called the "Star BBC" did exist during this period in Newton, New Jersey, fifty miles from New York City. Madison, New Jersey is approximately twenty-five miles from the City. And a Hamilton Park still exists at Weehawken, across the Hudson from Manhattan and just a few miles from Hoboken's Elysian Fields where the first organized game of baseball was played in 1846. Again, this remains only conjecture and further research must be undertaken to confirm that these are indeed the teams and places referenced.
There is no question, however, as to the vintage of the bat or the affixed plaque, each of which survives the 135 passing years admirably. General handling wear is evident, with some apparent paint and minor denting of the plaque the most serious of the issues. Ribbon remains tied at handle. Length is thirty-seven and a half inches. Weight is fifty-three ounces.
A team called the "Star BBC" did exist during this period in Newton, New Jersey, fifty miles from New York City. Madison, New Jersey is approximately twenty-five miles from the City. And a Hamilton Park still exists at Weehawken, across the Hudson from Manhattan and just a few miles from Hoboken's Elysian Fields where the first organized game of baseball was played in 1846. Again, this remains only conjecture and further research must be undertaken to confirm that these are indeed the teams and places referenced.
There is no question, however, as to the vintage of the bat or the affixed plaque, each of which survives the 135 passing years admirably. General handling wear is evident, with some apparent paint and minor denting of the plaque the most serious of the issues. Ribbon remains tied at handle. Length is thirty-seven and a half inches. Weight is fifty-three ounces.
1882 Boston Base Ball Association Stock Certificate. Fully executed stock certificate for the Boston Red Caps was issued to Georgiana S. Slade, apparently as a Christmas gift for a young girl considering the December 27th date and the word "Guardian" just after her name. The entire document measures 5.5x12", and exposes some mild water staining at right side, which causes little problem and does not affect legibility in any way. A center horizontal fold line is apparent, and the receipt (which is included in the measurement) is affixed with an ancient straight pin, resulting in a minor, insignificant tear. A very interesting and very early artifact from the infancy of professional ball.
1907 Toronto Maple Leafs (Baseball) Eastern League Championship Pendant. Gorgeous Championship award represents the spoils of victory for one member of the Toronto team which claimed the 1907 Championship of the Eastern League, the Class A organization just one level below the Majors. Historians credit the team's success this season to the arrival of manager Joe Kelley, the Hall of Fame outfielder who learned his trade (like Wilbert Robinson, John McGraw and Hughie Jennings) under legendary Baltimore Orioles manager Ned Hanlon. Measuring approximately 1.25" in diameter, the pendant features a victory figure on the obverse with the text "1907 Champions Eastern League." Verso reads, "Presented by the Toronto Baseball Club, JJ McCaffery, Pres., Yentzer Weidensaul." Though a treasure of early baseball history, this gorgeous piece is a treasure in its basic essence as well, weighing 23.4 grams of eighteen karat gold, which our Jewelry department calculates to be valued in excess of $600, historical import aside.
1908 Baseball in Cincinnati First Edition Book. Four decades of baseball history, beginning with the formation of the world's first professional team in 1867, are recounted in this essential volume published in 1908. Dust jacket is missing but the book survives in admirable condition otherwise, with a pinhead sized hole at the intersection of spine and front cover and mild handling wear evident on the exterior. Some toning of the internal pages is of little concern, and all pages remain firmly held within the original binding. A very solid example of this scarce book, one of the first baseball histories ever published.
1909 Nashville Volunteers Tony Tonneman Cabinet Photograph. Some of the rarest collectibles we treasure originate from minor league teams and/or systems which are now nothing but references on pages of books or web sites. The photograph was taken by the Marvin W. Miles Studio in Nashville, TN. The name is in the image itself and a clear ad graces the reverse of the 8x10" card mount. The approximately 4.5x6.5" photo pictures a player we are led to believe is Tony Tonneman of the Class A "Nashville Volunteers" of the Southern Association. His career lasted from 1906 to 1921, playing for almost ten different teams. The hand notation in black fountain pen reads, "Compliments of C. R. Tonneman, Nashville Tenn 1909." Realistically speaking, how many exemplars of Tonneman's signature could exist? Although the signature has not been authenticated due to lack of comparables, the photo stands on its own as a rare reminder of a long forgotten segment of the history of the game.
1909-70 First and Last Games at Shibe Park Programs Lot. From the opening of Connie Mack's state-of-the-art baseball palace on April 12, 1909 to the retirement of a beautiful but woefully outdated relic on October 1, 1970, this lot has the history of Philadelphia's most storied stadium covered. Most important, of course, is the spectacularly rare program issued for the grand opening of the Park, a piece which once found a home in the famous Barry Halper collection and was sold in the historic 1999 auction. Flip open the colorful cover and you'll find the announcement, "Souvenir Opening of Shibe Park, Monday, April Twelfth, 1909, Athletics vs. Boston." The fifty-page program is densely packed with articles, photos of Athletics players past and present and marvelous period advertising. The cover exhibits only moderate wear, with some splitting at the spine but all pages and cover still firmly attached, a very respectable VG. Bookending the collection is a program and ticket stub for the Phillies' last home game of 1970, each VG, and two certificates issued at the park that day making note of this important milestone. Finally, the lot includes a slat from a Shibe Park seat back, EX, with a handwritten notation stating it was removed on October 1, 1970 by a fan attending the final game.
1909 Opening of Forbes Field Panoramic Supplement. A spectator's eye view from the right field bleachers of the first contest at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field is provided the viewer of this tough supplement issued by The Index, Pittsburgh's Illustrated Weekly just after the June 30th event. The impressive 14x40" size of the supplement is enhanced by an elegant matting and framing job which expands the final dimensions to 24x49". Below the panoramic image of the field of play are small photographic vignettes picturing the eventual World Champions of the 1909 season, most notably the great Honus Wagner pictured in the pose utilized for his famous T206 trading card. Supplement bears original folds as issued, with an occasional wrinkle and a single two-inch tear, but nothing that distracts the eye from the fine aesthetics. Third party shipping required.
1909 Hughie Jennings Single Signed Game Used Baseball. Deeply toned orb derives from the personal collection of the Hall of Fame Detroit Tigers player/manager best remembered today for his cries of "Ee-yah!" and wild gesticulations in the third base coaching box. The black fountain pen writing on the ball, enhanced in later years to a boldness of 10/10, is a bit inscrutable, though it would appear that the ball saw action in the game in which Detroit secured the American League pennant with a victory over the Boston Red Sox, quite possibly the last out ball from that game.
But while Jennings mentions the words Boston, Pennant (twice) and Ball in game, the September date he supplies does not match with any Tigers meeting with Boston. Jennings twice dedicates the ball to "Nellis," his mistress. Ball is coated with shellac, accounting for its deep toning, and exhibits a small mounting hole at the blue and red stitching. The OAL stamping has been lost to the passage of time. While the correct date of the Tigers' pennant-clinching victory over the Red Sox is October 1st, it would still stand to reason that this is a ball from that game, simply misdated by the Hall of Fame Tiger. And while the ball has been entirely traced over, its status as a spectacularly rare Jennings single signed orb only adds to the enormous appeal. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication (noting tracing).
But while Jennings mentions the words Boston, Pennant (twice) and Ball in game, the September date he supplies does not match with any Tigers meeting with Boston. Jennings twice dedicates the ball to "Nellis," his mistress. Ball is coated with shellac, accounting for its deep toning, and exhibits a small mounting hole at the blue and red stitching. The OAL stamping has been lost to the passage of time. While the correct date of the Tigers' pennant-clinching victory over the Red Sox is October 1st, it would still stand to reason that this is a ball from that game, simply misdated by the Hall of Fame Tiger. And while the ball has been entirely traced over, its status as a spectacularly rare Jennings single signed orb only adds to the enormous appeal. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication (noting tracing).
1909 Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship Trophy Presented to Barney Dreyfuss. Enormous in historical significance, the offered loving cup is believed to be the one and only Championship prize presented to Pirates team owner Barney Dreyfuss for the franchise's first ever World Series victory, therefore effectively making it the first Pittsburgh Pirates World Championship trophy. The appeal intensifies when we recall that it is Dreyfuss himself who is widely credited with the creation of the World Series, as it was his challenge to the 1903 American League pennant winners that gave birth to the Fall Classic. Certainly the presentation of this cup a half-dozen years after his club's surprising defeat at the hands of the underdog Boston Americans in that first Series was particularly gratifying.
A posthumous 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, Dreyfuss immigrated to the United States from his German homeland in 1885 and immediately developed an obsession with the uniquely American sport of baseball. In 1890, Dreyfuss became a part owner of the Louisville Colonels, and when he purchased the Pirates in 1899 he brought with him from his former club Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Rube Waddell and Fred Clarke, the foundation of those great early Bucs teams. During his thirty-two year reign as president and general manager of the Pirates the club won six National League pennants and two World Series.
This inaugural Series victory came during the first season at the grand new ballpark built by Dreyfuss, a stadium he named Forbes Field after the French and Indian War general John Forbes (who established Fort Pitt in 1758) despite considerable pressure to name the park after himself. It would serve as home to the Pirates for over six decades. It was here at this new stadium, on October 8, 1909, that the two greatest legends of the Dead Ball Era--Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb--would meet for the first time on a baseball diamond. It would require the full supply of seven games for the Pirates to defeat the Detroit Tigers and earn baseball immortality.
The trophy marking this historic occasion was sourced in 1980 from the Benswanger family (William Benswanger was Dreyfuss' son-in-law and assumed control of the team's daily operations in 1931), and the presentation of the cup is well documented in the November 6, 1909 issue of Sporting Life (a computer printout will be provided). Discussing photographs taken during celebration of the recent World Series victory, the text reads,
"The other picture which will go to Barney's big collection is a flash of the banquet tendered to him by the Westmoreland Country Club, an organization made up of wealthy Jewish residents of the city. They own a $50,000 club house and 75 acres of ground back of Vernon, Pa. This club is an exclusive union and membership is not attainable by everybody. Only four non-members were at the dinner, which was decreed to be a superb event. At the conclusion Col. Dreyfuss was given a magnificent loving cup. The words "Won by clean play and by a clean man" were emphasized by the speaker of the evening when he handed the souvenir to the Pirates' owner."
The gorgeous sterling silver cup bears the mark of "Reed & Barton," the acclaimed silversmiths tasked with creation and production of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The three-handled trophy stands 10.5" in height and 10" in diameter, including width of handles. Weight is approximately 30.5 troy ounces. Expertly engraved on its face are the words, "The Westmoreland Country Club, To Col. Barney Dreyfuss, 'True Sportsman,' For giving Pittsburg The Base Ball Championship of the World, October 27th, 1909." Note that the city name is spelled in its early style, lacking the silent letter "h," as was proper at the time. The trophy presents magnificently with no dents or pitting whatsoever, perhaps just a simple polishing job removed from 100% as-new condition.
Clearly one of the most important Championship awards to appear upon the auction block in recent memory, this elegant early artifact of our National Pastime likewise stands as a glimmering symbol of the American Dream. Just under a quarter century after a poor Jewish immigrant from Germany, speaking not a word of English, arrived on our shores, Barney Dreyfuss had realized his greatest aspiration. We hope and expect that the new owner of this special relic will be inspired when recalling the long and difficult road Dreyfuss traveled to reach the pinnacle of the baseball world.
A link to the "Sporting Life" article discussing the presentation of this trophy to Dreyfuss is available here. Relevant text is near top of second column.
A posthumous 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, Dreyfuss immigrated to the United States from his German homeland in 1885 and immediately developed an obsession with the uniquely American sport of baseball. In 1890, Dreyfuss became a part owner of the Louisville Colonels, and when he purchased the Pirates in 1899 he brought with him from his former club Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Rube Waddell and Fred Clarke, the foundation of those great early Bucs teams. During his thirty-two year reign as president and general manager of the Pirates the club won six National League pennants and two World Series.
This inaugural Series victory came during the first season at the grand new ballpark built by Dreyfuss, a stadium he named Forbes Field after the French and Indian War general John Forbes (who established Fort Pitt in 1758) despite considerable pressure to name the park after himself. It would serve as home to the Pirates for over six decades. It was here at this new stadium, on October 8, 1909, that the two greatest legends of the Dead Ball Era--Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb--would meet for the first time on a baseball diamond. It would require the full supply of seven games for the Pirates to defeat the Detroit Tigers and earn baseball immortality.
The trophy marking this historic occasion was sourced in 1980 from the Benswanger family (William Benswanger was Dreyfuss' son-in-law and assumed control of the team's daily operations in 1931), and the presentation of the cup is well documented in the November 6, 1909 issue of Sporting Life (a computer printout will be provided). Discussing photographs taken during celebration of the recent World Series victory, the text reads,
"The other picture which will go to Barney's big collection is a flash of the banquet tendered to him by the Westmoreland Country Club, an organization made up of wealthy Jewish residents of the city. They own a $50,000 club house and 75 acres of ground back of Vernon, Pa. This club is an exclusive union and membership is not attainable by everybody. Only four non-members were at the dinner, which was decreed to be a superb event. At the conclusion Col. Dreyfuss was given a magnificent loving cup. The words "Won by clean play and by a clean man" were emphasized by the speaker of the evening when he handed the souvenir to the Pirates' owner."
The gorgeous sterling silver cup bears the mark of "Reed & Barton," the acclaimed silversmiths tasked with creation and production of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The three-handled trophy stands 10.5" in height and 10" in diameter, including width of handles. Weight is approximately 30.5 troy ounces. Expertly engraved on its face are the words, "The Westmoreland Country Club, To Col. Barney Dreyfuss, 'True Sportsman,' For giving Pittsburg The Base Ball Championship of the World, October 27th, 1909." Note that the city name is spelled in its early style, lacking the silent letter "h," as was proper at the time. The trophy presents magnificently with no dents or pitting whatsoever, perhaps just a simple polishing job removed from 100% as-new condition.
Clearly one of the most important Championship awards to appear upon the auction block in recent memory, this elegant early artifact of our National Pastime likewise stands as a glimmering symbol of the American Dream. Just under a quarter century after a poor Jewish immigrant from Germany, speaking not a word of English, arrived on our shores, Barney Dreyfuss had realized his greatest aspiration. We hope and expect that the new owner of this special relic will be inspired when recalling the long and difficult road Dreyfuss traveled to reach the pinnacle of the baseball world.
A link to the "Sporting Life" article discussing the presentation of this trophy to Dreyfuss is available here. Relevant text is near top of second column.
Circa 1910 Christy Mathewson "A Fan for a Fan." It was with no small degree of skepticism that we fielded an inquiry from our consignor claiming to have the rare Mathewson "Fan for a Fan." Over the years we've seen a few dozen, each rather quickly dismissed as a modern reproduction with grainy print quality, a stick about twice as wide as is proper, and blank on the back. But this gentleman was confident that he had located the genuine article, and we're pleased to report that he was correct. And not only was this estate auction find the real deal, but also perhaps the finest Mathewson ever to surface in the collecting hobby. A semi-circular bend just above the crown of Matty's head and a lighter one to his right account for the bulk of the condition issues, the latter of which is only evident upon the closest of examination. The original stick remains present and unbroken. The gorgeous lithography remains bright and brilliant, and the proper baseball design appears on verso. The first Mathewson representation to reach the auction block of a major house since October 2005, this lot should be considered a "must win" for the discerning hobbyist.
Circa 1910 Eddie Collins Full Size Decal Bat. They called him "Cocky," and with a lifetime batting average of .333 and 3,315 career hits, he could be forgiven for a bit of arrogance. The offered artifact dates from early in the Hall of Famers' quarter-century playing career, when he was representing Connie Mack's first great Athletics dynasty. Eighteen inches in length, this miniaturized Hillerich & Bradsby has weathered the passing of a century remarkably well, with decal loss confined almost entirely to the area to the right of Collins' portrait. Approximately 90% of the decal's entire area remains unblemished. Bat itself exhibits no cracking or chipping. One of the finest from the sparse surviving population.
1911 Addie Joss Benefit Game Panoramic Photograph. Those who joined us for our October 2005 Signature auction were surely struck by the $90,000 price realized for Frank "Home Run" Baker's personal copy of this remarkable panoramic photograph. A quick check of the auction results database confirmed everyone's suspicions-it was indeed the highest price ever paid for an unsigned sports photo. And this makes perfect sense.
Consider the factors that propel such a piece to the pinnacle of sports photography collection. First, of course, is the exceptional collection of talent captured on film. No fewer than nine Hall of Famers are pictured among the thirty-seven uniformed ballplayers: Cy Young (in his twenty-second and final season), Napoleon Lajoie, Walter Johnson, Bobby Wallace, Frank "Home Run" Baker, Sam Crawford, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, and Ty Cobb, who appears third from the right in borrowed Indians gear, his Tigers uniform still in his luggage which never made it off the train. And, of course, we cannot forget the great "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, essentially a rookie having played in only thirty games prior to this season. Each and every one of these legends, appearing in uniform in a period photograph, commands tremendous attention from collectors. But a congregation of Dead Ball gods such as this could only have happened on this single day, July 24, 1911, as the Cleveland Naps took on the best in the American League in what could justifiably be called the first All-Star Game. It was the tragic death from meningitis of Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss that brought the best in the game to League Park, the only time prior to the birth of the modern All-Star Game in 1933 that so many different Major League uniforms shared a single diamond.
Next, we must remember how very rare this photograph was, even in 1911. The technology used to print these very special images was particularly expensive, and the run was very limited as a result. Each of the players pictured would have received a copy, and then a very small assortment of executives and VIP's. That is all.
Finally, only a year from the centennial of this historic baseball event, just a tiny handful of the original small supply still exists. Vintage photography has so many enemies-water damage, tearing, creasing, Spring cleaning, you name it. The overwhelming majority of these prints have long ago found a final resting place in the landfill, leaving he who can boast of one in his collection in truly elite company. And no collector could possibly set himself further apart than with the ownership of this, undoubtedly one of the finest examples of a Joss panoramic photo on earth. The only condition issues worthy of note are represented by an irregularly shaped area of emulsion loss (approximately the size of a silver dollar) at upper left and an area of damp-staining at far right. Neither of these concerns infringe upon the player images, leaving the prime focus unencumbered by any distractions. Vintage tape on verso appears to be the result of an ancient and long-lost framing job, as there are no tears to repair nor a single crease to reinforce. We encourage serious bidders to examine our enlargeable images online which will present the most accurate assessment of condition. Dimensions are 8x40".
Consider the factors that propel such a piece to the pinnacle of sports photography collection. First, of course, is the exceptional collection of talent captured on film. No fewer than nine Hall of Famers are pictured among the thirty-seven uniformed ballplayers: Cy Young (in his twenty-second and final season), Napoleon Lajoie, Walter Johnson, Bobby Wallace, Frank "Home Run" Baker, Sam Crawford, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, and Ty Cobb, who appears third from the right in borrowed Indians gear, his Tigers uniform still in his luggage which never made it off the train. And, of course, we cannot forget the great "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, essentially a rookie having played in only thirty games prior to this season. Each and every one of these legends, appearing in uniform in a period photograph, commands tremendous attention from collectors. But a congregation of Dead Ball gods such as this could only have happened on this single day, July 24, 1911, as the Cleveland Naps took on the best in the American League in what could justifiably be called the first All-Star Game. It was the tragic death from meningitis of Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss that brought the best in the game to League Park, the only time prior to the birth of the modern All-Star Game in 1933 that so many different Major League uniforms shared a single diamond.
Next, we must remember how very rare this photograph was, even in 1911. The technology used to print these very special images was particularly expensive, and the run was very limited as a result. Each of the players pictured would have received a copy, and then a very small assortment of executives and VIP's. That is all.
Finally, only a year from the centennial of this historic baseball event, just a tiny handful of the original small supply still exists. Vintage photography has so many enemies-water damage, tearing, creasing, Spring cleaning, you name it. The overwhelming majority of these prints have long ago found a final resting place in the landfill, leaving he who can boast of one in his collection in truly elite company. And no collector could possibly set himself further apart than with the ownership of this, undoubtedly one of the finest examples of a Joss panoramic photo on earth. The only condition issues worthy of note are represented by an irregularly shaped area of emulsion loss (approximately the size of a silver dollar) at upper left and an area of damp-staining at far right. Neither of these concerns infringe upon the player images, leaving the prime focus unencumbered by any distractions. Vintage tape on verso appears to be the result of an ancient and long-lost framing job, as there are no tears to repair nor a single crease to reinforce. We encourage serious bidders to examine our enlargeable images online which will present the most accurate assessment of condition. Dimensions are 8x40".
1912 World Series Souvenir Program. Far more scarce than the "official" model issued this first October at Fenway is this fascinating twelve-page scorecard once belonging to a fan on hand to witness Tris Speaker's Red Sox battle Christy Mathewson's Giants. The delicate volume has withstood the dangers of the passing century admirably, with limited spine separation (tape repaired at interior) and slight wrinkling, but remaining complete and intact. Punch holes at spine may or may not be original to the design, as similar programs often had ribbons attached. An exciting piece for the advanced program collector.
1913 New York Giants & Chicago White Sox Panoramic Photographs Lot of 2. Incredible display pairs two panoramic photographs (each 6x43" in size) capturing the scene at the baseball grounds of Oxnard, California as the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox faced off on November 11, 1913. Baseball historians will recognize this barnstorming expedition as the "Tour to End All Tours" during which the two clubs visited thirteen countries just prior to the start of the first World War. Best is the photo matted at top, picturing each team standing shoulder to shoulder in front of a grandstand packed with spectators. We can spot Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, Hal Chase, Tris Speaker, Wahoo Sam Crawford and Buck Weaver in uniform, and Frank Chance in civilian gear in center. The lower image is a full vista of the field of action, with Mathewson ducking beneath the third baseman's throw to first. Each photo exhibits several vertical creases from the photos having been rolled then crushed, but each still presents quite nicely and, considering the tremendous rarity, such faults must be forgiven. Photos are matted and framed to 19x50". Third party shipping required.
1914 "Miracle" Boston Braves World Championship Leather. Exceptionally rare in any condition, and particularly in the remarkable EX state in which this specimen finds itself today, this incredible fringed leather pillow top celebrates the team responsible for one of the most improbable comebacks in the game's long history. Ten games below .500 at the midpoint of the season, the Braves stormed back in the second half to win sixty-one of the final seventy-seven to take the pennant by a landslide. A four-game sweep of the all but invincible Philadelphia Athletics in October accounts for the bold "World Champions" text that, along with "Boston Braves" above, frames the incredible photographic image imprinted on the body of the piece. Identifiable in the front row are Hall of Famers Johnny Evers and Rabbit Maranville. Factory cut tassels and a stitched leather band, used to secure the piece to a pillow, ring the perimeter of this exceptional piece. Both of these features are original and unrestored, with no additional stitching as is often seen. A degree of surface wear is to be expected given the intent of the artifact as a pillow cover, though our catalog imagery should indicate that the overall aesthetics remain strong. Total dimensions are 23x24".
1916 World Series (Brooklyn Dodgers) Press Pin. Diminutive in size but enormous in collecting appeal, the presented pin allowed one lucky journalist entry to Ebbets Field to watch Games Three and Four of the Dodgers' Fall Classic meeting with Babe Ruth's Boston Red Sox. The scarce artifact has survived the passing decades admirably, with light wear to the central baseball iconography and very clean blue and white enameling at the edges. Pin remains affixed at verso, where "Dieges & Clust" stamping is found. While 1916 Brooklyn pins are typically found with a threaded post on verso, we're confident that this is a rare variation, as it is clear that no post ever resided here. Diameter .75".
Circa 1918 "Play Ball" Notebook with Babe Ruth Cover. Two Hall of Famers and a disgraced Black Sox pitcher on the cover makes this rare notebook a genuine treasure for the cultured collector. Ruth is the main focus of the design, exhibiting his southpaw pitching style in the uniform of the Boston Red Sox. Slim Sallee, Eddie Collins and Eddie Cicotte appear in smaller photographic vignettes below. The 8x10" notebook still holds its lined pages within, and exhibits only a dime-sized area of paper loss and very mild staining in the white border area of the cover to illustrate its age. A remarkably strong example of this rare collectible.
1918 Chicago Cubs Team Panoramic Photograph. The single-year uniform style allows us to definitively date this spectacular panoramic photograph to the 1918 season, one which concluded with the club's first National League pennant in eight years. It's the only example we've ever seen of this marvelous relic, and it's all but assured to be the finest of any small supply which might possibly still exist. Two small tears at the upper border, neither longer than one inch, are only apparent upon the closest of inspection, and mark the sole flaws requiring mention. From any reasonable viewing distance the photo presents just as perfectly as the day it was printed. Ironically, we find Fred Merkle among the casually posed players, the very man whose "boner" was responsible for breathing new life into the club during the Cubs' last World Championship season in 1908. He stands beside Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander, who appears distracted by something or someone in the grandstands. Size is 9x29.5", with the original frame expanding the dimensions by two inches on each side. Third party shipping required.
1919 World Series Game Used Baseball. Despite losses in Games One and Four, Eddie Cicotte retained the trust of White Sox manager Kid Gleason, who sent the guilty knuckleballer to the mound for his third Series start in Game Seven. With the Black Sox conspirators beginning to suspect their payoffs from crooked gamblers might never come, Cicotte surrendered a single run in nine full innings, pulling Chicago to within a game of evening the Series. Presented is an ONL (Heydler) ball utilized during this Redland Field contest, exhibiting fine use and vintage handwritten notations detailing the specifics. Below a box score recounting the tally of runs, hits and errors, the original owner penned, "World's Series, Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1919." This would prove to be the last game the White Sox would win in 1919, as an underworld visit to Lefty Williams this evening threatening violence to the southpaw's wife should the Reds fail to win Game Eight proved effective in ending the Series. Ink has faded slightly but remains easily and completely legible. Only the second 1919 World Series game used baseball we've ever encountered.
1921 World Series Program. Coogan's Bluff became the center of the baseball world during the first half of October 1921 as the National and American League representatives calling that stadium home faced off for the first of three consecutive Fall Classic battles. The Yankees would fall in eight games in their first World Series appearance but this season could appropriately be considered the beginning of the ballclub's rise to the pinnacle of the sport. The tremendously scarce program is partially scored for Game Three, the fan apparently so stunned by the four runs recorded by each team in the third inning that he lost his pencil. Some tack holes along the spine, a vertical center bend, general toning and wear and a partially detached center scorecard must be noted but do little to distract. Technical VG with a superior appearance.
1922 World Series Program. A rematch of the 1921 Fall Classic produced the same result, as the Yankees would again fall to their National League landlords the New York Giants. This was the first year the Series was played as a best of seven contest and the presented program is fully pencil scored for the third Game, the day after the teams played to a controversial scoreless tie believed to have ended without a winner in an attempt to increase gate receipts rather than for a legitimate visibility problem. The center scorecard is detached but present, and there is splitting on the spine but no other loose pages beside that already noted. A heavy vertical center crease is to be noted, along with pencil writing on the cover and general wear throughout. VG.
1923 New York Yankees Team News Photograph. Here it is, the first of twenty-seven World Championship New York Yankees teams! Spectacular photo snapped when the paint was still wet on the glorious new baseball palace in the Bronx appeared in newspapers under the headline "American League Pennant Winners," as the clipping affixed to verso indicates. A date stamp reads "Sep 23, 1923." The Babe is fittingly placed at dead center in the back row, with his manager Miller Huggins and his mascot Eddie Bennett directly in front of him. The image is slightly trimmed to dimensions of 7.75x9.25" and bears the hand-rendered editorial enhancements apparent in the newsprint version on verso. An upper right corner crease remains clear of the subjects, and a simple framing job would make this a real beauty of a display.
1924 Washington Senators "Pennant Winners" Rare Pinback Button. Exceedingly rare pinback is the first we've encountered outside the pages of Paul Muchinsky's definitive text on the topic, Baseball Pinback Buttons: A Photographically Illustrated Compendium and Price Guide, which lists a conservative $3,000 book value. Given the lack of any specimens reaching the auction block in the past decade, there's every reason to believe that here we present the last opportunity to own one, so bid accordingly. The 1.75" celluloid beauty was evidently sold at Griffith Stadium during the 1924 World Series, given that the text reads "Pennant Winners" as opposed to "World Champions." This tiny print run would certainly account for the highly endangered population status today. Mild foxing of the celluloid causes little distraction, and the pin is otherwise free of such typical symptoms of aging like crazing or chipping. Limited oxidation on verso causes no problems for display, and original ribbon and miniature baseball charm remain intact and complete.
1927 New York Yankees Team Panoramic Photograph. If you're a true Yankees fan, you might consider this the greatest photograph on the face of the earth. We wouldn't try to change your mind. It's the first time we've encountered this simply phenomenal image, snapped in the sunny, sleepy town of St. Petersburg, Florida where the Yankees were preparing for what has gone down in history as the single greatest baseball campaign in the sport's long history. All of Murderer's Row is here, most notably Lou and the Babe, who stand side by side left of center in the back row. The sepia-toned image has endured more than three quarters of a century with remarkable aplomb, with minor staining in the wide white border areas and a single light four-inch crease confined almost entirely to the grassy foreground of the image, and only evident at certain angles to the light. Size is 10x24".
1927 Babe Ruth Saxophone Presented to Him by Paul Whiteman. From the reaction of his buddy Lou, it looks as if the Babe was not quite as handy with the saxophone as he was with a Louisville Slugger, but then they never did call him the Sultan of Song. Presented here is the horn Ruth is tooting in this charming and famous photograph, presented to him during his finest professional season by the nation's most popular band leader. This antique instrument is surely worth a nice sum of money in its own right, elegantly crafted by the noteworthy Buescher company as the ornate design on the front of the horn signifies. Engraved on the interior lip of the horn is the all-important engraved dedication, "Paul Whitemam (sic) to Babe Ruth 1927." Both the manufacturer's logo and the engraving to Ruth are barely discernible in the photograph of the Yankee legends.
The saxophone remains in fantastic undamaged condition in a non-contemporary case, and includes a photocopy of the letter of provenance issued when the horn was initially sold at auction a decade ago. It explains that Ruth had given the instrument to the president of Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York as a gift in lieu of payment for medical services rendered to his wife. The saxophone was initially consigned by the grandson of the doctor. A modern print of the Ruth and Gehrig photo is likewise included in the lot. Surely one of the most unique and interesting pieces of Ruth memorabilia to reach the auction block in recent memory.
The saxophone remains in fantastic undamaged condition in a non-contemporary case, and includes a photocopy of the letter of provenance issued when the horn was initially sold at auction a decade ago. It explains that Ruth had given the instrument to the president of Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York as a gift in lieu of payment for medical services rendered to his wife. The saxophone was initially consigned by the grandson of the doctor. A modern print of the Ruth and Gehrig photo is likewise included in the lot. Surely one of the most unique and interesting pieces of Ruth memorabilia to reach the auction block in recent memory.
1928 World Series Program & Ticket Stub, Babe Ruth Three Home Run Game. After clubbing three home runs for a hospitalized child named Johnny Sylvester in a single 1926 World Series game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the great Bambino repeated the feat two years later, helping to close out a four-game sweep and avenge the 1926 Fall Classic defeat. Presented is a program and ticket stub once owned by a witness to this historic 1928 contest. The former is fully pencil scored at center and includes the next day's newspaper box score glued in place beside the Yankees score sheet. An ink notation on the cover is present, and the program remains clean and tightly bound with no problematic flaws beyond mild handling wear. The stub presents as EX-MT from the front, with scrapbook removal remnants and an ink notation on verso.
Circa 1928 Babe Ruth Underwear in Box. The first great marketing icon of American sports provides his boyish charms to hawk boy's underwear. The cardboard box shows expected wear with repaired tears to the cover and separation at a few of the seams, but the single underwear shirt inside is unused though mildly toned with age. A couple unused tags are inside as well. One of the most sought after Ruth products in the collectibles market today, presenting far better than its technical G-VG grade.
1929 New York Yankees Photographic Snapshots Lot of 23 from Bill Dickey Estate. The Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees was just a star-struck rookie when he went about snapping photos of his teammates during pre-game warm-ups in the early years of the original Yankee Stadium. While the mighty Babe Ruth is absent from the cast of characters, all the other notables are present, each identified in vintage ink. Pictured are Gehrig, Lazzeri, Hoyt, Durocher, Dickey himself (the only photo lacking a handwritten identifier), Pipgras, Shawkey, Zachary, Meusel, Koenig, Durst, Paschal and even the bat boy and Ruth's lucky charm Eddie Bennett. Each exhibits the remnants of scrapbook removal on verso, but the 2.75x4.5" photos suffer no other flaws worth noting. Photos are sharply focused and wonderfully evocative, offering a player's eye view into baseball's Golden Age.
1920's-30's Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Co. Baseball in Box. Arguably the greatest name in Pittsburgh baseball utilized his immeasurable star power to promote his own line of sporting goods in Steeltown, and here we find an astonishingly rare unused baseball in its original box. The ball has toned slightly over the years but is otherwise untouched by the hands of time, and the box likewise presents only hints of foxing to indicate its advanced age. No tearing, crushing or staining whatsoever! A special find for the rare baseball collector.
1930's Lou Gehrig Original News Photographs Lot of 3. Three fine photographic portraits of the Iron Horse during the waning years of his Hall of Fame career. Each 7x9" photo bears the stamp of a major news organization on verso--Wide World Photos, Acme Newspictures and Associated Press Photo--with handwritten editorial notations. The three-quarter pose photo exhibits significant creasing at lower right corner and a couple tack holes near upper edge, but other two feature only minor edge wear.
1920's-30's Babe Ruth Original News Photographs Lot of 3. Trio of 7x9" photos capture the greatest name in the history of our National Pastime, twice during active duty and the third as a spectator at Yankee Stadium soon after his retirement. Each bears the stamping of a major news organization--International News Photos, Acme Newspictures and Wide World Photos--on verso. The first generation photos exhibit minor corner wear and the post-career photo has a small tape-repaired tear at upper border.
1932 World Series (Chicago Cubs) Program. Well-preserved publication was issued at Chicago's Wrigley Field in October of 1932, a Series best remembered for Ruth's apocryphal "Called Shot." Only a single pencil scribble resides upon the center scorecard, leaving us unable to identify the exact game the original owner witnessed, though perhaps the markings were spawned by frustration over the Babe's heroics against the hometown club. Very minor surface wear to front and rear covers and spine, with interior pages unaffected by the passing decades. A marvelous specimen.
1932 Lyn Lary New York Yankees World Championship Ring. Well-loved golden trinket was the prize for Lyn "Broadway" Lary's help in securing the Yankee victory in the 1932 World Series, a Fall Classic best recalled today for Babe Ruth's fabled "Called Shot" in the second contest of the four-game sweep of the Cubs. The ring was first offered in the famous Barry Halper auction in 1999, accompanied by a note from Lary's son to Halper, which is included here as well. As indicated, the ring exhibits heavy wear, smoothing clean the bulk of the ring's definition though leaving the half carat diamond at center of the ring's face unhampered. Likewise clear as day is the elegant script at the interior band attributing the ring to "Lynford Lary." Despite condition issues, any player's ring from a Yankees World Championship, and particularly a prewar model, carries enormous collecting appeal. The ironclad provenance only further elevates the intense desirability of the offering. Size 9.5. A VG example of Lary's 1933 Goudey trading card is thrown in for display.
1932 Boston Braves Panoramic Team Photograph. Spring training shot captures the Boston National League club in a relaxed posture beneath the palm trees of their Florida practice fields. That's Rabbit Maranville seated at far left, with fellow Hall of Famer Bill McKechnie seated at center. Tom Zachary, the pitcher who surrendered Babe Ruth's sixtieth home run in 1927, is here as well. Some toning and a single two-inch tear is apparent at upper edge but there are no other condition issues of note beyond underlined names of Shires and Chatham, the latter of which is identified as the photo's original owner on verso, where the edges are reinforced with duct tape. A neat, rare image measuring 8x29".
Early 1930's Babe Ruth Feen-a-mint Mask. "If Babe Ruth hits a homer today Wear this mask to show your appreciation," the reverse of this charming relic advises. Though the product might be a bit distasteful (Feen-a-mint, the chewing gum laxative!), this card stock mask itself is anything but. Condition is very strong, with only minimal wear evident, and broken band to secure the mask to one's noggin.
1933 All-Star Game Panoramic Photograph. A tradition was born this day as the finest players of the American and National Leagues faced off at Chicago's Comiskey Park, a match held in conjunction with the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago and originally slated to be just a one-time event. The rousing success inspired the game's installation as an annual match, and the enormous crowd of spectators seen within this remarkable shot from the center field bleachers is all the proof one would need. Enormous at 12x30" not counting its modern frame, the photo is the work of Chicago's "Kaufmann-Fabry" studios, whose name appears at lower right. Text at upper left provides the details of the day. Inset team photos appear in the sky above the infield grandstands, and it appears to be Babe Ruth at the plate. Condition is spectacular, with a small flaw at the upper right corner where the emulsion stuck to the glass, well clear of the focal point of the shot. Well over 99% of the area remains problem-free. A remarkable trip back in time to a remarkable afternoon in Depression-era ball.
1934-36 Diamond Stars Schoolboy Rowe #33 Original Artwork. They sure don't make them like this anymore. Gorgeous and vibrant Depression-era graphics were commissioned for one of the hobby's earliest bubble gum issues, capturing a youthful Lynnwood "Schoolboy" Rowe not long after his Major League debut. The acrylic on artist's board work measures 4.5x5.5" in size, and is affixed to a slightly larger sheet. Rowe's name appears in pencil at the thin lower margin. Mild handling wear but the work exhibits no issues of any distraction. An art deco masterpiece certain to impress sports historians and fine art connoisseurs alike.
1935 Negro National League Broadside. One of the greatest broadsides ever to surface from the woefully endangered species of Negro League artifacts is this large (21.5x27") cardstock beauty produced to promote a Nashville Elite Giants contest in 1935. While it is true that any large display piece from the Negro Leagues could rightfully be considered rare and desirable, the astounding graphics and historic import sets this one apart from the rest. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only period piece ever discovered to feature extensive photographic imagery of multiple Negro League teams. In fact, six of the eight teams comprising the NNL appear (only the Philadelphia Stars and Newark Dodgers fail to register in photographic form), providing images of such legends as Josh Gibson, Turkey Stearnes, Willie Wells, Cool Papa Bell, Smokey Joe Williams, Martin Dihigo and dozens of supporting castmembers.
The unused nature of the poster is certainly the key to its survival, as it was likely lost and forgotten in an attic or basement for decades. A degree of toning and wear at the borders must be addressed, but our catalog imagery should indicate that this is of minor concern, and that the central focus of the piece remains unperturbed by any distracting condition issues. A simply remarkable find that would serve well as the cornerstone of any collection dedicated to this noble second league.
The unused nature of the poster is certainly the key to its survival, as it was likely lost and forgotten in an attic or basement for decades. A degree of toning and wear at the borders must be addressed, but our catalog imagery should indicate that this is of minor concern, and that the central focus of the piece remains unperturbed by any distracting condition issues. A simply remarkable find that would serve well as the cornerstone of any collection dedicated to this noble second league.
Late 1930's Lou Gehrig Pinback. If this image looks familiar it's likely because you've seen it on the 1941 memorial "Never Forgotten" pinbacks which seem to surface much more often in the hobby. This pin was issued several years earlier, certainly during the Iron Horse's active duty with the team he so faithfully represented. The celluloid beauty measures 1.75" in diameter and exhibits only mild handling wear and a small bubble on Lou's forehead suffered during the pin's production. Very limited oxidation on verso, where original pin and baseball charm remain firmly affixed.
1936 World Series Press Pin (New York Yankees). The Fall Classic was confined to a single square mile of ground this season as the Yanks faced off against their "stone's throw" neighbors, the New York Giants. Pin issued for Bronx action remains in marvelous condition seven decades later, with minor imperfections to the enamel visible only upon the closest of inspection. The original threaded post (slightly bent) and nut remain solid on verso. Crafted by Dieges & Clust.
1938 Polo Grounds Outfield Panoramic Photographic Display. Incredible triptych of four 8x10" photographs supplies a panoramic view of the Polo Grounds outfield as patrolled by Mel Ott and Jo Jo White during the 1938 season. The photos derive from the Harry M. Stevens collection, the panorama produced as a marketing piece for potential advertisers considering adding their names to the home run walls. Photos remain in splendid undamaged condition, professionally linen-backed for safe archiving and to maintain the proper spacing. A personal time machine for one lucky winning bidder.
1930's-40's Roderick "Bobby" Wallace Baseball Passes Lot of 2. A rookie with the 1894 Cleveland Spiders, the twenty-year old Wallace couldn't have dreamed that he would one day rejoin his teammates Cy Young, Jesse Burkett and Buck Ewing in a place called the Baseball Hall of Fame. Inducted at age eighty, just seven years before his passing in 1960, Wallace is one of the toughest finds for collectors with a Cooperstown concentration, so we're pleased to present a pair of passes issued to him for his esteemed service as a young man. Best is the ten-karat gold Major League Lifetime Pass, the first we've encountered since fellow Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett's pass realized $3,884 in our October 2007 Signature Auction. Some residue on verso appears to be the result of adhesion within a scrapbook or other display, but the front of the 2.75x4.25" pass presents perfectly. Joining this special relic is a smaller (2x3.5") brass pass extending the courtesy of all National Association parks to Wallace for the 1935 season. Scattered surface wear creates a VG-EX standard.
1939 Hall of Fame Induction Class News Photograph. Baseball's version of a Grand Coronation occurred on June 12, 1939 when the greatest living figures in the game's history convened at Cooperstown, New York for enshrinement in the newly founded Hall of Fame. Here we find an original class photo picturing all of the honored guests but for Ty Cobb, who arrived late to the proceedings. The septuagenarian photo has been trimmed of its borders but otherwise presents very well, with limited wrinkling only apparent at certain angles to the light. Verso reveals some editorial markings and remnants of the newspaper clipping once applied there. Collect all of the cut signatures and frame them with this photo. Size 6.25x9.25".
1939 Hillerich & Bradsby Large Advertising Sign. Extraordinary marketing piece is the first of its kind we've ever encountered, matching that extreme scarcity with glorious graphics and remarkably fine condition. Issued by the famed Louisville, Kentucky bat manufacturer which has served for the past century as the Major Leagues' primary supplier, the sign proudly recounts the considerable cross section of early Cooperstown honorees and devotees of Hillerich & Bradsby lumber. Inaugural class members Cobb, Collins, Sisler, Wagner, Ruth, Lajoie and Speaker are pictured in photographic vignettes, as is the tragic Lou Gehrig who was inducted by special ballot in 1939 soon after his retirement. Twelve other baseball luminaries whose bronze plaques were present at the grand opening of the Hall of Fame are noted at center. The 22x29" sign presents only the slightest edge and surface wear to suggest seven decades of existence, easily assuring itself a place in the top percentile of period advertising pieces of any kind. Original easel back is in unused state on verso. To locate another example is highly unlikely. To locate a finer example, simply impossible.
1940-84 World Series Press Pins (Detroit Tigers) Lot of 4. Spectacular feline graphics and tremendous historical relevance should make this a "must bid" lot for the serious Motor City fan. The 1945 version shows some oxidation upon the original nut, but all four present as NRMT on the face. Beautiful craftsmanship here.
1940 Detroit Tigers A.L. Championship Presentational Silver Tray. Elegant silver tray was the prize presented to members of the Detroit Tigers franchise for the rare accomplishment of unseating the New York Yankees from their traditional position atop the American League. An artfully rendered portrait of team owner Walter Briggs is underscored by engraved text reading "The Detroit Tigers, American League Champions, 1940, Presented By, The Baseball Citizens of Detroit." Facsimile signature of the team roster fill the background. The tray survives in remarkable NRMT condition and measures 15x26", including the ornate handles.
1941 Lou Gehrig Memorial Full Ticket PSA EX 5. On the two year anniversary of Gehrig's heartwrenching "Luckiest Man" farewell, the Yankees scheduled an event to honor their Captain once again, this time with even greater sadness in their hearts following the report of his passing a month earlier. The Independence Day game was rained out and as such was rescheduled for the sixth, when fans were treated to forty-seventh and forty-eighth games of Joe DiMaggio's famous hitting streak in a doubleheader against the Athletics. The rain out likely is the cause of this exceedingly scarce ticket's survival in unused format, with typical light handling wear resulting in the EX 5 rating upon the PSA capsule that serves as its home.
1947 Babe Ruth Photographs Lot of 33 Plus Other Documents. Intriguing assortment of photographs relate to Ruth's tour of America in support of a joint promotional endeavor involving Ford motorcars and the American Legion. Twenty-five of the images picture the Babe himself, all in civilian clothing. A couple find him in a Dallas motorcade in Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy would be assassinated sixteen years later. Almost all are news organization photos, averaging 7x9" in size, with only a small percentage of lesser dimensions. The balance of photos are mainly other shots from the promotion, and one signed by Claire Ruth. All but one photo (which doesn't picture Ruth) presents minimally at EX.
1948 Babe Ruth Figural Desk Clock. Produced shortly after the passing of baseball's greatest star with the intent to be awarded as a punch board prize, this scarce and highly collectible desk clock provides a remarkably adept sculpted bust of Ruth flanked by life-sized baseballs recounting his single season and career home run records. Clock is 100% original and unrestored and in completely operational condition, one of the finest of the limited surviving supply. Approximate dimensions are 12x11x5".
1951 Boston Red Sox Golden Anniversary Pin. Scarce ten-karat gold-filled pin was created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Boston Red Sox franchise, one of the eight charter teams to form the American League in 1901. Presented is the pin gifted to Earl J. Hilligan, whose name is engraved on verso, assistant to League president William Harridge. The face features an eagle perched atop a blue enamel ring reading "Golden Anniversary." The words "Red Sox 1951" appear in raised lettering on the focal center, crafted in the shape of a baseball. A faux diamond is inset at top. Condition is spectacular, an easy NRMT. Size is just over three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
1950's Brooklyn Dodgers Yearbooks Lot of 5. The charming artwork of celebrated editorial cartoonist Willard Mullin rides the cover of each of the five yearbooks issued during the "Boys of Summer" era of the beloved Bums. All your favorites appear within the pages of these collectible publications, from Jackie to Campy to Pee Wee to the Duke. Present are 1951 (EX), 1952 (VG-EX), 1953 (VG-EX), 1954 (VG with staining on rear cover) and 1956 (VG with minor staining on front cover). A great foundation for building a complete collection.
1959 Mickey Mantle "Autographed Pencil Set" Display with Nine Packets Included. Almost certainly the most well-preserved example of this rare Mantle artifact in the hobby, the presented counter display dates to the late 1950's when the Mick was at the height of his playing and marketing powers. While the packages of pencils occasionally arise (and there are nine unopened packs here!), almost never is the sixteen inch tall display which serves as their home. This is no surprise, as the rather flimsy cardboard construction and die cut upper portion were not conducive to longevity. But a fold line to the bat design at top center and minor age spotting are the only flaws to note here, leaving the condition only minimally changed from its days in an Eisenhower-era general store. It's a piece that should start a bidding war between collectors of advertising ephemera and Mantle material, so may the most devoted bidder win. Please note that these piece bear facsimile signatures from Mantle and are not hand signed as the title of the product might suggest.
1950's-80's Baseball Team Issue and News Photographs Lot of 2,400+. Voluminous archive of original baseball photographs derives from the personal collection of a former sportswriter who covered games over a three-decade period beginning in the 1950's. This is an actual working library, issued in publications and often bearing editorial markings, notations and stamping on reverse and various other alterations resulting from use and filing. The vast majority appear in either 7x9" or 8x10" format, though a small percentage is smaller. Condition ranges from VG to EX-MT. All the great names of the period can be found within, with portrait and action shots featuring the likes of Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, Al Kaline, Bob Gibson, Ernie Banks, Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, George Brett and many, many more. Enormous "break down" value here for the intrepid salesman, or the foundation of an invaluable reference library for the serious baseball historian.
1966 The Beatles Signed Baseball from Candlestick Park Concert. Presented here is a tremendously rare opportunity for a new owner to become a member of a different breed of "Fab Four," as top experts agree that only that many verified Beatles signed baseballs exist in the collecting community. It's of particular note that this is the only specimen linked to the historic Candlestick Park concert, a thirty-three minute show which would prove to be the very last live performance before the iconic quartet's dissolution.
The charming letter of provenance tells the story best:
On August 29, 1966, my grandfather, Captain Frank Flaherty, was the Supervising Inspector of Public Assemblages for the San Francisco Fire Department. He went backstage at Candlestick Park to make sure all fire regulations were being adhered to, where he met the Beatles, asked them to extinguish their cigarettes, and joked around with them for a while. They were quite pleased to meet a Captain in the Fire Brigade.
There was a bin of unused baseballs sitting backstage, so my grandfather picked one up and asked 'the boys' to sign it for his granddaughter.
I was sitting in the stands with my girlfriend, Vicki, and my grandmother (I was two days shy of 14 years old at the time) waiting for the Beatles to come out to the stage, when my grandfather approached and tossed me the baseball. I didn't realize what it was at first, but I quickly recognized the signatures. I was so excited that I dropped it and it started to roll away! Vicki and I dove for it and hid it from curious onlookers.
The ONL (Giles) ball, spared from a meeting with a Willie Mays Louisville Slugger, today holds three easily legible signatures from the Liverpool lads: Paul McCartney on the sweet spot (7/10 red ink), John Lennon on the western panel (6/10 black ink) and George Harrison on the northern panel (9/10 green ink). Ringo Starr's southern panel offering has faded to a barely visible yet still discernible 1/10. The ball itself remains in fine condition, its hide providing a creamy vintage tone with no spotting or staining.
The $191,000 price realized for a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe in the Heritage May 2006 Signature Auction indicates just how strong the market is for celebrity signed baseballs, and while we do not expect such a stunning result for the presented sphere, one must consider this thrilling relic from the Beatles' final show to stand shoulder to shoulder in cultural relevance. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the advanced autograph collector. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication/Roger Epperson. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
The charming letter of provenance tells the story best:
On August 29, 1966, my grandfather, Captain Frank Flaherty, was the Supervising Inspector of Public Assemblages for the San Francisco Fire Department. He went backstage at Candlestick Park to make sure all fire regulations were being adhered to, where he met the Beatles, asked them to extinguish their cigarettes, and joked around with them for a while. They were quite pleased to meet a Captain in the Fire Brigade.
There was a bin of unused baseballs sitting backstage, so my grandfather picked one up and asked 'the boys' to sign it for his granddaughter.
I was sitting in the stands with my girlfriend, Vicki, and my grandmother (I was two days shy of 14 years old at the time) waiting for the Beatles to come out to the stage, when my grandfather approached and tossed me the baseball. I didn't realize what it was at first, but I quickly recognized the signatures. I was so excited that I dropped it and it started to roll away! Vicki and I dove for it and hid it from curious onlookers.
The ONL (Giles) ball, spared from a meeting with a Willie Mays Louisville Slugger, today holds three easily legible signatures from the Liverpool lads: Paul McCartney on the sweet spot (7/10 red ink), John Lennon on the western panel (6/10 black ink) and George Harrison on the northern panel (9/10 green ink). Ringo Starr's southern panel offering has faded to a barely visible yet still discernible 1/10. The ball itself remains in fine condition, its hide providing a creamy vintage tone with no spotting or staining.
The $191,000 price realized for a baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe in the Heritage May 2006 Signature Auction indicates just how strong the market is for celebrity signed baseballs, and while we do not expect such a stunning result for the presented sphere, one must consider this thrilling relic from the Beatles' final show to stand shoulder to shoulder in cultural relevance. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the advanced autograph collector. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication/Roger Epperson. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
1969 Mickey Mantle Uniform Player's Contracts Lot of 2, Retirement Year. Hope springs eternal in baseball, and though the magic of the Bronx had faded over the few preceding seasons, and was to reinstall itself in Queens for 1969, the Yankees brass continued to believe in its biggest star. But after a painful and ineffective start to spring training in 1969, the Mick resigned himself to the fact that his career would end at eighteen seasons. As such, this pair of standard contracts, stipulating a salary of $100,000 for Mantle's pinstriped services, went unsigned. The identical four-page documents carry enormous weight as Mantle's last Yankees contracts and survive in NRMT condition with original mailing folds. Original sold in the 2003 auction of the Mantle estate at New York City's Madison Square Garden, they include a letter of provenance signed by Mantle's wife and two sons.
1972 Roberto Clemente 3,000th Hit Program & Ticket Stub. Assuming we can trust the fan's notation at the fully scored center page of this historic program, just 13,117 fans were on hand to witness the great Roberto Clemente's entrance into the illustrious 3,000 Hit Club as he lined a double to left center in the fourth inning of the final game of the Pirates' regular season. Nobody watching could have possibly known that this was also to be the final regular season game of the tragic Hall of Famer's life, as he would perish in an airplane accident just three months later. The fan was, however, clearly well aware of the importance of what he'd witnessed, as a lengthy description of the proceedings joins the scoring of the September 30, 1972 contest with the New York Mets at interior center and on the program cover. Likewise at center is a stapled stub for this poorly attended milestone event, identical but for the staple holes to a specimen which realized $4,183 in a Heritage May 2005 auction. The program remains in solid VG-EX condition, and the stub is NRMT but for the stapling. Also here is a rare twenty-page memorial publication issued just after Clemente's passing, VG-EX.
1975 World Series Game 6 Full Ticket from Carlton Fisk's Historic Home Run PSA Gem Mint 10 - Single Highest Graded Example! No sports fan will ever forget Carlton Fisk's historic plea to the sharply hit ball he sent toward Fenway's "Green Monster," during his walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. His Red Sox would eventually lose in Game 7 to the powerhouse Cincinnati Reds, but Fisk's historic at bat in the previous game, not only was the most memorable moment of that season's "Fall Classic," but was one of the most significant events in sports history.
Offered here is, simply put, the best 1975 World Series Game 6 unused ticket in existence. The single highest exemplar, as confirmed by PSA's population report, this immaculate artifact carries the boastful grade of a PSA Gem Mint 10.
The ticket exhibits no visible flaws. Four perfect corners, a pristine surface and flawless tears at the perforations will leave the collector no questions as to why it earned the professionally graded designation of hobby greatness.
Offered here is, simply put, the best 1975 World Series Game 6 unused ticket in existence. The single highest exemplar, as confirmed by PSA's population report, this immaculate artifact carries the boastful grade of a PSA Gem Mint 10.
The ticket exhibits no visible flaws. Four perfect corners, a pristine surface and flawless tears at the perforations will leave the collector no questions as to why it earned the professionally graded designation of hobby greatness.
1986 New York Mets World Championship Pendant. The perfect jewelry to wear on your next trip to Boston, that is, if you're looking for a fight. This attractive bauble is effectively the top of the ring which was presented to to Mets players for defeating the Red Sox in the heart-crushing Bill Buckner Series. Faux diamond rests at center of a blue stone, with "1986 World Champions" ringing the perimeter in raised lettering. Verso holds "10K" gold and Balfour stamping. Gold chain is included.
1986 Lenny Dykstra New York Mets World Championship Trophy. Glorious, glittering prize is the very one presented to Nails for his contributions in claiming the second World Championship in franchise history for the New York Mets. Perhaps no Mets player was as "clutch" that October as Dykstra, whose walk-off home run in Game Three of the National League Championship Series is remembered as one of the most important long balls in Shea history. Dykstra twice went deep in the World Series, including a momentum-shifting long ball in the first at-bat at Fenway after the Mets dropped Games One and Two at home. While any Championship trophy recalling that magical Series in which the Mets came within a single strike of elimination before the Bambino smiled down upon his Big Apple brethren carries tremendous appeal (unless you're a Red Sox fan), the personally owned trophy of key player Lenny Dykstra stands head and shoulders above any others ever offered at public auction. Minor damage to the trophy from improper storage has been expertly repaired and is mentioned only in the interest of full disclosure, as the trophy presents as new. Height is 12".
Nat Fein Signed "The Babe Bows Out" Large Photograph. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph is the definitive image recalling the sad final ovation afforded to the Babe on June 13, 1948 at the House that he built. Fein recounted the warm, grey day years later, recalling how he had snuck away from the other photographers to shoot the number "3" that would never again ride Yankee pinstripes, and how he had foregone the use of a flash to capture the somber mood of the occasion. Ruth would die just two months later. This 16x20" print is tastefully matted and framed to dimensions of 24x28", and is signed by Fein in gold at lower right. Limited edition of 68/250 is penciled below left corner of photo, and an inscription from Fein, "To Herb, Best Wishes, Nat Fein, 9-13-92" appears in 10/10 black sharpie on verso. Perhaps the most famous and moving baseball photograph of all. Mint condition. Third party shipping required.
2009 Hideki Matsui World Series Game Six Home Run Baseball, All Proceeds to Haiti Charity.
UPDATE: Mr. Matsui was gracious enough to autograph this baseball for us before the Angels' Monday March 29th spring training game in Arizona. He is pleased to see his home run baseball utilized for such a noble cause.
It was Walt Disney who coined the phrase, "Always leave them wanting more," and it's as true for the sporting world as it is for show business. Though Hideki Matsui's greatest game in pinstripes was likewise his last, he is guaranteed an ovation in the Bronx every time he returns, regardless of the jersey on his back. The 2009 World Series MVP chose the deciding sixth game to unveil one of the finest offensive performances in playoff history, all but singlehandedly assuring that the new Yankee Stadium would be christened in the same manner as the first, with a World Championship trophy.
Of his three consecutive two-RBI hits, Matsui's first was the most memorable, a towering home run shot to the second deck of the right field seats which put Pedro Martinez and his Philadelphia Phillies into a hole from which they would never emerge. Our consignor was seated in the sixth row of section 207 when the Yankee designated hitter turned on a full count eighty-nine mile per hour fastball and launched it just over his head and into a frenzied mob of souvenir seekers. As the melee swirled behind him, he spotted a small white object rolling along the floor just behind his seat back. He reached out and grabbed it, quickly stuffing the ball into his jacket as the crowd continued to frantically search for the ball while Matsui rounded the bases.
After order was restored in section 207, our consignor was convinced by his friend to reveal his find to the crowd, and many high-fives ensued. A new friend in the row behind was glad to snap several photos of the lucky Yankees fan holding up the gold-stamped ball like a prized fish with the vast expanse of the Stadium at his back. These photos are included in this lot along with the consignor's ticket and notarized letters attesting to the events from both the consignor and his friend who sat next to him that historic night.
To view a video of Matsui's memorable long ball, Click here.
For over two months the ball was stored in the consignor's desk drawer until the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti inspired him to put the baseball to good use. At our consignor's request, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this baseball will be donated to the ongoing relief efforts in the devastated Caribbean nation. Heritage will likewise donate all commissions generated from its sale to the two charities designated by our consignor:
Friends of the Child of Haiti. A Peoria, Illinois based charity that runs a medical clinic in Cyvadier, Haiti. (www.fotcoh.org).
Lespwa Worldwide. A non-profit organization founded by a group of college students dedicated to the aid of the suffering children of Haiti. (www.lespwaworldwide.com).
UPDATE: Mr. Matsui was gracious enough to autograph this baseball for us before the Angels' Monday March 29th spring training game in Arizona. He is pleased to see his home run baseball utilized for such a noble cause.
It was Walt Disney who coined the phrase, "Always leave them wanting more," and it's as true for the sporting world as it is for show business. Though Hideki Matsui's greatest game in pinstripes was likewise his last, he is guaranteed an ovation in the Bronx every time he returns, regardless of the jersey on his back. The 2009 World Series MVP chose the deciding sixth game to unveil one of the finest offensive performances in playoff history, all but singlehandedly assuring that the new Yankee Stadium would be christened in the same manner as the first, with a World Championship trophy.
Of his three consecutive two-RBI hits, Matsui's first was the most memorable, a towering home run shot to the second deck of the right field seats which put Pedro Martinez and his Philadelphia Phillies into a hole from which they would never emerge. Our consignor was seated in the sixth row of section 207 when the Yankee designated hitter turned on a full count eighty-nine mile per hour fastball and launched it just over his head and into a frenzied mob of souvenir seekers. As the melee swirled behind him, he spotted a small white object rolling along the floor just behind his seat back. He reached out and grabbed it, quickly stuffing the ball into his jacket as the crowd continued to frantically search for the ball while Matsui rounded the bases.
After order was restored in section 207, our consignor was convinced by his friend to reveal his find to the crowd, and many high-fives ensued. A new friend in the row behind was glad to snap several photos of the lucky Yankees fan holding up the gold-stamped ball like a prized fish with the vast expanse of the Stadium at his back. These photos are included in this lot along with the consignor's ticket and notarized letters attesting to the events from both the consignor and his friend who sat next to him that historic night.
To view a video of Matsui's memorable long ball, Click here.
For over two months the ball was stored in the consignor's desk drawer until the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti inspired him to put the baseball to good use. At our consignor's request, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this baseball will be donated to the ongoing relief efforts in the devastated Caribbean nation. Heritage will likewise donate all commissions generated from its sale to the two charities designated by our consignor:
Friends of the Child of Haiti. A Peoria, Illinois based charity that runs a medical clinic in Cyvadier, Haiti. (www.fotcoh.org).
Lespwa Worldwide. A non-profit organization founded by a group of college students dedicated to the aid of the suffering children of Haiti. (www.lespwaworldwide.com).
1969 New York Mets Original Artwork by Susan Rini Lot of 36. Commissioned for a limited edition (of 5,000) set of postcard-sized trading cards, the presented 9x11" acrylic on artist's board works document the Amazin' Mets of the 1969 season, with portraits of the full staff including coaches. Captured by Rini's talented brush: Agee, Berra, Boswell, Cardwell, Charles, Clendenon, DiLauro, Dyer, Garrett, Gaspar, Gentry, Groat, Harrelson, Hodges, Jones, Kiner, Koonce, Koosman, Kranepool, Martin, McAndrew, McGraw, Murphy, Nelson, Pfeil, Pignatano, Ryan, Seaver, Shamsky, Swoboda, Taylor, Walker, Weis, Yost. Finally, paintings of Shea Stadium and of the 1969 World Series trophy round out the lot of thirty-six works. All works are NRMT. Included is the resultant card set.
New York Mets Stars Original Artwork by Susan Rini Lot of 29. Charming assortment of original works centers on the personnel responsible for bringing Shea Stadium its second World Championship with the help of the Bambino's Curse in 1986 (though a few don't fit that theme). In alphabetical order, the Mets pictured: Rick Aguilera, Larry Berra (two different), Gary Carter, Ron Darling, Lenny Dykstra, Kevin Elster, Sid Fernandez, John Gibbons, Dwight Gooden, Bud Harrelson, Ed Hearn, Danny Heep, Keith Hernandez, Davey Johnson, Ray Knight, Howard Johnson, Lee Mazzilli, Roger McDowell, Kevin Mitchell, Randy Niemann, Bob Ojeda, Jesse Orosco, Rafael Santana, Tom Seaver (two different), Doug Sisk, Tim Teufel, Mookie Wilson. Each 9x11" acrylic on board presents in fine NRMT condition.
1921 Frank Woodward Washington Senators Game Worn Uniform. President Warren G. Harding was just settling into his new home at the White House a few miles from Griffith Park, home ballfield of the Washington Senators, when this uniform was issued at the start of the 1921 American League season. It stands as one of the few surviving examples from the Walter Johnson era in our nation's capital, and its former owner shared space on that pitching staff which also included Tom Zachary, the man who would surrender Babe Ruth's sixtieth home run of 1927. The heavy wool grey pinstriped jersey exhibits heavy use, with light staining around the collar. A Washington "W" patch is present on each sleeve, the only identifiers beyond the "Woodward" chain stitched into the body of the shirt at interior collar, and the simple "Spalding" logo applied just below.
Matching pants are attributed to "Shanks" at interior waistband, that being Howie "Hawk" Shanks, the speedy third baseman who would lead the American League in triples in 1921. "Spalding" logo is found at interior waistband as well. Pants likewise exhibit heavy wear, with team repairs and blue staining at the knees.
A matching uniform cap is included, with embroidered letter "W" on the crown. There is no apparent player attribution or manufacturer's tagging at the interior leather headband, but the cap was sourced with the featured jersey and pants and is clearly therefore Woodward's. A tear along the rear seam of the cap has been taped shut, though this will not be visible upon display.
Included is a vintage 3x5" snapshot of three players wearing this uniform style, though we're uncertain which (if any) is Woodward. MEARS has provided a letter of examination for the jersey only, which it grades A9.5, with a half point deduction for the collar staining. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Matching pants are attributed to "Shanks" at interior waistband, that being Howie "Hawk" Shanks, the speedy third baseman who would lead the American League in triples in 1921. "Spalding" logo is found at interior waistband as well. Pants likewise exhibit heavy wear, with team repairs and blue staining at the knees.
A matching uniform cap is included, with embroidered letter "W" on the crown. There is no apparent player attribution or manufacturer's tagging at the interior leather headband, but the cap was sourced with the featured jersey and pants and is clearly therefore Woodward's. A tear along the rear seam of the cap has been taped shut, though this will not be visible upon display.
Included is a vintage 3x5" snapshot of three players wearing this uniform style, though we're uncertain which (if any) is Woodward. MEARS has provided a letter of examination for the jersey only, which it grades A9.5, with a half point deduction for the collar staining. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1930-31 Cincinnati Reds Game Worn Uniform with Leo Durocher Pants. As the birthplace of professional baseball, Cincinnati will always be hallowed ground to the baseball historian, who will surely be impressed by this incredibly scarce full uniform dating to the darkest hours of the Great Depression. The heavy flannel pinstriped jersey features a well worn team logo design over the heart with no number on verso nor any remnants thereof, as the Reds adopted the practice of wearing jersey numbers in 1932. Extensive wear and multiple repairs are evident throughout, suggesting minor league usage well beyond its original season of issue. The tail has been trimmed rather crudely, leaving behind what appears to be remnants of the original embroidering in the tail, including what may be a number "28," a possible year indicator as this style was utilized for several seasons. "Spalding" label resides at interior collar.
The matching pants are identical in design and heavy wear, but provide added appeal in the form of an embroidered "Durocher" at the button fly path. There is no other tagging or identifiers to be found. Despite the heavy wear the uniform presents very nicely as an ensemble, and condition flaws must be forgiven in light of the tremendous scarcity. LOA from Lou Lampson.
The matching pants are identical in design and heavy wear, but provide added appeal in the form of an embroidered "Durocher" at the button fly path. There is no other tagging or identifiers to be found. Despite the heavy wear the uniform presents very nicely as an ensemble, and condition flaws must be forgiven in light of the tremendous scarcity. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1929-32 Ed Wells Game Worn Cap. In four seasons of pinstriped service, the former Tigers southpaw posted a record of thirty-seven victories against twenty defeats, though it certainly helps when you have an arsenal of sluggers like Ruth and Gehrig to help you out. The classic navy cap presents marvelously eight decades after its use, soft and supple to the touch from action and age. The interior leather headband is attributed to Wells with neatly embroidered script, which adds the "6 3/4" size designation. Prewar Yankees uniform pieces are incredibly scarce and desirable, and this perfectly preserved artifact should be destined for a place of honor in one fan's trophy room. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1930's St. Louis Cardinals Game Worn Jacket. Second only to the New York Yankees in World Championship trophies, the St. Louis squad has long followed the Cardinal rule that it's important to look good and to be good. The letterman style jacket features a red wool body with deep navy trim, and a gorgeous chenille logo bird over the heart. Original six buttons remain intact, as does the soft suede interior lining, which has been reinforced in the upper right neckline. Otherwise the jacket has survived the passing decades exceedingly well. A size "44" label at interior collar is all that appears in terms of manufacturer's tagging, and a navy felt number "14" at left bicep would indicate usage by Gus Mancuso, Gordon Slade, Burgess Whitehead, Ed Heusser, French Bordagaray, Mickey Owen, or some combination thereof. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1936 Carl Hubbell Game Worn Jacket. Teammates can also be fans, as was clearly the case with Jim Sheehan, who was starstruck during his brief tenure with the New York Giants by superstar hurler Carl Hubbell. A letter of provenance from Sheehan's son notes how this single-game veteran (September 26, 1936) of the Bigs managed to acquire a game worn jersey and jacket once belonging to Hubbell, each of which was sold to our consignor in February of this year. Presented is the latter. The classic styling is apparent in photography dating from 1932 to 1941 (see www.GettyImages.com #1929352 for an image of John McGraw in a similar jacket), allowing us to pinpoint Hubbell's ownership to some time between the style's first appearance and its acquisition by Sheehan.
"Giants" is spelled across the chest in red and white felt, and three of the original seven buttons on the chest remain. Patriotic red, white and blue elasticized ribbing at collar and waist exhibit expected wear, but the navy wool body remains in splendid condition for its age. "Freeman Mfg." label appears at interior pocket. There is no size tag inside, but the jacket measures twenty-six inches across the chest, proper for Hubbell's 6'1", 170 frame.
Beyond the letter of provenance, ownership by Hubbell is proven by an ancient number "11" penned at interior of the elasticized collar, barely clinging to legibility but clearly vintage. The experts at MEARS likewise provide their seal of approval, assigning a label of "Authentic" to this scarce and desirable artifact likely worn during the glorious World Championship season of 1936 at a minimum. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
"Giants" is spelled across the chest in red and white felt, and three of the original seven buttons on the chest remain. Patriotic red, white and blue elasticized ribbing at collar and waist exhibit expected wear, but the navy wool body remains in splendid condition for its age. "Freeman Mfg." label appears at interior pocket. There is no size tag inside, but the jacket measures twenty-six inches across the chest, proper for Hubbell's 6'1", 170 frame.
Beyond the letter of provenance, ownership by Hubbell is proven by an ancient number "11" penned at interior of the elasticized collar, barely clinging to legibility but clearly vintage. The experts at MEARS likewise provide their seal of approval, assigning a label of "Authentic" to this scarce and desirable artifact likely worn during the glorious World Championship season of 1936 at a minimum. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1939 Lubbock Hubbers Game Worn Uniform. The sleeve patch alone is worth the price of admission on this gorgeous full uniform spawned by the Texas League the year of our Baseball Centennial. The magnificently preserved jersey features red felt design at collar and button path, and red letter "L" over heart. Four of the original five buttons remain on the front, and number "4" holds steady on verso. "Red Fox Athletic Clothing" label is affixed at interior collar. Matching pants are untagged and exhibit multiple team repairs, but present very nicely and make for a gorgeous ensemble when paired with the jersey. A splendid matched set from one of the most important seasons in baseball history. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1941 Joe "Ducky" Medwick Game Worn Brooklyn Dodgers Jacket. An exceptionally rare pre-war uniform piece provides tremendous appeal on a number of levels. Notably, it is the first such example we have ever encountered in the collecting hobby, a fine "letterman style" jacket with a Dodger blue wool body and white suede sleeves. Heritage auctioned a very similar St. Louis Browns jacket in our May 2007 auction (Lot 19421), with matching "King Sportswear Company" tagging in the collar and chenille logo patch over heart and numeral patches at lower left sleeve, but we've never seen the Dodgers model before. Our research determines that the style was utilized between the late 1930's and early 1940's, and a photograph located at www.GettyImages.com (enter number "50607905" into the search field) finds one Dodger wearing the style at far right of the 1939 image.
But compounding the desirability as a newly discovered and highly collectible style is the jacket's original ownership. The number "77" chenille patches applied just above the left sleeve cuff represent digits worn by only two players in Dodgers history. Coach Chuck Dressen briefly took on the double-sevens in 1940, and is listed in Baseball Reference at a diminutive 5'5" tall, 146 pounds. Joe Medwick is documented as having worn the number "77" in both 1940 and the 1941 National League Championship season, charting a far more substantial 5'10", 187 pounds. The size "44" label in the jacket and the fact that the jacket comfortably fits our 6'5", 205 pound cataloger with some room to spare would strongly indicate usage by the latter. According to our database of auction house results, this jacket would join a pair of 1944 New York Giants pants as the only uniform pieces worn by the Hall of Fame former Gashouse Gangster to surface at public auction in the past decade.
The jacket was originally sourced from a family whose patriarch had been a bat boy for the Dodgers just prior to the Second World War. The jacket was stored for decades in a steamer trunk and presents today in remarkably fine condition as a result, with some apparent tobacco juice staining on the right sleeve the only issue that distracts the eye. The front zipper still functions perfectly. Jacket was acquired along with a matching period Brooklyn Dodgers cap which is presented in the Heritage Sunday Internet Sports Auction closing April 25th. LOA from Lou Lampson.
But compounding the desirability as a newly discovered and highly collectible style is the jacket's original ownership. The number "77" chenille patches applied just above the left sleeve cuff represent digits worn by only two players in Dodgers history. Coach Chuck Dressen briefly took on the double-sevens in 1940, and is listed in Baseball Reference at a diminutive 5'5" tall, 146 pounds. Joe Medwick is documented as having worn the number "77" in both 1940 and the 1941 National League Championship season, charting a far more substantial 5'10", 187 pounds. The size "44" label in the jacket and the fact that the jacket comfortably fits our 6'5", 205 pound cataloger with some room to spare would strongly indicate usage by the latter. According to our database of auction house results, this jacket would join a pair of 1944 New York Giants pants as the only uniform pieces worn by the Hall of Fame former Gashouse Gangster to surface at public auction in the past decade.
The jacket was originally sourced from a family whose patriarch had been a bat boy for the Dodgers just prior to the Second World War. The jacket was stored for decades in a steamer trunk and presents today in remarkably fine condition as a result, with some apparent tobacco juice staining on the right sleeve the only issue that distracts the eye. The front zipper still functions perfectly. Jacket was acquired along with a matching period Brooklyn Dodgers cap which is presented in the Heritage Sunday Internet Sports Auction closing April 25th. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1940's Cincinnati Reds Game Worn Jacket. War-era garment is rendered in the classic "letterman" style that dominated Big League fashion during the Forties, featuring a wool body and white leather sleeves, quite soiled at present but potentially a candidate for laundering. Body and elasticized cuffs exhibit some scattered moth damage, but the structural integrity is unaffected by these concerns. The main appeal of the jacket is located on verso, a splendid and massive chenille logo patch which survives without fault. Number "2" chenille numeral just above the left sleeve cuff could be attributable to any of the following who wore the digit on his uniform during the decade: Hank Gowdy, Hans Lobert, Jimmy Wilson, Hall of Famer George Kelly (as a coach) and Luke Sewell. "Spalding [size] 46" label in the collar would likely eliminate Sewell as a possibility, but the others are of an appropriate build for ownership. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1940's Philadelphia Phillies Game Worn Warm-Up Jacket. A lack of any player identifier precludes us from being able to attribute this rare garment to a specific individual, but we're certain it dates to the decade which saw such legends as Chuck Klein and Richie Ashburn represent the City of Brotherly Love. The letterman style jacket features a red wool body with beige suede sleeves and the team logo "P" applied in white felt over the heart. "Wilson [size] 44" labeling is affixed at interior collar. Sleeves are satin-lined, a nice, expensive touch. Only a bit of minor staining to the exterior sleeves and some insignificant moth holes in the body are to be noted in terms of condition issues. Our catalog imagery should accurately attest to how wonderfully this jacket displays over a half century since its time at Shibe Park. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1954 Carl Erskine Game Worn Jersey. Dating to the sole All-Star season for this twelve-year veteran of the Dodgers organization, the presented home white flannel gamer provides a rare opportunity for the many collectors still mourning the loss of Brooklyn baseball over half a century later. The shirt survives in remarkably strong condition, lacking the damage common to the few remaining relics of the age. "Dodgers 17" is applied to chest in blue and red felt, with number "17" repeated on verso. Proper "Rawlings Hall of Fame Flannel [size] 42" label resides at interior collar, and "C. Erskine" is embroidered in blue thread at lower left front tail, matching known exemplars. Interior tail holds a washing instructions label and "Set 1 1954" flap tag. Completely original and unrestored, and instantly evocative of one of the most glorious periods in Big Apple baseball. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1957 Buddy Pritchard Game Worn Pittsburgh Pirates Uniform. Full home white Pirates uniform was sported at Forbes Field by shortstop and pinch runner Buddy Pritchard, whose Big League career was comprised of twenty-three games in service of the 1957 Bucs. Flannel vest features classic Steeltown styling, with "Pirates" applied in black and yellow felt to chest and number "5" taking up the rear. "Rawlings Hall of Fame Flannel" and size "38" labels appear at lower left front tail, just above numbers "5" and "57" embroidered into the jersey body, representing jersey number and year. Washing instructions label and "Set 1 1957" flap tag are found inside tail. The black undershirt is not a period piece but provides the proper aesthetics. Matching pants feature the same "Rawlings" labeling, though flap tag indicates "Set 1 1955." Embroidered swatch below notes "39, 25 ins" indicating original ownership by pitcher Jake Thies. Wood stirrups are here too in classic bumblebee design. Jersey, pants and stirrups exhibit strong wear but no damage, perfect for mannequin display. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1958 Gil Hodges Game Used Fielder's Glove. A single-year style for this "Wilson A2801" first baseman's mitt allows us to definitively peg the historic leather to the enormously important 1958 Dodgers season, the first in Los Angeles. It exhibits light to moderate use from one of the club's most beloved players, and long a dark horse candidate for Cooperstown enshrinement. Hodges posted a stupendous .992 fielding average at first base the season the club replaced the letter "B" on their caps with "LA," indicating that the glove worked quite well for the veteran Dodger. The glove is consigned to Heritage by the son of a prominent Los Angeles doctor who became close with a number of his new neighbors, and a 9/10 inscription, "To Johnny, Best Wishes, Gil Hodges," makes a gift of the glove to the young boy. The glove was consigned with the 1958 Dodgers signed mini bat also presented within this auction. LOA from Joe Phillips. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
Early 1960's Whitey Ford Game Used Fielder's Glove.
"I didn't begin cheating until late in my career, when I needed something to help me survive. I didn't cheat when I won the twenty-five games in 1961. I don't want anybody to get any ideas and take my Cy Young Award away. And I didn't cheat in 1963 when I won twenty-four games. Well, maybe a little."
Everybody still loves Whitey, as well they should. Clear differentiations can and must be made between pitchers doctoring balls and the Frankenstein's monster-style cheating which comes in a hypodermic needle. The great Rogers Hornsby once admitted, "I've cheated, or someone on my team has cheated, in almost every single game I've been in." Fellow Hall of Famer John McGraw used to trip baserunners during his playing days, or grab them by the back of the belt. Baseball is the most purely American sport, and it wouldn't be if players failed to seek every competitive advantage.
This should not overshadow the fact that, during the period of this glove's usage, Ford was unquestionably the premier southpaw of the American League, with an astounding record of sixty-six wins and nineteen losses between the years of 1961 and 1963. The presented "Spalding 42-204 Rocky Colavito Personal Model" glove dates to either 1961 or 1962, with personal modifications blurring the line between the two. Part of the reasoning for the modification appears to the the insertion of a thumb tack into the webbing of the glove, allowing Ford to secretly gouge at the ball to alter its trajectory when pitched. Here we find hand-lettered capital block writing which reads "Cheat, Mud, Spit, Cut, Vaseline, Slippery Elm," a laundry list of methods to doctor pitched balls. It remains unclear who wrote these words, and when they were applied, though the obvious author would be Ford himself. "Ford #16" is written boldly on the thumb of the glove, but again we are unable to assert definitively the time of its application. One must assume it dates to the period of Ford's ownership, and was applied by Ford or the clubhouse staff.
Use is very strong, indicating a season of action and quite possibly more. Black sharpie autograph on the pinky is 10/10. With its ideal vintage, royal parentage and unique "conversation piece" attributes, this is a glove which deserves placement at front row center of your trophy case. LOA from Joe Phillips. LOA from Denny Esken. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
"I didn't begin cheating until late in my career, when I needed something to help me survive. I didn't cheat when I won the twenty-five games in 1961. I don't want anybody to get any ideas and take my Cy Young Award away. And I didn't cheat in 1963 when I won twenty-four games. Well, maybe a little."
Everybody still loves Whitey, as well they should. Clear differentiations can and must be made between pitchers doctoring balls and the Frankenstein's monster-style cheating which comes in a hypodermic needle. The great Rogers Hornsby once admitted, "I've cheated, or someone on my team has cheated, in almost every single game I've been in." Fellow Hall of Famer John McGraw used to trip baserunners during his playing days, or grab them by the back of the belt. Baseball is the most purely American sport, and it wouldn't be if players failed to seek every competitive advantage.
This should not overshadow the fact that, during the period of this glove's usage, Ford was unquestionably the premier southpaw of the American League, with an astounding record of sixty-six wins and nineteen losses between the years of 1961 and 1963. The presented "Spalding 42-204 Rocky Colavito Personal Model" glove dates to either 1961 or 1962, with personal modifications blurring the line between the two. Part of the reasoning for the modification appears to the the insertion of a thumb tack into the webbing of the glove, allowing Ford to secretly gouge at the ball to alter its trajectory when pitched. Here we find hand-lettered capital block writing which reads "Cheat, Mud, Spit, Cut, Vaseline, Slippery Elm," a laundry list of methods to doctor pitched balls. It remains unclear who wrote these words, and when they were applied, though the obvious author would be Ford himself. "Ford #16" is written boldly on the thumb of the glove, but again we are unable to assert definitively the time of its application. One must assume it dates to the period of Ford's ownership, and was applied by Ford or the clubhouse staff.
Use is very strong, indicating a season of action and quite possibly more. Black sharpie autograph on the pinky is 10/10. With its ideal vintage, royal parentage and unique "conversation piece" attributes, this is a glove which deserves placement at front row center of your trophy case. LOA from Joe Phillips. LOA from Denny Esken. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1963 Donn Clendenon Game Worn Jersey. Road grey flannel vest traveled with the hard-slugging first baseman as he took the field with Pittsburgh legends like Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski. One of the sharpest styles in the Majors, the jersey sports "Pittsburgh 17" in uniquely fonted black and yellow tackle twill, with number "17" repeated on verso. Marvelous wear is evident throughout, causing occasional imperfections to the black and yellow piping at collar and arms. Proper "MacGregor size 44" label is affixed at interior collar, and a second "MacGregor" label at front right interior tail indicates "Set 2 1963." LOA from Lou Lampson.
1966-68 Mickey Mantle Game Worn Jersey with Extensive and Important Photo Matching.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a magnificent Yankee, the great number seven, Mickey Mantle."
As the words of legendary announcer Mel Allen were drowned by the applause of more than sixty thousand fans on Mickey Mantle Day, June 8, 1969, the aging slugger couldn't help but think of a man honored on that same ground three decades earlier as he stepped to the microphone. "I've often wondered how a man who knew he was going to die could stand here and say he was the luckiest man on the face of the earth, but now I guess I know how he felt." Like Gehrig, the Mick had nothing left to give to the fans of the Bronx other than his gratitude, the sharp edges of his athletic gifts dulled by injury, hard living and the relentless, unforgiving passage of time.
In an historical context it seems quite fitting that the Mantle Era should end when it did, as the United States turned a page from the wide-eyed innocence of the post-war years to face new challenges and crises ahead. The Mick was in many ways emblematic of his age, and the Ozzie Sweet photograph featured in the Mantle Day souvenir paraphernalia is precise in every detail to the fond memories of any child who once traded for his bubble gum cards by the playground swings. Handsome and flaxen haired, Mantle towers above the camera's low vantage point against a background of the bluest sky imaginable, the prototypical American sports hero. The photo is likewise precise to the presented jersey, establishing the pinstriped flannel garment as one of the most important and desirable Mantle artifacts ever to reach the public auction block.
In fact, we feel quite confident in the assertion that this jersey represents the most extensively photo matched Mantle jersey in the hobby, and quite possibly the most extensively photo matched Yankees jersey, period, regardless of player attribution. We have celebrated sports photographers Ozzie Sweet and Richard Meek to thank for providing this utterly unimpeachable research material. Collectively, they snapped numerous images of Mantle from a myriad of angles while sporting this shirt, documenting the unique intersections of pinstriping at the shoulders, sleeves, collar and button path with faultless precision.
Mantle's photo-documented usage of the jersey in spring training of 1968-the Ozzie Sweet photo session-- would strongly indicate regular season action during the regular season of 1967, as it was standard procedure for most Major League clubs to utilize the previous season's gear during training and debut new uniforms on Opening Day. Though an embroidered number "66" in the tail of the jersey is a clear indicator of date, there is established precedent for Yankees jerseys being used in seasons subsequent to original issue. The jersey worn by Roger Maris as he hit his historic 61st home run of the 1961 season, which was auctioned for over $300,000 in August 2004, was tagged for 1960, and images of Maris wearing the shirt in 1960 have likewise been documented.
The Louis Requena image listed as #50987209 at www.GettyImages.com finds the Mick sporting the presented jersey in a posed shot at Yankee Stadium, but unfortunately the generic date of January 1, 1960 is attributed, the default for any Getty image for which only an applicable decade is known. One can logically assume that the actual date is either 1966 or 1967.
At the close of the Yankee training camp in the spring of 1968, the jersey was handed down to the club's farm system, long a standard practice for most Major League gamers. The appearance of stitching patterns over the heart of the Oneonta Yankees' logo "O" and the Ft. Lauderdale "Ft. L" can be discerned upon close inspection. The stitch outline of a Baseball Centennial patch on the left sleeve can likewise be spotted, indicating usage during the 1969 season as well.
Mantle was reunited with the jersey in the spring of 1970 when he signed on as an instructor for a youth baseball clinic not far from the Ft. Lauderdale training camp where he had taken his last swings before resigning himself to the inevitability of retirement. At this point the minor league emblem was stripped from the jersey and replaced with a block lettered "New York" for Mantle's usage, which is how the jersey appeared when it came into the possession of our consignor. An expert restoration has returned the shirt to its original appearance, the "NY" logo carefully positioned at its original stitching path.
The number "7" on the reverse is also likely a secondary application, completed between Mantle's last game as a member of the New York Yankees and his final use of the jersey in the 1970 clinic. Though the typical indicators of a number restoration are not evident (specifically stitch holes, adhesive residue and/or faint discoloration), it is the adhesion of the number alone that provides sufficient evidence for suspicion. It was typical for logos and numbers to be stripped from Major League jerseys upon their move to the minors, and the rather aggressive application of adhesive beneath the number would appear to be more in keeping with a team issued change rather than an original application at the Spalding factory. Close scrutiny by several jersey specialists (including our restorer) has unanimously confirmed that no other number but "7" has ever been applied to the jersey.
The original "Spalding [size] 44" labeling remains in the lower left front tail, as does the proper washing instructions tag, all of which perfectly matches Yankees garments of the era. The collar still holds the thread outline of where an embroidered "Mantle" swatch once resided, this identifier lost to the passing decades.
Wear is very strong, as would be expected from a jersey with a long history at both the Major and minor league level. Some minor staining, quite possibly attributable to game use, is noted for the sake of accuracy, but our catalog imagery should indicate how minor a concern this is. And a piece of this historical magnitude has no business making apologies for minor imperfections. We didn't need it from Mickey himself, who had plenty of cause for mea culpas. We'd rather recall him as the perfect slugger, the burly farm boy from Oklahoma bathed in golden light, the way Ozzie Sweet saw him, the way we all see him in our childhood dreams. Letter of Examination from Dan Knoll. LOA from Lou Lampson.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a magnificent Yankee, the great number seven, Mickey Mantle."
As the words of legendary announcer Mel Allen were drowned by the applause of more than sixty thousand fans on Mickey Mantle Day, June 8, 1969, the aging slugger couldn't help but think of a man honored on that same ground three decades earlier as he stepped to the microphone. "I've often wondered how a man who knew he was going to die could stand here and say he was the luckiest man on the face of the earth, but now I guess I know how he felt." Like Gehrig, the Mick had nothing left to give to the fans of the Bronx other than his gratitude, the sharp edges of his athletic gifts dulled by injury, hard living and the relentless, unforgiving passage of time.
In an historical context it seems quite fitting that the Mantle Era should end when it did, as the United States turned a page from the wide-eyed innocence of the post-war years to face new challenges and crises ahead. The Mick was in many ways emblematic of his age, and the Ozzie Sweet photograph featured in the Mantle Day souvenir paraphernalia is precise in every detail to the fond memories of any child who once traded for his bubble gum cards by the playground swings. Handsome and flaxen haired, Mantle towers above the camera's low vantage point against a background of the bluest sky imaginable, the prototypical American sports hero. The photo is likewise precise to the presented jersey, establishing the pinstriped flannel garment as one of the most important and desirable Mantle artifacts ever to reach the public auction block.
In fact, we feel quite confident in the assertion that this jersey represents the most extensively photo matched Mantle jersey in the hobby, and quite possibly the most extensively photo matched Yankees jersey, period, regardless of player attribution. We have celebrated sports photographers Ozzie Sweet and Richard Meek to thank for providing this utterly unimpeachable research material. Collectively, they snapped numerous images of Mantle from a myriad of angles while sporting this shirt, documenting the unique intersections of pinstriping at the shoulders, sleeves, collar and button path with faultless precision.
Mantle's photo-documented usage of the jersey in spring training of 1968-the Ozzie Sweet photo session-- would strongly indicate regular season action during the regular season of 1967, as it was standard procedure for most Major League clubs to utilize the previous season's gear during training and debut new uniforms on Opening Day. Though an embroidered number "66" in the tail of the jersey is a clear indicator of date, there is established precedent for Yankees jerseys being used in seasons subsequent to original issue. The jersey worn by Roger Maris as he hit his historic 61st home run of the 1961 season, which was auctioned for over $300,000 in August 2004, was tagged for 1960, and images of Maris wearing the shirt in 1960 have likewise been documented.
The Louis Requena image listed as #50987209 at www.GettyImages.com finds the Mick sporting the presented jersey in a posed shot at Yankee Stadium, but unfortunately the generic date of January 1, 1960 is attributed, the default for any Getty image for which only an applicable decade is known. One can logically assume that the actual date is either 1966 or 1967.
At the close of the Yankee training camp in the spring of 1968, the jersey was handed down to the club's farm system, long a standard practice for most Major League gamers. The appearance of stitching patterns over the heart of the Oneonta Yankees' logo "O" and the Ft. Lauderdale "Ft. L" can be discerned upon close inspection. The stitch outline of a Baseball Centennial patch on the left sleeve can likewise be spotted, indicating usage during the 1969 season as well.
Mantle was reunited with the jersey in the spring of 1970 when he signed on as an instructor for a youth baseball clinic not far from the Ft. Lauderdale training camp where he had taken his last swings before resigning himself to the inevitability of retirement. At this point the minor league emblem was stripped from the jersey and replaced with a block lettered "New York" for Mantle's usage, which is how the jersey appeared when it came into the possession of our consignor. An expert restoration has returned the shirt to its original appearance, the "NY" logo carefully positioned at its original stitching path.
The number "7" on the reverse is also likely a secondary application, completed between Mantle's last game as a member of the New York Yankees and his final use of the jersey in the 1970 clinic. Though the typical indicators of a number restoration are not evident (specifically stitch holes, adhesive residue and/or faint discoloration), it is the adhesion of the number alone that provides sufficient evidence for suspicion. It was typical for logos and numbers to be stripped from Major League jerseys upon their move to the minors, and the rather aggressive application of adhesive beneath the number would appear to be more in keeping with a team issued change rather than an original application at the Spalding factory. Close scrutiny by several jersey specialists (including our restorer) has unanimously confirmed that no other number but "7" has ever been applied to the jersey.
The original "Spalding [size] 44" labeling remains in the lower left front tail, as does the proper washing instructions tag, all of which perfectly matches Yankees garments of the era. The collar still holds the thread outline of where an embroidered "Mantle" swatch once resided, this identifier lost to the passing decades.
Wear is very strong, as would be expected from a jersey with a long history at both the Major and minor league level. Some minor staining, quite possibly attributable to game use, is noted for the sake of accuracy, but our catalog imagery should indicate how minor a concern this is. And a piece of this historical magnitude has no business making apologies for minor imperfections. We didn't need it from Mickey himself, who had plenty of cause for mea culpas. We'd rather recall him as the perfect slugger, the burly farm boy from Oklahoma bathed in golden light, the way Ozzie Sweet saw him, the way we all see him in our childhood dreams. Letter of Examination from Dan Knoll. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1968 Mickey Mantle Game Worn Pants. The great career of Mickey Mantle could have easily ended before it ever really began. Chasing down a fly ball in the 1951 World Series, Mickey pulled up when center fielder Joe DiMaggio called him off, catching his spikes in a sprinkler head in the process and buckling his knee. The injury took him out of the remainder of that historic Series, and pain in that joint would plague him for the rest of his playing days. We're forced to wonder what the great number Seven could have accomplished if he had two good legs beneath him, but in a sense the fact that he played injured, posting more games in pinstripes than any Yankee in history, is part of the reason we loved him. But we all knew he couldn't last forever.
These pinstriped pants are quite possibly the last ever worn in the Bronx by the great, wounded veteran. We imagine that many days throughout that final season he would reach down and rub his bad knee through the flannel, and wonder just how much longer he could keep going. Perhaps these were even the pants the Mick was wearing on Friday, September 20th, when he took Red Sox star pitcher Jim Lonborg deep at Yankee Stadium, and limped around the bases for the 536th and final time. With even the great Mickey Mantle issued only two home and two road uniforms per season, it's certainly not hard to imagine. The visible wear is just tremendous, showing all the attributes of fine use you look for in flannel uniforms. It is possible that the pants did serve a second term of duty in the minor league, which could account for the number "35" markered in the waistband, but a "68" and "7" also there appear to have been applied at the same time, so the "35" may indicate waist size rather than the new owner's jersey number. We also find dual "Wilson" tagging in the waistband, noting "1968 Set 1," and an embroidered swatch reading "Mantle 24 ins." Original belt is here as well. A special opportunity to own one of the Mick's last uniform pieces. LOA from Lou Lampson.
These pinstriped pants are quite possibly the last ever worn in the Bronx by the great, wounded veteran. We imagine that many days throughout that final season he would reach down and rub his bad knee through the flannel, and wonder just how much longer he could keep going. Perhaps these were even the pants the Mick was wearing on Friday, September 20th, when he took Red Sox star pitcher Jim Lonborg deep at Yankee Stadium, and limped around the bases for the 536th and final time. With even the great Mickey Mantle issued only two home and two road uniforms per season, it's certainly not hard to imagine. The visible wear is just tremendous, showing all the attributes of fine use you look for in flannel uniforms. It is possible that the pants did serve a second term of duty in the minor league, which could account for the number "35" markered in the waistband, but a "68" and "7" also there appear to have been applied at the same time, so the "35" may indicate waist size rather than the new owner's jersey number. We also find dual "Wilson" tagging in the waistband, noting "1968 Set 1," and an embroidered swatch reading "Mantle 24 ins." Original belt is here as well. A special opportunity to own one of the Mick's last uniform pieces. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1968 Andy Kosco Game Worn Jersey. Road grey flannel gamer once belonged to Kosco during his single season of service to the Yankees, often trading time with an aging Mickey Mantle at first base. All baseball fans should be well familiar with the design, sporting a stark navy "New York" arched across the chest and simply numbers on the reverse, "28" in this instance. An embroidered swatch applied at interior collar reads "Kosco," while dual "Wilson" tagging in the front left exterior tail indicates size "42" and "Set 1." Solid wear. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Late 1960's Jim Davenport Game Worn Jersey. From the west coast debut of the Giants franchise until 1970, Davenport was a fixture at San Francisco's hot corner, earning a Gold Glove and two All-Star appearances during his tenure. This home white flannel dates from the final years of his career, a fact we are able to ascertain from the variation of "Wilson [size] 42" tagging in the tail, as no year markings are present. The classic Old English "Giants" is spelled across the chest in Halloween-colored tackle twill, with number "12" applied to verso. A felt swatch sewn into the collar is embroidered "Davenport" in black thread. Wear is light but definite. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1978 Carl Yastrzemski Game Worn Jersey. Could this be the jersey that Yaz was wearing as he stood in the shadow of the Green Monster, neck strained skyward, helplessly watching Bucky Dent's long drive disappear into oblivion? It's probably not the memory that most Red Sox fans would wish to recall, but the possibility is certainly there. The home white knit pullover jersey exhibits solid use from the season which saw the Red Sox come within a hair's breadth of the American League East Championship, instead rebuffed to suffer through what would be another twenty-six years before glory returned to Fenway.
The most popular Red Sock since Ted Williams put solid wear into the presented jersey, which features the classic Old English "Red Sox" in red and navy tackle twill lettering on the chest and the retired number "8" on verso. Local Brockton, MA "McAuliffe Uniform Corp." label inside collar is placed above a size "44" tag featuring a tiny black inked "Yaz." The "1978" year tag and washing instructions label appear at lower right exterior tail. A black sharpie signature from the jersey's original owner is tagged with "Game Worn 1978" in Yaz' hand. A simply flawless specimen, well deserving of its MEARS A10 rating. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
The most popular Red Sock since Ted Williams put solid wear into the presented jersey, which features the classic Old English "Red Sox" in red and navy tackle twill lettering on the chest and the retired number "8" on verso. Local Brockton, MA "McAuliffe Uniform Corp." label inside collar is placed above a size "44" tag featuring a tiny black inked "Yaz." The "1978" year tag and washing instructions label appear at lower right exterior tail. A black sharpie signature from the jersey's original owner is tagged with "Game Worn 1978" in Yaz' hand. A simply flawless specimen, well deserving of its MEARS A10 rating. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1980 Frank Robinson Game Worn Jersey. Between managerial stints for the Cleveland Indians and the San Francisco Giants, the 500 Home Run Club member returned to the scene of his playing-days glory to assist manager Earl Weaver in the coaching of his old team. Presented is a grey jersey exhibiting season-long wear from road trips with the Baltimore Orioles. Orange and black tackle twill announce "Orioles 20" on the chest, with "Robinson 20" taking up the rear. Proper "Wilson [size] 42" label is straight-stitched into collar, and embroidered "80-2" swatch appears in lower left front exterior tail, indicating year and set number. Black sharpie autograph on lower chest rates 10/10. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1982 George Brett Game Worn Jersey. The seventh of thirteen consecutive All-Star seasons for the 3,000 Hit Club member and Hall of Fame enshrinee. Still the most beloved figure in Royals history, Brett suited up in this home white knit pullover sporting a blue tackle twill scripted team nickname across the chest and "Brett 5" on verso. Proper "Wilson [size] 42" label is affixed at interior collar, with the "82" embroidered year swatch applied at lower left exterior tail. Moderate wear evident. A 10/10 blue sharpie signature on the chest rounds out this ideal representation which has garnered MEARS' top rating, A10. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson. Precertified by PSA/DNA (Autograph), Auction LOA from James Authentication (Autograph)
Early 1980's Reggie Jackson Game Worn Jersey. Road grey knit was worn by Mr. October at some point between his 1982 free agency signing with the California Angels and the close of the 1985 season, as the left sleeve patch would change in 1986. "Angels 44" is applied to the chest in red and navy tackle twill, with "Jackson 44" similarly applied to verso. Tail holds "Wm. Goodman & Sons [size] 48" label. Game wear is characterized as "light to medium" in the letter of authenticity. A blue sharpie signature at lower chest rates a flawless 10/10. A solid specimen from this hard-slugging Hall of Fame favorite. LOA from Lou Lampson. Precertified by PSA/DNA (Autograph), Auction LOA from James Authentication (Autograph)
1990 Carlton Fisk Game Worn Jersey. Fifteen seasons after launching one of the most memorable home runs in Fall Classic history, the Hall of Fame catcher suited up in this road grey knit in support of the Chicago White Sox. A scripted "Chicago" is applied to chest in navy and red tackle twill, with "Fisk 72" appearing on verso. Interior left front tail holds a "Rawlings [size] 48" label with a "Set 1 1990" flap tag to the east and a "Fisk 72" embroidered swatch to the south. Light but definite wear. It's worthy of note that Fisk set the Major League record for home runs as a catcher (since topped by Mike Piazza, though still an AL record) on August 17, 1990 at Texas, opening the possibility that this is the jersey he wore for the occasion. A black sharpie signature on the upper left chest completes the package. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1990 Roger Clemens Game Worn Jersey. Despite an earned run average a full point beneath Bob Welch's 1990 total, the Rocket was denied what would have been his third American League Cy Young Award the season he wore this road grey gamer in support of the Boston Red Sox. Solid wear from that twenty-one and six campaign is evident throughout the classically styled jersey featuring an Old English "Boston" on the chest in red and navy tackle twill and "Clemens 21" on verso. Black mourning band on left sleeve pays homage to the fallen BoSox cult hero Tony Conigliaro. "Rawlings [size] 46" label at lower front interior tail sprouts a "Set 1 1990" flap tag. A special artifact from a period of utter dominance for this guaranteed future Hall of Famer. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1990 Eddie Murray Game Worn Jersey. Home white Los Angeles Dodgers jersey exhibits light but acceptable wear from the Hall of Fame first baseman during a season in which he inched every closer to membership in the 500 Home Run and 3,000 Hit Clubs with totals of twenty-six and 184 respectively, posting a career-best .330 average. Timeless Dodgers design features a scripted team nickname in blue across the chest with Murray's number "33" in red below. "Murray 33" is applied in blue tackle twill to verso. Dodgers centennial patch is affixed to left sleeve. "Rawlings [size] 46" label appears at interior collar, with "Set 2 1990" flap tag affixed. A 9/10 blue sharpie signature at upper right chest completes this impressive package. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1990 Ryne Sandberg All-Star Game Worn Jersey. Solid photo matches to front and back (www.GettyImages.com image numbers 80990336 and 94683140) help to designate the presented jersey as one of the finest Sandberg representations in the hobby, though the appeal hardly stops there. This pinstriped beauty was worn by the Hall of Fame Chicago Cub as he did his hometown crowd proud with an All-Star Game appearance at Wrigley Field. The starting second baseman for the National League side put solid wear into the presented shirt, indicating use well beyond the Midsummer Classic. Logo "Cubs" patch covers the heart, with a second logo patch on the left sleeve and the All-Star Game patch on the right, worn by the entire Cubs team throughout the 1990 season. A simple blue tackle twill number "23" is applied to verso. "Rawlings [size] 44" label in tail is applied above an embroidered swatch denoting "23 90 1 44T." A "1 Inch Extra Length" tag resides to the right. The crowning touch comes in the form of a 10/10 black sharpie signature, underscored with a "1990 All-Star Game" notation. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1991 Mark Grace Game Worn Uniform. No player in the National League registered more at-bats than this Chicago Cubs fan favorite during the 1991 season, the campaign in which this road grey jersey and pants saw action. "Chicago 17" is applied to the chest in bold tackle twill, with "Grace 17" applied similarly to verso. Team logo patches appear at each sleeve. "Rawlings [size] 46" label is affixed at interior collar, just above an embroidered swatch denoting jersey number, year, set and size: "17-91-1-46." Matching pants are similarly tagged, with "Rawlings [size] 36" label applied to interior waistband beside a "17-91-36-27" swatch indicating jersey number, year, waist and inseam. Light but definite wear is evident throughout. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Early 1990's Rickey Henderson Game Worn Jersey. Universally considered the greatest lead-off man in the history of the game, Henderson owns career records in both stolen bases and runs scored as well as membership to the illustrious 3,000 Hit Club. Here we encounter a home white knit from his tour of duty in Oakland, where he would win his only MVP award during the 1990 season. A lack of year tagging makes exact dating of the jersey impossible, though the team logo patch on the left sleeve made its first appearance in 1993. "Athletics 24" is applied to chest in green and yellow tackle twill, with "Henderson 24" balancing the design on verso. Lower left front tail holds "Russell Athletic Diamond Collection [size] 42" label, with "100% Polyester" flap tag below. Wear is quite good for a superstar gamer, with softening of the tagging and tackle twill indicative of sweaty use. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1997 Ken Griffey, Jr. Game Worn Jersey. The Jackie Robinson Golden Anniversary patch instantly pegs this home white Seattle gamer to the 1997 season, one in which Junior's fifty-six homers and 147 runs batted in (each League-topping figures) earned him a well deserved MVP Award. Glittering "Mariners" commands the jersey front, with "Griffey 24" applied to verso. Mariners' "20th Anniversary" patch on the right sleeve balances the aforementioned Robinson patch on the left. "Russell Athletic Diamond Collection [size] 48" label in tail holds "100% Polyester" and "2" Extra Length" flap tags. A "1997" year swatch is below. Strong, sweaty wear evident throughout. A splendid specimen ranking among the finest Griffey jerseys in the hobby. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2000 Tony Gwynn Game Worn Jersey. Road grey San Diego Padres jersey was acquired from the Hall of Famer's wife following the 2000 season. It exhibits light but acceptable wear from a campaign which saw him post a .324 average in his second to last year before retirement. "San Diego" is applied to the chest in tri-tone tackle twill, with "Gwynn 19" appearing on verso. Team logo patch is applied to left sleeve. Proper "Russell Athletic Authentic Collection" label is straight-stitched at lower left exterior tail, with a "50, 100% Polyester" flap tag sprouting from below. Rear numeral is autographed by Gwynn in 10/10 silver paint pen. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
2000 Alex Rodriguez Game Worn Jersey. Now that he's exorcised his October demons and finally earned a Championship ring for his sixteenth season in the Majors, it's time once again to honor A-Rod as one of the greatest players ever to take to the field. Do so with a serious bid upon this home white Mariners jersey, worn during his final season in Seattle before his trade to the Texas Rangers. A glittering "Mariners" spans the jersey chest, with "Rodriguez 3" applied to verso in honor of his slugging hero Babe Ruth. Team logo patch is affixed to left sleeve. "Russell Athletic Authentic Collection" label appears in lower left exterior tail, above a "2000" strip tag. "100% Polyester 50" and a pair of tailoring flap tags are found here as well. Moderate wear.
2001 Alex Rodriguez Game Worn Jersey. Fifty-two homers and 133 runs scored were each American League highs for the 2001 season, as were A-Rod's 393 total bases. Presented is a home white knit gamer exhibiting light but definite wear from another exceptional offensive campaign for the game's highest-paid superstar. "Rangers 3" is applied to the chest in blue and red tackle twill, with "Rodriguez 3" on verso. Texas state flag patch is affixed to left sleeve, with American League centennial patch on right. Lower left front interior tail holds "Rawlings Authentic Collection" label, with "2 Inch Extra Length" and "Set 1 2001" flap tags affixed. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2001 Wade Boggs Game Worn Jersey. After recording his 3,000th hit in the uniform of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the future Hall of Famer returned to the Tropicana Dome to help the struggling expansion franchise to realize its youthful potential in a coaching capacity. The presented road grey jersey exhibits appropriately light wear from this period, with "Tampa Bay 12" applied to the chest in tri-tone tackle twill and "Boggs 12" appearing on verso. Proper "Russell Athletic Authentic Collection" label appears in tail, with "100% Polyester 48" and "2" Extra Length" flap tags below. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2002 Greg Maddux Game Worn Jersey. Road grey knit can be pegged to the 2002 season definitely due to the presence of the MLB logo at rear outside collar and the absence of any sleeve decorations or year tagging in the tail. It was a season which saw Maddux post a stellar 2.62 ERA, second in the National League behind only fellow Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Classic "Atlanta" and tomahawk logo design dominates the front, with "Maddux 31" applied to verso. "Russell Athletic Authentic Collection" label in tail holds " 46 100% Polyester" and "+2" Extra Length" flap tags. Wear is light but definite, perfectly acceptable for superstar pitcher use. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2003 Rafael Palmeiro Game Worn Jersey. One of the most underrated stars in baseball history, Raffy's got every offensive pedigree there is: 500 home runs, 3,000 hits, 500 doubles, 1,500 runs batted in, a treasure chest of milestones matched by a group you could count on one hand. Here we find an alternate blue Rangers jersey sported near the end of Palmeiro's career, featuring a tri-tone "Texas" on the chest and "Palmeiro 25" on verso. Texas state flag patch appears on left sleeve. Tail holds "Majestic Athletic Authentic Collection" label in tail, with flap tags indicating size "50," a "+1" slv" tailoring modification and "Set 2 2003" indicator. Wear is light but definite, typical for superstar use. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2003 Vladimir Guerrero Game Worn Jersey. If you don't buy this jersey, there will come a day you'll wish you had. Here's why. Vladdy's an eight-time All-Star and a career .321 hitter, a bona fide lock for Hall of Fame induction. Add the appeal of the Montreal Expos lineage and the longstanding collecting affinity for defunct teams. It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that this is a jersey with ascending value. "Expos 27" is affixed to the chest in blue and red tackle twill, with "Guerrero 27" taking up the rear. Team logo patch appears on left sleeve. "Russell Athletic Authentic Collection" label in tail sprouts a "50, 100% Polyester" flap tag at bottom. Wear is light but definite. An investment quality piece. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2005 Hideki Matsui Game Worn Jersey. There won't be any more Yankees jerseys for Matsui, breaking the hearts of millions of Yankees fans thrilled by the Japanese slugger's October heroics which earned him the 2009 World Series MVP Award. So we'll have to content ourselves with relics of the past, like this road grey knit exhibiting solid, consistent wear from Matsui's third season in the Majors. Classic design provides "New York" in bold block lettering across the chest, and Matsui's number "55" on verso. "Majestic Athletic Authentic Collection" label in lower front left tail holds "2005" and "50" flap tags below indicating year and size. Holographic authentication sticker from Steiner Sports (official marketing company for New York Yankees gear) is affixed, with matching paperwork included. LOA from Steiner Sports. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2007 Lance Berkman Game Worn Jersey. Another 100+ rbi season for the the man they call "Big Puma," one of the most beloved members of the Houston Astros squad. The burly switch hitter represented his home state admirably in this white pinstriped gamer, which features "Astros 17" on the chest and "Berkman 17" on verso. Team logo patch is affixed to left sleeve. "Majestic Athletic Authentic Collection" label is housed in lower left exterior tail. Wear is light but definite. A 10/10 silver sharpie signature on rear numerals is notated in Berkman's hand "Game Worn 2007." LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1908-10 "Wee Willie" Keeler Game Used Bat. Second behind only the great Cap Anson in career hits at the time of his 1910 retirement with 2,932, Keeler earned his posthumous Hall of Fame plaque by staying true to his simple batting philosophy, "Hit 'em where they ain't." One of the shortest inhabitants of Cooperstown, Keeler utilized what is documented as Major League history's shortest bat, just a half inch over the required minimum of thirty inches. Though what the presented "Spalding Gold Medal William Keeler Autograph" model lumber lacks in size, it more than makes up for in historical and collecting appeal.
The man who scored the first run in New York Yankees history as a member of the 1903 Highlanders, Keeler joined Ty Cobb in 1908 in signing contracts with Spalding to produce autograph model bats for their use, and for retail sales. It is important to note, however, that several significant attributes differentiate this professional model from those commercially available.
1) Spalding catalogs from the period indicate availability of the Keeler model bat in lengths of thirty-two to thirty-five inches. No half-inch models were sold, and none shorter than thirty-two inches. It should also be noted that 30.5 inches is the size in Hillerich & Bradsby ordering records for Keeler.
2) All known retail model Spalding bats from this period featured logo stamping on the knob end. The presented example features lathe marks indicative of hand rasping of the knob and barrel end, a procedure intended to reach a player's intended bat weight (thirty-six and a half ounces in this case).
3) The high quality of the ash utilized in the construction of the bat is far more typical of professional than retail quality.
Apparent use is light but definite, with over a dozen surface ball marks and light but distinct stitch impressions. It must be noted that the tight grain of the high quality ash could bear responsibility for the limited signs of wear. Handle tape appears to have been removed, and has left faint signs of its presence. Period photography finds Keeler using bats identical in apparent size and shape. With a full five points awarded for fidelity to factory specifications, and another point for the light use, the bat earns a grade of MEARS A6. LOA from MEARS.
The man who scored the first run in New York Yankees history as a member of the 1903 Highlanders, Keeler joined Ty Cobb in 1908 in signing contracts with Spalding to produce autograph model bats for their use, and for retail sales. It is important to note, however, that several significant attributes differentiate this professional model from those commercially available.
1) Spalding catalogs from the period indicate availability of the Keeler model bat in lengths of thirty-two to thirty-five inches. No half-inch models were sold, and none shorter than thirty-two inches. It should also be noted that 30.5 inches is the size in Hillerich & Bradsby ordering records for Keeler.
2) All known retail model Spalding bats from this period featured logo stamping on the knob end. The presented example features lathe marks indicative of hand rasping of the knob and barrel end, a procedure intended to reach a player's intended bat weight (thirty-six and a half ounces in this case).
3) The high quality of the ash utilized in the construction of the bat is far more typical of professional than retail quality.
Apparent use is light but definite, with over a dozen surface ball marks and light but distinct stitch impressions. It must be noted that the tight grain of the high quality ash could bear responsibility for the limited signs of wear. Handle tape appears to have been removed, and has left faint signs of its presence. Period photography finds Keeler using bats identical in apparent size and shape. With a full five points awarded for fidelity to factory specifications, and another point for the light use, the bat earns a grade of MEARS A6. LOA from MEARS.
Late 1920's John "Jocko" Conlan Game Used Sidewritten Bat. The simple block lettered "Conlan" on the barrel of the presented dark hickory Hillerich & Bradsby sent the PSA/DNA bat authenticators to the record books, searching out all Major and minor league players with this surname active during the bat's 1925-1928 labeling period. Only a single name was evident, that of John Bertand Conlan, best known to the baseball world as Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlan.
Of all umpires enshrined at Cooperstown, only Conlan played professional ball, even registering 128 games at the Major League level with the 1934 and 1935 Chicago White Sox. The presented bat dates to his earlier minor league days, and exhibits heavy use with multiple ball marks on the barrel and a cracked handle with remnants of grip tape remaining. Vintage grease pencil on the barrel reads "Athletic Supply 5-15-29," this sidewriting indicating Conlan's desire to have more bats made with identical dimensions. Length and weight are thirty-five inches and thirty six ounces respectively, but as the only known game used bat from this tough Hall of Famer, the appeal is immeasurable. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Of all umpires enshrined at Cooperstown, only Conlan played professional ball, even registering 128 games at the Major League level with the 1934 and 1935 Chicago White Sox. The presented bat dates to his earlier minor league days, and exhibits heavy use with multiple ball marks on the barrel and a cracked handle with remnants of grip tape remaining. Vintage grease pencil on the barrel reads "Athletic Supply 5-15-29," this sidewriting indicating Conlan's desire to have more bats made with identical dimensions. Length and weight are thirty-five inches and thirty six ounces respectively, but as the only known game used bat from this tough Hall of Famer, the appeal is immeasurable. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1925-30 Jimmie Foxx Game Used Bat. Hanna Manufacturing model TA 76 6 Foxx model Georgia Driver Steel Temper bat exhibits moderate use from the hands of one of only two men to slug his way into the 500 Home Run Club prior to the start of the Second World War. While Hillerich & Bradsby has remained the standard of the industry for the last century of Major League Baseball, Hanna did enjoy a fair degree of popularity from the 1920's to the 1940's, with the legendary Lou Gehrig one of the brand's most noteworthy proponents. Photographic records find many players gripping Hanna bats throughout the era.
Moderate use is evident, with several ball marks visible on right and back barrel. This Foxx representation measures an even thirty-six for both inches and ounces. The weight matches factory ordering records for Hillerich & Bradsby, as it does for handle style, knob and barrel dimensions, though Foxx typically used thirty-five inch bats. Later H&B records do show Foxx ordering thirty-six inch bats, however, so such a length is not unprecedented for Foxx. Hanna factory records do not exist, unfortunately. These factors give our authenticators confidence that the bat was indeed used by Foxx during the referenced labeling period, and inspire them to assign a grade of GU 6. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Moderate use is evident, with several ball marks visible on right and back barrel. This Foxx representation measures an even thirty-six for both inches and ounces. The weight matches factory ordering records for Hillerich & Bradsby, as it does for handle style, knob and barrel dimensions, though Foxx typically used thirty-five inch bats. Later H&B records do show Foxx ordering thirty-six inch bats, however, so such a length is not unprecedented for Foxx. Hanna factory records do not exist, unfortunately. These factors give our authenticators confidence that the bat was indeed used by Foxx during the referenced labeling period, and inspire them to assign a grade of GU 6. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1938-41 Hank Greenberg Game Used Bat. One of only six authentic Hank Greenberg game used bats known to exist, the presented signature model Hillerich & Bradsby is practically a mythical creature to the many serious Hall of Fame bat collectors itching for a chance at one. Too often the intense popularity of Greenberg memorabilia is attributed to his Jewish faith, minimizing the enormous talents which endangered Ruth's single season home run record in 1938, the first year of the offered bat's labeling period. While we cannot definitively peg this rare artifact to that fifty-eight home run campaign, the possibility of such a vintage does exist. Considering the heavy use of the bat, and the fact that Greenberg went deep 134 times during the three seasons and small fraction of a fourth in which the bat may have seen action, there's little doubt but that the antique ash is infused with a good dose of home run magic. Ball and cleat marks are interspersed among green and red bat rack streaks on the barrel, and the handle is scored for improved grip as was Greenberg's preference. Bat is uncracked. Length of just over thirty-five inches and just over thirty-three ounces are correct for ordering records, another factor compelling the experts to designate an impressive grade of PSA/DNA GU 8.5. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1947-49 Mel Ott Team Ordered Bat. Exceptional use upon this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby O16 may have been imposed by the Hall of Fame slugger himself, though the fact that the labeling period includes only his final four career at-bats limits the possiblity. It must be noted that the O16 model was indeed Ott's preferred style, though the Giants likewise used this form of Ott signature model as a team index for use by any number of other players as well. The length of thirty-five inches and weight of thirty-five and one half ounces are likewise correct for Ott's specifications, so one can't help but wonder if this might be a bat used in his final days as a player. A mixture of ball and cleat marks coat the surface of the blonde ash, and a crack running from the handle to the barrel has been expertly repaired, only apparent upon close inspection. The rarest of the 500 Home Run Club bats, for the advanced collector. Graded PSA/DNA GU 6. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1950 Ted Williams Team Ordered Bat, Game Used. Perfectly matching Boston Red Sox ordering records for the 1950 season, this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby O1 was very possibly used by The Kid himself, though the lack of direct provenance or Williams' number "9" on the knob makes a definitive conclusion impossible. It must be noted, however, that the length of thirty-five inches and weight of thirty-four and a half ounces are both appropriate for Williams, and green striping on the barrel would appear to indicate contact with the Fenway Park bat rack. Several ball marks and stitch impressions are visible on the left barrel, as are a scattering of cleat marks. Overall use is excellent. Graded GU 6. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1950-52 Stan Musial Game Used Bat. While the St. Louis Cardinals legend earned seven National League batting titles during his twenty-two season career, only once did he hold the title for three consecutive campaigns. That span, 1950 to 1952, just so happens to correspond exactly with the labeling period of the presented Hillerich & Bradsby M117, providing pretty solid evidence to back our claim that the bat dates to the absolute pinnacle of The Man's considerable talents. "Excellent use," as described by experts Taube and Malta, is only to be expected for any lumber surviving an era marked by 591 base hits, 113 doubles and eighty-one long balls. Ball, stitch and cleat marks decorate the block lettered barrel, which bears a later perfect black sharpie signature from the former owner. Length and weight of thirty-four and a half inches and thirty-three ounces are correct for Musial. Uncracked. Graded PSA/DNA GU 8. LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1953 Billy Loes World Series Game Used Bat. Hillerich & Bradsby K55 was issued to the Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher who earned a Game Four victory at Ebbets and went two for three himself at the plate. One can justifiably assume that this is the bat which saw action in that Subway Series against the New York Yankees, though it would be impossible to determine this definitively. The thirty-five inch length and thirty-two ounce weight match shipping records for the Dodgers' shipment on September 23rd, 1953, part of a single order of World Series bats for the Brooklyn pitching staff. Use is light, and obscured by handling over the subsequent years. Bat is uncracked. A super-rare World Series pitcher's bat from one of the most celebrated eras in baseball history. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1956 Frank Robinson Rookie of the Year Game Used Bat. One of the most important Robinson bats ever to reach the public auction block is presented here, a spectacular signature model Hillerich & Bradsby M117 exhibiting heavy use from one of the greatest baseball debuts in Major League history. Just twenty years old when he took his first swings with the Cincinnati Reds, Robinson immediately established himself as one of the most fearsome sluggers on the Senior Circuit, launching thirty-eight long balls (second only to Duke Snider) and scoring an NL-best 122 runs. The ROY balloting was unanimous in his favor. The bat features multiple ball and stitch marks, intermingled with a rash of cleat divots. Thirty-five inches and thirty-four ounces perfectly match factory records. Robinson has signed the barrel in 10/10 sharpie, adding "ROY Bat" just below. Only the repair of a slight handle crack causes any deviation from utter perfection, resulting in a PSA/DNA grade of GU 9.5. LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1959 Gil Hodges World Series Game Used Bat. The beloved Bum's finest October was his last one, as Hodges helped secure the first World Series Championship for the west coast with a Game Three-winning eighth inning home run and a stellar .391 average for the Series against the American League Champion Chicago White Sox. Presented is one of two bats provided to Hodges by Hillerich & Bradsby for use by the star first baseman in the 1959 Fall Classic, his preferred H178 model measuring thirty-five inches in length and thirty-one and a half ounces in weight. The bat exhibits light use, typical for World Series models, with ball and stitch marks visible on the back barrel, along with blue bat rack streaks. Matching the delectable vintage and heritage is the first-rate provenance, as the bat is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Gil's daughter Barbara Hodges, attesting to its history. Graded PSA/DNA GU 7. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1962 Stan Musial Game Used Bat, Graded PSA/DNA GU 10. One last great season for The Man, who proved that forty-plus year olds can still swing the bat as he posted a .330 average and sent nineteen balls into the cheap seats in 1962. The presented blonde ash Adirondack 57B exhibits heavy use from the Hall of Fame slugger, providing ball marks, stitch impressions and cleat divots on its punished barrel. A hairline handle crack ended its long term of service. Number "6" appears in marker on the knob. Length is thirty-four and one half inches, and weight is just over thirty-two ounces, each precise to Musial's factory ordering records. A black sharpie signature appears at the barrel end, with a nice, short list of stats balancing the design at left. The letter of authenticity suggests that a faded earlier Musial signature had been removed, but we can locate no sign of it. Flawless in every regard, the experts at PSA/DNA have granted the only grade acceptable, a perfect GU 10. LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph & notations).
1964 Whitey Ford World Series Game Used Bat, MEARS A10. Eight times during his Hall of Fame career it was Whitey Ford who took starting pitcher honors for World Series Game One, the last of which came in the 1964 Fall Classic when the presented bat saw action. Educated bat collectors are well aware that pitchers' bats are the toughest of them all, little surprise due to the relative dearth of plate appearances for the position. But the lumber offered here ratchets up the appeal with its October vintage, particularly given the fact that The Chairman of the Board holds to this day the record for World Series victories at ten, and for consecutive scoreless innings at 33 2/3. In other words, Reggie Jackson's nickname would be just as suitable for Ford as is Frank Sinatra's.
A perfect grade of A10 from MEARS is little surprise when we begin to examine the historic Hillerich & Bradsby K55 issued for Ford's final Series. A perfect match to October 5, 1964 factory records with its thirty-four inches of length and thirty-three ounces of weight, the bat provides a boldly block-lettered "1964-World Series, Ford, New York Yankees" on the barrel, joined by a 10/10 inscription from the superstar southpaw reading "Ed 'Whitey' Ford, 1961 Cy Young, 1974 H. of Fame." The blonde ash exhibits appropriately light use for Ford's three Series plate appearances, with deeply imbedded ball marks on the barrel, likely caused in part by Ford's RBI single in the top of the second inning of Game One. No cracks.
The full five points for factory record match and full three for appropriate use take us to eight, with the final two added for first-person provenance. The bat was originally consigned to auction by Ford himself when his personal collection was sold in July 2008. LOA from MEARS, Grade A10. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph).
A perfect grade of A10 from MEARS is little surprise when we begin to examine the historic Hillerich & Bradsby K55 issued for Ford's final Series. A perfect match to October 5, 1964 factory records with its thirty-four inches of length and thirty-three ounces of weight, the bat provides a boldly block-lettered "1964-World Series, Ford, New York Yankees" on the barrel, joined by a 10/10 inscription from the superstar southpaw reading "Ed 'Whitey' Ford, 1961 Cy Young, 1974 H. of Fame." The blonde ash exhibits appropriately light use for Ford's three Series plate appearances, with deeply imbedded ball marks on the barrel, likely caused in part by Ford's RBI single in the top of the second inning of Game One. No cracks.
The full five points for factory record match and full three for appropriate use take us to eight, with the final two added for first-person provenance. The bat was originally consigned to auction by Ford himself when his personal collection was sold in July 2008. LOA from MEARS, Grade A10. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph).
1964-67 Willie Mays Game Used Bat. One of just four players in Major League history with keys to both the 3,000 Hit and 500 Home Run clubhouses, Willie Mays also brought one of the game's best gloves to the outfield, putting him high on the short list of greatest ballplayers ever. Here we present a tool from the offensive half of that equation, exhibiting use characterized as "heavy" by authenticator John Taube. The presented Adirondack M63 matches Mays' factory ordering records in its model number and specifications of thirty-five inches and thirty-three ounces, favored during a tremendously productive time in his Hall of Fame career. Ball, stitch and cleat marks decorate the barrel, and some swelling of the grain from Mays' abuse of National League baseballs has been professionally repaired. Mays' number "24" remains in vintage marker on the knob. A top-shelf example of this important lumber, guaranteed to make even the most jaded collector say "Hey!" Graded GU 9. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1965-68 Willie Mays Game Used Bat PSA GU 7. One of just four players in Major League history with keys to both the 3,000 Hit and 500 Home Run clubhouses, Willie Mays also brought one of the game's best gloves to the outfield, putting him high on the short list of greatest ballplayers ever. Here we present a tool from the offensive half of that equation, exhibiting use characterized as "moderate" by authenticator John Taube. The block-lettered Hillerich & Bradsby S2 matches Mays' factory ordering records in its model number and specifications of thirty-four and three-quarter inches and thirty-four and a half ounces, favored during a tremendously productive time in his Hall of Fame career. Deeply imbedded ball and stitch marks adorn the barrel, with some swelling of the grain from Mays' abuse of National League baseballs. A professionally repaired handle crack will only be evident upon the closest of inspection--in fact, we can see no sign of it with the naked eye. Graded PSA GU 7. LOA from John Taube.
1967 Ernie Banks All-Star Game Used Bat. A marathon Midsummer Classic at Angel Stadium took extra innings to decide, with Tony Perez' fifteenth inning long ball proving to be the game-winner for the visiting National League side. The presented bat was issued to Ernie Banks for the contest, effectively used in the tenth inning in a pinch hitting capacity as the Cubs Hall of Famer rattled off a single in his only plate appearance. The signature model Hillerich & Bradsby S2 exhibits appropriately light use, with a few ball marks and stitch impressions evident on front and right barrel, and light pine tar at the uncracked handle.
"All Star Game, 1967 - Anaheim" frames Banks' facsimile signature on barrel, and a genuine 10/10 black sharpie specimen resides to the right with a desirable "Mr. Cub" notation. Length and weight are thirty-six inches and thirty-four ounces respectively. Fine provenance is delivered in the form of a letter from the former minor league roommate of Banks' son, who gave the bat to the the letter writer in lieu of rent payment. PSA/DNA assigns an impressive grade of GU 9. LOA from PSA/DNA.
"All Star Game, 1967 - Anaheim" frames Banks' facsimile signature on barrel, and a genuine 10/10 black sharpie specimen resides to the right with a desirable "Mr. Cub" notation. Length and weight are thirty-six inches and thirty-four ounces respectively. Fine provenance is delivered in the form of a letter from the former minor league roommate of Banks' son, who gave the bat to the the letter writer in lieu of rent payment. PSA/DNA assigns an impressive grade of GU 9. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1967-68 Roger Maris Game Used Bat. Late career gamer dates to the reigning single season Home Run King's years with the St. Louis Cardinals, to whom the star outfielder was traded in December 1966. The signature model Hillerich & Bradsby O16 exhibits light use, with several red bat streaks from the Cardinals' rack apparent on left and back barrel. Length of thirty-five inches and weight of thirty-two ounces match ordering records. Maris' number "9" is applied in vintage marker to the knob. A 7/10 black marker inscription, reading "To Hank, Best Always, Roger Maris," definitively places the bat in the hands of this hero of the 1961 home run race. Worth thousands simply as an autographed bat, the presented artifact should draw interest from several collecting disciplines when placed upon the auction block, so be prepared for a bidding war. Graded GU 7 by PSA/DNA. LOA from PSA/DNA. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1971 Roberto Clemente World Series Game Used Bat, Graded PSA GU 10. His third inning home run in the deciding seventh game of the 1971 World Series gave the Pirates a lead they would not relinquish, helping to deliver the first World Championship since Mazeroski's 1960 blast to the people of Pittsburgh. While we cannot assert definitively that this is the bat responsible for that historic homer, an included letter of provenance from assistant Pirates clubhouse manager Chuck Cirelli attributes the signature model Hillerich & Bradsby U1 to that glorious October. The enormous Cooperstown-quality artifact is a full three feet in length and thirty-seven ounces in weight, not far off from the lumber utilized by the Babe during his career. Light use is evident, though experts Taube and Malta note in their LOA that Clemente was known for frequent bat changes, making this typical of his gamers. A few ball marks are visible on the back of the barrel, as are some bat rack streaks. Clemente's number "21" and the "37" ounce weight of the bat are written on the knob end. The combination of ideal specs, Fall Classic vintage and Cirelli provenance inspires a perfect PSA GU 10 grade, making this one of the most desirable Clemente gamers on earth. LOA from PSA/DNA. Letter of provenance from Chuck Cirelli.
1973-75 Dick Allen Game Used Bat. Number forty-three on the career chart for slugging percentage, Dick Allen is second only to Albert Belle in that category among eligible players not yet inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. This signature model P89 will surely skyrocket in value should the day come when the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year gets the Hall call, and it exhibits very strong use from the later years of his impressive career. Ball marks and stitch impressions join indentations made by a weighted donut on the barrel. The handle remains uncracked, and some black paint here is likely subsequent to Allen's ownership. The lumber is simply "Ruthian" in dimensions, with a length of thirty-six inches and weight of forty-two ounces.
1976 Johnny Bench Game Used Bicentennial Bat, PSA/DNA GU 10. Number sixteen on The Sporting News' list of Baseball's Greatest Players, Bench further distinguished himself as the top vote-getter at the catcher's position, topping even the great Josh Gibson for the honor. Presented is one of the most appealing Louisville Sluggers ever issued to the Hall of Fame backstop during the second consecutive World Championship season for the Big Red Machine. Collectors swoon over the special bicentennial logo on all bats from the 1976 season, but this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby B278 provides much more to love. The uncracked lumber exhibits "heavy use," according to experts Taube and Malta, with a multitude of ball, stitch and cleat marks joined by red and blue bat rack streaks. Original tape on the pine-tarred handle remains, as does Bench's number "5" in black marker on the knob end. Length: 35.25". Weight 32 ounces. An ideal specimen in every regard, well deserving of its perfect rating by PSA/DNA. LOA from PSA/DNA, Graded GU10.
1977 George Brett Game Used Bat. There have been few more terrifying sights in baseball history than the snarling, frothing one-man stampede from the Royals dugout when Brett's 1983 home run was negated, so we're a bit nervous in pointing out that the pine tar on this presented signature model Hillerich & Bradsby T85S does indeed extend for more than eighteen inches beyond the knob. A classic early career gamer, this representation exhibits "outstanding" use, as characterized by Malta and Taube, with ball and stitch marks coating the barrel. The length of thirty-four and a half inches and weight just under thirty-two ounces are correct for Brett and his number "5" appears in vintage marker on the knob end. No cracks. A terrific specimen worthy of its GU 9 status, from a season which saw the Royals come within three defensive outs of an American League pennant. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1977-79 Reggie Jackson Game Used Bat. The chants of "Reg-gie! Reg-gie!" will still bring a tingle to the spine of any Yankees fan alive during the late 1970's when Jackson was earning his "Mr. October" moniker with his World Series heroics. As such, the presented Adirondack 288RJ borders on being a religious artifact for many a Big Apple fan and collector. This was no wallflower to the proceedings either, exhibiting light grain separation on the back barrel from its punishing use in the hands of the Hall of Fame slugger. Ball, stitch, cleat and back rack marks adorn the blond ash throughout. Uncracked. Length of thirty-four and one half inches and weight of thirty-three ounces perfectly match Jackson's ordering records, and the vintage number "44" on the knob furthers the appeal, accounting for the final grade of PSA/DNA GU 8.5. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1979 Lou Brock Game Used Bat. This Adirondack Big Stick 386B is the model favored by the Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinal during his final season in the game as he chased, and eventually reached, the 3,000 hit mark to ensure baseball immortality. The thirty-three inch war club shows light use, with several ball and stitch marks visible on the left and back barrel. Also present are several red bat rack streaks on the uncracked handle. Weight is the proper thirty-one ounces. Number "20" is applied in marker to the knob. In short, this is a top representation of a bat worthy of a glass case in Cooperstown. Graded GU7. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1983 Cal Ripken, Jr. Game Used Bat. Factory ordering records allow us to definitively peg this important lumber to the burgeoning Iron Man's 1983 American League MVP season, one in which he took top honors in hits, doubles, runs scored and, of course, games played. One can easily spot the hallmarks of his world class production in the punished blonde ash of this signature model Louisville Slugger R161, exhibiting heavy use with ball, stitch, rack and spike marks and slight grain swelling. A repaired minor crack on the scored handle ended the lengthy service. Ripken's number "8" appears in vintage marker on the knob end. Length is thirty-five inches, weight thirty-four and a half ounces. A flawless black sharpie signature, complete with "2007 Hall of Fame" notation, completes the package, and furthers the bat's status as one of the most desirable Ripken gamers on earth. Graded PSA/DNA GU 9. LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1986 Mike Schmidt Home Runs #491 & #493 Game Used Bat. Only Mike himself knows why he decided to grab another bat to launch career home run number 492, but his standard notation for keeping track of his long ball lumber leaves no doubt. The Adirondack 154A features two blue markered dots at the trademark and the numbers "91" and "93" just above, typical of all Schmidt homer bats from this era. Use is characterized by Taube and Malta as "outstanding," with ball, stitch, cleat and bat rack marks abounding. Heavy pine tar coats the handle, where a crack put an end to the bat's frenetic duties. Schmidt's number "20" appears in marker on the knob, opposite a small inked number "32" indicating the bat's weight in ounces. Length is thirty-five inches. Blue sharpie signature on barrel is 10/10. A magnificent representation from Schmidt's third and final National League MVP season, rating GU 9. LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1999 Tony Gwynn Hit #2934 Game Used Bat. Signature model Louisville Slugger B267 moved the Hall of Fame San Diego Padre two rungs up the ladder from Wee Willie Keeler, another expert at "hittin' 'em where they ain't." Rock-solid provenance is a key attribute here, as the bat derives directly from Gwynn's personal collection and is accompanied by a COA signed by his wife Alicia. Excellent use is evident, with several ball and stitch marks and a minor handle crack which ended the lumber's active duty. Original grip tape and pine tar on the knob. Length is thirty-four inches, weight thirty and a half ounces, details appearing in marker on the knob along with Gwynn's number "19" jersey number. Gwynn has signed the barrel in 9/10 black sharpie and added his "#2934" hit notation. A fantastic relic from the weeks just preceding Gwynn's 3,000 Hit Club induction, fully deserving of its GU 9 rating. LOA from PSA/DNA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
Hockey Collectibles
1927 Ottawa Senators Original Team Photograph. The 1926-27 NHL season not only marked the expansion of the budding league, with the additions of the Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Cougars and New York Rangers, but that significant year also fielded one of the best teams ever, the '27 Ottawa Senators. Presented here is an absolutely gorgeous, crystal-clear original photograph featuring the Stanley Cup wining squad, which was rendered by Ottawa's "Hands Studio." This museum-caliber piece measures at 12.5x16.25", and resides in a 19.75x23" frame. This image exhibits no noticeable flaws, and features the following players: Cy Denneny, Frank Finnigan, Alex Connell. Hector Kilrea, Milton Halliday, John J. Adams, Frank Clancy, Frank Nighbor, Reg Smith, George Boucher, Ed Gorman and Alex Smith. Sure turn the heads of only the most serious vintage hockey gurus, this piece may very well be the highest quality 1927 Senators team photo in existence. Third-party shipping required.
1928 Gold Knife Presented to Jack Adams after Lester Patrick Played in the Stanley Cup Finals. "The Memorable Evening" is quite the understatement for what actually took place on April 7, 1928. After an eye injury to starting goaltender Lorne Chabot, the coach and general manager of the New York Rangers actually inserted himself in a game during the Stanley Cup Finals. The heroic 44-year-old only allowed one goal in propelling his team to an overtime victory. The Rangers would go on to win the Stanley Cup, leaving fans only to wonder what would have happen if he wouldn't laced up the skates that night. Offered here is a rare memento, in the form of a gold pocket knife that was presented to Jack Adams, who was coach and general manager of the Detroit Cougars. This piece features "Jack Adams, The Memorable Evening-April 7, 1928, New York Rangers 2-Montreal Maroons 1, John S. Hammond," on one side. Truly a one-of-a-kind piece from one of the most intriguing instances in NHL history.
1931 Howie Morenz Hart Trophy Gold Pendant. One of the first major stars of professional hockey, Howie Morenz was awarded this spectacular 1.25" 9 karat gold (9.30 grams) pendant by the A.G. Spalding Bros. company for winning the 1931 Hart Trophy. The famed equipment company was responsible for supplying the early NHL's jerseys and pucks, which explains the connection between A.G. Spalding and this pendant. The front of this treasure depicts an illustration of two hockey players in action, while "Presented by A.G. Spalding Bros. H. Morenz 1931" is engraved on the verso. This impressive presentation piece is accompanied with iron-clad provenance and originates from the estate of the Morenz family. LOA from Howie Morenz Jr, with picture of him holding the pendant.
1933-34 Montreal Canadiens C.C.M. Advertisement Broadside. Brilliant color, and terrific illustrations are detailed on this broadside issued by hockey equipment company, C.C.M.
Behind the leadership of Howie Morenz and head coach Newsy Lalonde, the 1933-34 Montreal Canadiens are featured on a stunning black and white team photo, which is prominently displayed in the center of this sturdy cardboard artifact. This piece measures at 14.5x21.5" and presents the words "Les Patins CCM Sont Champions Partout," on the top. The center photo exhibits medium wear, with moderate soiling, and a two-inch tear at the base. The large cardboard portion is extremely eye appealing, and has slight tearing at the edges, with a 1.5x3" piece that was cut from the bottom right corner. Overall condition of this museum-caliber lot is "conservatively" VG. According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, this example is the first of its kind ever offered publicly.
Behind the leadership of Howie Morenz and head coach Newsy Lalonde, the 1933-34 Montreal Canadiens are featured on a stunning black and white team photo, which is prominently displayed in the center of this sturdy cardboard artifact. This piece measures at 14.5x21.5" and presents the words "Les Patins CCM Sont Champions Partout," on the top. The center photo exhibits medium wear, with moderate soiling, and a two-inch tear at the base. The large cardboard portion is extremely eye appealing, and has slight tearing at the edges, with a 1.5x3" piece that was cut from the bottom right corner. Overall condition of this museum-caliber lot is "conservatively" VG. According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, this example is the first of its kind ever offered publicly.
1936 C.C.M. Photographs "Scarce" Advertising Flyer. This ultra-rare advertising flyer was distributed through local sporting good stores who sold C.C.M. hockey equipment. Measuring at 8.5x11", this piece consists of light paper stock, and would unquestionably present nicely in a display with C.C.M.'s popular championship team photographs of the 1930's. The overall condition of this piece is strong, but does have some minor tears at the edges, and a 1" tear on the right side, which has been fixed with a piece of transparent tape on the back. Just begging to be framed and matted, this unique advertising flyer is rarely seen, and should command significant interest in the hockey collectibles community.
Circa 1940 Eddie Shore Signed Hockey Puck. The authenticators from PSA, obviously top autograph experts who have seen it all, marveled at this puck, at the quality and exceptional rarity. Dozens and dozens of times more rare than a single signed Ruth baseball, or even a Gehrig, this puck represents what may well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for serious hockey collectors. The "Spalding Official National League" puck, a valuable piece in its own right, is covered on one side with grip tape and signed in dark black ink, "To Gertrude from Eddie Shore." This special keepsake was signed right around the year Shore retired from the game that saw him as the most terrifying defenseman to face, a lesson painfully learned by the great Ace Bailey, whose career was ended by a vicious Shore check. Shore's autograph is essential to any fine hockey collection, and most have to be satisfied with a signed program or photograph. Pucks from the era were almost never signed, but we're glad that Eddie made an exception at least this once. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1941-42 Toronto Maple Leafs Presentational Team Photo Display. The 1941-42 Toronto Maple Leafs finally ended the team's Stanley Cup drought of nine seasons, when in the club's 25th season in the NHL the Leafs came back after being down zero game to three, and defeated the Detroit Red Wings in a thrilling seven-game series. Offered here is a team photo display that is one of the pieces that was presented to each player of the team. This particular piece originates from the "Ernie Dickens Estate," and features a unique border representing all seven teams of the National Hockey League. The display consists of heavy stock cardboard, and measures at 12.25x19". Moderate discoloration from aging is present on this piece, and minor wear is exhibited throughout. According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, this is one of only three 1941-42 Maple Leafs presentational team photos that has ever hit the market, making this a real treasure for any serious vintage hockey enthusiast.
1941-42 New York Rangers Pin. Presented here is one of the more unique hockey pieces offered in Heritage Auction Galleries' April Signature sale. This New York Rangers player's pin is gold filled, weighing 4.20 grams, and measures at 1.5". Gold in color, this piece features a spectacular "crossing sticks" design, with years "41" and "42" and an interlocking "NY" design. Original clasp is still intact on the back of this EX-MT+ artifact.
Circa 1942-45 Montreal Canadiens 15-Inch Circular Broadsides Lot of 6. Along with Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, the Montreal Forum was the most storied building in hockey history. These beautiful 15" circular photograph broadsides hung in the famed venue from 1942-45, and feature spectacular images of five former Canadiens legends, including the following: Kenny Reardon, Jacques Locas, Leo Gravelle, Murph Chamberlain, Roger Leger and Glen Harmon. Pieces consist of heavy cardboard stock and exhibit medium wear, with small hanger holes on the top and bottom of each, only mentioned for the sake of full disclosure. Heritage Auction Galleries continues to obtain the most unique sports pieces from auction to auction, and this catalog listing is one of the most intriguing lots that has come through our doors.
1948 Syl Apps "Pep Cereal" Pinback Button. One of the rarest exemplars from the 1948 hockey pinback button issue, which presumably were issued by Kellogg's Pep Cereal, this Syl Apps piece exhibits extremely solid condition. In addition to his superior talents in ice hockey, Apps also was a 1934 British Empire Games Gold medalist in the pole vault. Very minor scratching on the front, and light rusting on the verso makes this one of the best examples ever offered of the tough pinback featuring the Toronto Hall of Famer.
1949-50 Pittsburgh Hornets Team Signed Photograph - Earliest Known Tim Horton Signed Photo. One of multiple significant signed Tim Horton pieces offered in Heritage Auction Galleries' April Signature sale, this 1949-50 Pittsburgh Hornets team-signed photograph features the earliest known photo signed of the legendary Hall of Famer, and co-founder of Canada's largest restaurant chain. Heavy wear is exhibited throughout, with moderate tape repairs on the verso, this piece features signatures of former NHLers, including Horton (5/10), Les Costello (9/10), Church Russell (8/10), Ray Hannigan (7/10) and Bill Benson (5/10). Photo measures at 8x10", and is an extremely rare original photo of the minor league hockey squad. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1950's/Early 1960's Pete Babando Game Worn Hockey Skates. Notable left winger Pete Babando will forever hold a spot in National Hockey League history, due to his Stanley Cup-clinching sudden death goal he scored on April 23, 1950, as member of the Detroit Red Wings. Offered here are a pair of Babando's game-worn skates, which he used in the late 1950's/early '60's. Originally obtained from his son, Babando is one of the first few American-born players in the NHL, and he put heavy use on this pair of high-quality "C.C.M." skates during the later part of his professional career. Babando signed one of the blade guards in perfect black sharpie, completing this stunning set. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
1952-53 Jean Beliveau Signed CAHA Player's Certificate with Official Contracts/Letters Lot of 5. In what was one of the more circuitous routes taken into professional hockey, Jean Beliveau finally joined the Montreal Canadiens in 1953 for good, never to play amateur hockey again. Beliveau's story began as a 15-year-old when he initially drew the attention of the Montreal Canadiens' general manager Frank Selke. Although he was a star for the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Senior Hockey League, led the team in scoring in 1953 and was called up for a couple brief stints to play with the Habs, Beliveau had little interest in pursuing a professional career, which drew the ire of a Selke who was intent on having the phenom play for him. To ensure that Selke would secure the services of the future Hall of Famer, the GM hatched a plan -- the Canadiens would buy the entire QSHL and convert it into a professional league. This meant that under the terms of the B-form that he had previously signed, Beliveau would have to honor the Habs' ownership of his professional rights beginning with the 1953-54 season. Here we present perhaps the rarest group of material to emerge in the hobby in the form of several official documents from Beliveau's early forays into professional hockey. Included is his signed player's certificate from 1952-53, a 1951 agreement that sent Beliveau from his brief stint with the Canadiens back to the Aces with letters from each GM (signed by Selke), a signed letter from Aces coach George Imlach that offers a renewal of contract to Beliveau for the 1952-53 season with the mentioned contract, and a questionnaire for players filled out in fountain ink by the Hall of Famer himself, with such quirky answers as "golf & women" to the "What are your Hobbies?" line. Supremely scarce offering from one of the most-celebrated figures in the history of the game. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 Montreal Canadiens Player Portraits Blanket. According to Heritage Auction Galleries' hockey expert Bill Campbell, this is the first time a 1956 Montreal Canadiens portrait blanket has been offered, while still fully intact. In fact, this Mint piece measures at a staggering 22x35", and features multiple head shots of each player from the famed team. The following notables are pictured: Rocket Richard, Jacques Plante, Jean Beliveau, Bud Macpherson, Floyd Curry, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Calum Mackay, Butch Bouchard and others.
1958-59 Tim Horton Signed Contract. In what could basically be considered hockey's version of buried treasure, this 1958-59 Tim Horton contract was, along with others, dug out of a dumpster behind Maple Leaf Gardens after the Leafs' final season in that historic venue in 1999. Amazingly, this piece remains in Mint condition, with only its typical horizontal folds as its only possible flaws. Signed by Horton (9/10), NHL President Clarence Campbell (10/10) and Leaf's coach Billy Reay (10/10), this is a virtually unimprovable contract from the great Hall of Famer's storied career. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Phil Goyette York Peanut Butter Glass.
In the Spring of 2008, Heritage Auction Galleries took the vintage hockey collectibles world by storm when our Signature sale set a record of nearly $18,000 for the sale of a 1961 Phil Goyette York Peanut Butter glass. Fast forward two years, and we are proud to offer another Mint exemplar of the piece that grabbed the attention of serious collectors everywhere. The rarest piece from the popular two-tiered premium promotional set that the York Peanut Butter Company launched just before the 1961 Stanley Cup Playoffs, here we offer an immaculate Goyette exemplar. This hockey rarity exhibits no noticeable flaws and will be sure to fit in the highest of quality collections from the tough early-1960's issue.
In the Spring of 2008, Heritage Auction Galleries took the vintage hockey collectibles world by storm when our Signature sale set a record of nearly $18,000 for the sale of a 1961 Phil Goyette York Peanut Butter glass. Fast forward two years, and we are proud to offer another Mint exemplar of the piece that grabbed the attention of serious collectors everywhere. The rarest piece from the popular two-tiered premium promotional set that the York Peanut Butter Company launched just before the 1961 Stanley Cup Playoffs, here we offer an immaculate Goyette exemplar. This hockey rarity exhibits no noticeable flaws and will be sure to fit in the highest of quality collections from the tough early-1960's issue.
1962-63 Detroit Red Wings Presentational Gold Rolex Watch. Credited with starting the long-lived tradition of kissing the Stanley Cup Trophy, the former head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Jimmy Skinner was presented this stunning 14 karat gold Rolex by Wings' owner Bruce Norris for leading the Hamilton Red Wings to the Memorial Cup. Due to health reasons, Skinner joined the Ontario Hockey Association squad in the early 1960's, where he brought the Hamilton team his winning ways. This watch features an engraved back, which reads "Jim Skinner 1962-63," and a Red Wings logo on the dial. The condition of this gorgeous time piece is strong, but admittedly has some spotting on the dial and light wear on the screwdown crown and tube. A truly one-of-a-kind treasure, this Oyster Perpetual model Rolex is in perfect working order and is accompanied with a letter from Jimmy Skinner Jr. LOA from Jimmy Skinner Jr.
1964-65 Detroit Red Wings Sterling Silver Tiffany Humidor. This very well may be the most attractive piece in this auction. Given to former Red Wings' head coach Jim Skinner is a beautiful sterling silver Tiffany humidor. Elegantly decorated with the Wings' team logo in red and silver, and engraved with the coaches' names and players' facsimile signatures, this box was produced to commemorate the 1964-65 Detroit dynasty team that was crowned NHL Champion that season. Names like Gordie Howe, Norm Ullman, Parker MacDonald and others, are scattered splendidly on this shimmering treasure that is engraved "Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling Silver" on the bottom. Included is its original Tiffany & Co. felt bag, which has preserved this wonderful piece for more than forty years.
1966-67 Frank Mahovlich Signed Contract and Negotiation Notes- From Stanley Cup Season! Not since the 1966-67 season have fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs been able to experience what it feels like to win a championship. Fortunately, this offering features the opportunity for serious vintage hockey collectors to relive that special season, as we present Hall of Famer Frank Mahovlich's player's contract from the 1966-67 season. Endorsed in 9/10 blue ball-point by Mahovlich and legendary coach Punch Imlach in 10/10 blue ball-point, this piece is also accompanied by an intriguing separate 5x8" negotiation sheet that has also been signed by Mahovlich in 10/10 blue ball-point, which laid out various bonuses and incentives for the Maple Leafs' team leader. Contract exhibits very minor wear and the typical horizontal folds, as does the bonus sheet. Amazing and significant piece from the Leafs' last year of hockey greatness. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1968 Bobby Hull Game Used "Banana Blade" Hockey Stick. The mere appearance of this awesome Bobby Hull "banana blade" stick is enough to make goalies cringe. Banned from NHL use due to the unusual fashion in which the pucks would veer high and in all directions, this style stick is highly desirable among hockey collectible circles. This stick, which was used in 1968, features "The Golden Jet's" famed "Bulldog" tape wrapped around the blade and at the top, with "Bobby Hull" stamped on the upper shaft. This "Victoriaville Pro." remains uncracked, and is one of the nicest exemplars used by the Hockey Hall of Famer that we have ever handled.
1969 Marc Tardif First Goal Puck Presentational Plaque. An important figure of Montreal hockey for many years, from his time spent with the Junior Canadiens all the way up to the NHL ranks, Marc Tardif is featured on this significant plaque commemorating his first NHL goal. The second overall pick of the 1969 Draft slapped the affixed "Flyers" puck through the net for his first time as a professional, on October 19, 1969. A desirable piece featuring the two-time Stanley Cup Champion, this wooden plaque measures at 10.5x15" and exhibits light wear. Originating from the personal collection of Tardif, this presentational trophy will make a great display piece for any serious milestone collector.
Cyclone Taylor and Joe Primeau Handwritten, Signed Correspondence Lot of 3. Two notable pioneers of professional hockey are represented in this scarce collection of handwritten correspondence letters and images. Offered here is a pair of Fred "Cyclone" Taylor pieces, each featuring an exceptional amount of content by the 1947 Hall of Fame inductee. The first piece is an 8.5x11" letter on "British Columbia Amateur Hockey" letterhead from Taylor to an eager autograph seeker. Taylor used Mint blue ball-point on this stunning piece (1975), where he references his "Sweet Caporal Cigarettes" card, adding extra desirability among collectors. Also included is an EX 4x4.75" vintage photograph of Taylor, which has been signed on the verso: "Fred W. (Cyclone) Taylor," in addition to hockey-related notations written in his hand.
Also included in this collection is a two-page 5x8" letter (1973), handwritten and signed by 1963 Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Primeau. In this response to an autograph request, Primeau acknowledges that he enclosed a vintage photograph from his playing days, which is also included in this lot (7.5x10.5"). The note is written and signed in perfect blue ball-point.
According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, he has seen only two or three Cyclone Taylor letters during his time spent in the hobby, and this collection is unquestionably one of the rarest signed lots featuring the two hockey legends that he has ever seen.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Also included in this collection is a two-page 5x8" letter (1973), handwritten and signed by 1963 Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Primeau. In this response to an autograph request, Primeau acknowledges that he enclosed a vintage photograph from his playing days, which is also included in this lot (7.5x10.5"). The note is written and signed in perfect blue ball-point.
According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, he has seen only two or three Cyclone Taylor letters during his time spent in the hobby, and this collection is unquestionably one of the rarest signed lots featuring the two hockey legends that he has ever seen.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1970's World Hockey Association Game and Souvenir Pucks Lot of 32. The World Hockey Association of 1972-79 was not the first league to challenge the NHL's supremacy, but it was by far the most successful. With Hall of Famers who were part of the league, like Bobby Hull, Wayne Gretzky, Jacques Plante, Mark Messier and others, serious collectors continue to gather memorabilia from the now-defunct WHA at a high rate. Offered here is a fantastic assortment of WHA game and souvenir pucks, including the following: game pucks - Houston Aeros (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Edmonton Oilers (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Winnipeg Jets (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Toronto Toros (2), Quebec Nordiques (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Birmingham Bulls (stamped "official" on side), Minnesota Fighting Saints, Vancouver Blazers (stamped "official" on side), San Diego Mariners (stamped "official" on side), Los Angeles Sharks (stamped "official" on side), Cincinnati Stingers (stamped "official" on side), New England Whalers (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Calgary Cowboys (2 - both' stamped "official" on side), Indianapolis Racers (stamped "official" on side), Chicago Cougars; souvenir pucks - Minnesota Fighting Saints, Birmingham Bulls (2 - both stamped "official" on side), Chicago Cougars, Vancouver Blazers (2), league logo puck (stamped "official" on side), Cincinnati Stingers, Cleveland Crusaders (2 - one stamped "official" on side). Pucks show considerable use, and represent one of the nicest compilations of pieces from the now defunct WHA.
Circa 1950's-60's Western Hockey League Game Pucks Lot of 11. Created by a merger between the Pacific Coast Hockey League and the Western Canada Senior Hockey League, the Western Hockey League was a pro ice hockey minor league that operated from 1952-74. Offered here is an exceptional collection of 11 game pucks from the WHL. Having developed into a cult-like following in hockey collectible circles, WHL pucks feature the league stamp on one side, and a gorgeous team stamp on the verso. The following are included: Winnipeg Warriors (rare, stamped "official" on side), Winnipeg Warriors (reverse league stamp, extremely rare, with "official" stamped on side), San Diego Gulls, Denver Spurs, Phoenix Roadrunners, Calgary Stampeders (stamped "official" on side), Edmonton Flyers (stamped "official" on side), Seattle Totems (2 - one stamped "official" on side), Portland Buckaroos (2 - one stamped "official" on side). Condition ranges from light use to medium use, and each displays a clear presentation of the all-important team logos. Great investment lot from the defunct, but highly-collectible league.
1971-72 Frank Mahovlich Game Used Hockey Stick. This stunning "Victoriaville" hockey stick was used by six-time Stanley Cup winner, and inductee of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Frank Mahovlich. A fan-favorite during his lengthy NHL career, "The Big M" put extremely nice use on this stick during his 1971-72 season with the Montreal Canadiens. His original tape is still present on the top, and on the blade, which exhibits a scattering of minor chipping. This piece is unquestionably one of the most solid examples from Mahovlich,one of hockey's elite, who is in the rare fraternity with both 500 goals and 1000 points.
1972 Bobby Hull WHA Presentational Check Plaque. It was no secret that hockey superstar Bobby Hull had been unhappy for a long time, as he earned a relatively modest salary, even though he was recognized as the best player in the National Hockey League. Hull responded to the flooding of attention he received by suggesting he would jump to the upstart World Hockey Association if they would pay him a million dollars. What seemed like an absurd thought at the time turned into reality, as Hull found himself signing a ten-year $1 million deal with the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. In a festive setting, on the corner of Portage and Main in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Hull accepted an enormous check for $1 million in front of a raucous group of Jets fans. Offered here isn't the check he accepted in 1972, but what we presume was a personal wooden plaque that Hull was given after that memorable event. Measuring at 11x15", this piece exhibits light wear, and is a replica of the check that in essence helped Hull take the hockey world by storm.
1977-78 Winnipeg Jets Miniature Avco World Trophy Presented to Mike Amodeo. The unprecedented signing of hockey superstar Bobby Hull in 1972 paid off for the World Hockey Association and the Winnipeg Jets, as it helped legitimize the NHL's main competitor and solidified three Avco World Trophies under the leadership of the "Golden Jet." Offered here is a 12.75" miniature Avco Trophy that was presented to Jets defenseman Mike Amodeo for his contributions in his team's 1977-78 championship victory. An extremely attractive piece, this trophy features a metal cup and pewter globe in Lucite plastic on the top, with players' names from the champion squad printed on a side plaque. Cleanable tarnishing is present on the silver base, but overall, this trophy exhibits exemplary condition. LOA from Mike Amodeo.
Circa 1980's-90's Hockey Stars Game Used, Signed Sticks Lot of 4. Offered here is a lot of four game-used hockey sticks from NHL notables. Headlining this nice array of gamers is a stick used by Hall of Famer Rod Lagway. This "KOHO" features solid use, with its original tape and a 7/10 black sharpie signature from the Montreal Canadiens' draft pick. In addition, the proper "Langway" stamp is presented on the upper shaft of this uncracked beauty. The second stick in this lot is a nice exemplar used by three-time Stanley Cup winner Dave Hunter. This "TITAN TPM 2020" shows great game use, with its original tape on the blade and top, in addition to the proper "D. Hunter" stamp on the upper part of the shaft. Hunter added an 8/10 black sharpie signature above the blade. Also included is a "TITAN TPM 2020" stick used by Kjell Samuelsson (unsigned). This piece has "K. Samuelson (sic)" stamped on the upper shaft, with its original tape and solid use. The last piece in this collection is a goalie stick used by superstar Kelly Hrudey. A "Pro Vic" model, this piece exhibits solid wear, with its original tape still intact. Hrudey also signed the stick in 9/10 black sharpie on the upper shaft. Impressive collection with a nice assortment of hockey stars. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's-1990's Game Used Hockey Sticks Lot of 5. Our consignor obtained this great collection of game used, signed hockey sticks as a Washington Capitals season ticket holder at US Air Arena. Included are gamers from Adam Oates - Louisville TPS stick ("Oates" stamped on shaft, 10/10 black sharpie signature above the blade), Kelly Hrudey - Victoriaville stick ("K. Hrudey stamped on shaft, 10/10 black sharpie signature), Dale Hunter - Titan stick ("D. Hunter" stamped on shaft), Rob Langway - Koho ("Langway" stamped on shaft, 9/10 black sharpie signature), Glen Healey - Superpro (8/10 personalization and signature in black sharpie). Nice collection with iron-clad provenance. LOA from Bob Sitnick.
1982-84 O-Pee-Chee Signed Hockey Cards Lot of 611. The time and effort that some eager autograph seeker put into obtaining this signed collection is mind blowing. Two near sets, from the 1982-83 and 1983-84 O-Pee-Chee issues, are featured in this autographed lot of 611 cards. Exhibiting an of NM-MT condition, the following keys are included: 1982-83 OPC (299 cards) - Dino Ciccarelli (2), Dale Hawerchuk (3), Mike Gartner, Bobby Clarke, Barry Melrose, Tony Esposito, Jari Kurri, Wayne Gretzky (smudged), Paul Coffey (2), Ray Bourque, Bryan Trottier (2), Guy Lafleur; 1983-84 OPC (312 cards) - Mike Bossy, Dale Hawerchuk (2), Mike Gartner (2), Michel Goulet (3), Bobby Clarke, Bryan Trottier, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Wayne Gretzky, Tony Esposito, Denis Savard, Guy Lafleur (2), Dino Ciccarelli, Grant Fuhr, Jari Kurri. A combination of sharpie and ball-point ink has been used on this amazing collection, with the majority exhibiting 10/10 in quality. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1986-87 Wayne Gretzky Stanley Cup Finals Game Worn Gloves - Perfect Photomatch! The road to the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals was a rather smooth one for the Edmonton Oilers, who lost only two games during this postseason process. The star-studded team from the Smythe Division defeated the Los Angeles Kings in five games, swept the Winnipeg Jets and beat the Detroit Red Wings in another relatively easy five games to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, for the fourth time in five years.
Behind the leadership of the "Great One" Wayne Gretzky, the Oilers would face the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals, and unlike the Oilers relatively straightforward journey to the championship series, the Flyers had a much harder road to the Finals. It took a tough six games to put away the New York Rangers, the entire seven games to beat the New York Islanders and six games to defeat a solid Montreal Canadiens squad.
However, although the Flyers appeared to be considerably outmatched in comparison to the offensive-powerhouse Oilers, the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals went the distance, and in what is widely considered one of the best Finals in NHL history, Edmonton barely escaped the tight play of the Flyers, to once again become Stanley Cup Champions.
Heritage Auctions is proud to present this amazing pair of "Jofa 686 L" model gloves that Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky wore during the entire 1987 Stanley Cup Finals. Displaying staggering eye appeal, and exemplary use, these blue, orange and white stunners are accompanied with a full MeiGray letter, complete with multiple photomatches, with probably its most notable coming from the famed June 1, 1987 "Sports Illustrated" cover: "Great, Gretzky" and to an image of Wayne holding the Stanley Cup in his lap, while wearing the gloves at the post season photo shoot, 100 percent confirming that Gretzky wore these gloves during the 1987 championship series. In addition, the palm of the left glove has two team sewn repairs, and one of the repairs can be confirmed with another perfect photomatch.
All the important characteristics are present, with the "Jofa" label stitched on the cuffs, "99" decals on the base of the thumbs and "Jofa" printed on the bands. In addition, Gretzky signed each piece in perfect black sharpie, perfectly completing these iron-clad museum pieces. Without question, this lot consists of one of Gretzky's most significant game-worn exemplars, which will surely attract the most serious collectors who position solid authenticity at the top of their list of hobby necessities. LOA from MeiGray #139287. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Behind the leadership of the "Great One" Wayne Gretzky, the Oilers would face the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals, and unlike the Oilers relatively straightforward journey to the championship series, the Flyers had a much harder road to the Finals. It took a tough six games to put away the New York Rangers, the entire seven games to beat the New York Islanders and six games to defeat a solid Montreal Canadiens squad.
However, although the Flyers appeared to be considerably outmatched in comparison to the offensive-powerhouse Oilers, the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals went the distance, and in what is widely considered one of the best Finals in NHL history, Edmonton barely escaped the tight play of the Flyers, to once again become Stanley Cup Champions.
Heritage Auctions is proud to present this amazing pair of "Jofa 686 L" model gloves that Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky wore during the entire 1987 Stanley Cup Finals. Displaying staggering eye appeal, and exemplary use, these blue, orange and white stunners are accompanied with a full MeiGray letter, complete with multiple photomatches, with probably its most notable coming from the famed June 1, 1987 "Sports Illustrated" cover: "Great, Gretzky" and to an image of Wayne holding the Stanley Cup in his lap, while wearing the gloves at the post season photo shoot, 100 percent confirming that Gretzky wore these gloves during the 1987 championship series. In addition, the palm of the left glove has two team sewn repairs, and one of the repairs can be confirmed with another perfect photomatch.
All the important characteristics are present, with the "Jofa" label stitched on the cuffs, "99" decals on the base of the thumbs and "Jofa" printed on the bands. In addition, Gretzky signed each piece in perfect black sharpie, perfectly completing these iron-clad museum pieces. Without question, this lot consists of one of Gretzky's most significant game-worn exemplars, which will surely attract the most serious collectors who position solid authenticity at the top of their list of hobby necessities. LOA from MeiGray #139287. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1989-90 Edmonton Oilers Team Photo Plaque From Locker Room - Stanley Cup Season! Nobody gave the Edmonton Oilers a chance to win the 1989-90 Stanley Cup, but behind solid teamwork, and the exploits of playoff MVP Bill Ranford and regular season Hart Trophy winner Mark Messier, the Oilers quieted their critics by winning their fifth Cup Championship. Offered here is a team photo display plaque that hung in the team locker room hallway. Accompanied with solid provenance, in the form of a team LOA, this piece measures at 17.5x24" and exhibits minor wear. Also presented are three black engraved plaques affixed on this wooden artifact, which features regular and post-season statistics and achievements. Superb piece from the last time the Oilers experienced a Championship-winning season. LOA from the Edmonton Oilers.
1990's-2000's Hockey Stars Game Used Hockey Sticks Lot of 4. Offered here is a fantastic collection of hockey sticks used by Luc Robitaille, Evgeni Malkin, Doug Weight and Simon Gagne. Each piece shows nice game use, and is a perfect starter lot for any collector interested in putting together an impressive compilation of gamers. Headlining this lot is a stick used during Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille's second tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. From circa 2003, this "Sher-Wood" stick remains uncracked, and has the proper "Robitaille 20" stamping on the upper shaft. One of the more flashy sticks in this collection, is the neon green and orange "Warrior" used by Doug Weight. This fiberglass beauty features a perfect silver signature on the blade, and "D. Weight" stamped on the middle of the shaft. An ultra-light "Bauer" stick from Gino Malkin is also offered here. This piece exhibits moderate use, and "Gino" stamped on the upper shaft. Lastly, a heavily-used exemplar from Simon Gagne is presented. This "Bauer One95" model features Nike logos on the shaft, in addition to "S. Gagne" on the upper shaft. Without question, this stick quartet is one of the strongest modern hockey offerings in our April Signature sale.
Late 1990's Wayne Gretzky Game Used Stick. Baseball collectors have Babe Ruth, basketball fanatics flock to memorabilia of Michael Jordan, and hockey gurus universally consider Wayne Gretzky as the greatest player who ever lived. Offered here is a stunning "Easton Silver Tip" hockey stick, which was used by Gretzky during the late 1990's with his New York Rangers. Gretzky put light use on this stunning example. The proper "Jack the Gripper" handle, and his original black tape is presented on the blade. In addition, "Gretzky" is factory printed three times on the sides of this stick, with one "Gretzky" stamping in black ink above the blade. No game-used hockey collection is complete without a stick used by "The Great One," and this exemplar is a solid representation of the Hall of Fame legend.
1993 Jesse Belanger Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup Champions Ring. An impressive rendering of the Stanley Cup, which is completely accented with glistening white stones, is presented in the center of this replica ring featuring the 1993 champion Montreal Canadiens. Consisting of 34.70 grams of 10 karat gold, this piece presents the team's attractive logo in polychrome enamel and "Belanger 29" on the left shank, in addition to a fantastic Cup design on the right shank. This piece exhibits moderate wear, and has been measured to a size 11. A beautiful ring indeed, this piece will display perfectly in any memorabilia showroom or on the finger of a die-hard Montreal Canadiens enthusiast.
1997 For the Love of Hockey First Edition Signed by 83 NHL Greats. Here we present the 1997 first edition of the exceptional book For the Love of Hockey, a thrilling tome that includes page after page of high-quality photography and stories from hockey's brightest stars. Some dutiful autograph collector has also gathered the signatures of 83 of the book's featured athletes, making this a superb offering. Following is the list of signers: Andy Bathgate, Jean Beliveau, Leo Boivin, Peter Bondra, Mike Bossy, Ray Bourque, Johnny Bower, John Bucyk, Pavel Bure, Gerry Cheevers, Dino Ciccarelli, Paul Coffey, Yvan Cournoyer, Vincent Damphousse, Alex Delvecchio, Marcel Dionne, Bernie Federko, Sergei Federov, Slava Fetisov, Theoren Fleury, Ron Francis, Grant Fuhr, Mike Gartner, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Rod Gilbert, Doug Gilmour, Michel Goulet, Wayne Gretzky, Glenn Hall, Dominik Hasek, Dale Hawerchuk, Paul Henderson, Harry Howell, Bobby Hull, Brett Hull, Dennis Hull, Dale Hunter, Paul Kariya, Red Kelly, Jari Kurri, Guy LaFleur, Steve Larmer, Brian Leetch, Mario Lemieux, Trevor Linden, Eric Lindros, Ted Lindsay, Frank Mahovlich, Lanny McDonald, Stan Mikita, Mike Modano, Alexander Mogilny, Larry Murphy, Cam Neely, Bernie Nicholls, Bernie Parent, Brad Park, Gilbert Perrault, Pierre Pilote, Dennis Potvin, Jean Ratelle, Henri Richard, Maurice Richard, Luc Robataille, Jeremy Roenick, Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Derek Sanderson, Denis Savard, Teemu Selanne, Edie Shack, Brendan Shanahan, Darryl Sittler, Billy Smith, Peter Stastny, Mats Sundin, Keith Tkachuk, Bryan Trottier, Norm Ullman, Pat Verbeek, Doug Wilson, Gump Worsley, Alexei Yashin, and Steve Yzerman. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication..
Circa 2000's Hockey Stars Game Used Sticks Lot of 4, with Messier. Headlined by an exemplary stick that has been signed and used by Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier, this lot of four gamers exhibits solid use and stunning presentation on each piece. Widely considered one of the best players ever, Messier signed above the blade in 10/10 black sharpie. Stick is a graphite "Louisville" model, and has the proper "Messier" stamp on the lower shaft. The Marian Hossa stick is an attractive black and blue "Mission" model, with an 8/10 gold signature on the blade. Original light blue tape is at the grip, with the proper "Hoss #18" stamp on the upper shaft. The next piece offered here was used by Nashville Predators star right winger Martin Erat. This "Warrior" model features a black sharpie signature on its black blade (poor contrast), and has its original tape on the top and blade. Star defenseman Kimmo Timonen used the final stick offered in this impressive collection. Unique orange, neon green and black stick is a "Warrior Dolomite" model and has "K. Timonen" on the upper shaft, and a 7/10 silver sharpie signature above the blade. Nice representation of a Hall of Famers, and possible future enshrinees. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Colorado Avalanche Stars Game Used Hockey Sticks Lot of 3 - Members of 2000-01 Stanley Cup Team! Three key players of the 2000-01 Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup-winning team are represented in this collection of game-used hockey sticks. Headlining this lot is an "Easton Stealth" model stick, which features "Sakic" on the upper shaft and a perfect silver sharpie signature on the blade. Also presenting a perfect signature on the blade is a "Easton Stealth" model stick used by right winger Milan Hejduk. This piece shows nice use, and has "23 Hejduk" printed on the upper shaft. Lastly, a stick used by the team's star center Peter Forsberg is featured. This "Easton Stealth" is unsigned, but shows evident use and has its original tape on the blade and handle, with the proper " 21 Forsberg" print on the upper shaft. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2007 John Tavares Game Worn Helmet - Wore To Break Gretzky's OHL Scoring Record! The young up-and-coming hockey phenom, and the New York Islanders' first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, John Tavares wore this helmet when he broke Wayne Gretzky's single-season Ontario Hockey League scoring record, while tallying a staggering 72 goals.
This helmet's interior is signed and inscribed "07-8 70,71,72 Goals Game Helmet" by Tavares, in 10/10 blue sharpie and includes the appropriate "Itech" clear plastic face guard. Heavy use is presented on this helmet, with team logo decals on both sides of the shell's exterior, and the "C.C.M." stamping on the front. Tavares' "91" decal is affixed to the rear exterior and the proper padding is located in the interior.
In addition, an 8x10" signed photo accompanies this helmet, with "72 Goals" inscribed in perfect ink. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
This helmet's interior is signed and inscribed "07-8 70,71,72 Goals Game Helmet" by Tavares, in 10/10 blue sharpie and includes the appropriate "Itech" clear plastic face guard. Heavy use is presented on this helmet, with team logo decals on both sides of the shell's exterior, and the "C.C.M." stamping on the front. Tavares' "91" decal is affixed to the rear exterior and the proper padding is located in the interior.
In addition, an 8x10" signed photo accompanies this helmet, with "72 Goals" inscribed in perfect ink. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
2008-09 John Tavares Game Worn Helmet - Wore On Canadian Junior National Team! During his young career, New York Islanders' star rookie center John Tavares has represented Canada at three International Ice Hockey Federation sanctioned events, including the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships where he led his team to gold medal victories.
Offered here is Tavares' game-worn Canadian Junior National helmet, which was used on the team that included the top 19 and 20 year olds in all of Canada. This stunning black and red "Bauer" shell exhibits great use, with the proper cage-style facemask at front. "Itech" chin guard is affixed to the base, with his signature and "My Gamer" inscription on the interior padding in 10/10 silver sharpie. Completing this fabulous piece is the "Canada" leaf logo decal on the upper back exterior, with his number "20" decals on the rear exterior. Great gold medal-winning artifact from the potential future Hall of Famer. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
Offered here is Tavares' game-worn Canadian Junior National helmet, which was used on the team that included the top 19 and 20 year olds in all of Canada. This stunning black and red "Bauer" shell exhibits great use, with the proper cage-style facemask at front. "Itech" chin guard is affixed to the base, with his signature and "My Gamer" inscription on the interior padding in 10/10 silver sharpie. Completing this fabulous piece is the "Canada" leaf logo decal on the upper back exterior, with his number "20" decals on the rear exterior. Great gold medal-winning artifact from the potential future Hall of Famer. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
2009-10 John Tavares Game Worn Gloves - First NHL Gloves! From the infancy of the game-worn hobby, collectors have always been infatuated with records and milestones from superstar athletes. Not only do these pieces stand alone as one-of-a-kind pieces, but this category of hobby greatness selects a highly significant portion of a player's career, not to be outmatched by any other collectibles division.
Offered here are the first NHL game-worn gloves used by the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, John Tavares. Accompanied with perfect provenance from his former agent, Derrick Luck, these stunning mitts were used in this year's first preseason contest, when the New York Islanders' young center stepped on to the big stage of professional hockey.
Still carrying a scent of heavy game-use and wear, these blue, white and orange "C.C.M." gloves show a considerable amount of scuffing from where Tavares gripped his stick, and a nice scattering of minor holes on the interior of the right hand fingers.
Completing this pair fantastic gamers is "Tavares" embroidered on the exterior in white thread on each glove. Originally sourced from the Tavares camp, there's only one "first" opportunity in the game-used collecting hobby, and this is it.
LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
Offered here are the first NHL game-worn gloves used by the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, John Tavares. Accompanied with perfect provenance from his former agent, Derrick Luck, these stunning mitts were used in this year's first preseason contest, when the New York Islanders' young center stepped on to the big stage of professional hockey.
Still carrying a scent of heavy game-use and wear, these blue, white and orange "C.C.M." gloves show a considerable amount of scuffing from where Tavares gripped his stick, and a nice scattering of minor holes on the interior of the right hand fingers.
Completing this pair fantastic gamers is "Tavares" embroidered on the exterior in white thread on each glove. Originally sourced from the Tavares camp, there's only one "first" opportunity in the game-used collecting hobby, and this is it.
LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
2009 John Tavares Game Worn Helmet - Wore To Break Career OHL Scoring Record! With the Ontario Hockey League's single-season scoring record under his belt, in which he surpassed the great Wayne Gretzky, NHL rookie sensation John Tavares added another OHL feat to his Junior career tally when he broke Peter Lee's career scoring record, with 251 goals. Offered here is Tavares' game-worn London Knights helmet from that historic game, which helped set the stage for the 2009 NHL Draft when he would be picked first overall by the New York Islanders.
This significant shell is accompanied with a terrific 8x10" style match image, while exhibiting solid use. To help solidify the authenticity of the helmet, Tavares signed the interior padding, and inscribed "213 214 215 Goals" in 7/10 blue sharpie. The proper "Itech" face guard is positioned below the "C.C.M." stamping, in addition to the Knights' logo decals on each side of the exterior. The pink breast cancer ribbon decal is affixed to the right exterior, with his number 61" decals on the back exterior. One of the most historic game-worn items from the young phenom. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. John Tavares Hologram. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
This significant shell is accompanied with a terrific 8x10" style match image, while exhibiting solid use. To help solidify the authenticity of the helmet, Tavares signed the interior padding, and inscribed "213 214 215 Goals" in 7/10 blue sharpie. The proper "Itech" face guard is positioned below the "C.C.M." stamping, in addition to the Knights' logo decals on each side of the exterior. The pink breast cancer ribbon decal is affixed to the right exterior, with his number 61" decals on the back exterior. One of the most historic game-worn items from the young phenom. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. John Tavares Hologram. LOA from former agent of John Tavares, Derrick Luck.
1945 Mush March Game Worn I.I.H.L. Referees Shirt. After his lengthy tenure as a player, Mush March refereed at quite a few levels, including the NHL and amateur hockey. According to Much's son Hal, this I.I.H.L. referee's jersey was used for a local league in Illinois to officiate for teams consisting of teams from cities such as Elgin and Aurora, Illinois, to name a couple. Amateur hockey in Illinois was just starting to flourish in the mid-1940s era, and years later, stars such as Chris Chelios would come out of this program. This heavy referee pullover shirt features a zipper front, with the "I.I.H.L." patch affixed to the left breast and "Gerry Cosby [size] 46" tag stitched in the neckline. A large black and white tackle twill number "1" has been applied to the back of this heavily-used jersey. There is a noticeable hole in the right wrist area and a couple other very small holes throughout, but overall this piece is in solid condition. LOA from Harold March.
1948-49 Laurie Peterson Game Worn Jersey - Pacific Coast Hockey League San Diego Skyhawks. Offered here is an extremely rare hockey sweater that San Diego Skyhawks center Laurie Peterson wore during the 1948-49 Pacific Coast Hockey League season. From the Hawks' championship season, this stunning wool garment shows heavy use, with a scattering of rips and tears that remain unrepaired. The proper tie-down collar still has its original strings, and the awesome two-color felt-numerals are presented on the front and verso. This style shirt is rarely seen in the hobby, and is a great opportunity to own a legitimate gamer from the defunct, but not forgotten ice hockey minor league. Jersey originated from the estate of Ducky Skinner, who was a player/coach of the Skyhawks and was Jimmy Skinner's brother. LOA from Joe Tomon.
Mid-1950's Detroit Red Wings White Cardigan Sweater. They sure don't make sports souvenirs like they used to. This high-quality white and red cardigan sweater was purchased by former Red Wings head coach, Jim Skinner, in the mid-1950's for his daughter, Holly. Obtained from the son of Skinner, this piece remains in nearly the same condition as on the day it was originally purchased. All six buttons still intact, as is the original Red Wings patch on the left breast (bottom is partially separated from use). In addition, an American and Canadian Flag patch is applied to the left shoulder. "Coane [size] 36" tag is in the collar of this sweater that measures 16" from shoulder to shoulder, and 23" from top to bottom. A great relic from one of the greatest eras in Red Wings history. LOA from Jim Skinner Jr.
Mid-1950's Detroit Red Wings Red Cardigan Sweater.
Offered is a charming circa 1950's red cardigan sweater that former Red Wings coach, Jim Skinner purchased for his daughter, Karen, during his tenure as head man in the Motor City. One of two Wings cardigan's Heritage obtain from Skinner, this piece is in exceptional condition and measures at 15" from shoulder to shoulder, and 23" from top to bottom, a suitable size for a middle-school-aged child. This piece still exhibits all six original buttons, Red Wings patch on the left, with the "Olympic Detroit" tag in the collar. A gorgeous American and Canadian Flag patch is also applied the left shoulder of the cardigan. Spectacular sweater that is sure to provide visions of Detroit greats Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk. LOA from Jim Skinner Jr.
Offered is a charming circa 1950's red cardigan sweater that former Red Wings coach, Jim Skinner purchased for his daughter, Karen, during his tenure as head man in the Motor City. One of two Wings cardigan's Heritage obtain from Skinner, this piece is in exceptional condition and measures at 15" from shoulder to shoulder, and 23" from top to bottom, a suitable size for a middle-school-aged child. This piece still exhibits all six original buttons, Red Wings patch on the left, with the "Olympic Detroit" tag in the collar. A gorgeous American and Canadian Flag patch is also applied the left shoulder of the cardigan. Spectacular sweater that is sure to provide visions of Detroit greats Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk. LOA from Jim Skinner Jr.
1951-53 Sid Finney/Jim Peters Game Worn Jersey. Outstanding example is presented here of the famed Chicago Black Hawks "barber pole" wool, which is regarded among collectors as one of the best NHL jerseys ever made. Used by the team from the late 1930s until the 1950s, this style always causes quite a stir among those in the know. Dating from 1951-53, this particular gamer dons the number 14 and was worn by at least two different players during that era. While the sweater is attributed to both Sid Finney and Jim Peters, others including Fred Hucul and Fred Glover also wore the number 14 during the early 1950s. A struggling team at the time, it is understandable that a veritable parade of players were shuffling in and out of Chicago.
As stated earlier, this extremely desirable design comes with quite a premium, especially considering that it has been some time since a quality barber pole has been made available at auction. The given exemplar does not disappoint with the beautiful logo crest at the chest exhibiting superb French-embroidered detailing. Heavy repair marks pepper the sweater throughout, especially in the sleeves, while several team repairs are also found throughout the garment's body. The "14" at verso is made up of a white-on-red tackle twill with nice signs of puckering. The gamer has a Rayson Sports tag along with a size 48 swatch in the tail. A 2.5x5.5" rectangle has also been cut out from the inner part of the rear tail.
When contemplating the history of vintage wool hockey shirts, the Black Hawks barber pole style is considered a timeless classic on par with the New York Yankees pinstripes from baseball lore. We could think of no finer prize for the serious hockey collector. To honor this great garment, the Blackhawks will wear this style jersey for a few games during the upcoming 2008-09 NHL season, including the outdoor Winter Classic game scheduled to be played at Chicago's Wrigley field against the Detroit Red Wings. This New Year's Day event can do nothing but place this fine design in the public spotlight after they have not been used on-ice since the 1993-94 season. LOA from MeiGray.
As stated earlier, this extremely desirable design comes with quite a premium, especially considering that it has been some time since a quality barber pole has been made available at auction. The given exemplar does not disappoint with the beautiful logo crest at the chest exhibiting superb French-embroidered detailing. Heavy repair marks pepper the sweater throughout, especially in the sleeves, while several team repairs are also found throughout the garment's body. The "14" at verso is made up of a white-on-red tackle twill with nice signs of puckering. The gamer has a Rayson Sports tag along with a size 48 swatch in the tail. A 2.5x5.5" rectangle has also been cut out from the inner part of the rear tail.
When contemplating the history of vintage wool hockey shirts, the Black Hawks barber pole style is considered a timeless classic on par with the New York Yankees pinstripes from baseball lore. We could think of no finer prize for the serious hockey collector. To honor this great garment, the Blackhawks will wear this style jersey for a few games during the upcoming 2008-09 NHL season, including the outdoor Winter Classic game scheduled to be played at Chicago's Wrigley field against the Detroit Red Wings. This New Year's Day event can do nothing but place this fine design in the public spotlight after they have not been used on-ice since the 1993-94 season. LOA from MeiGray.
1954-56 Alex Delvecchio Game Worn and Signed Jersey. When speaking of the great former players of the Detroit Red Wing organization, few demand the attention and respect afforded to the legend Alex Delvecchio. Aided by his mates Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay on the lauded Production Line, Delvecchio helped bring the Stanley Cup to Hockeytown in 1952, 1954 and 1955. It was some time around that third championship season that Alex began to wear the number 10 as seen here.
Delvecchio wore the 17 and 15 sweater number during his first years with the team, settling for his famous 10 circa 1954. The beautiful white wool gamer has been manufactured by Tool Shop Sporting Goods and has tagging to that effect on the inside of the right seam, accompanied by a "48" size flap tag. This may very well be the first white sweater that Delvecchio ever wore with the 10 and is the earliest Delvecchio known to be offered in the hobby.
Wear to this phenomenal garment is advanced, consisting of small holes found throughout the sleeves, upper verso, and lower front of the shirt. Many have been repaired by the team equipment manager, lending to the evidence of on-ice use. The club's famed winged wheel logo occupies the chest, while the "10" at verso has been applied in 10.5" red tackle twill numerals. Both the chest insignia and rear numerals exhibit the puckering normally associated with heavy on-ice wear. The area of the sleeves near each wrist has become toned from advanced use. Delvecchio has also signed the jersey's front in a black sharpie.
One of the Red Wings famous retired numbers that currently hangs in the rafters at Joe Louis Arena, the 10 has come to stand for excellence in Hockeytown thanks to Delvecchio's solid contribution to the club that lasted well over two decades. Being that it is the earliest known exemplar of Delvecchio's sweater, this could very well be the most-sought number 10 Red Wings shirt in the hobby. Worn in the 1955 playoff run he enjoyed with Detroit, this garment was privy to the scoring frenzy that saw Delvecchio put up seven goals and eight assists in that year's postseason. Outstanding shirt with a rich history, many Hall of Fame-level collectors will surely duke it out over this one. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
Delvecchio wore the 17 and 15 sweater number during his first years with the team, settling for his famous 10 circa 1954. The beautiful white wool gamer has been manufactured by Tool Shop Sporting Goods and has tagging to that effect on the inside of the right seam, accompanied by a "48" size flap tag. This may very well be the first white sweater that Delvecchio ever wore with the 10 and is the earliest Delvecchio known to be offered in the hobby.
Wear to this phenomenal garment is advanced, consisting of small holes found throughout the sleeves, upper verso, and lower front of the shirt. Many have been repaired by the team equipment manager, lending to the evidence of on-ice use. The club's famed winged wheel logo occupies the chest, while the "10" at verso has been applied in 10.5" red tackle twill numerals. Both the chest insignia and rear numerals exhibit the puckering normally associated with heavy on-ice wear. The area of the sleeves near each wrist has become toned from advanced use. Delvecchio has also signed the jersey's front in a black sharpie.
One of the Red Wings famous retired numbers that currently hangs in the rafters at Joe Louis Arena, the 10 has come to stand for excellence in Hockeytown thanks to Delvecchio's solid contribution to the club that lasted well over two decades. Being that it is the earliest known exemplar of Delvecchio's sweater, this could very well be the most-sought number 10 Red Wings shirt in the hobby. Worn in the 1955 playoff run he enjoyed with Detroit, this garment was privy to the scoring frenzy that saw Delvecchio put up seven goals and eight assists in that year's postseason. Outstanding shirt with a rich history, many Hall of Fame-level collectors will surely duke it out over this one. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1963-64 Phil Esposito Game Worn Rookie Jersey - With Perfect Photomatch! Hindsight is always 20/20, but if the Chicago Blackhawks had only been able to see the potential that Phil Esposito possessed before they traded him away after his first three and a half seasons in the NHL, the team from the "Windy City" may have been able to avoid what is widely considered one of the most lopsided deals in league history. After being traded to what would become hockey's most explosive team of the 1970's, Esposito was teamed up with the great Bobby Orr in Boston, and this combination helped form one of the greatest offensive duos ever to take the ice.
Here we present the rookie jersey, which Esposito wore during the 1963-64 season on his first NHL squad, the Chicago Black Hawks. For many years, the term "Photomatch" has been thrown around the hobby, even when it doesn't apply. However, this jersey features a perfect Photomatch, which can be confirmed by the hockey card presented in this catalog listing.
The characteristics of this rock-solid Photomatch are as follows: the placement on the left sleeve "Tomahawks" are exact, the bottom of the handles going through "C" perfectly match as the proper "skinny" style and the numeral "7" on the left sleeve is in perfect alignment when compared to the jersey.
In addition, this jersey presents other significant "gamer" characteristics, from the proper chain-linked team logo patch affixed to the front, to the appropriate "Olympic [size] 44" tags in the collar. In 1965-66 the Hawks would go to a "V" neck collar, but this jersey properly presents the earlier circular style tie-down collar, with its original string still present.
Impeccable wear is also displayed throughout, with five team repairs on the right sleeve, eight repairs on the left sleeve, three repairs on the front and three repairs on the back, not to mention the impressive scattering of stick marks that fill this Hall of Fame-caliber canvas. There is an outline of the stitching where a captain's "C" was present on the right breast, from when a St. Catharine's Black Hawks minor league player wore this shirt, which post-dates the time Esposito wore this spectacular garment.
According to "The Spirit of the Game's" Rich Ellis, this is the only Esposito Black Hawks gamer in existence, and in addition to the Bobby Orr rookie sweater also offered in our April Signature Auction, this offering is sure to gain an unprecedented amount of attention from the most discernable hockey collectors across the globe. LOA from Spirit of the Game.
Here we present the rookie jersey, which Esposito wore during the 1963-64 season on his first NHL squad, the Chicago Black Hawks. For many years, the term "Photomatch" has been thrown around the hobby, even when it doesn't apply. However, this jersey features a perfect Photomatch, which can be confirmed by the hockey card presented in this catalog listing.
The characteristics of this rock-solid Photomatch are as follows: the placement on the left sleeve "Tomahawks" are exact, the bottom of the handles going through "C" perfectly match as the proper "skinny" style and the numeral "7" on the left sleeve is in perfect alignment when compared to the jersey.
In addition, this jersey presents other significant "gamer" characteristics, from the proper chain-linked team logo patch affixed to the front, to the appropriate "Olympic [size] 44" tags in the collar. In 1965-66 the Hawks would go to a "V" neck collar, but this jersey properly presents the earlier circular style tie-down collar, with its original string still present.
Impeccable wear is also displayed throughout, with five team repairs on the right sleeve, eight repairs on the left sleeve, three repairs on the front and three repairs on the back, not to mention the impressive scattering of stick marks that fill this Hall of Fame-caliber canvas. There is an outline of the stitching where a captain's "C" was present on the right breast, from when a St. Catharine's Black Hawks minor league player wore this shirt, which post-dates the time Esposito wore this spectacular garment.
According to "The Spirit of the Game's" Rich Ellis, this is the only Esposito Black Hawks gamer in existence, and in addition to the Bobby Orr rookie sweater also offered in our April Signature Auction, this offering is sure to gain an unprecedented amount of attention from the most discernable hockey collectors across the globe. LOA from Spirit of the Game.
1963-64 Bill Juzda Game Worn Jersey. When the Winnipeg Maroons toured Czechoslovakia in the 1950's and '60's, hockey veterans still referred to a bone-rattling hit as a "Juzda." Fittingly, a few hard hits were presumably laid into the boards by the man who wore this Maroons sweater, and the player who they named the powerful hit after, Bill Juzda. Worn during the special season in which his "Team Canada" squad captured the Allan Cup by defeating the Woodstock Athletics, this stunning wool uniform features a prominent team logo patch on the front, with the appropriate maroon tackle twill number "2" on the back. Minor ink bleed is visible in the stripes and near the neck of this shirt, but overall solid condition is presented. In addition, an attractive "Winnipeg" left sleeve patch is featured, with a light scattering of usage tears and multiple team repairs throughout. Without question, this piece will be the cornerstone of any vintage game-worn hockey jersey collection, while representing a memorable piece of Canadian history.
1964-65 Bobby Orr Oshawa Generals Game Worn Jacket. Owned and worn by a sixteen-year old legend in the making, the presented jacket stands as the earliest uniform piece of this iconic Hall of Famer ever to be placed upon the auction block. Bobby Orr was signed by the Boston Bruins at the tender age of twelve, and began play for the Oshawa Generals of the junior league Ontario Hockey Association at fourteen, competing against players as many as six years his elder. NHL rules dictated that Orr could not join the Bruins before his eighteenth birthday, but his path to the League was well established at the time he sported this blue leather jacket in Oshawa. In 1966 he would officially sign with the Bruins for a $25,000 salary, three times the rookie average. The contract would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history.
This treasure in blue leather exhibits marvelous wear by the teenaged phenom, and features three chenille patches, as follows. Over the heart, "Oshawa Generals." At right sleeve, the jersey number "2." At left sleeve, "O.H.A., Jr. 'A,' 64-65." We can assure that these patches are original and unmoved, linking the jacket indisputably to Orr. "Craft of Canada" label remains at interior collar.
Provenance tracks the jacket back to Bobby's father Doug Orr, who gifted the jacket to a family friend. Years later a dealer of hockey memorabilia ended up with the jacket at the Toronto Expo. While we have heard of the existence of two Oshawa Orr jerseys, none have ever been presented at public auction. This outrageously scarce relic would stand as a highlight piece in the museum of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and certainly figures to occupy the focal point of any private collection.
This treasure in blue leather exhibits marvelous wear by the teenaged phenom, and features three chenille patches, as follows. Over the heart, "Oshawa Generals." At right sleeve, the jersey number "2." At left sleeve, "O.H.A., Jr. 'A,' 64-65." We can assure that these patches are original and unmoved, linking the jacket indisputably to Orr. "Craft of Canada" label remains at interior collar.
Provenance tracks the jacket back to Bobby's father Doug Orr, who gifted the jacket to a family friend. Years later a dealer of hockey memorabilia ended up with the jacket at the Toronto Expo. While we have heard of the existence of two Oshawa Orr jerseys, none have ever been presented at public auction. This outrageously scarce relic would stand as a highlight piece in the museum of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and certainly figures to occupy the focal point of any private collection.
1965 Flying Fathers Game Worn Hockey Jersey. This gamer presents the rare combination of significance, extreme scarcity and unquestionable eye appeal. Founded in 1963 by Brian McKee and Les Costello, the Flying Fathers hockey team was a group of Canadian Roman Catholic priests who played in exhibition games to raise money for charity. Costello was a former member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was part of their 1948 Stanley Cup winning championship squad. Jersey presents a terrific "bumble bee" pattern, and consists of desirable Durene. This rare sweater presents the team's unique logo patch on the front, and a sewn-on goalie's numeral "1" on the back. There is no size tag present, but the jersey measures at approximately 21.5" along the shoulder hem. Heavy wear is exhibited, with considerable separation under the right armpit. According to Heritage hockey expert Bill Campbell, this is the first time a 1960's jersey worn by the historic Flying Fathers team has ever been offered publicly. Originally sourced from the area of Northern Ontario, this is one of the most historic pieces in our April Signature sale.
1966-67 Bobby Orr Game Worn Rookie Jersey. Barely a teenager when discovered by the Boston Bruins franchise, Orr was destined to wear the presented rookie jersey years before he first set skate blade upon the NHL ice. It seems that each generation delivers to the hockey world a single Chosen One, like Gretzky and Crosby, but the hype surrounding this youngster from Parry Sound, Ontario surpassed anything seen before or since. After leading the Oshawa Generals farm club to the OHA Championship in his third season with the club, Toronto lawyer Alan Eagleson negotiated Orr's first NHL contract with the Bruins, settling on a $25,000 figure which established the eighteen-year old phenom as the highest paid player in League history. The rookie average at the time had been $8,000.
Presented is one of only three jerseys worn by the iconic hockey legend during that historic first season in Boston, and one of only two known to survive to this day. It must be stressed that this incredible gamer remains in 100% original and unaltered condition, establishing it quite convincingly as the finest Orr jersey in the hobby, bar none.
The brilliant play of Orr during his debut season, one for which he was awarded the coveted Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's most outstanding rookie, was a key factor in the jersey's survival. Our consignor is the nephew of Garry Young, the head Bruins scout at the time, and later a coach for the Golden Seals and Blues. While the bulk of the Bruins' jerseys were recycled at the close of the NHL season for farm club use, Young rescued the Cheevers and the Orr, gifting the former to his son and the latter to our consignor. The other known Orr rookie jersey, which can be seen at https://sports.ha.com/information/orr.s , was reincarnated for use with the Niagara Falls Flyers of the OHA, and bears the farm club's logo crest on the chest, having been stripped of the original Bruins emblem. The third Orr rookie jersey, a gold colored sweater used in approximately sixteen games, is lost to history.
Pegging this extraordinary garment to Orr's rookie season is a simple accomplishment, even without the iron clad Garry Young provenance. Orr wore the round neck style only during his freshman NHL season, as the Bruins would adopt the tie-down collar style for the 1967-68 campaign, which they would continue to feature for the remainder of Orr's tenure. The "Jim McCarthy" manufacturer which had produced Bruins jerseys was likewise abandoned after the 1966-67 season, but the company's label is found at lower rear interior tail, just below the "Wilson [size] 48" tagging.
Extensive photographic research further establishes the jersey's legitimacy beyond any question, as every image of Orr wearing white during his rookie season finds him wearing one of only two jerseys. Interestingly, small differences allow us to differentiate between these two sweaters, most notably the construction of the number "4" on the jersey verso. The offered garment features a less complex bottom layer of yellow tackle twill which does not indent above the base of the "4." The other white gamer does include this minor style difference, which is a match to the aforementioned Niagara Falls reconditioned shirt. You will find no rookie image of Orr (excluding those in which he wears gold) which does not match one of these two jerseys.
Enormous game wear is evident throughout this remarkable jersey with extensive team repairs covering wide expanses upon the sleeves and smaller wounds inflicted to the torso. Over a dozen individual holes are patched, several quite sizable. A constellation of stick marks crisscross the chest and, to a lesser extent, the back, bearing further witness to the brutality of Orr's rough defensive play, a level of back ice dominance which led New York Rangers star Harry Howell, winner of the 1966-67 Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, to declare that the award would be his last because "Orr will own this trophy from now on." Orr's streak of eight consecutive Norris Trophies would begin the next year.
The other details of the jersey should be familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of hockey history, as we find the Bruins circular emblem, crafted from black, white and yellow tackle twill, affixed to the chest, its position perfectly matching period photography. The uniquely constructed number "4" appears on back, and in smaller format upon each sleeve. It is a number which will never be seen on another Bruins jersey, retired by the franchise in a raucous ceremony in January 1979, just months after his crippled knees made further play impossible.
"Holy Grail" terminology is too often used in the hyperbolic world of auction catalog copywriting, but we make no excuses for its utilization here. Few figures in sports history have had a greater impact upon the fortunes of his franchise than Orr, who served as the main catalyst in rescuing the Bruins from their long residence in hockey's cellar and reestablishing the club as a perpetual playoff threat and eventual Stanley Cup Champion. He remains one of the most beloved sporting icons in a city blessed with iconic names like Williams, Russell and Bird, and figures prominently in any discussion of the greatest hockey player of all time. If the only unaltered Bobby Orr rookie jersey in the world isn't a hockey Holy Grail, then what is? LOA from noted Bruins expert Harvey McKenney. Letter of provenance from consignor. Interested bidders may call to receive fax transmission of letters.
Presented is one of only three jerseys worn by the iconic hockey legend during that historic first season in Boston, and one of only two known to survive to this day. It must be stressed that this incredible gamer remains in 100% original and unaltered condition, establishing it quite convincingly as the finest Orr jersey in the hobby, bar none.
The brilliant play of Orr during his debut season, one for which he was awarded the coveted Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's most outstanding rookie, was a key factor in the jersey's survival. Our consignor is the nephew of Garry Young, the head Bruins scout at the time, and later a coach for the Golden Seals and Blues. While the bulk of the Bruins' jerseys were recycled at the close of the NHL season for farm club use, Young rescued the Cheevers and the Orr, gifting the former to his son and the latter to our consignor. The other known Orr rookie jersey, which can be seen at https://sports.ha.com/information/orr.s , was reincarnated for use with the Niagara Falls Flyers of the OHA, and bears the farm club's logo crest on the chest, having been stripped of the original Bruins emblem. The third Orr rookie jersey, a gold colored sweater used in approximately sixteen games, is lost to history.
Pegging this extraordinary garment to Orr's rookie season is a simple accomplishment, even without the iron clad Garry Young provenance. Orr wore the round neck style only during his freshman NHL season, as the Bruins would adopt the tie-down collar style for the 1967-68 campaign, which they would continue to feature for the remainder of Orr's tenure. The "Jim McCarthy" manufacturer which had produced Bruins jerseys was likewise abandoned after the 1966-67 season, but the company's label is found at lower rear interior tail, just below the "Wilson [size] 48" tagging.
Extensive photographic research further establishes the jersey's legitimacy beyond any question, as every image of Orr wearing white during his rookie season finds him wearing one of only two jerseys. Interestingly, small differences allow us to differentiate between these two sweaters, most notably the construction of the number "4" on the jersey verso. The offered garment features a less complex bottom layer of yellow tackle twill which does not indent above the base of the "4." The other white gamer does include this minor style difference, which is a match to the aforementioned Niagara Falls reconditioned shirt. You will find no rookie image of Orr (excluding those in which he wears gold) which does not match one of these two jerseys.
Enormous game wear is evident throughout this remarkable jersey with extensive team repairs covering wide expanses upon the sleeves and smaller wounds inflicted to the torso. Over a dozen individual holes are patched, several quite sizable. A constellation of stick marks crisscross the chest and, to a lesser extent, the back, bearing further witness to the brutality of Orr's rough defensive play, a level of back ice dominance which led New York Rangers star Harry Howell, winner of the 1966-67 Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, to declare that the award would be his last because "Orr will own this trophy from now on." Orr's streak of eight consecutive Norris Trophies would begin the next year.
The other details of the jersey should be familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of hockey history, as we find the Bruins circular emblem, crafted from black, white and yellow tackle twill, affixed to the chest, its position perfectly matching period photography. The uniquely constructed number "4" appears on back, and in smaller format upon each sleeve. It is a number which will never be seen on another Bruins jersey, retired by the franchise in a raucous ceremony in January 1979, just months after his crippled knees made further play impossible.
"Holy Grail" terminology is too often used in the hyperbolic world of auction catalog copywriting, but we make no excuses for its utilization here. Few figures in sports history have had a greater impact upon the fortunes of his franchise than Orr, who served as the main catalyst in rescuing the Bruins from their long residence in hockey's cellar and reestablishing the club as a perpetual playoff threat and eventual Stanley Cup Champion. He remains one of the most beloved sporting icons in a city blessed with iconic names like Williams, Russell and Bird, and figures prominently in any discussion of the greatest hockey player of all time. If the only unaltered Bobby Orr rookie jersey in the world isn't a hockey Holy Grail, then what is? LOA from noted Bruins expert Harvey McKenney. Letter of provenance from consignor. Interested bidders may call to receive fax transmission of letters.
1972-73 Yvan Cournoyer Game Worn Jersey. Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present one of the toughest game-worn jerseys that is offered in our April Signature sale. This rare exemplar, worn during the 1972-73 season by Hall of Famer Yvan Cournoyer conducts extreme eye appeal, and is recognized by serious game-worn jersey collectors as "ultra-scarce" because most early 1970's Montreal tie-down jerseys were sent down to franchise's minor league system after it was used in the pros. This Durene showpiece features the team's logo patch with heavy puckering, multiple team repairs on the sleeves, in addition to solid wear displayed on the two-color tackle twill numerals, which are affixed to the sleeves and verso. The appropriate "Wilson" manufacturer's tag is stitched in the neckline, which completes this superb jersey worn by the speedy skater nicknamed the "Roadrunner." LOA from Byron's Hockeyland.
1976-77 Barry Long Game Worn Jersey. Coveted style dates to the last season of sewn-on logo and numbers before the Jets made the unfortunate switch to cheap mesh sweaters with heat-pressed identifiers. One look at the gorgeous chenille and felt circular Winnipeg Jets logo and it's tough to imagine how someone might abandon such a marvelous aesthetic. Number "3" is applied to each sleeve and verso in red and baby blue tackle twill, with "Long" screened across rear nameplate. Nice wear is evident from this tough defenseman's hard nosed style, with a team repair at right sleeve and some nice stick marks. "Haru-Al Knit" label in collar likewise shows strong wear.
Circa 1980-82 Lanny McDonald Game Worn Jersey - Rare Colorado Rockies Example! Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald presented a storybook career in his 17 seasons in the National Hockey League. While sporting his bushy red hair and unforgettable mustache, McDonald was a leader on every team he played with, and turned in his most impressive season in 1983 when he battled the great Wayne Gretzky for the scoring title, with an impressive 66 goals. Regarded as a local hero in Calgary for bringing home the Stanley Cup for the Flames during his final season in the NHL, McDonald wore this rare style jersey in the early 1980's during his time with the Colorado Rockies. Originating from a private collection in the early 1980's, this impressive blue Durene sweater features tackle twill numerals on the sleeves and verso, and features a uniquely sewn-over tackle twill name, which covers the standard screened-on NOB. The reason for the reinforced lettering, was due to the fact that the standard Rockies' back font was susceptible to peeling and flaking, and the tackle twill fabric presented McDonald's name in a much more attractive appearance. Nice game wear is exhibited, with pilling of the sleeve number, three shoulder board burns and two team repairs on the left sleeves. Jersey has the proper "Sandow" tag in the collar, while measuring at the proper "[size] 52". One of the most unique and scarce hockey jerseys in our April Signature sale, this piece will be sure to stand out in even the most impressive of collections. LOA from Spirit of the Game.
Early 1980's Vladislav Tretiak Game Worn "CCCP" Jersey. 1980s Vladislav Tretiak CCCP Game Worn Jersey. Vladislav Tretiak burst into the collective awareness of North American hockey enthusiasts with an outstanding showing in the 1972 Summit Series, surprising the Canadiens with his fantastic play and frustrating them thoroughly. The 20-year-old's performance was so impressive that, from that point on, the netminder had the full attention of all of the NHL's top class. Denied the chance to make a splash in North America due to the Soviet government blocking any attempt to bring him over, it was during heated international competition that his legend was secured on this side of the pond. Though he was only 32 at the time and was still playing at an extremely high level, Tretiak retired from professional hockey in 1984.
The red KOHO mesh jersey that we present here dates from the early-1980's and was worn by the Hall of Famer during one of his final appearances with the national team. Original tagging remains in the collar. "CCCP" has been sewn to the chest in white plastic lettering, with a "20" found attached to each sleeve (numeral measures at 1.6x3"). Verso includes "TRETJAK" sewn onto a name plate, which sits above a "20" (numeral measures at 5.6x9.5"). Shoulder seem to shoulder seam measures at the proper 22.5", as confirmed by KOHO jersey expert Brad Moore, who handled all Russian jerseys that came to North American from the mid-1980's through the 1990's. An unrepaired hole is found on the front near the right seam in the white waist striping. Some stick marks are also found in the same vicinity, as well as on the bottom of the jersey verso and chest insignia. This style of Koho jersey is similar in design to ones found in photographs in Tretiak's autobiography, "Tretiak the Legend." A fabulous rarity from one of the best goaltenders ever will make a fine addition to any Hall of Fame collection. LOA Fair-More Sports Enterprises/Brad Moore.
The red KOHO mesh jersey that we present here dates from the early-1980's and was worn by the Hall of Famer during one of his final appearances with the national team. Original tagging remains in the collar. "CCCP" has been sewn to the chest in white plastic lettering, with a "20" found attached to each sleeve (numeral measures at 1.6x3"). Verso includes "TRETJAK" sewn onto a name plate, which sits above a "20" (numeral measures at 5.6x9.5"). Shoulder seem to shoulder seam measures at the proper 22.5", as confirmed by KOHO jersey expert Brad Moore, who handled all Russian jerseys that came to North American from the mid-1980's through the 1990's. An unrepaired hole is found on the front near the right seam in the white waist striping. Some stick marks are also found in the same vicinity, as well as on the bottom of the jersey verso and chest insignia. This style of Koho jersey is similar in design to ones found in photographs in Tretiak's autobiography, "Tretiak the Legend." A fabulous rarity from one of the best goaltenders ever will make a fine addition to any Hall of Fame collection. LOA Fair-More Sports Enterprises/Brad Moore.
1982-83 Brian Hayward Game Worn Jersey. Highly desirable style was worn by the current color analyst for Anaheim Ducks broadcasts back when he was a rookie goalie for the Winnipeg Jets. Hayward would appear in over twenty games this season as back-up to 1977-78 Terry Sawchuk Trophy winner Ed Staniowski, and the mesh beauty exhibits pilling and sweat staining from his fine service to the Jets' cause. Awesome team logo patch dominates the chest, with number "1" applied to sleeves and verso in blue and red tackle twill. "Hayward" is embroidered across rear nameplate. "CCM" label is present at interior collar with size "50" handwritten designator, and original fight strap remains affixed at lower rear interior tail. A finishing touch comes in the form of a silver sharpie signature on rear numeral. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1980's Denis Potvin Game Worn Gloves & Skates. In what was one of the most impressive stretches enjoyed by any NHL team in recent history, the New York Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980-83, establishing themselves immediately as the team to beat for the early 1980s. Due in large part to the prowess of their captain Denis Potvin, the Isles established a dynasty that saw them win a whopping nineteen consecutive playoff series, which stands as a record in pro sports. Without the grit of their star defender and on-ice leader Potvin, it's doubtful that any of this would have been possible. Here we offer a pair of Potvin's game worn gloves, signed and personalized and exhibiting extraordinary wear. Nearly every surface of the gloves is covered with abrasions and the right palm has been completely torn through and repaired -- a testament to the defender's hard-nosed style of play. The inscription and signature span both gloves and read: "To Rusty's, My Best Always, Good Luck 'Phil', Denis Potvin." A small handwritten "5" also in found inside each glove at the wrist. Originally presented to ex-Black Hawks defenseman Phil Russell for his Chicago sports bar, these gloves were worn at some point during those stellar Stanley Cup seasons. Includes a photo matched 8x10" print showing Potvin sporting the same gloves. A fine addition to any top-rate collection. Joining these gloves is a pair of Potvin's game worn skates, exhibiting the same manner of monster wear characterized by the gloves. These "Ultra Tack's" are battered, gouged but undefeated, showing at least a full season's wear. Number "5" is hand markered onto each blade, and black electrical tape has been applied over the metal for safety. Together with the gloves, a desirable ensemble indeed. LOA from Phil Russell. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1985-86 Tony Tanti Game Worn Jersey - Worn in Stanley Cup Playoffs. During his prime, Tony Tanti was one of the most feared players in the game. The 12th overall pick in the 1981 NHL Draft, Tanti wore this shirt during the 1985-86 season, and during the 1986 playoff series versus Edmonton, and most likely used it in the preseason, as the Expo 86 and Vancouver 100th Anniversary patches were removed. The proper "85 10" tag is in the neckline (loose on right side, but still intact), with gorgeous two-color numerals and lettering affixed to the sleeves and verso. A fantastic scattering of stick marks and scuffs are displayed on both sides of the jersey, which aids in presenting this piece with perfect displayability. LOA from Joe Tomon.
1986-87 Bill Derlago Game Worn Jersey. Quite the all-around athlete in his early years, Bill Derlago was involved in many sports including golf, tennis, baseball, and of course hockey. Enjoying most of his superior success when on the Toronto Mapleleafs, Derlago was later traded to Winnipeg, and that is what brings us to this catalog listing. A beautiful 1986-87 from the tail end of his career, this Derlago gamer is offered in its original state and glory. The Jets' red, white and blue team logo adorns the front of this jersey with a unique royal blue embroidered "Derlago" affixed to the rear nameplate. The use on this white mesh gamer is on the lighter side, but there is evident wear, with one team repair and multiple black marks. Number "18" is applied to the sleeves and verso, with no tags in the collar. LOA from Joe Tomon.
1988-89 Dave Hunter Game Worn Jersey. Three-time Stanley Cup winner, and one of four Hunter brothers (which also includes fellow NHLers Dale and Mark), Dave Hunter put this gamer to use during his final season in the league. This 1988-89 Jets shirt shows light, but suitable wear considering he only played three games for Winnipeg that season. A fabulous team logo patch adorns the front chest, with the proper "Goals for Kids" charity patch on the right sleeve. Number "12" has been affixed to each sleeve and verso. "Hunter" is applied on the rear nameplate in blue tackle twill, with a sweat-faded "Maska" flap tag in the collar. There are some black marks on the front of this nice example that will display perfectly in any collection. LOA from Joe Tomon.
1990-91 Joe Sakic Game Worn Jersey. Collectors who prefer their game used equipment to really look game used will find much to love with this early gamer sported by 500 Goal Club member and future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. Both front and verso are a mass of stick and board marks, bearing silent witness to the brutality of the League that Sakic would soon come to dominate. The Quebec Nordiques logo is affixed to the chest in red, white and blue tackle twill, with the captain's "C" (an honor bestowed upon him at the start of this season) screened to upper left chest. Number "19" is screened to each sleeve and verso, where "Sakic" is screened across rear nameplate. These screened identifiers, and the decorative fleurs de lis, show mild degradation at times, but this is typical of all Nordiques jerseys from the era and must be accepted as an inevitability. Proper care and storage should prevent any further screening loss. "Maska" tag inside collar shows strong wear, and fight strap affixed to lower rear interior tail is lined with sweaty salt deposits. A sweater almost certain to rise even further in value and desirability upon Sakic's certain future Hall of Fame induction. LOA from Joe Tomon.
1992-93 Glenn Anderson Game Worn Jersey. Though he lifted the Stanley Cup five times throughout his career as a member of the Edmonton Oilers, Glenn Anderson enjoyed some great years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he achieved the milestone 1,000th point of his career. The versatile winger helped the Leafs to the 2003 Conference Finals where they lost to the Los Angeles Kings in seven games.
From that 1992-93 campaign we present this fabulous white Maska Ultrafil gamer worn on the ice by Anderson himself. The beautiful number 9 jersey includes the familiar Maple Leafs crest on the chest, with the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup patch occupying the area above and to the left of that emblem. The secondary Maple Leaf logo patch is applied to each shoulder, where a tackle twill "9" can also be found. Jersey front and sleeves are simply peppered with black stick slash marks, evidence of his aggressive to the net style of play. Each sleeve also displays prominent evidence of on-ice use with several holes and stick marks found at each arm. A phenomenal gamer from one of the newest players to be honored with Hall of Fame entry. LOA from Milt Byron.
From that 1992-93 campaign we present this fabulous white Maska Ultrafil gamer worn on the ice by Anderson himself. The beautiful number 9 jersey includes the familiar Maple Leafs crest on the chest, with the 100th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup patch occupying the area above and to the left of that emblem. The secondary Maple Leaf logo patch is applied to each shoulder, where a tackle twill "9" can also be found. Jersey front and sleeves are simply peppered with black stick slash marks, evidence of his aggressive to the net style of play. Each sleeve also displays prominent evidence of on-ice use with several holes and stick marks found at each arm. A phenomenal gamer from one of the newest players to be honored with Hall of Fame entry. LOA from Milt Byron.
1993-94 Bryan Trottier Game Worn Jersey. Important black knit sweater is among the very last ever worn by this first ballot Hall of Famer, sported as he put the finishing touches on a career highlighted by over 500 goals and over 900 assists. The striking sweater features the classic Pittsburgh black and yellow coloring, with the city name slanted across the jersey front and number "19" applied to each sleeve and verso in two-tone tackle twill. "Trottier" is spelled across rear nameplate. "CCM" label inside collar features handwritten number "19," with "52" size tag to the left. Fight strap remains affixed to lower rear interior tail. Some nice board and stick marks are visible and front, verso and both sleeves, with some heavy scuffing that suggests that the youngsters weren't taking it easy on this old veteran. A top-tier specimen from the last days of a storied career. LOA from Pittsburgh Penguins.
1996-97 Tom Pederson Game Worn Jersey - w/ Maple Leaf Gardens Anniversary Patch! Offered here is a road blue knit sweater worn by Minnesota-born Tom Pederson during the 1996-97 NHL season. Pederson was a solid defenseman during his time spent in the NHL, but it's the jersey style, and commemorative patch displayed on this jersey that makes this a real head turner. Comparable to Yankee Stadium in baseball, Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens was the most historic venue in all of hockey, and the patch affixed to this shirt commemorates the 65th anniversary of the famed home of the Maple Leafs. In addition, the proper team logo patch has been affixed to the front, with single-color numerals and lettering on the sleeves and verso. Jersey has the appropriate "[size] 52 tag in the collar, and the Maple Leafs "Limited Edition" jersey swatch is located in the rear interior tail. This very rare style presents stick marks, board burns and unrepaired burn holes throughout. Highly desirable gamer from one of hockey's most historic teams. LOA from Gamewornauctions.net.
1997-98 Ray Bourque Game Worn Jersey Signed by Boston Bruins Team. A staple of the Boston Bruins defense for over two decades, Bourque rates near the top of most experts' lists compiling the greatest NHL players of all time. This fantastic specimen dates from Bourque's nineteenth of twenty-one seasons in gold and black, and exhibits wonderful use that illustrates the hard-hitting style with which he paved a path to the Hall of Fame. All of the key factors in an ideal Bourque jersey are present here, with custom shortened sleeves, team repairs, stick marks, board burns and interior pilling wear all in evidence. The team logo "B" on the chest is joined by his captain's "C," with "Bourque 77" likewise applied in gold and black tackle twill on verso. Number "77" is repeated on each sleeve, below team logo bear patches. A Velcro button style fight strap is in place in rear tail. Proper "Starter" tagging is found in interior collar, with "56-R" size designation. The jersey provides superb provenance to match its regal heritage, sourced from the personal collection of team trainer Kenny "Doc" Flager. Twenty-two black NRMT and better black sharpie signatures decorate the chest of the jersey, many personalized to Doc. Among the signers are Bourque himself, Samsonov, Donato, DiMaio, Axelsson and Thornton. The end result is a Bourque jersey that would only be at home in the finest of private collections. LOA from Rich Ellis. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
1997-98 Ryan Smyth Game Worn Jersey. Heavy wear, with an array of slash marks, team repairs, nice number puckering and more is featured on this iron-clad gamer from "Captain Canada," Ryan Smyth. An All-Star left winger during the 2006-07 season, Smyth wore this great garment in 1997-98 during his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers. This jersey has it all, from its exemplary wear, to its rock-solid presentation. The team's classic logo patch is featured front and center, with the proper three-color numerals at the sleeves and verso. "Smyth" has been stitched on the back nameplate and its "[size] 56" and "RMC Sports" tags are still present in the neckline. The original fight strap remains, with the Oilers' "RMC Sports Set #2 97/98" swatch in the rear interior tail. Without question, one of the top Smyth game-worn jerseys ever to hit the market.
1998-99 Alexei Zhamnov Game Worn Jersey. Spectacular use is presented on this stunning Blackhawks sweater worn by Alexei Zhamnov. The talented center, who played from 1992-2006, put multiple tears and slash marks throughout this jersey, as can be detected from the scattering of team repairs in the fabric. There is a considerable amount of puckering on the front team logo patch, in addition to piling on the interior tail. The proper two-color numerals are featured on the sleeves and verso, in addition to single-color tackle twill "Zhamnov" on the back nameplate. There is also a "[size] 54" flap tag in the interior of the jersey. We are confident that there is not a better exemplar worn by the star Soviet Center.
1999-2000 Michael Peca Game Worn Jersey. A gritty, hard hitter, who earned the nickname "Captain Crunch," during his 13-year career, Michael Peca wore this jersey during the 1999-2000 season. Solid use is presented throughout with stick marks, some small tears and scuffs on the fabric. The Buffalo Sabres team logo patch has been stitched on the front, as is the proper "two-color" captain's "C" and "NHL 2000" patch. A "[size] 54" tag is in the collar, with its original fight strap and noticeable piling on the interior rear tail. Three-color numerals and two-color lettering complete this beautiful shirt from the 2002 Canadian Gold medal winner. LOA from Buffalo Sabres/MeiGray #131387.
2000 Mark Recchi Game Worn Jersey. At 41 years of age, Mark Recchi still's got it. In fact, in March of 2009, the future Hall of Famer became the oldest player in NHL history to score five assists. He has also scored more than 1,000 career points, 500-plus career goals and played in more than 1,000 NHL games. Presented here is a jersey that the ageless left winger used during the 2000 season for the Philadelphia Flyers. An array of stick marks is visible on this sweater, which features the "NHL 2000" patch on the right breast, in addition to the team's logo patch across the front. Two -color numerals have been applied to the sleeves and verso, with "Recchi" stitched on the back nameplate. The proper "[size] 52" tag is in the neckline, with the original fight strap in the rear interior. An absolutely exemplary garment from the current Boston Bruins superstar.
2001-02 Saku Koivu Game Worn Jersey. Beloved by hockey fans worldwide for both the quality of his play and the strength of his character, which has seen him through a fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and an on-ice accident that almost blinded him in one eye. This gorgeous Montreal Canadiens gamer was originally acquired from a team executive, and exhibits light but definite wear from a season that saw the Finnish centre make just three appearances due to his cancer battle. Team logo patch commands the chest of the white knit sweater, with the captain's "C" applied at upper left chest. Number "11" is sewn in tri-tone tackle twill to each sleeve and verso, where "Koivu" is spelled across rear nameplate. Size "54" flap tag is affixed at interior collar, and fight strap appears at lower rear interior tail. An inspiring memento from a season almost entirely lost to Koivu's greatest battle of all. LOA from Claude Juteau.
2001-02 Olaf Kolzig Game Worn Jersey. A 2004 fan vote to name the top thirty players in Washington Capitals history found this man claiming first place honors, a recognition fitting of a man who spent sixteen seasons minding the net in our nation's capital. The presented jersey dates from a season that saw Kolzig average just 2.79 goals allowed per game, a year after he earned the Vezina Trophy as the League's top goalie. The team logo patch shares space on the chest with an American flag patch commemorating the lives of those lost in the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Number "37" appears on each sleeve and verso, where "Kolzig" is spelled across rear nameplate. "Goalie Style" flap tag appears inside collar, and fight strap remains affixed to lower rear interior tail. Light wear. LOA from Joe Tomon.
2001-02 Scott Gomez Game Worn Jersey. The first ever Latino NHL player, who currently plays center for the Montreal Canadiens, Scott Gomez wore this solid gamer during the 2001-02 season during his time spent with the New Jersey Devils. Gomez,a key contributor for the Devils during his team's Stanley Cup Championship runs of 1999-00 and 2002-03, put noticeable wear on this shirt, which features a considerable amount of small tears from use and an array of black stick marks. The jersey presents the proper team logo patch across the front, with two-color numerals on the sleeves and verso. The "[size] 54" garment has "Gomez" properly placed on the back nameplate, and the "Custom Crafted" screen printed "3rd Set 2001-02 season" notation is on the rear interior tail. Without question, an exemplary specimen from one of the game's brightest stars.
2002-03 Scott Niedermayer Game Worn Jersey. One of the most beloved Devils of all, Niedermayer represented the squad for the first dozen seasons of his NHL career, helping bring the Stanley Cup to New Jersey three times during his tenure. This nicely used sweater saw action during the third and final Stanley Cup season, one in which the star defenseman posted an impressive eighteen playoff points, his best NHL postseason numbers. A large team repair on the chest of this regular season gamer instantly draws the eye, located at the five o'clock position relating to the Devils logo patch at center. Stick and board marks are scattered throughout, particularly upon the sleeves. The alternate captain's letter "A" is applied in red and black tackle twill to upper left chest. Number "27" appears at each sleeve and verso, beneath "Niedermayer" sewn across rear nameplate. Size "54" flap tag is present at interior collar, and fight strap remains affixed to lower rear interior tail. A wonderful Championship season representation from a future Hall of Famer. LOA from New Jersey Devils/MeiGray #117465.
2002 Kris Draper Playoffs Game Worn Jersey. When the Detroit Red Wings negotiated with the then-Winnipeg Jets in 1993 for a minor leaguer in their system, the pundits in charge of Hockeytown pulled the trigger for future considerations and $1. In the years that came to pass the Red Wings capitalized immensely on their investment when that minor leaguer, one Kris Draper, went on to anchor the team's vital "Grind Line" that helped the team lift the Stanley Cup three times in six years.
From the 2002 playoff run we present this red KOHO Airknit size 52 worn by the One Dollar Man. Fantastic playoff use is evident by numerous stick marks to the sleeves and jersey front and several team repairs in the elbows. The classic winged wheel logo on the jersey front is flanked by the official Stanley Cup Playoffs patch. A prominent stick mark can be observed on the right sleeve numerals, which allows us a definitive photo match as can be seen in the provided images. Tagging in tail from Red Wing equipment man Paul Boyer. Important jersey from an integral contributor to the legendary Hockeytown worn during an exceptional championship run. COA and copy of photo match from Hockeytown.
From the 2002 playoff run we present this red KOHO Airknit size 52 worn by the One Dollar Man. Fantastic playoff use is evident by numerous stick marks to the sleeves and jersey front and several team repairs in the elbows. The classic winged wheel logo on the jersey front is flanked by the official Stanley Cup Playoffs patch. A prominent stick mark can be observed on the right sleeve numerals, which allows us a definitive photo match as can be seen in the provided images. Tagging in tail from Red Wing equipment man Paul Boyer. Important jersey from an integral contributor to the legendary Hockeytown worn during an exceptional championship run. COA and copy of photo match from Hockeytown.
2002-03 Tony Amonte Game Worn "Alternate" Jersey. Best known for his days as an offensive powerhouse with the Chicago Blackhawks, Tony Amonte wore this unique sweater during the 2002-03 season with the Phoenix Coyotes. Complete with a letter typed on team stationery, attesting to its authenticity, this piece presents definite use and solid scuffing throughout. The team's logo patch has been stitched on the front, with the proper three-color numerals on the sleeves and verso. Single-color "Amonte" has been directly affixed to the back nameplate, and the proper "[size] 54" tag is in the collar. Great gamer from the five-time All-Star who suited up for more than 1,000 NHL games. LOA from Phoenix Coyotes.
2002-03 Sergei Fedorov Game Worn Stanley Cup Playoffs Jersey. In 2008, the player who wore this Detroit Red Wings jersey, Sergei Fedorov scored his 479th goal, a record for a Russian-born player. Fedorov, who is destined for the Hockey Hall of Fame, put noticeable use with multiple team repairs on this classic jersey. The team's logo patch across the front, and the proper single-color numerals and lettering are stitched directly on the cherry red fabric, with the proper "[size] 50" flap tag present in the collar. Worn during the 2002-03 postseason, this shirt is sure to catch the eye of the most serious of game-worn gurus. LOA from Hockeytown Authentics #35608.
2002 U.S. Olympics Hockey Team Signed Jersey. Only our neighbors to the north could stop this powerhouse squad from claiming the Gold in Salt Lake City, barely halting a repeat of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice." Fine replica of the jersey worn by the American squad in the greatest of international competitions is signed in 10/10 sharpie by 35 superstar skaters, most notably team captain Chelios, Modano, Hull, Leetch, Tkackuk, Richter, Roenick and more. It would be tough to find a signed piece with as many future Hall of Famers as is present here. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
2002-03 Brian Rafalski Game Worn Jersey. Highly desirable jersey worn by Brian Rafalski during his 2002-03 season with the New Jersey Devils is presented here. There isn't much Rafalski hasn't accomplished in his career. A vital player on the 2007-08 Stanley Cup winning Red Wings, and member of Team USA, in three Winter Olympic Games, Rafalski put nice use on this shirt from his fourth year in the league. The team's logo patch is featured front and center, with the proper two-color lettering affixed on the back nameplate, above his number "28" in the same fabric. One of the nicest Rafalski exemplars ever offered, this piece is accompanied with perfect provenance. LOA from New Jersey Devils/MeiGray #119676.
2003-04 Jonathan Cheechoo Game Worn Jersey. A fixture with the San Jose Sharks for the past five NHL seasons, right winger Jonathan Cheechoo has been solid since his call up for the 2002-03 season. After a solid first campaign with the Sharks, Cheechoo paid special attention to his fitness, enlisting in an off-season power skating regime to reduce his body fat to the single digits. A slimmer and more fit specimen from the previous year, the winger made good on his promise to improve and increased his scoring total by more than double. From that fantastic 2003-04 campaign, which saw him tally 47 points on 28 goals and 19 assists, we present this attractive gamer.
The teal KOHO jersey includes the Sharks crest on the front, while the verso has a vertically-arched "CHEECHOO" sewn to a name plate over the three-color tackle twill "14". Heavy wear is obvious to each of the lower sleeves, which both have scores of team repairs and unrepaired holes and slash marks. Some slash marks can also be observed to the lower jersey front. Outstanding gamer from one of the sport's most-promising attackers and the player who owns the San Jose Sharks record for most goals in a season with 56. A great presentational piece with outstanding on-ice wear. Team LOA from the San Jose Sharks.
The teal KOHO jersey includes the Sharks crest on the front, while the verso has a vertically-arched "CHEECHOO" sewn to a name plate over the three-color tackle twill "14". Heavy wear is obvious to each of the lower sleeves, which both have scores of team repairs and unrepaired holes and slash marks. Some slash marks can also be observed to the lower jersey front. Outstanding gamer from one of the sport's most-promising attackers and the player who owns the San Jose Sharks record for most goals in a season with 56. A great presentational piece with outstanding on-ice wear. Team LOA from the San Jose Sharks.
2001-02 Sergei Fedorov Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Worn Jersey. The Detroit Red Wings captured the Stanley Cup in 2001-02, the same season Sergei Fedorov wore this jersey during post season play. A stunning playoff shirt, this white Red Wings garment shows evident use and displays the team from the Motor City's logo patch prominently front and center. Number "91" is stitched on each sleeve and verso, in addition to "Fedorov" affixed to the back. Hockeytown Authentics has screened on a "2001-2002" Authentic Game Jersey Playoff Set" swatch is located on the interior rear tail, with "[size] 52" flap tag and Canadian flag flap tag in the collar. There's something about Red Wings jerseys that just looks like they belong in the post season. Here's your chance to own a very desirable playoff shirt, with iron-clad provenance. LOA from Hockeytown Authentics #28534. LOA from MeiGray #115935.
2003-04 Mike Cammalleri Game Worn Jersey. Worn by veteran left winger during his sophomore season in the NHL, this Los Angeles Kings jersey features evident use on the team's attractive white, black, silver and violet fabric. This attractive sweater has the proper team logo across the front, with "Cammalleri" stitched directly on the verso in single-color tackle twill. Three-color numerals are presented on the sleeves and verso, with a "[size] 54" tag in the collar. Completing this fine piece is the all-important MeiGray authentication swatch in the rear interior tail, directly below its original fight strap. Stunning exemplar from the current Montreal Canadiens star. LOA from MeiGray #B04575.
2003-04 Chris Chelios Game Worn Stanley Cup Playoffs Jersey. Amazingly, future Hall of Famer Chris Chelios has only missed the playoffs one time during his lengthy NHL career. The player who has a resume of accolades way too long to list in an auction description, Chelios wore this Detroit Red Wings jersey during the 2003-04 season. Multiple team repairs and additional wear is displayed on this sweater, which presents the team's classic logo patch across the front. The proper "[size] 52" tag is positioned in the neckline, and single-color tackle twill numerals and lettering have been affixed directly to the fabric. This stunning exemplar is accompanied with iron-clad provenance, and is just waiting for a suitable spot in an elite game-worn jersey collection. LOA from Hockeytown Authentics #35601.
2003-04 Bill Guerin Game Worn Jersey. In 2008-09, veteran right winger Bill Guerin finally was a part of the Stanley Cup winning experience, with his Pittsburgh Penguins. Offered here is a stunning "alternate" Dallas Stars sweater worn by Guerin during the 2003-04 season. Multiple board burns, team repairs and additional piling is exhibited on this shirt, which features an interesting "Lonestar" team logo patch at front and center. The proper three-color numerals and lettering have been affixed directly to the fabric of the back and sleeves, with the proper "[size] 58" tag in the collar. Completing this solid piece is MeiGray's authentication swatch in the rear interior tail. Very scarce exemplar of the sparsely worn style. LOA from MeiGray #B02864.
2003-04 Dominik Hasek Game Worn Jersey. Detroit Red Wings' fans loved his nickname, and the opposing teams despised it. This fantastic sweater was worn by "The Dominator," Dominik Hasek, during the 2003-04 season. Jersey is accompanied with iron-clad provenance from "Hockeytown Authentics," and features the team's classic logo patch across the front. Single-color tackle twill was the fabric of choice for the sleeve and verso numerals, in addition to his "Hasek", which has been directly affixed to the back. Jersey is a "[size] 58," as can be determined from the tag in the neckline. Solid jersey from one of the game's most prominent goaltenders. LOA from Hockeytown Authentics #35374.
2003-04 Ilya Kovalchuk Game Worn Jersey. Scarce alternate style is one of the more unusual NHL sweaters you'll encounter, with bizarre mesh side paneling that seems oddly futuristic in conjunction with the old school tie down collar. Team logo patch dominates the center, with a memorial patch honoring tragically killed teammate Dan Snyder at upper right. "Atlanta" is spelled in block lettering down left sleeve, and the fifth anniversary team patch is at right shoulder. Number "17" is applied to each sleeve and verso in white and yellow tackle twill, with "Kovalchuk" spelled across rear nameplate. Certainly the most unique of all modern gamers presented within this auction. Game wear is apparent but appropriately light for an alternate style. A marvelous keepsake from a season that saw the Russian superstar and first pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft register eighty-seven points, second only to the Lightings' Martin St. Louis. LOA from MeiGray #B00775.
2003-04 Brendan Shanahan Game Worn Stanley Cup Playoffs Jersey. Beautiful gamer worn during future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan's time spent on his most prolific team, the Detroit Red Wings. This sweater was used during the 500 Goal Club member's 2003-04 season, and displays an impressive scattering of black stick marks. The Wings' classic team logo patch resides across the front, with the proper white tackle twill lettering and numerals directly affixed to the fabric. Jersey has a "[size] 56" tag in the collar, in addition to the original fight strap and authentication swatch in the rear interior. A rock-solid exemplar from one of the best in the game. LOA from Hockeytown Authentics #35598.
2005-06 Alexander Mogilny Game Worn Jersey. Russian superstar right winger Alexander Mogilny, suitably nicknamed "Alexander the Great," wore this jersey during his final NHL season in 2005-06. Known for his phenomenal wrist shot and skating speed, the selfless Mogilny put noticeable use on this New Jersey Devils shirt, which displays an attractive team logo patch across the front. Two-color numerals are properly sewn on the sleeves and verso, with the "JM" patch above the right breast. The back nameplate has "MOGILNY" sewn on in two-color tackle twill, with "[size] 52" tag in the neckline. Completing this stunning red, white and black jersey is the original fight strap and MeiGray authentication swatch, both in the interior rear. LOA from MeiGray #C06161..
2005-06 Chris Mason Game Worn "Alternate" Jersey. Up-and-coming goaltender, who currently plays for the St. Louis Blues, Chris Mason wore this brilliant jersey during his tenure with the Nashville Predators. Without question, one of the NHL's most unique styles, this sweater displays the team's impressive logo across the front. Gold mesh-type fabric is presented throughout, with the proper two-color numerals stitched in the sleeves and verso. "Mason" has been affixed to the back nameplate, with its "[size] 58" tag in the neckline. Completing this intriguing piece has MeiGray's authentication swatch in the rear interior tail. Great investment potential on this jersey from one of hockey's immerging goaltenders. Authentication from MeiGray C05530.
2005-06 Brenden Morrow Game Worn Jersey. The current team captain of the Dallas Stars, and one of the NHL's premier left wingers, Brenden Morrow wore this stunning jersey during the 2005-06 season. A scattering of use is displayed on this shirt, with various slashing marks, number puckering and scuff marks. Featured is the team's logo patch across the front, with the proper "[size] 56" tag is in the neckline, and his assistant captain's "A", numerals and lettering, all in three-color tackle twill. MeiGray's authentication swatch is affixed in the back rear interior, as is the original fight strap. Solid example worn by the Stars' consistent phenom. LOA from MeiGray #C03190.
2005-06 Sergei Zubov Game Worn Jersey. A solid defenseman who seemed to fly under the radar for his NHL career, Sergei Zubov wore this Dallas Stars "alternate" jersey during the 2005-06 season. The three-time All-Star put appropriately light use on the team's sparingly-used "Texas Longhorn Constellation," rarity, which displays a cool team logo across the front. "Zubov," and the sleeve and back numerals have been affixed in three-color tackle twill, with the two-time Stanley Cup winner's "A" assistant captain's patch above the left breast. Jersey has the proper "[size] 56" tag in the neckline, and the original fight strap is present, as is the MeiGray authentication swatch in the rear interior tail. This unique garment is sure to be one of the most interesting pieces in any game-worn hockey collection. LOA from MeiGray #C03122.
2006 Kevin Weekes "Mark Messier Night" Game Worn Jersey. On Tuesday, June 14, 1994, Mark Messier scored the Stanley Cup winning goal at Madison Square Garden and secured his place in New York Rangers' history. There isn't a Ranger fan anywhere who doesn't hold a special place in his heart for Messier, and now one lucky hobbyist can obtain a piece that will help him remember how great the 2007 Hall of Famer actually was when he played. Offered here is a jersey that Rangers back-up goalie Kevin Weekes wore during the first period of "Mark Messier Night." That special game was held on January 12, 2006 at Madison Square Garden, and acted as a ceremony to retire Messier's No. 11. But before they put that special number to rest, the Rangers wore three sets of jerseys that night, and only one set would become available to collectors. This jersey, wore in the first period by Weekes features a commemorative patch with "11 January 12, 2006" embroidered in red, white and blue, with Weekes' number "12" on each sleeve and verso. A "goalie style" laced collar is featured on this classic shirt, with "Rangers" across the front. MeiGray's provenance swatch is located in the hemline, to the right of the "2005-2006 Season" swatch. Mark Messier may be retired, but his legacy will live on with a great collectible like the one in this listing. LOA from MeiGray #CO7367.
2006-07 Brian Gionta Game Worn Stanley Cup Playoffs Jersey. He may be smaller than most of the other players, but nobody outmatches Brian Gionta's heart and tenacious hustle. Offered here is a New Jersey Devils jersey that the current Montreal Canadiens player wore during the 2006-07 season. This jersey has it all, from Gionta's elasticized sleeves, to the team's "25th Anniversary" patch above the right breast. The lettering and numerals consist of attractive two-color tackle twill, with the proper "[size] 52" tag in the collar. Its original right strap and MeiGray authentication swatch reside in the rear interior tail of this spectacular shirt, from one of Gionta's most successful seasons as a pro. LOA from New Jersey Devils/MeiGray #D04409.
2006-07 Dany Heatley Game Worn Jersey. Second only to Vincent Lecavalier with fifty goals this season, Heatley became the first NHL player to reach the half-century mark in consecutive campaigns since Pavel Bure accomplished the feat in 1999-00. Presented is an Ottawa Senators jersey from that All-Star season, featuring a light scattering of stick and board marks. The dazzling team logo patch appears upon the chest, with his number "15" applied to each sleeve and verso in two-tone tackle twill. "Heatley" stands in block lettering on rear nameplate. Fight strap appears in lower rear interior tail. Proper size "56" tag resides inside collar, and MeiGray's authentication label is sewn inside lower front tail. LOA from Ottawa Senators/MeiGray #D07773.
2006-07 Milan Hejduk Game Worn "Alternate" Jersey. Presented here is an attractive Colorado Avalanche "Throwback style" jersey worn during the 2006-07 season by the team's current right winger, Milan Hejduk. A Stanley Cup champion in 2001, Hejduk put light use on this shirt, which features "Colorado" in diagonal three-color tackle twill across the front. Jersey has the retro-style tie-down collar, with single-color "Hejduk" on the back nameplate. A gold medal winner with the Czech Republic in 1998, Hejduk continues to display his talents in the NHL, making this piece a superb investment for the game-worn jersey collector. LOA from Colorado Avalanche/MeiGray #D07031.
2006-07 Alexander Ovechkin Game Worn Jersey, w/Photomatch. In his young career, NHL superstar Alexander Ovechkin has already been named an All-Star three times, won Rookie of the Year in 2005, was named "Sporting News" Player of the Year three times and signed the most lucrative contract in league history. Not bad for a 24 year old. Offered here is a Washington Capitals sweater Ovechkin wore during the 2006-07 season. This cornerstone piece displays a nice scattering of wear throughout, and is accompanied with MeiGray's Getty Images 8.5x11" photomatch print from the 4/4/2007 game, in which the jersey was worn. Team logo and "A" assistant captains patch have been affixed on the front, with three-color lettering and numerals on the sleeves an verso. Jersey has the proper "[size] 58" tag in the collar, with MeiGray's authentication swatch and original fight strap present in the rear interior. Without question, this jersey is sure to increase in desirability every year as the young phenom gets closer Hall of Fame status. LOA from Washington Capitals/MeiGray #D10118.
2006-07 Paul Stastny Game Worn Jersey. Son of Hockey Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, Paul wore this desirable Avalanche uni during the 2006-07 season, in which he contributed with 78 points. Jersey shows definite wear, with slash marks and piling in the interior. The proper "[size] 56" tag is affixed in the neckline, with the team logo patch presented front and center. Single-color "Stastny" is affixed on the back nameplate, with three-colored numerals on the sleeves and verso. This stunning sweater comes with iron-clad authentication from MeiGray, as is reinforced with the company's authentication swatch in the rear interior tail. Solid jersey from the young playmaker. Authentication from MeiGray #D08929.
2006-07 Shea Weber Game Worn Jersey. Up-and-coming Nashville Predators defenseman, Shea Weber, put use on this jersey during the 2006-07 season. This stunning shirt features the team's ultra-unique logo across the front, with "Weber" in single-color tackle twill directly affixed to the back nameplate. Two-color numerals are featured on the sleeves and verso, with the proper "[size] 58" tag in the neckline. The all-important "MeiGray" authentication swatch is in the rear interior tail, completing this fine shirt. Authentication from MeiGray #D03275.
2007-08 Jordan Staal Game Worn Jersey. The second overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft, Staal has since proven the wisdom of that choice, his huge size and aggressive play making him one of the most intimidating figures in the NHL. "Gronk," as he is called by his teammates, put some hard-hitting wear into this Pittsburgh Penguins sweater used during his sophomore season, with a couple small specks of blood on the chest and small holes in the left elbow and right shoulder. Large team logo patch dominates the chest, with number "11" applied in two-tone tackle twill to sleeves and verso, where "Staal" is spelled across rear nameplate. Pittsburgh 250th anniversary patch is applied to right sleeve. Size "58" tag is affixed at interior collar, and a label applied by Dana Heinze, the head equipment manager of the Penguins, appears in the tail, attributing the jersey to "2007-2008 Set #2." Team letter from Pittsburgh Penguins.
2008-09 Evgeni Malkin Game Worn Jersey. Looking to globalize the NHL brand, League officials scheduled four games in Europe to start the 2008-09 season, with the Rangers and Lightning battling twice in Prague and the Sens and Pens playing two in Stockholm. Presented is a sweater worn by the current NHL points leader Malkin in the Swedish capital, noted by the "Stockholm Premier" patch located at upper right chest. Classic team logo patch commands the chest, with the alternate captain's "A" balancing the design at upper left. Number "71" is applied to sleeves and verso, where "Malkin" is spelled across rear nameplate. Size "56" flap tag is affixed at interior collar. A label applied by Penguins equipment manager Dana Heinze further attributes the sweater to the historic Stockholm games, and Heinze has signed the fight strap at lower interior rear tail for further assurance of authenticity. LOA from Pittsburgh Penguins.
2008 Georges Laraque Stanley Cup Finals Game Worn Jersey. Known among the league primarily as an enforcer, Georges Laraque has been one of the foremost NHL fighters since entering the league during the 1997-98 season with the Edmonton Oilers. Traded in February 2007 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Laraque used his tough checking and hard-nosed approach to the game to propel the Pens to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they fell in six games to the Detroit Red Wings.
The away white gamer provided here was worn during that Cup Finals and includes the Stanley Cup logo patch at the right chest. The garment shows nice signs of use in the form of some light board burn in the sleeves. Patch is also found on the right sleeve celebrating the 250 year anniversary of the city of Pittsburgh. Tagging in tail from Penguins head equipment manager Dana Heinze, who has also signed the interior fight strap. A special "2007-2008 Stanley Cup Finals" swatch has been sewn to the fight strap. Team letter from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The away white gamer provided here was worn during that Cup Finals and includes the Stanley Cup logo patch at the right chest. The garment shows nice signs of use in the form of some light board burn in the sleeves. Patch is also found on the right sleeve celebrating the 250 year anniversary of the city of Pittsburgh. Tagging in tail from Penguins head equipment manager Dana Heinze, who has also signed the interior fight strap. A special "2007-2008 Stanley Cup Finals" swatch has been sewn to the fight strap. Team letter from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2008 Sidney Crosby Game Worn Pants from NHL Winter Classic. The NHL rang in the 2008 New Year in historic fashion, as an NHL record attendance of more than 71,000 fans packed into New York's Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008, for the first regular-season outdoor professional hockey game to be played on U.S. soil, the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic.
This milestone meeting was as exciting as it was historically significant, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1, with a game-winning shootout goal by captain Sidney Crosby, who also played quite the role in this year's Winter Olympics Gold Medal Game.
Offered here are Crosby's navy Throwback pants he wore throughout the 2008 NHL Winter Classic and were also worn December 31, 2007, during the team practice. These "Reebok" pants have all the iron-clad characteristics, from the tie down zipper, to the "#87 1-1-08 Pittsburgh" markings in the interior.
Noted with the all-important MeiGray authentication swatch in the interior waistline, this piece represents an amazing part of the league's history and is accompanied with unmatched provenance. LOA from MeiGray E05939.
This milestone meeting was as exciting as it was historically significant, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1, with a game-winning shootout goal by captain Sidney Crosby, who also played quite the role in this year's Winter Olympics Gold Medal Game.
Offered here are Crosby's navy Throwback pants he wore throughout the 2008 NHL Winter Classic and were also worn December 31, 2007, during the team practice. These "Reebok" pants have all the iron-clad characteristics, from the tie down zipper, to the "#87 1-1-08 Pittsburgh" markings in the interior.
Noted with the all-important MeiGray authentication swatch in the interior waistline, this piece represents an amazing part of the league's history and is accompanied with unmatched provenance. LOA from MeiGray E05939.
2009 Sergei Gonchar Stanley Cup Playoffs Game Worn Jersey. It almost seems like Sergei Gonchar keeps getting better with age, and if he avoids injury he seems to always produce as a key component to the success of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact, after suffering a dislocated shoulder during the first game of the 2008-09 preseason, his entire year looked bleak. But, with 25 games left in the season, Gonchar helped his team secure the fourth seed in the 2009 postseason. However, while wearing the offered jersey, in game four of the Conference Semi-Finals against the Capitals, he suffered a knee injury after receiving a knee-on-knee hit from Alexander Ovechkin. Gonchar ended up returning to the Penguins for the final game of the Stanley Cup Finals, and helped propel his team to a championship victory. This historic shirt features an alternate captain's "A" patch and team logo patch adorn the front of this jersey that exhibits the suitable light use for a post season shirt. "CCM [size] 58" tag is properly stitched to the neckline, with his number "55" affixed to the sleeves and verso. "Gonchar" is applied to the rear nameplate in tri-tone tackle twill. The original fight strap is still present, and Cutting Edge Sports "2008-2009 Playoff Jerseys" provenance patch resides in the hemline. LOA from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Basketball Collectibles
Early 1970's Pete Maravich Signed Large Photograph. The biggest star in collegiate basketball provided his Hall of Fame services for the first four seasons of his professional career to the Atlanta Hawks, allowing us to definitively date this oversized (12x15") photo to the early seventies. While our imagery should indicate that there is wear to the emulsion of the photo, it actually only adds to the aesthetics, and the 10/10 "Pistol Pete" autograph was placed in an area unaffected by these concerns. A great display piece honoring one of the most beloved stars of the decade. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1970's Pete Maravich Signed Photograph. The Pistol's appearance in the uniform of the Atlanta Hawks dates this fabulous 8x10" photo to the period prior to his 1974 trade to the New Orleans Jazz. The combination of the whited-out background and the bold red ink "Pistol Pete" autograph makes for a brilliant display. Photo itself is NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1973-74 Atlanta Hawks Signed Photographs Lot of 13 with Maravich. Team issued 8x10" promotional photographs of the last Hawks team to feature Maravich is autographed by each of the players pictured, most notably the Hall of Fame guard himself in 9/10 black ink. He signs his standard "Pistol Pete." Also here are Bellamy, Bracey, Brown (8/10), Gilliam, Hudson, Ingelsby, Jones, Schlueter, Tschogl, Wetzel, Washington (8/10) and general manager Williams. Unless otherwise noted, all signatures are 9/10 or better, and photos exhibit no noteworthy condition problems. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication for Maravich photograph. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1974 Pete Maravich Signed New Orleans Jazz Guaranty Agreement. Astonishing relic marks the end of the Atlanta Hawks era in the Hall of Fame career of Pistol Pete Maravich, and the beginning of his affiliation with the New Orleans Jazz. Though no specifics of salary are discussed, the dense legalese provides for one of the most significant reassignments in NBA history as Maravich "...proposes to enter into a formal employment agreement with New Orleans Basketball Club." The three-page typed document is signed on the final page by Jazz owner Sam Battistone and three associates, and finally by "Peter Maravich" on June 22, 1974. All signatures are rendered with 9+/10 boldness. The document itself exhibits original storage folds but is otherwise free of any condition issues of note.
While the brilliant and tragic Maravich is the obvious appeal of this important document, its relevance to the history of the Jazz is equally profound. The 1974-75 season was to be the first of this expansion franchise, and the team needed a marquee player for its launch. Who better to fill that role than the greatest basketball star in LSU history? The Jazz surrendered Dean Meminger, Bob Kauffman, two future first-round draft choices and two future second-round draft choices in order to complete the deal, placing the fate of the team squarely on the shoulders of Maravich. As such, this lot could be considered the prime, seminal text in the story of the Jazz. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
While the brilliant and tragic Maravich is the obvious appeal of this important document, its relevance to the history of the Jazz is equally profound. The 1974-75 season was to be the first of this expansion franchise, and the team needed a marquee player for its launch. Who better to fill that role than the greatest basketball star in LSU history? The Jazz surrendered Dean Meminger, Bob Kauffman, two future first-round draft choices and two future second-round draft choices in order to complete the deal, placing the fate of the team squarely on the shoulders of Maravich. As such, this lot could be considered the prime, seminal text in the story of the Jazz. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1975 Pete Maravich Signed Endorsement Contract. Call him "Pepsi Pete." The Hall of Fame hoopster lent his considerable star power to advance the cause of a Louisiana Pepsi-Cola distributor with his 10/10 black ink "Pete Maravich" signature on the fifth and final page of this contract. Terms stipulate appearances in television commercials and print ads for a total payment of $12,500. Contract remains in flawless condition, unchanged from its time in Maravich's presence with the exception of storage folds. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1977 Pete Maravich Signed New Orleans Jazz Guaranty Agreement. Important six-page document executed on August 10, 1977 is effectively a restating of the 1974 Guaranty Agreement, stipulating in basic terms that Maravich shall represent the New Orleans Jazz as a basketball player but discussing no terms of employment term or salary. One would logically assume that this is the last such document linking the future Hall of Famer to the team he represented for the bulk of his professional career, as Maravich would be placed on waivers by the team just twenty-nine months later. The second to last page provides the Pistol's signature signifying consent to the terms, a marvelous 10/10 black ink "Peter Maravich" exemplar. The document remains in splendid NRMT+ condition with a single horizontal storage fold the only issue worthy of note. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1977 Pete Maravich Double Signed New Orleans Jazz Player's Contract. Numerous amendments made to the standard "National Basketball Association Uniform Player Contract" makes the twelve-page document an interesting read for basketball fans and law students alike, and clearly indicate the degree to which rules can be bent for world class talent such as the Pistol. The contract begins with the words "The Club hereby employs the Player as a skilled basketball player for a term of five year(s) from the 1st day of September 1977..." and continues on to address issues of personal conduct, payment and other standard fare, each page bearing hefty alteration.
Perhaps most intriguing is the insertion of the word "not" into the boilerplate which functions effectively as a "no trade" clause, ensuring that Maravich would only leave the Jazz on his own terms. The seventh page is signed in 10/10 black ink by the Jazz' general manager, "Peter Maravich," and two witnesses. Maravich initials his consent to the terms of compensation on the tenth page, figures which exceed half a million dollars annually for his services. On the twelfth and final page the signatures of the seventh are repeated with equal strength.
The lengthy term of this contract would sadly prove to be wishful thinking for both parties, as injuries and alcohol abuse would conspire to sap Pistol Pete's brilliance and contribute to his ultimate departure from the club only two years into the term. But like so many of our most beloved sporting heroes, from Shoeless Joe Jackson to Ernie Davis to Roberto Clemente, that all-too-brief comet's flash of light across the sky only strengthens our fondness and assures the longevity of his collecting appeal.
Document exhibits original storage folds, otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Perhaps most intriguing is the insertion of the word "not" into the boilerplate which functions effectively as a "no trade" clause, ensuring that Maravich would only leave the Jazz on his own terms. The seventh page is signed in 10/10 black ink by the Jazz' general manager, "Peter Maravich," and two witnesses. Maravich initials his consent to the terms of compensation on the tenth page, figures which exceed half a million dollars annually for his services. On the twelfth and final page the signatures of the seventh are repeated with equal strength.
The lengthy term of this contract would sadly prove to be wishful thinking for both parties, as injuries and alcohol abuse would conspire to sap Pistol Pete's brilliance and contribute to his ultimate departure from the club only two years into the term. But like so many of our most beloved sporting heroes, from Shoeless Joe Jackson to Ernie Davis to Roberto Clemente, that all-too-brief comet's flash of light across the sky only strengthens our fondness and assures the longevity of his collecting appeal.
Document exhibits original storage folds, otherwise NRMT. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1987 Pete Maravich Handwritten Signed Letter, Discusses Death Two Weeks Before Passing. Stunning letter finds Pistol Pete ruminating about his own death just two weeks before his shocking and sudden passing during a pick-up basketball game at the tragically young age of forty on January 5, 1988. The text, in its entirety:
Dec. 21st, 87
Dear Billy,
Thank you so much for sending the program from the past about my dad. It was very kind of you to think of me, and my dad. I also appreciate your warm feelings toward us. I want you to know that you were also very special to my dad and me. God has given me a permanent peace about him, and one day because of our faith in Jesus Christ, I will be with him again, but when that time comes, it will be for eternity. I look forward to that day because the joy of knowing Christ is greater than anything the world possesses.
Thanks again--stay in touch--I hope we can get together real soon.
Your friend,
Peter, John 14:27
The significance of this single page penned in 10/10 black ink on Maravich's personal letterhead requires no explication, and though only one dedicated collector will have the good fortune of adding this remarkable document to his private holdings, its message will surely bring some degree of comfort to the Pistol's many fans still mourning the loss over two decades later. Certainly one of the most compelling and desirable Maravich artifacts to reach the public auction block in recent memory. Original mailing folds, otherwise NRMT. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Dec. 21st, 87
Dear Billy,
Thank you so much for sending the program from the past about my dad. It was very kind of you to think of me, and my dad. I also appreciate your warm feelings toward us. I want you to know that you were also very special to my dad and me. God has given me a permanent peace about him, and one day because of our faith in Jesus Christ, I will be with him again, but when that time comes, it will be for eternity. I look forward to that day because the joy of knowing Christ is greater than anything the world possesses.
Thanks again--stay in touch--I hope we can get together real soon.
Your friend,
Peter, John 14:27
The significance of this single page penned in 10/10 black ink on Maravich's personal letterhead requires no explication, and though only one dedicated collector will have the good fortune of adding this remarkable document to his private holdings, its message will surely bring some degree of comfort to the Pistol's many fans still mourning the loss over two decades later. Certainly one of the most compelling and desirable Maravich artifacts to reach the public auction block in recent memory. Original mailing folds, otherwise NRMT. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1991 Michael Jordan NBA Championship Salesman's Sample Ring. Consigned directly from a former Josten's employee, the presented ten karat gold ring is a sample created in advance of the presentation of Air Jordan's first NBA Championship ring. Black onyx tablet on the face features and inset golden Bulls log, and is encircled by a ring of faux diamonds. Left shank provides the legend's surname and jersey number along with Chicago's regular season record of "61-21." An NBA logo on right shank is encircled by text reading "World Champions, 1991, 15-2." Band is cut at bottom, and features Josten's stamping inside. Size eleven, though split band allows easy resizing.
1992-93 Chicago Bulls Team Signed Leather Basketball. Similarly to Dream Team I teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton, Charles Barkley would have probably won the NBA Championship in 1992-93 if it wasn't for a player by the name of Michael Jordan. In fact, Barkley won the Most Valuable Player during that memorable season, but "His Airness" put together an NBA postseason for the ages, and was awarded the Finals MVP, which would also be the third straight championship victory for the Chicago Bulls.
Offered here is a rarely-seen leather authentic "Spalding" basketball, which has been signed by the entire roster of the 1992-93 Bulls. The following players used Mint black sharpie on this flawless orange sphere: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Trent Tucker, Corey Williams, Ed Nealy, Bill Cartwright, Stacey King, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Horace Grant, Will Perdue, Rodney McCray, Scott Williams and Darrell Walker. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Offered here is a rarely-seen leather authentic "Spalding" basketball, which has been signed by the entire roster of the 1992-93 Bulls. The following players used Mint black sharpie on this flawless orange sphere: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Trent Tucker, Corey Williams, Ed Nealy, Bill Cartwright, Stacey King, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Horace Grant, Will Perdue, Rodney McCray, Scott Williams and Darrell Walker. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1995 NBA All-Star Game Team Signed Presentational Basketball - Given To Player! The city of Phoenix, and nearly 19,000 America West Arena fans had the chance to experience what the National Basketball Association was all about during the league's All-Star festivities in 1995. In one of the most exciting events of an NBA season, the West All-Stars defeated the East squad, 139-112, in a high-flying exhibition that was loaded with superstars and colorful personalities. Offered here is an official leather Spalding red, white and blue presentational basketball that Eastern Conference All-Star reserve Dana Barros received for his participation in the 1995 All-Star Game. This Mint piece has been signed in black sharpie by players from both teams, including the following keys: Patrick Ewing (very tough signature), Gary Payton, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, Shawn Kemp, Hakeem Olajuwon, Alonzo Mourning, Penny Hardaway, Karl Malone, Joe Dumars, Mitch Richmond, John Stockton, Reggie Miller, Larry Johnson, Vin Baker and others, including the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Shootout participants. In addition, "Dana Barros Guard Philadelphia 76ers" has been branded on the top white portion of this rare basketball. Auction LOA from JSA. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from Dana Barros.
Michael Jordan Signed Peter Max Lithograph. Limited edition (239/423) lithograph proves that Leroy Neiman isn't the only skilled impressionist to take a crack at the sporting world. Acclaimed artist Peter Max captures Air Jordan's defining moment as he delivers the jump shot that elevated his Chicago Bulls to World Championship status for the sixth time. Adding to the tremendous visual appeal are flawless black sharpie signatures from artist and subject alike, with the latter's authenticity further assured by a holographic authenticating sticker from Jordan's preferred marketing firm, Upper Deck. Dimensions are 26x33", and condition is Mint. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Michael Jordan Signed Peter Max Lithograph with Remarque. The acclaimed pop artist Max, whose bright, vibrant style has garnered him international fame and appearances in permanent collections of many of the world's most prominent museums, takes on the subject of the world's most prominent basketball player. In his inimitable style, Max captures MJ making the jump shot that earned his Chicago Bulls their sixth and final NBA Championship with Jordan at the helm. This very limited edition (90/123) litho on heavy paper stock, entitled "Farewell Shot," is signed in perfect black sharpie by both Jordan and the artist himself, who adds a hand-drawn sketch (remarque) of Jordan in black marker, a little bit of Peter Max original art! Measures 26x33" in dimension. Mint. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1985-86 Michael Jordan Game Worn Sneakers. Whether as a basketball player or a marketing icon, there's little question that Michael Jordan should be included high on the short list of the greatest of all time. And no partnership between athlete and corporation has been more successful than the marriage of Jordan and Nike, who fed off one another to create a culture of consumerism unprecedented in the sporting goods universe. In that regard, few modern pieces of sports equipment could be considered more historically relevant than the pair of sneakers presented here, the Original Nike Air Jordans, worn on the court by the man who would come to rule the basketball world. Sneaker-philes will assure you that this style is the hottest of commodities in the complete absence of any direct ownership by the man who gave them their name. But Original Air Jordans from the feet of Jordan? It doesn't get any better than that!
This pair of shoes holds the interior inventory code of "850204-TYPS," assuring 1985 vintage. A half-size differential, typical of Jordan, is present here as well. Left shoe is size thirteen, and the right size thirteen and a half, a size never available for public purchase. Jordan played only eighteen games this season due to an ankle injury, making this game used pair all the more rare. Wear is light but apparent, proper for an athlete who even at this early stage would wear sneakers for only a single game. The Jordan era begins here! LOA from Lou Lampson.
This pair of shoes holds the interior inventory code of "850204-TYPS," assuring 1985 vintage. A half-size differential, typical of Jordan, is present here as well. Left shoe is size thirteen, and the right size thirteen and a half, a size never available for public purchase. Jordan played only eighteen games this season due to an ankle injury, making this game used pair all the more rare. Wear is light but apparent, proper for an athlete who even at this early stage would wear sneakers for only a single game. The Jordan era begins here! LOA from Lou Lampson.
1989-90 Vern Fleming &1992-93 Dale Davis Game Worn Uniforms. Two distinctive styles from two distinctive stars. First is 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and Pacers first round draft pick Vern Fleming's blue mesh road uniform, featuring screened "Pacers 10" on the jersey chest and "Fleming 10" on verso. "MacGregor Sand-Knit [size] 44" label in tail with embroidered "89" and "1" LB" swatches. Matching shorts are tagged to "88" with similar "Sand-Knit" labeling and number "10" markered onto blank swatch for identification. Black sharpie signature on the chest is 9/10. Fellow first round draft pick Dale Davis provides a home white mesh uniform, featuring "Pacers 32" applied in two-tone tackle twill to the chest and "Davis 32" on verso. "Champion Pacers Exclusivity" label in tail has "Body Length +3" modifier noted. "Champion [size] 46" label is to the right. Matching shorts feature similar "Champion" labeling with number "32" markered on the size "38" label. Some staining on shorts. Each uniform exhibits solid wear. Team letter from Pacers for Fleming uniform. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1996-97 Michael Jordan Game Worn Jersey. A fifth World Championship season and a fifth NBA Finals Most Valuable Player nod for the man who suited up in this home white mesh jersey as he furthered his case for recognition as the greatest player in basketball history. The Bulls would narrowly miss a second consecutive seventy-victory record this season, dropping their final two regulation games to finish at sixty-nine and thirteen, but would conquer the Utah Jazz in a six-game Finals to soothe that minor sting. Jordan's 29.6 points per game regular season average would lead the NBA for the ninth of ten career seasons.
The presented jersey sports the beautiful golden NBA logo patch at upper left, a theme unique to the Golden Anniversary season. In every other regard the jersey matches the Jordan gamers that continue to thrill the hobby, with "Bulls 23" applied in two-tone tackle twill to the chest, and "Jordan 23" on verso. Proper tagging in the tail announces "Bulls Exclusivity" with a "Body Length +3" designation, and "Champion [size] 46." A 10/10 black sharpie signature on verso comes complete with Upper Deck authenticating sticker and accompanying certificate. Use is light but definite throughout the shirt, typical of later Jordan representations. A high-end Jordan for the uncompromising collector. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from Grey Flannel. COA from Upper Deck (autograph). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
The presented jersey sports the beautiful golden NBA logo patch at upper left, a theme unique to the Golden Anniversary season. In every other regard the jersey matches the Jordan gamers that continue to thrill the hobby, with "Bulls 23" applied in two-tone tackle twill to the chest, and "Jordan 23" on verso. Proper tagging in the tail announces "Bulls Exclusivity" with a "Body Length +3" designation, and "Champion [size] 46." A 10/10 black sharpie signature on verso comes complete with Upper Deck authenticating sticker and accompanying certificate. Use is light but definite throughout the shirt, typical of later Jordan representations. A high-end Jordan for the uncompromising collector. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from Grey Flannel. COA from Upper Deck (autograph). Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph). Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph).
2006 Dallas Mavericks NBA Finals Game Worn Warm-Up Suits Lot of 5. Selection of five full warm-ups were worn for road games at the Miami Heat's American Airlines Arena during the Mavs' unsuccessful bid for the NBA Championship. Each "Reebok" issued uniform exhibits appropriately light wear, and is marked on the interior tagging with each player's respective jersey number. Offered within this lot are the warm-up jackets and matching pants for the following players: Josh Howard, DeSagana Diop, Marquis Daniels, Erick Dampier and Darrell Armstrong. Each is accompanied by a letter on team letterhead from the Mavericks' President/CEO. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2006 Dallas Mavericks NBA Finals Game Worn Warm-Up Suits Lot of 6. Selection of six full warm-ups were worn for road games at the Miami Heat's American Airlines Arena during the Mavs' unsuccessful bid for the NBA Championship. Each "Reebok" issued uniform exhibits appropriately light wear, and is marked on the interior tagging with each player's respective jersey number. Offered within this lot are the warm-up jackets and matching pants for the following players: Adrian Griffin, Devin Harris, DJ Mbenga, Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Terry and Keith Van Horn. Each is accompanied by a letter on team letterhead from the Mavericks' President/CEO. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Football Collectibles
1875 Columbia vs. Princeton College Football Championship Program. We offer our sincere gratitude to Ms. Amanda Hawk of the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library at Princeton University for her invaluable assistance in researching this remarkable early artifact, quite possibly the only surviving example of this early football program (Ms. Hawk confirms that none exists in the Princeton archives). The November 13, 1875 game for which the publication was issued is recounted in Athletics at Princeton: A History, by Frank Presbrey and James Moffatt. The book notes that the rules of football had begun to diverge among the main collegiate forces in 1875, with Princeton remaining true to the original Association football rules, involving more kicking than carrying, and utilizing a round rubber ball. Harvard and Yale, on the other hand, had moved away from the Association and were playing according to English Rugby rules, a conflict which made a gridiron meeting with Princeton impossible. As such, Princeton met only two teams in 1875: Stevens Institute, which they defeated six to zero, and Columbia, a six to two victory recounted on the rear cover of the presented program.
Though modest in its 5.5x7.25" dimensions (when open, as in the images), the program represents an enormously important stage of collegiate football's early evolution. It's intriguing to note that this very date of November 13, 1875 likewise marks the first gridiron contest between Harvard and Yale, the start of the longest football rivalry in NCAA history. The number of football programs predating the presented example which have appeared at auction in the last decade could be counted on a single hand, and none of these claim Championship notoriety.
The lightly toned paper stock program features an elegantly designed front cover noting the date and combatants, and opens to reveal the rosters of the Columbia and Princeton squads. The back cover of the four-page relic reveals the hand-scored results of the game, apparently initially applied in pencil and soon after enhanced with fountain pen ink for posterity. Some minor toning and wrinkling causes no genuine concern, and must certainly be excused in light of the tremendous scarcity and historical relevance.
Though modest in its 5.5x7.25" dimensions (when open, as in the images), the program represents an enormously important stage of collegiate football's early evolution. It's intriguing to note that this very date of November 13, 1875 likewise marks the first gridiron contest between Harvard and Yale, the start of the longest football rivalry in NCAA history. The number of football programs predating the presented example which have appeared at auction in the last decade could be counted on a single hand, and none of these claim Championship notoriety.
The lightly toned paper stock program features an elegantly designed front cover noting the date and combatants, and opens to reveal the rosters of the Columbia and Princeton squads. The back cover of the four-page relic reveals the hand-scored results of the game, apparently initially applied in pencil and soon after enhanced with fountain pen ink for posterity. Some minor toning and wrinkling causes no genuine concern, and must certainly be excused in light of the tremendous scarcity and historical relevance.
1875 Harvard University Football Club Membership Certificate. Seminal document is among the very earliest American football pieces ever to be offered at public auction. Though most historians point to an 1869 contest between Rutgers and Princeton as the first ever football game in the United States, this match was played under rugby-style Association rules, which bore only passing resemblance to the sport as we know it. The first to utilize rules far more closely approximating those that are in place today found Harvard hosting Tufts University on June 4, 1875 at Cambridge, Massachusetts' Jarvis Field, just four months before this certificate was issued. This new style, featuring an egg-shaped ball, eleven men on a side, and the concept of tackling to impede the progress of the offense came to be known as "The Boston Game" due to its Harvard roots.
Elegant in its simplicity, this 6.25x9.5" certificate begins with the letters "H.U.F.B.C." arching over an early spherical football, and goes on to attest, "Mr. P. Grant, Jr. Has become a member of the Harvard University Foot-Ball Club, Having paid the assessment and signed the Constitution. (Signed) J.A. Wetherbee, Secretary, Cambridge, Oct. 13, 1875." A wax seal at lower right features another image of a spherical football with the latin phrase "Semper Surgens" (translation, "Forever Rising") and "H.F.B.C. 1873." Short of the lightest hints of foxing, the certificate remains in splendid, undamaged condition, free of any creases, tears or stains that are all but ensured with a paper artifact of this vintage. A marvelous piece with the scarcity and relevance to attract the most serious of football collectors.
Elegant in its simplicity, this 6.25x9.5" certificate begins with the letters "H.U.F.B.C." arching over an early spherical football, and goes on to attest, "Mr. P. Grant, Jr. Has become a member of the Harvard University Foot-Ball Club, Having paid the assessment and signed the Constitution. (Signed) J.A. Wetherbee, Secretary, Cambridge, Oct. 13, 1875." A wax seal at lower right features another image of a spherical football with the latin phrase "Semper Surgens" (translation, "Forever Rising") and "H.F.B.C. 1873." Short of the lightest hints of foxing, the certificate remains in splendid, undamaged condition, free of any creases, tears or stains that are all but ensured with a paper artifact of this vintage. A marvelous piece with the scarcity and relevance to attract the most serious of football collectors.
1908 University of Texas vs. Texas A&M Panoramic Football Photograph. Still one of the Lone Star State's greatest football rivalries over a century later, the meeting between the Longhorns and the Aggies on November 8, 1909 is captured in a wide photographic vista. Fans from the opposing colleges pack the stands on either side of a dusty playing field where one team huddles and the other stands spaced from sideline to sideline. Only a small chip to the border area of the upper right corner is to be noted in terms of condition flaws, leaving the other 99% of the image in as-issued condition. Original frame measures 9.5x41". For those curious, the 'horns would claim the victory this day by a score of twenty-four to eight.
Circa 1910-20's Canton Bulldogs Silver Presentational Charm. Most people know that Canton, Ohio is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but football historians recognize the small Midwestern city as the home of one of professional football's most storied gridiron squads, the Canton Bulldogs. Canton's best player, Jim Thorpe played on the legendary team from 1915-17 and 1919-20, but the team's most impressive run spanned from 1921-23, when they went 25 straight games without a defeat.
Offered here is a Canton Bulldogs sterling silver presentational charm that was issued during the early years of the storied franchise. Originating from a collection near the Cleveland area, this near-perfect piece weighs 6.20 grams, and features "Canton" engraved on the front panel. Exceedingly rare and attractive treasure from the early days of professional football.
Offered here is a Canton Bulldogs sterling silver presentational charm that was issued during the early years of the storied franchise. Originating from a collection near the Cleveland area, this near-perfect piece weighs 6.20 grams, and features "Canton" engraved on the front panel. Exceedingly rare and attractive treasure from the early days of professional football.
1924 Guy Chamberlin Cleveland Bulldogs Silver Charm - Championship Season! In the hard-nosed era of early professional football there was no name bigger than Guy Chamberlin. Right up there with the likes of Jim Thorpe, Red Grange and Curly Lambeau, the big, tall and fast multi-faceted player from Nebraska, Chamberlin won a staggering five NFL Championships during his nine-year professional career.
Earning the suitable nickname of "Champ," due to the fact that he won wherever he went, Chamberlin earned his greatest honor when he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present his sterling silver charm from the 1924 champion Cleveland Bulldogs. Weighing at a hefty 3.40 grams, this one-of-a-kind presentational piece features a stunning "Watermelon Football" shape, with "Bulldogs 1924" engraved on the front, and "Guy Chamberlin" in the back. The slightest dent is exhibited on the left side of this otherwise, flawless charm.
Originating from a large football collection in Cleveland, this piece would fit perfectly in the confines of Canton's Hall of Fame. However, luckily for Heritage bidders, this amazing piece can potentially end up as a prized possession in your collection.
Earning the suitable nickname of "Champ," due to the fact that he won wherever he went, Chamberlin earned his greatest honor when he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present his sterling silver charm from the 1924 champion Cleveland Bulldogs. Weighing at a hefty 3.40 grams, this one-of-a-kind presentational piece features a stunning "Watermelon Football" shape, with "Bulldogs 1924" engraved on the front, and "Guy Chamberlin" in the back. The slightest dent is exhibited on the left side of this otherwise, flawless charm.
Originating from a large football collection in Cleveland, this piece would fit perfectly in the confines of Canton's Hall of Fame. However, luckily for Heritage bidders, this amazing piece can potentially end up as a prized possession in your collection.
1920's Red Grange & University of Illinois Pennants Lot of 2. Golden Age felt relics were likely once waved in the stands of Illinois' Memorial Stadium as the celebrated "Galloping Ghost" worked his gridiron magic. Best is the pennant picturing Grange, picturing the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer in remarkably detailed screenprint, complete with a light red tone to his hair. The 29" pennant shows light wear at the tip and the tassels, but is otherwise in stellar condition. The same can be said of the second pennant, lacking tassels but otherwise free of any flaws of note. It measures 30" in length.
1926 "Wild Bill" Kelly Handwritten Signed Letter. The pride of the University of Montana during his college football career, who eventually made it as a professional in 1927, with the New York Yankees football team, "Wild Bill" Kelly is one of the most elusive signatures in the gridiron collectibles hobby. At the age of 26, Kelly died suddenly while watching a football game, and was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Offered here is a fine ALS signed "Bill," on two 6x9.5" pages of "New Hotel Rosslyn and Annex" stationery. Each piece is written on one side of the letterhead (blank verso) and are dated "Nov. 2, 1926," in 9/10 black fountain pen ink. This extraordinary letter is also accompanied with its original 3.5x6.5" envelope and is addressed to "Mr. H.O. Bell," from Kelly's hometown of Missoula, Montana. The following is an excerpt from the letter: "Kindly excuse the delayed letter but you know how damn busy I have been. I have been talking to a lot of these high powered promoters every day but as yet have not lined up and won't do the same unless I get a real good proposition. The owners of Brick Muller's Los Angeles team are having a meeting tonite so I should know something definite tomorrow. I haven't talked to Billy Murphy lately as I have not been able to catch him, however I hope to corner him tonite and have a long talk with him. If I don't turn pro I will go up to Frisco for the East West jam." In fact, Kelly did play in the East/West Shrine Game in 1927, and threw the game's only touchdown pass, and helped give his team a 7-3 victory over the East squad. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Figural Football Trophy. Is it sporting artifact or fine art? We'll leave that decision to the winning bidder of this wonderfully evocative relic of the "leatherhead" days of gridiron history, an age when such larger-than-life figures as The Galloping Ghost and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse populated the sports pages. The unattributed trophy is similar in size (16" tall) and composition to the popular and highly collectible Spalding baseball trophies released in the 1920's, and we're not convinced that there is not some connection. If this is indeed a rare variation of the Spalding issue the value could be quite considerable, as the more common versions routinely sell for several thousand dollars each. The figure exhibits expected tarnishing which could surely be easily remedied if desired, and the base exhibits mounting holes from a lost engraved plaque but otherwise presents nicely.
1929 Green Bay Packers Team Signed Panoramic Photograph from Team's First Championship Season. Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present this spectacular piece of professional football history, which originated from the family of former assistant field manager of the Green Bay Packers, French Yeager. This crystal clear 10x19.5" original sepia image represents the Packers' first ever championship team, which was led by coach Curly Lambeau, and is signed in gorgeous black fountain pen by 22 members of the undefeated squad.
The only other known example signed by that season's team resides in the confines of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field. However, this exemplar is extra significant, due to the high-quality signatures and exemplary condition, which is accented on this photo. In fact, this piece was properly stored in a frame, where it was displayed in the Yeager family's Green Bay home for many years.
Every player on the Packers' roster during that special season, except Hall of Famer Johnny "Blood" McNally, who was believed to have been in the hospital at the time the picture was signed, is presented in spectacular black fountain pen.
The following signatures are included: Curly Lambeau (6.5/10), Eddie Kotal (7/10), Red Smith (6/10), "Red" Dunn (8/10), Bo Molenda (6/10), Tom Nash (8/10), Cal Hubbard (8/10), Verne Lewellen (7/10), Herdis McCrary (8/10), Dave Zuidmulder, Bill Kern (7/10), Cully Lidberg (6/10), Dick O'Donnell (7/10), Roger Ashmore (8/10), Paul Minick (8/10), Jim Bowdoin (7/10), Jug Earp (8/10), Mike Michalske (7/10), Whitey Woodin (6/10), Claude Perry (7/10), Boob Darling (7/10), Lavvie Dilweg (6/10).
There are no tack holes, or major flaws of any kind on this gridiron treasure. No stampings are present on the verso of this image, which is noted as being issued by the "Atlantic Foto Service," on the front bottom right corner. The slightest amount of cracking is exhibited near the edges of this piece, but virtually no defects come near the autographs.
Unquestionably, this piece would prove suitable for the prominent displays in Canton's Hall of Fame. However, the winning bidder of this showpiece will presumably feel just as content with it being displayed on the walls of his home's Packers shrine. Letter from Family of Packers Assistant Trainer. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
The only other known example signed by that season's team resides in the confines of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field. However, this exemplar is extra significant, due to the high-quality signatures and exemplary condition, which is accented on this photo. In fact, this piece was properly stored in a frame, where it was displayed in the Yeager family's Green Bay home for many years.
Every player on the Packers' roster during that special season, except Hall of Famer Johnny "Blood" McNally, who was believed to have been in the hospital at the time the picture was signed, is presented in spectacular black fountain pen.
The following signatures are included: Curly Lambeau (6.5/10), Eddie Kotal (7/10), Red Smith (6/10), "Red" Dunn (8/10), Bo Molenda (6/10), Tom Nash (8/10), Cal Hubbard (8/10), Verne Lewellen (7/10), Herdis McCrary (8/10), Dave Zuidmulder, Bill Kern (7/10), Cully Lidberg (6/10), Dick O'Donnell (7/10), Roger Ashmore (8/10), Paul Minick (8/10), Jim Bowdoin (7/10), Jug Earp (8/10), Mike Michalske (7/10), Whitey Woodin (6/10), Claude Perry (7/10), Boob Darling (7/10), Lavvie Dilweg (6/10).
There are no tack holes, or major flaws of any kind on this gridiron treasure. No stampings are present on the verso of this image, which is noted as being issued by the "Atlantic Foto Service," on the front bottom right corner. The slightest amount of cracking is exhibited near the edges of this piece, but virtually no defects come near the autographs.
Unquestionably, this piece would prove suitable for the prominent displays in Canton's Hall of Fame. However, the winning bidder of this showpiece will presumably feel just as content with it being displayed on the walls of his home's Packers shrine. Letter from Family of Packers Assistant Trainer. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1920's Canton Bulldogs Gold Presentational Ring. Samuel Deutsch is best known as a prominent sports franchise owner, including professional football's Canton and Cleveland Bulldogs, but he also became a successful jeweler after he took over his father's jewelry firm, where he learned the art of diamond cutting.
This may help explain the origin of the three extraordinary pieces of Canton/Cleveland Bulldogs jewelry, which we are proud to present in our April Signature sale. Sourced from a large football memorabilia collection in the Cleveland area, this "size 8" 4.20 gram 10 karat gold ring features a charming Bulldog rendering, and was presumably presented to a player or wife during the early years of the Canton football franchise's time in the NFL.
There are three areas, at the eyes and mouth, which are missing diamonds. However, the original presentation of this sparkling piece could easily be restored by any jeweler for a nominal price. No other markings or notations are presented on this heavily worn piece from the legendary football squad.
This may help explain the origin of the three extraordinary pieces of Canton/Cleveland Bulldogs jewelry, which we are proud to present in our April Signature sale. Sourced from a large football memorabilia collection in the Cleveland area, this "size 8" 4.20 gram 10 karat gold ring features a charming Bulldog rendering, and was presumably presented to a player or wife during the early years of the Canton football franchise's time in the NFL.
There are three areas, at the eyes and mouth, which are missing diamonds. However, the original presentation of this sparkling piece could easily be restored by any jeweler for a nominal price. No other markings or notations are presented on this heavily worn piece from the legendary football squad.
1938 Davey O'Brien Signed Certificate & Unsigned Heisman Trophy Presentation Program. Second only to Nile Kinnick in difficulty for collectors of Heisman Trophy winners' autographs, O'Brien supplies a 10/10 black fountain pen signature dating to the year of his Heisman glory. It is applied to a simple certificate announcing the bestowal of a football letter to a Fort Worth, Texas high school athlete. The certificate measures 7.5x10" in size and is backed by a slightly more rigid page, with chipping at the edges but nothing serious. Also here is a rare program issued at the Downtown Athletic Club for the ceremony in which O'Brien was presented collegiate football's greatest individual prize. Typical handling wear and a center vertical crease. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1938 NFL Championship Game Program. Offered here is a very scarce program from the 1938 NFL Championship Game, which saw the New York Giants defeat the Green Bay Packers. This historic game was played in front of more than 48,000 fans at the Polo Grounds, which was a title game record at the time. The program is full and completely intact, with no excess writing of any kind. There is heavy creasing exhibited throughout, which is typical for Championship Game programs of the 1930's and 1940's, and in addition, there is a half-inch tear at the outer edge of the back cover. This is a highly desirable program for Giants or Packers collectors, who are in search of every post-season publication from their favorite franchises.
1939 NCAA Football National Championship "Timmie" Award Presented to University of Southern California. College football poll rankings continue to be one of the most controversial and fiercely debated aspects of American sport, and such issues have lingered for many decades. The 1939 season happens to be the first in which the Associated Press began to do weekly ratings during the season, quickly gaining recognition as the most definitive of the polls. At the end of the regular season, prior to the bowl games, the AP named Texas A&M as the National Champions of 1939.
The poll was generally accepted despite the fact that the University of Southern California, after defeating second-ranked unbeaten and unscored upon Tennessee fourteen to nothing in the 1940 Rose Bowl, was subsequently labeled the National Champions by the Dickenson poll and the prestigious Washington Touchdown Club, each recognized as the leading authorities in previous years. This important trophy, affectionately called the "Timmie," was presented by the latter governing body to USC for its accomplishments in 1939, the engraved plaques affixed to the base reading, "Touchdown Club of Washington, D.C., 'Timmie,' Touchdown Club Award to the Outstanding College Team of the Year, University of Southern California." A cherubic young figural football player stands atop the wooden base, expanding the height of the important award to seventeen inches. A degree of wear to the edges of the base and tarnishing of the plaques and figural are to be expected, and only add to the vintage aesthetic. "Balfour" manufacturer's label on underside.
It should be noted that this trophy was purchased from a police auction by our consignor, who was assured that, despite the fact that the trophy obviously at one time was the possession of USC, all material sold at police auction clears the title. Perhaps a generous USC alumnus will wish to return the trophy to its original home.
The poll was generally accepted despite the fact that the University of Southern California, after defeating second-ranked unbeaten and unscored upon Tennessee fourteen to nothing in the 1940 Rose Bowl, was subsequently labeled the National Champions by the Dickenson poll and the prestigious Washington Touchdown Club, each recognized as the leading authorities in previous years. This important trophy, affectionately called the "Timmie," was presented by the latter governing body to USC for its accomplishments in 1939, the engraved plaques affixed to the base reading, "Touchdown Club of Washington, D.C., 'Timmie,' Touchdown Club Award to the Outstanding College Team of the Year, University of Southern California." A cherubic young figural football player stands atop the wooden base, expanding the height of the important award to seventeen inches. A degree of wear to the edges of the base and tarnishing of the plaques and figural are to be expected, and only add to the vintage aesthetic. "Balfour" manufacturer's label on underside.
It should be noted that this trophy was purchased from a police auction by our consignor, who was assured that, despite the fact that the trophy obviously at one time was the possession of USC, all material sold at police auction clears the title. Perhaps a generous USC alumnus will wish to return the trophy to its original home.
1939 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Giants Ticket Stub. The Green Bay Packers got the revenge they were looking for, after losing to the New York Giants the previous year's Championship contest, in the 1939 NFL Championship Game. "Revenge" would be an understatement, as head coach Curly Lambeau's squad throttled their opponents by a score of 27-0 in front of the Wisconsin State Fair Park crowd. Offered here is a scarce ticket stub from the 1939 Championship Game, which exhibits EX condition. One small crease on the back can barely be seen, and is the only real detractor on this clean exemplar. Guaranteed to pass PSA's ticket authentication, this piece is only one of a few known examples.
1941 Vince Lombardi Signed High School Yearbook. Every legendary sports figure starts out somewhere, and for the iconic Vince Lombardi, his unmatched leadership skills originated in the 1940's, as Chemistry teacher and Director of Athletics at St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey. Here we present a scarce yearbook from the second of eight years coaching at the high school, and featuring one of the earliest Lombardi signatures ever to hit the hobby. Lombardi used 10/10 blue fountain pen ink next to his photo on the faculty page of this gridiron treasure. Additional photos of Lombardi are also presented in this edition of "The 1941 Silverian," as coach of the basketball and football teams. This amazing piece exhibits light wear throughout, and is loaded with signatures and notations from additional facility members and students, which add to the provenance of this piece. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1948 NFL Western Championship Wristwatch Presented to Paul Christman. The backbone of the famed "Million Dollar Backfield" which helped lead the Chicago Cardinals to the 1947 NFL Championship, quarterback Paul Christman was awarded this wristwatch the following season after the red birds claimed the Western division's top honors. The "Hamilton" watch remains in splendid working condition with original wristband, and is engraved upon verso, "Chicago Cardinals, N.F.L. Western Champions, 1948, Paul Christman." Included for display purposes is an EX copy of the 1948 book Tricks in Passing by Paul Christman featuring a great image of the Cardinals quarterback on the cover and ninety pages of his wisdom within.
Henry Jordan Signed Check and Postcard, w/Football Content. Two pieces originating from the family of Pro Football Hall of Famer Henry Jordan, and former defensive leader of the Green Bay Packers, are offered in this one-of-a-kind listing. Presented here is a handwritten 3.5x5.5" postcard that Jordan wrote to his future wife, Olive, days before a big game during his senior year with the University of Virginia. Great content includes the following excerpt: "I'm shaking in my boots waiting for the game tomorrow." Jordan used 9/10 blue ball-point on this piece, which he charmingly signed "Yuk yuk! Henry." In addition, this offering also includes a 2.75x6" canceled check, written to his wife, and endorsed by Jordan, with a "full name" 10/10 black ball-point signature. Check displays perfectly, and exhibits two vertical folds. Two extremely unique pieces from one of the toughest autographs from the gridiron. Auction LOA from JSA.
1958 & 1959 Ernie Davis Schoolwork with One Signed Page. Two pages of schoolwork from The Express' early years at Syracuse University, where he would earn the honor of becoming the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner in 1961. Best is a single lined page of homework, with pencil writing on front and verso, signed by Davis in ink at upper right and dated "4/29/59." All writing and signature are 10/10. Also here is a standardized test form with a printed "Davis, Ernie" attributing the test to the star athlete (not necessarily in his own hand). The multiple choice test was not a great success for Davis, who scored a 58 for his efforts. Both pages remain in fine, undamaged condition. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1958 Ernie Davis Signed High School Year Book - From Senior Year. After surfing through this intriguing annual from New York state's Elmira Free Academy, it will quite obvious who the "Big Man on Campus" was - none other than collegiate football legend Ernie Davis. Aside from being a superior high school athlete, Davis was also quite the scholar. According to his yearbook bio, Davis was president of the sophomore class and also a member of the student council. But it was in basket and football where he truly shined, and multiple photos of Davis, the player, can be found in this "EX" 1958 edition of the "Torch."
In an exceedingly special offering, this yearbook has been signed and inscribed "Best of luck to you "Mike" in the coming years. Ernie 58," which has been signed in 9/10 blue ball-point ink. In addition, this iron-clad artifact includes notations and signatures from many other students, but it is the varsity basketball page, which features the Davis notation that makes this one of the most important treasures ever offered of the eventual Heisman Trophy winner. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
In an exceedingly special offering, this yearbook has been signed and inscribed "Best of luck to you "Mike" in the coming years. Ernie 58," which has been signed in 9/10 blue ball-point ink. In addition, this iron-clad artifact includes notations and signatures from many other students, but it is the varsity basketball page, which features the Davis notation that makes this one of the most important treasures ever offered of the eventual Heisman Trophy winner. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1959 Ernie Davis Syracuse University Letter. One of the most beloved Orangemen of all time, Ernie Davis was presented this letter "S" patch for his brilliant and heroic service to the Syracuse University football team at the close of his first of three seasons in the NCAA backfield. The letter remains in splendid, as-new condition and stands as the first collegiate letter we've ever encountered from a Heisman Trophy-winning athlete. Included is a color photocopy of the certificate which accompanied the letter at presentation. Sourced directly from the family of Davis. LOA from consignor who purchased material directly from the Davis family. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1959 American Football League Multi Signed Owners/Executives Football. In the National Football League's storied history, there has never been a competitor to the league that was as big of a threat as the AFL. In fact, in 1960 the American Football League signed half of the NFL's first-round draft choices, which included notables such as Billy Cannon, Johnny Robinson and Ron Mix. The AFL continued to attract top talent from colleges in future years, and in an historic event, the announcement of a merger of the two leagues took place in 1966.
Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present one of the most significant AFL items ever to hit the auction block. Although we cannot confirm its exactly origin, this multi-signed football was sourced from the family of the founder of the Denver Broncos, Bob Howsam, and we believe this historic piece was composed during one of the first meetings that was held to form the AFL.
Exhibiting extremely light wear, this ultra-clean "Spalding J5-V Autograph" model football includes the following signatures: Ed McKeever (1960 Boston Patriots general manager), Harry Wismer (New York Titans charter owner ), Lamar Hunt (AFL founder), Barron Hilton (Los Angeles Chargers founder), Ralph C. Wilson (Buffalo Bills founder), Frank Leahy (1960 Los Angeles Chargers general manager), Dick Gallagher (1960 Buffalo Bills general manager), Don Suman (1960 Houston Oilers general manager), Don A. Rossi (1960 Dallas Texans general manager), D.E. O'Shaughnessy (New York Titans investor), Thomas Eddy (Los Angeles Chargers administrative assistant), Bob Dedman (Dallas billionaire, likely friends with Hunt) and three unknown signers.
Signatures average 8-9/10 ink, and "Denver Broncos" has been neatly written in ink below the strings. Serious vintage football collectors understand the significance of early AFL material, and this amazing piece will be sure to command heavy activities from the many collectors of the defunct, but not forgotten league.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present one of the most significant AFL items ever to hit the auction block. Although we cannot confirm its exactly origin, this multi-signed football was sourced from the family of the founder of the Denver Broncos, Bob Howsam, and we believe this historic piece was composed during one of the first meetings that was held to form the AFL.
Exhibiting extremely light wear, this ultra-clean "Spalding J5-V Autograph" model football includes the following signatures: Ed McKeever (1960 Boston Patriots general manager), Harry Wismer (New York Titans charter owner ), Lamar Hunt (AFL founder), Barron Hilton (Los Angeles Chargers founder), Ralph C. Wilson (Buffalo Bills founder), Frank Leahy (1960 Los Angeles Chargers general manager), Dick Gallagher (1960 Buffalo Bills general manager), Don Suman (1960 Houston Oilers general manager), Don A. Rossi (1960 Dallas Texans general manager), D.E. O'Shaughnessy (New York Titans investor), Thomas Eddy (Los Angeles Chargers administrative assistant), Bob Dedman (Dallas billionaire, likely friends with Hunt) and three unknown signers.
Signatures average 8-9/10 ink, and "Denver Broncos" has been neatly written in ink below the strings. Serious vintage football collectors understand the significance of early AFL material, and this amazing piece will be sure to command heavy activities from the many collectors of the defunct, but not forgotten league.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1959 Vince Lombardi First Game Packers vs. Bears Ticket Stub, PSA Authentic. Following a brief team meeting in 1959, when the Packers' new head coach Vince Lombardi introduced himself to the players, quarterback Bart Starr immediately called his wife and told her that they would start winning. Starr was right on the money with that phone call, as Lombardi's Packers went on to win five NFL Championships and two Super Bowls. Offered here is a ticket stub from Lombardi's first game, which took place on September 27, 1959, as his Packers defeated the Chicago Bears in a 9-6 thriller. Ticket has been graded "Authentic" by PSA, while exhibiting heavy creasing throughout. Easily one of the most historic ticket stubs offered in our April Signature sale.
1960 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Eagles Full Ticket, PSA NM-MT 8 - Single Highest Graded Example! With only two NFL seasons under his belt, the legendary head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, led his team to the 1960 NFL Championship Game against the mighty Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the fact that Philly got the better end of the Green and Gold in that memorable game at Franklin Field, Lombardi seemed fairly upbeat after the big loss, and promised his team that they would never feel the anguish of a Championship loss ever again. Offered here is a NM-MT PSA 8 full ticket from the 1960 NFL Championship Game, which is the highest graded of its kind. An ultra-clean surface, and sharp corners are the key attributes of this vibrant voucher from Vince Lombardi's first Championship appearance.
1961 University of Texas Longhorns Team Signed Game Football. Many 'horns historians call the '61 squad the greatest ever, though a shocking collapse against rival TCU denied the team a shot at their first National Championship. Presented is the game ball from one of that season's more typical thrashings of its opponent, a twenty-eight to three victory over California. Sixty-one signatures decorate this important pigskin presented to "Coach Warren Woodward, with the illustrious Darrell Royal and All-Americans James Saxton and Don Talbert among them. Signatures are a consistent 8/10 or better and the ball still holds air and presents perfectly. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Ernie Davis Liberty Bowl Most Valuable Player Trophy. The life of sports figure Ernie Davis was portrayed in the 2008 major motion picture "The Express," and captured the hearts of moviegoers everywhere, by depicting his extraordinary football career and his tragic ending at the hands of leukemia.
Presented here is the actual trophy Davis won after he was named Most Valuable Player of the Liberty Bowl, and which eventually proved to be the first of two historic trophies he would win in 1961, when he also became the first African American to win the Heisman.
Originally obtained from the family of Ernie Davis, this gorgeous trophy, features a terrific rendering of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, and measures at 8" in height. "Ernie R. Davis" is engraved on a 3" metal plaque, which is affixed to the base of this highly significant piece. Moderate wear is exhibited on the wooden base, but the overall eye appeal of this award presents fabulously.
An MVP trophy from a major bowl game is impressive in itself, but an example possessing this kind of historical significance, and provenance, is unheard of. Item is accompanied with a notarized LOA from the dealer who purchased the trophy from the family of Ernie Davis.
Presented here is the actual trophy Davis won after he was named Most Valuable Player of the Liberty Bowl, and which eventually proved to be the first of two historic trophies he would win in 1961, when he also became the first African American to win the Heisman.
Originally obtained from the family of Ernie Davis, this gorgeous trophy, features a terrific rendering of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, and measures at 8" in height. "Ernie R. Davis" is engraved on a 3" metal plaque, which is affixed to the base of this highly significant piece. Moderate wear is exhibited on the wooden base, but the overall eye appeal of this award presents fabulously.
An MVP trophy from a major bowl game is impressive in itself, but an example possessing this kind of historical significance, and provenance, is unheard of. Item is accompanied with a notarized LOA from the dealer who purchased the trophy from the family of Ernie Davis.
1961 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Giants Full Ticket, PSA Authentic. Extremely significant full ticket from the gridiron is highlighted in this impressive catalog listing. Immediately after Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi was hired to take over the team starting in 1959, the expectations of winning an NFL Championship were off the charts. This PSA Authentic exemplar represents the 1961 NFL Championship, and Lombardi's first of many Championship victories for his Packers squad. Superior eye appeal is presented on this stunning example, which presents light discoloration on the back, but sharp corners nonetheless. Not only was this the first Championship victory for Lombardi, but it was also the first Championship win that took place in front of the New City Stadium crowd.
1962 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Giants Full Press Pass, PSA EX 5. Everybody talks about Super Bowl I and II, and the Ice Bowl, but for the Green Bay Packers, one of the team's toughest and possibly most significant victories came in the 1962 NFL Championship Game. In front of a capacity Yankee Stadium crowd, and in chilly and blustery conditions, the Packers narrowly defeated the New York Giants by a score of 16-7. Offered here is an ultra-rare full press pass from that historic outing, which has been graded a PSA EX 5. A truly one-of-a-kind treasure, this piece commands superior eye appeal, which will leave most collectors scratching their heads as to why it didn't grade higher.
1963 University of Texas Longhorns Team Signed Game Football. A twenty-eight to six victory at the Cotton Bowl over future Dallas sporting icon Roger Staubach and his Navy squad completed the Longhorns' undefeated season and earned the school its first NCAA Football Championship. Presented is an apparent game ball (usage uncertain) autographed by fifty-one members of that historic Texas team, most notably coach Darrell Royal and All-Americans Scott Appleton and Tommy Ford. Signature quality averages 9/10, with none dipping below 7/10. The ball exhibits only light handling wear and presents marvelously, with "National Champions 1963 Texas Longhorns" expertly painted on one panel. A rare opportunity to "hook" a special keepsake representing the beginning of a great Texas football tradition of excellence. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1963 Blood, Nagurski & Nevers Signed Banquet Program. There aren't too many names in NFL history that are any bigger than "Nevers, Blood and Bronko." Offered here is a fantastic 1963 Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame Dinner program that features signatures from the banquet's honorary guests, Johnny Blood McNally, Ernie Nevers and Bronko Nagurski. This 5x6.5" EX piece holds special significance, as it belonged to the family of former Vikings quarterback, Norm Van Brocklin, who was in attendance at the banquet, and who Nevers referred to in the following inscription: "To the Van Brocklin girls. You have a great dad." Also included is a letter sent to Vikings alumni that acted as an invitation for the 1964 Vikings HOF Dinner, and mentions the previous year's three HOF members, Blood, Nevers and Nagurski. A highly significant piece of football nostalgia, the signatures exhibit a conservative 9/10 blue ball-point ink. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
1964 "Grand Award of Sports" Presented to Jim Brown. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) presented this impressive trophy to the Cleveland Browns' superstar running back the season he led the team to its only NFL Championship to date. The bronze bust in the popular "brutalist" mid-century style rests upon an angular wooden base to which a brass plaque is applied, reading "Grand Award of Sports 1964, Professional Football, Jim Brown." Widely considered to be the greatest football player of all time, Brown is an essential component of any quality football memorabilia collection. This scarce personally-owned artifact dating to Brown's most glorious season will stand out in even the finest of private football museums. Height 14.5".
1960's Four Horsemen of Notre Dame Photograph Signed by Three. Only Harry Stuhldreher is missing from the autographed proceedings turning this classic image of the celebrated Notre Dame backfield into a true collector's item. Miller, Layden and Crowley provide blue ballpoint signatures, with the latter two personalizing their autographs to "Joe." Miller's writing rates 8/10, with his teammates a point bolder at 9/10. The 8x10" photo exhibits no flaws of note. A fine keepsake from the days when the college game was the only game that mattered. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1965 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Browns Full Ticket, PSA EX-MT 6 - None Graded Higher! The sloppy and treacherous conditions at Green Bay's New City Stadium didn't affect the Packers' rushing attack in the 1965 NFL Championship Game, which proved to be Jim Brown's final game as a professional. The Packers defeated the Browns 23-12, in the memorable outing, which was Vince Lombardi's third Championship victory as head man for the Green and Gold. This full ticket from the January 2, 1966 game is the highest graded exemplar, weighing in at an impressive PSA EX-MT 6. The only detractor on this clean specimen is a slight surface wrinkle, which is barely visible to the naked eye.
1966 NFL Championship Game Packers vs. Cowboys Full Ticket, PSA EX-MT 6 - Single Highest Graded Example! If it wasn't for Dallas quarterback Don Meredith's errant pass, under heavy pressure, which was intercepted by the Packers' Tom Brown at the end of the 1966 Championship Game, the Super Bowl Trophy could very well be called the "Tom Landry Trophy." The game which helped earn Vince Lombardi's Packers the right to play in Super Bowl I is represented on this stunning voucher from the 1966 NFL Championship Game. Probably the second-rarest full ticket from Green Bay's 1960's dynasty run, this ticket from the contest played at Dallas' historic Cotton Bowl exhibits four strong corners, and a killer surface. Graded a PSA EX-MT 6, with no example of higher quality, we feel it would be a candidate for a regrade, and if the stars align in the right position, could come back a "NM 7."
1967 NFL Championship Game "The Ice Bowl" Full Ticket w/Voucher, PSA NM-MT 8 - Single Highest Graded Example! Everything the Green Bay Packers franchise stands for can be summed up by three words: "The Ice Bowl." Also referred to as "The 1967 NFL Championship," this game was played in negative 48 degree wind chill temperatures, and has baffled onlookers as to how the players survived, not to mention how any team could concentrate enough to win the game. This historic contest took superior heart and determination, while coming down to a last-second quarterback sneak by the Packers' Bart Starr, which helped give Green Bay the win over the Dallas Cowboys, and propelled the team into their second straight Super Bowl appearance. In what would prove to be coach Vince Lombardi's final NFL Championship Game appearance, this game is commonly referred to as "One of the Greatest Games in NFL History."
Offered here is the highest graded Ice Bowl full ticket in existence, at a PSA NM-MT 8, and is one of only a few known exemplars with its original mailing voucher still intact. Vibrant color, and sharp corners tell the tale on this historic gridiron treasure. Without question, one of the most important tickets offered in our April Signature sale, this piece is sure to attract the most serious of collectors, who put scarcity and condition at the top of their lists.
Offered here is the highest graded Ice Bowl full ticket in existence, at a PSA NM-MT 8, and is one of only a few known exemplars with its original mailing voucher still intact. Vibrant color, and sharp corners tell the tale on this historic gridiron treasure. Without question, one of the most important tickets offered in our April Signature sale, this piece is sure to attract the most serious of collectors, who put scarcity and condition at the top of their lists.
Circa 1968 Pensacola Navy Goshawks Team Signed Football with Roger Staubach. There is no bigger sporting hero in Heritage's hometown of Dallas, Texas than Roger Staubach, so when we saw the opportunity to contact his office about this football, we jumped at the chance. Through his staff, Mr. Staubach confirmed that not only did he not have a team signed football from the team he represented just after his Vietnam tour of duty, he was not aware of anyone who did. So bidders can rest assured that the presented pigskin is a truly rare commodity. The ball is signed by about fifty members of the Navy squad based out of Pensacola, Florida, but it goes without saying that Staubach is the key here, his autograph rendered in the 9/10 boldness that characterizes eighty percent of the roster present. The balance averages perhaps 3/10. The ball leaks air but maintains its shape perfectly for display. And anyone in the market for a gift for the Hall of Fame quarterback would be hard-pressed to find one better. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1968 Green Bay Packers Team Signed Football. Almost identical to the rosters that won the first two Super Bowls under the guidance of the great Vince Lombardi, this high-grade specimen allows one budget savvy collector to experience the magic without the bulging price tag to match. Fifty autographs decorate this specially stamped Rozelle NFL pigskin boasting the recent Championship season, including legends like Starr, Nitschke, Wood, Jordan, Kramer (4/10) and Adderley (4/10). Unless otherwise noted, all signatures listed above present at a strength of 8/10 or better, as do all but six of the balance. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1969 Joe Namath Original Artwork by LeRoy Neiman. Arguably the most famous visual artist living today, and unquestionably the greatest name in the field of sports art, LeRoy Neiman characteristically employs a frenetic, Impressionistic style to capture the chaos of athletic competition. But here he turns his attention to a quieter moment, finding the defending World Champion quarterback resting his damaged legs after a twenty-three to seventeen win over the Boston Patriots at Shea Stadium. The soulful watercolor work measures 13x16" on artist's paper and is signed and notated at the bottom margin by the artist. A simple matting and framing job extends the final dimensions to 18x21". Though Neiman continues to paint as he approaches his ninetieth birthday, those creations from earlier decades remain even more highly prized, and this forty-year old study of the era's most charismatic football star certainly deserves added attention.
1960's-70's Football Hall of Famers Autographs Lot of 13. The perfect lot for either a dealer or a collector looking to start his football autograph collection with a strong foundation. Nine of the thirteen signatures appear on period trading cards: Conerly, Harmon, Hart, Jordan, Lane (personalized), Meredith (personalized), Kavanaugh, Van Brocklin. Cards themselves average EX. A pair of unlined 3x5" index cards: Crowley (personalized), Nevers. Cut signatures: Hinkle (tape stains), Jordan (tape stains, close cropped), Tunnell. All signatures are applied in 9/10 or better ballpoint ink. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1971-72 Dick Butkus Game Worn Helmet. "Vicious", "angry" and "intimidating" are all words that perfectly describe Dick Butkus, but it was his "passion" that would prove to be his greatest attribute during his phenomenal career with the Chicago Bears. Easily one of the best linebackers to ever take the field, Butkus played as if he was on a mission to single-handedly stop the opposition. And he did it more often than not, while displaying a uncanny nose for the ball, the only thing that stopped Butkus was a devastating knee injury that eventually ended his storied career following the 1973 season.
A Pro Bowl selection in eight out of his nine years in the league, Butkus wore this Hall of Fame-caliber helmet during the 1971-72 season with the "Monsters from the Midway." Virtually a perfect shell in every way, this phenomenal Riddell "size L" helmet presents the original team logos, clips and mask with no chinstrap. The rear exterior has the appropriate "Riddell" and Kra-Lite II" stampings in the proper positioning. The interior features the all-important 12-point suspension, original crown donut and original leather jaw pads still intact, while displaying nice wear throughout.
In addition, the appropriate "[size] 7 3/8" original leather headband exists in the proper interior location and the original three-bar full cage is low-positioned on this spherical-shaped dome shell. As typical for Bears' gamers from this era, Butkus' number "51" has been markered on the interior rear Riddell sticker, and a "3/7/1971" time clock also is present in the interior. One of the top Butkus gamers ever to hit the auction block, this piece was used to intimidate many players, but surely won't intimidate the strong bidding that we anticipate.
Please note that the facemask clips are not original, and are likely replacements put on some time after the helmet was used. Due to the brittle nature of vintage clips, replacement is not uncommon. LOA from Lou Lampson.
A Pro Bowl selection in eight out of his nine years in the league, Butkus wore this Hall of Fame-caliber helmet during the 1971-72 season with the "Monsters from the Midway." Virtually a perfect shell in every way, this phenomenal Riddell "size L" helmet presents the original team logos, clips and mask with no chinstrap. The rear exterior has the appropriate "Riddell" and Kra-Lite II" stampings in the proper positioning. The interior features the all-important 12-point suspension, original crown donut and original leather jaw pads still intact, while displaying nice wear throughout.
In addition, the appropriate "[size] 7 3/8" original leather headband exists in the proper interior location and the original three-bar full cage is low-positioned on this spherical-shaped dome shell. As typical for Bears' gamers from this era, Butkus' number "51" has been markered on the interior rear Riddell sticker, and a "3/7/1971" time clock also is present in the interior. One of the top Butkus gamers ever to hit the auction block, this piece was used to intimidate many players, but surely won't intimidate the strong bidding that we anticipate.
Please note that the facemask clips are not original, and are likely replacements put on some time after the helmet was used. Due to the brittle nature of vintage clips, replacement is not uncommon. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1978 Super Bowl XII Program Cover Original Artwork. We've checked our auction database, made some phone calls, thumbed through old catalogs and we feel pretty confident in asserting that this is the first auction offering of original cover art for a Super Bowl program. It's a pretty great one to earn that distinction too, created by noted sports artist Donald Moss whose credits range from Esquire and Collier's to cover work for Sports Illustrated. Here he capitalizes upon the unique, spicy flavor of the city of New Orleans, where the Dallas Cowboys would successfully break the bucking Denver Broncos by a tally of twenty-seven to ten. The masterfully rendered painting on artist's board measures 17x23", with a simple matting and framing job extending the final dimensions to 22x28". Eagle-eyed observers will note that the clouds have been altered in the final stages of production, but there are otherwise no modifications. A small stain just below the tip of the Lombardi Trophy football is noted for the sake of full disclosure, but will only be noticeable upon the closest of inspection. The painting is otherwise free of any flaws. Third party shipping required.
1978 Rafael Septien NFC Championship Ring. Though the 'boys would ultimately fail in their attempt to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, the twenty-eight point shutout of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game left little doubt as to the "dynasty" status of this disco-era powerhouse. Presented is the ring presented to Pro Bowl placekicker Rafael Septien, who notched seven points (a field goal and four PAT's) in the thirty-five to thirty-one Super Bowl XIII loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Our records indicate that this is the first such ring consigned to auction since teammate Jethro Pugh's sold in December 2002. Five blue stones on the face represent earlier Championships, as diamond studs form the background. Left shank pictures a Cowboys helmet at center, with text reading "Cowboys Septien 1978, 1." Right shank: "Dallas N.F.C. Champions V, VI, X, XII, XIII." Interior band is stamped "Jostens 10K." Size ten.
1985 William "Refrigerator" Perry Chicago Bears "Huge" Super Bowl XX Ring. The piece featured in this catalog listing proved to be the first time we have seen a ring come back from our jewelry appraiser with the amazing size label of "immeasurable." It makes sense however, as this Super Bowl XX salesman's sample ring bears the name "Perry" on the left shank ... "The Fridge," that is. Ring is an authentic exemplar and is engraved "Property of Jostens not for resale" on the interior of the 10 karat gold left shank. A terrific Bears team logo is featured with white stones at the center, and "Chicago Bears World Champions" around the entire border. The ring weighs a staggering 49 grams, and is sure to stand out as the center piece of any sports memorabilia collection.
1986-88 Eric Metcalf Game Worn University of Texas Helmet. A great piece of Longhorn history from a University of Texas fan favorite. The "Bike" brand helmet is adorned with the burnt orange Longhorn decals and features the player number "2" on verso. All decals are correct in color, placement and size from the 1980's time period, including the reconditioning sticker located on the inside shell. Some nice hit marks are evident upon the external shell, matching the interior wear. Metcalf was a true multi-talented, All America, Longhorn star. This helmet is possibly the one featured on the cover of the 1988 issue of "Texas Football" (image of cover included), the popular magazine published by Dave Campbell. Eric Metcalf went on to a storied career in the NFL and still holds NFL records to this day. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1992 Brett Favre First Start Packers vs. Steelers Full Ticket, PSA Mint 9. Who would have imagined that the Packers quarterback who started in the game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 27, 1992, would still be playing in 2010, and would have never missed a game since? Amazing really, but Brett Favre has proved time after time not to bet against him. The "Old Gunslinger," or should we say "Young Gunslinger," defeated the Steelers, 17-3, in front of the Lambeau Field crowd during that historic game. Offered here is a PSA Mint 9 exemplar from that significant game, which presents brilliant pink and white color, and four razor sharp corners. We have never offered or seen another example similar to this offering, and this piece is as pristine as it gets.
1992 Brett Favre First Victory Packers vs. Bengals Full Ticket, PSA Authentic. When Green Bay Packers quarterback Don Majkowski took the field for the team's September 20, 1992, game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, never in his wildest dreams did he expect to see a Hall of Famer lead the Packers to victory that day. However, after going down with an injury early in the contest, the "Majik Man" would watch a young man named Brett Favre from the bench, while the product from Southern Mississippi captured his first NFL come-from-behind fourth quarter victory, with a game-winning touchdown pass to Kitrick Taylor. Offered here is a full ticket from that significant game of Favre's career, and it has been slabbed by PSA as "Authentic." This awesome voucher commands strong eye appeal, and has a horizontal fold through the middle, which is its only noticeable detractor. If it wasn't for Favre's strong performance in this game, it is conceivable that he may never had the career he has put together.
1997 Bernardo Harris Green Bay Packers NFC Championship Player's Ring. Along with the New York Yankees in baseball, the Boston Celtics in basketball and the Montreal Canadiens in hockey, the Green Bay Packers continue to dominate the football collectibles market. Offered here is a genuine player's ring that was presented to defensive leader Bernardo Harris for winning the 1997 NFC Championship Game versus the San Francisco 49ers, the same season "The Pack" lost to John Elway and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. This beautiful showpiece consists of ten karat gold, weighing 40.80 grams, and presents 17 round brilliant-cut diamonds (approximately 1.75 ct., apparent color G-H, apparent clarity: VS). The top of the ring reads "Green Bay Packers N.F.C. Champions," with the side shanks reading "Harris 15-4 55" and "1997 Back to Back." The ring measures at a size 14, and displays near-perfect condition, with no major flaws of any kind. A similar exemplar recently offered publicly was from a lesser-known player, and it sold for more than $10,000.
1910's Canton Bulldogs Football Sweater. This beautiful old football sweater is a relic of the early stages of professional football and would have been in the locker room back when the likes of Jim Thorpe, Guy Chamberlin and "Greasy" Neale were America's early gridiron greats.
This beautiful tight knit wool sweater sports the official colors of the Canton Bulldogs, maroon body with cream accents. The Bulldogs lettering is applied in off white felt, stitched on to the front of the sweater and the spelling is correct for the time period (two words: BULL DOGS).
The sweater was manufactured by "O'Shea Mills" and has the proper period tags from the 1910's era. The sweater is in used but extremely nice condition, displaying signs of aging, with minor stains and mothing, but nothing that distracts from its overall presentation. It was sourced from the Cleveland area, where the team moved after leaving Canton in the early 1920's. This piece came with the other Bulldogs jewelry items featured in this auction. LOA from Lou Lampson.
This beautiful tight knit wool sweater sports the official colors of the Canton Bulldogs, maroon body with cream accents. The Bulldogs lettering is applied in off white felt, stitched on to the front of the sweater and the spelling is correct for the time period (two words: BULL DOGS).
The sweater was manufactured by "O'Shea Mills" and has the proper period tags from the 1910's era. The sweater is in used but extremely nice condition, displaying signs of aging, with minor stains and mothing, but nothing that distracts from its overall presentation. It was sourced from the Cleveland area, where the team moved after leaving Canton in the early 1920's. This piece came with the other Bulldogs jewelry items featured in this auction. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1939 Derace Moser Game Worn Texas A&M Jersey. As a sophomore, Derace Moser was a starter on the 1939 Aggie team that went 11-0, capturing College Football's National Championship. Known by his teammates as "Mose", Moser was selected to four All America teams and was the only player in the Southwest Conference named to the 1941 College All Star Team. He played on 3 Southwest Conference Championship Teams ('39, '40, '41) and was named MVP of the 1941 Aggie team in addition to winning the Southwest Conference Sportsmanship Award.
Upon graduation, with WWII in full swing, Moser immediately went into active military duty and was commissioned an Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Sadly, a bright and gifted Lieutenant Moser was killed in 1943 in a military airplane crash. Recognized as one of the greatest athletes in Aggie history, Moser is a member of the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame.
Presented is an extraordinarily rare and desirable jersey precise in styling to those worn by the Aggies during the 1939 Championship season. Home white in color with maroon neck and sewn "42" on front and back in maroon tackle twill. Sewn to the jersey's crotchstrap is the "O'Shea" manufacturer's tag from "C&S Sporting Goods of Texas." The long sleeve jersey shows great wear with multiple team repairs yet remains in immaculate condition for display. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Upon graduation, with WWII in full swing, Moser immediately went into active military duty and was commissioned an Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Sadly, a bright and gifted Lieutenant Moser was killed in 1943 in a military airplane crash. Recognized as one of the greatest athletes in Aggie history, Moser is a member of the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame.
Presented is an extraordinarily rare and desirable jersey precise in styling to those worn by the Aggies during the 1939 Championship season. Home white in color with maroon neck and sewn "42" on front and back in maroon tackle twill. Sewn to the jersey's crotchstrap is the "O'Shea" manufacturer's tag from "C&S Sporting Goods of Texas." The long sleeve jersey shows great wear with multiple team repairs yet remains in immaculate condition for display. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1939 Texas A&M Game Worn Helmet Attributed to John Kimbrough. The passing game was dominating Southwest Conference Football during the late 1930's, yet a high-stepping back named "Jarrin" John Kimbrough was getting the most out of the ground game. This two-time All-America Texas A&M full back led the Aggies to perfection in 1939 in which the undefeated team was crowned National Champions of college football.
This College Football Hall of Famer had the running style of early greats such as Red Grange and Jim Thorpe, and was regarded as one of the most difficult running backs to bring down. Kimbrough finished second to Michigan's Tom Harmon in the 1940 Heisman Trophy balloting.
Kimbrough's professional football career was brief due to rare heart problems suffered during his early years of life but he later parlayed his gridiron fame and good looks into a Hollywood contract where he appeared in Western motion pictures. After serving in World War II as an Army pilot, Kimbrough returned home to his Texas ranch where he went into politics and served as a Texas Legislator.
The MacGregor leather helmet features a factory-stamped "AMC" on the rear (for "Agricultural & Mechanical College) and a winged front design in proper maroon and white coloring. Remnants of Kimbrough's number "39" is stenciled on the outside brow of the helmet, matching a stenciled "39" on the interior web suspension. Helmet displays great game wear with minor paint loss, but superb overall condition. A true museum-quality piece of college football history. LOA from Lou Lampson.
This College Football Hall of Famer had the running style of early greats such as Red Grange and Jim Thorpe, and was regarded as one of the most difficult running backs to bring down. Kimbrough finished second to Michigan's Tom Harmon in the 1940 Heisman Trophy balloting.
Kimbrough's professional football career was brief due to rare heart problems suffered during his early years of life but he later parlayed his gridiron fame and good looks into a Hollywood contract where he appeared in Western motion pictures. After serving in World War II as an Army pilot, Kimbrough returned home to his Texas ranch where he went into politics and served as a Texas Legislator.
The MacGregor leather helmet features a factory-stamped "AMC" on the rear (for "Agricultural & Mechanical College) and a winged front design in proper maroon and white coloring. Remnants of Kimbrough's number "39" is stenciled on the outside brow of the helmet, matching a stenciled "39" on the interior web suspension. Helmet displays great game wear with minor paint loss, but superb overall condition. A true museum-quality piece of college football history. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1939 Derace Moser Game Worn Texas A&M Helmet. Like the game worn jersey that precedes this lot, the presented helmet derives from the Texas A&M locker of Derace Moser, one of the school's greatest stars and most tragic figures, a casualty of the Second World War soon after his graduation. The gorgeous maroon and white leather helmet features a factory stamped "AMC" on verso (for "Agricultural & Mechanical College) with a winged front design apparent in all period photography of the Championship-era Aggies. Moser's number "42" is stenciled on the interior web suspension. Fine game wear is evident, though the helmet displays perfectly, with even the original canvas chin strap remaining present and fully intact. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1940's Notre Dame Sweaters Lot of 2. Pair of gorgeous vintage sweaters represents the height of collegiate fashion. First we find a classic "letter sweater," crafted of navy blue heavy wool with the official chenille "ND" logo over the heart. "O'Shea Knitting Mills" label inside collar. The accompanying class sweater is constructed of an identical material, but is a pullover style instead, with a large intertwined "ND" logo crafty of gold and navy felt dominating the chest. "Wilson" label appears at interior collar. Neither garment features size tagging, but each measures to an approximate size 42. Both sweaters are in gently used but immaculate condition. Sweaters of this quality from Notre Dame are very few and far between, making them a prized possession for the Fighting Irish Fan.
1940's Bobby Layne University of Texas Longhorns Game Worn Jacket. Lightweight wool button-up jacket provides the perfect orange hue typical of the 1940's era before the school adopted its current "burnt orange" shade. Arched white felt letters spell "Texas" across the jacket's verso, with Layne's number "22" applied to the upper portion of the sleeve. "Wilson [size] 40" label is applied at interior collar. The jacket remains in fabulous condition, ideal for display. It's a true piece of Longhorn history, worn by arguably the greatest quarterback in UT's illustrious football program. Known as one of the best field commanders in football, Layne was always recognized as a player who refused to lose. Doak Walker, a close friend and pro football teammate of Layne's, once said of Bobby, "This is a guy who never lost a game--the clock just ran out on him." LOA from Lou Lampson.
1949-50 Kyle Rote Game Worn SMU Jersey. When Kyle Rote was inserted in the Notre Dame game for Heisman winner Doak Walker, for Southern Methodist in 1949, the team's back-up was transcended to standout status and immediately became recognized as a superior Triple-Threat player. After Walker graduated in 1950, Rote became the team's starter and as a result, he was named as a consensus All-American in his senior year. The first overall pick in the 1951 NFL Draft, Rote wore this fantastic Durene jersey during the 1949-50 seasons with SMU. Made by Sand Knit, the garment is the manufacturer's lightweight, highly-sheened fabric in a bright red hue, which is slightly faded. It has long sleeves with an elliptical-shaped elbow reinforcement area, and the sleeve ends, and round neck collar are a continuation of the Durene material with a reinforced hem, but no added elasticity. The number "44" on verso is zigzag affixed in standard, full-block tackle twill.
During this period, more college and pro teams utilized a twill with more highly-sheened satin; these numeric identifiers do have a "hint of satin." The lower left front tail sports a "Sand Knit" 1940's/early 1950's label with a "[size] 44" flap tag affixed to the right side quadrant edge. It has a "C" and "S" Sporting Goods (Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio) local distributor designator within this main label. The wear is solid, and it does have two unrepaired holes on the right arm and sleeve, with some holes on the lower right, and three small ones on the left elbow area. Blood stains are present from game action on the right front "4". On the front of the jersey, there is a 12x15" area surrounding the numerals which are slightly lighter than the rest of the jersey, although not particularly noticeable. With high probability, this was due to the positioning within a frame which caused increased exposure to light in comparison to the rest of the jersey. Overall, a solid representation that was sourced along with a Doak Walker jersey of a similar style from a team photographer. LOA from Lou Lampson.
During this period, more college and pro teams utilized a twill with more highly-sheened satin; these numeric identifiers do have a "hint of satin." The lower left front tail sports a "Sand Knit" 1940's/early 1950's label with a "[size] 44" flap tag affixed to the right side quadrant edge. It has a "C" and "S" Sporting Goods (Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio) local distributor designator within this main label. The wear is solid, and it does have two unrepaired holes on the right arm and sleeve, with some holes on the lower right, and three small ones on the left elbow area. Blood stains are present from game action on the right front "4". On the front of the jersey, there is a 12x15" area surrounding the numerals which are slightly lighter than the rest of the jersey, although not particularly noticeable. With high probability, this was due to the positioning within a frame which caused increased exposure to light in comparison to the rest of the jersey. Overall, a solid representation that was sourced along with a Doak Walker jersey of a similar style from a team photographer. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1950's Notre Dame Game Worn Football Helmet. This MacGregor made helmet sports the traditional gold and black color scheme made famous by the Fighting Irish. The unique and rare quality of this piece is the stamped "ND" located on the back of the helmet, designating it as property of Notre Dame, making this piece an extremely rare find. The helmet sports the single bar face mask, off white in color, the same model preference used by Paul Hornung. The helmet shows great game wear and displays a beautiful patina. Although we cannot attribute this "Golden Domer" to Paul Hornung, it was most likely on the field during his Heisman career at South Bend. A fantastic display piece with no shortage of gridiron relevance. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1954-57 Paul "Bear" Bryant Texas A&M Jacket. Best remembered for his houndstooth fedoras when it came to sideline fashion, this rare and important jacket likewise derives from the personal wardrobe of one of collegiate football's greatest tactical minds. Constructed of off-white heavy wool with a snap button front, the jacket announces "Texas Aggies" across the chest in 2.25" tall maroon tackle twill block lettering. Elasticized collar, sleeve cuffs and waistband likewise feature maroon and white striping. Period "Wilson [size] 42" tagging appears at interior button path, along with a factory applied number "1," the typical designation for head coach issue. A "Dry Clean Only" flap tag resides nearby. Minor soiling and typical aging signs are evident but in small supply, leaving the jacket to present marvelously. An exciting artifact from the years just preceding Bryant's quarter-century reign as the head coach of Alabama. Copy of an apparent photo match is included. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1954-55 Paul Hornung Game Worn Notre Dame Jersey. In the world of the collector, sometimes what at first may be thought of as a "hunch," may actually turn into one of the greatest hobby finds of a lifetime. The thought of that long shot is exactly what our consignor used to motivate himself when he took a detour, during a trip across the country, to an old Kentucky sports bar he once frequented during his days as an assistant to a horse trainer at the famed Churchill Downs racetrack.
As a sports fan and budding jersey collector, he always remembered the nostalgic establishment as a magical place, which displayed some of the most impressive pieces during his early adult years. While acting on his premonition, the consignor wasn't exactly sure what treasures would still fill his old hangout, if any for that matter. Nevertheless, he arrived at the bar, which had since gone out of business, and met with the owner. Never in a million years did the eager collector expect this trip to uncover possibly the finest game worn college football jersey in existence, but after returning from the back room, the owner handed him this circa 1954-55 Paul Hornung Notre Dame jersey, which Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present in our April Signature Auction.
It turns out that Hornung, a Louisville native, also once frequented the popular watering hole, and according to our consignor, built a solid relationship with the family of the bar owner. One day, presumably after the season, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame running back presented the bar with this jersey.
This iron-clad shirt is constructed of the Fighting Irish's gorgeous 1950's-style dark green Durene fabric, which acts as the perfect canvas for the white sewn-on tackle twill numerals that are affixed on the front and verso. In addition to the style-matched numerals, which have been confirmed with numerous images of the "Golden Boy" from the era of his memorable sophomore or junior seasons, additional photo-matched characteristics are presented throughout. In fact, virtually every important aspect of this shirt can be confirmed through imagery analysis.
The proper reinforced elbow stitching, a noticeable team repair near the right shoulder, and even the uniquely large vintage buttons connecting the crotch piece, are all confirmed while analyzing the clear photos we have located depicting Hornung's college days. The proper "MacGregor Goldsmith [size] 42" manufacturer's tag is still fully intact in the front interior tail, which adds another point of legitimacy to this unimprovable jersey.
Unquestionably, this jersey will turn the heads of many different collecting groups: the large hobby bases of Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers, and the elite enthusiasts who lust over memorabilia representing the elite fraternity of Heisman Trophy winners.
One of the greatest athletes ever to take the field, Hornung lettered four years in each football, basketball, and baseball at Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget High School in Louisville. In addition, during his final year at Notre Dame, he led his team offensively in passing, rushing, scoring, kickoff and punt returns and punting. As a pro, Hornung led the Packers as an All-Pro half back, as well as being a field goal kicker for several seasons. In 1960, the last season with just 12 games, he set an all-time NFL record by scoring 176 points.
We are confident in stating that there has never been another college football jersey as significant as this circa 1954-55 Hornung example. If it wasn't for our consignor's "hunch," this piece may have never come to light. Nevertheless, his ambitious act will now allow this extraordinary shirt to be displayed in the proper manner by the lucky winning bidder.
As a sports fan and budding jersey collector, he always remembered the nostalgic establishment as a magical place, which displayed some of the most impressive pieces during his early adult years. While acting on his premonition, the consignor wasn't exactly sure what treasures would still fill his old hangout, if any for that matter. Nevertheless, he arrived at the bar, which had since gone out of business, and met with the owner. Never in a million years did the eager collector expect this trip to uncover possibly the finest game worn college football jersey in existence, but after returning from the back room, the owner handed him this circa 1954-55 Paul Hornung Notre Dame jersey, which Heritage Auction Galleries is proud to present in our April Signature Auction.
It turns out that Hornung, a Louisville native, also once frequented the popular watering hole, and according to our consignor, built a solid relationship with the family of the bar owner. One day, presumably after the season, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame running back presented the bar with this jersey.
This iron-clad shirt is constructed of the Fighting Irish's gorgeous 1950's-style dark green Durene fabric, which acts as the perfect canvas for the white sewn-on tackle twill numerals that are affixed on the front and verso. In addition to the style-matched numerals, which have been confirmed with numerous images of the "Golden Boy" from the era of his memorable sophomore or junior seasons, additional photo-matched characteristics are presented throughout. In fact, virtually every important aspect of this shirt can be confirmed through imagery analysis.
The proper reinforced elbow stitching, a noticeable team repair near the right shoulder, and even the uniquely large vintage buttons connecting the crotch piece, are all confirmed while analyzing the clear photos we have located depicting Hornung's college days. The proper "MacGregor Goldsmith [size] 42" manufacturer's tag is still fully intact in the front interior tail, which adds another point of legitimacy to this unimprovable jersey.
Unquestionably, this jersey will turn the heads of many different collecting groups: the large hobby bases of Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers, and the elite enthusiasts who lust over memorabilia representing the elite fraternity of Heisman Trophy winners.
One of the greatest athletes ever to take the field, Hornung lettered four years in each football, basketball, and baseball at Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget High School in Louisville. In addition, during his final year at Notre Dame, he led his team offensively in passing, rushing, scoring, kickoff and punt returns and punting. As a pro, Hornung led the Packers as an All-Pro half back, as well as being a field goal kicker for several seasons. In 1960, the last season with just 12 games, he set an all-time NFL record by scoring 176 points.
We are confident in stating that there has never been another college football jersey as significant as this circa 1954-55 Hornung example. If it wasn't for our consignor's "hunch," this piece may have never come to light. Nevertheless, his ambitious act will now allow this extraordinary shirt to be displayed in the proper manner by the lucky winning bidder.
Circa 1957 John David Crow Texas A&M Jacket. Impressive garment issued to and worn by the 1957 Heisman Trophy-winning running back and College Football Hall of Fame inductee is most likely a sideline or travel coat, proudly announcing Crow's team affiliation with three-inch tall white tackle twill block lettering on verso. Crow's jersey number "44" is factory applied in white tackle twill at lower left sleeve. The heavy maroon wool jacket features a snap button front and knit cuffs, collar and waistband. Late 1950's "Wilson Sporting Goods" manufacturer's label appears at interior button path, sprouting "Dry Clean Only" and size "44" flap tags at either edge. A factory applied "44" jersey number swatch is below. Minor soiling causes no concern, leaving the jacket in perfect condition for display. A superb relic from the greatest running back in Texas A&M history. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Circa 1960's Paul Hornung Game Worn Framed Green Bay Packers Jersey Section. An extremely unique piece of football history. Offered here is an actual 1960's-era Green Bay Packers home jersey that was once worn by the great Hall of Famer, Paul Hornung. For some unknown reason, the jersey was cut up with this particular section being framed, most likely for display purposes. This jersey piece features Hornung's back No. "5" that measures approximately 11.5" in height. The proper style white twill number is affixed to what our researchers agree was a Packers "Sand Knit" made Durene jersey. The jersey piece shows evident game wear with signs of numerous "hits" and minor staining. This unusual piece of Packer history is professionally housed in an "old school" open wood frame that measures 12x18".
This rare item will surely be the topic of conversation with many unanswered questions, such as "Why would anyone cut up a Packer jersey? Was it so damaged that the complete jersey couldn't be salvaged? And most importantly, where is the rest of the jersey?" This is a true history mystery, but an item that any serious football collector would love to own. LOA from Lou Lampson.
This rare item will surely be the topic of conversation with many unanswered questions, such as "Why would anyone cut up a Packer jersey? Was it so damaged that the complete jersey couldn't be salvaged? And most importantly, where is the rest of the jersey?" This is a true history mystery, but an item that any serious football collector would love to own. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1962 Ernie Davis College All-Star Game Jersey. The recent movie "The Express" immortalized Ernie Davis' sensational, but tragically-short career and the sporting world will never know the heights of NFL stardom he could have achieved. Davis' final scheduled career game was the now defunct College All-Star game (August 3, 1962), which pitted the best collegians against the reigning NFL Champion. For the 1962 season, that was the Green Bay Packers, and after a close struggle for three periods (21-20), the Pack pulled away to a decisive 42-20 win.
The All-Stars may have been able to stay closer or even win had not their two best running backs, Ernie Davis and Ronnie Bull, been felled by pre-game injuries.
Bull of course would go on to a solid career with the Bears. Davis was not so fortunate. Having just won the Heisman Trophy and been the Liberty Bowl MVP, he started showing signs of acute illness during the All-Star Camp, having strength and equilibrium issues, and did not play in the game.
He was present with the collegians, participated in photo day and Times Charities functions wearing this jersey. It is not known whether he dressed for the late summer classic or watched in street clothes.
Despite not boasting the "game-worn" label, this shirt is still one of the most significant college jerseys to ever hit the auction block. Almost equally as gorgeous as it is "important," to the game-worn collecting hobby, this stunning star-spangled jersey features the proper sewn-on numerals on the front and verso, with the "King-O'Shea" and "[size] 48" double tagging in the tail.
Sourced from close family friends, it does mark an historic but tragic end to the great running back's career. LOA from Nephew of Ernie Davis.
The All-Stars may have been able to stay closer or even win had not their two best running backs, Ernie Davis and Ronnie Bull, been felled by pre-game injuries.
Bull of course would go on to a solid career with the Bears. Davis was not so fortunate. Having just won the Heisman Trophy and been the Liberty Bowl MVP, he started showing signs of acute illness during the All-Star Camp, having strength and equilibrium issues, and did not play in the game.
He was present with the collegians, participated in photo day and Times Charities functions wearing this jersey. It is not known whether he dressed for the late summer classic or watched in street clothes.
Despite not boasting the "game-worn" label, this shirt is still one of the most significant college jerseys to ever hit the auction block. Almost equally as gorgeous as it is "important," to the game-worn collecting hobby, this stunning star-spangled jersey features the proper sewn-on numerals on the front and verso, with the "King-O'Shea" and "[size] 48" double tagging in the tail.
Sourced from close family friends, it does mark an historic but tragic end to the great running back's career. LOA from Nephew of Ernie Davis.
1964-65 Lance Alworth Game Worn Jersey - Rare Two-Year Style. Before the two leagues merged, the American Football League played second fiddle to the powerhouse of the National Football League. However, in an unprecedented move, the highly-respected magazine "Sports Illustrated" declared the San Diego Chargers' Lance Alworth as "Pro Football's Top Receiver," in 1969. That one event turned the heads of football fans everywhere, and helped catapult some lesser renowned AFL players on the map, when in the past they may have been referred to as "inferior" by media outlets who showed a distinct bias for the NFL.
Highly desirable, and made famous by the modern Throwback jerseys of a similar style by the modern-day San Diego Chargers, Alworth demonstrated immaculate speed and soft hands while wearing this highly-desirable two-year style uniform.
Originally obtained from the family of a former grounds crew member at ol' Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, who found this piece in their attic, this piece would prove to be the first exemplar of a 1964-65 Chargers roadie that has ever appeared in the hobby. As the story goes, the father of the family obtained the jersey in either November of 1964 or 1965, in which Alworth lit up the home team Chiefs for 168 and 181 yards, respectively.
This stunning garment features light royal blue shoulder inserts, which measure at an inordinate 4" in length, and accent the gold and white affixed shoulder bolts. "Alworth" is presented on the back nameplate in the Chargers' distinct 1960's font style, above its original back numeral "19". The only notable qualifier on the jersey, which we only mention for the sake of full disclosure, is a faint outline of the original placement of the back numeral, which can be seen about 2.5" higher than where it presently sits. However, there is not even a trace of activity on the three additional sets of numbers, which confirms that the reasoning for the back number repositioning was to make room for the NOB.
The sleeve and front numerals feature the same Swiss embroidery three-color inlays, and is the first time any pro football team used this style. The appropriate tail labeling is complete, with a "Higgins & Crosswaite" distributor's tag and "Spanjan" manufacturer's tag, which exhibit minor fraying, but perfectly consistent with the overall jersey wear.
An absolutely iron-clad jersey, which features the unique combination of historical significance, an ultra-rare uniform style and extreme rarity, this piece is unquestionably one of the finest representations of the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, who in essence, helped put the AFL on the map. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Highly desirable, and made famous by the modern Throwback jerseys of a similar style by the modern-day San Diego Chargers, Alworth demonstrated immaculate speed and soft hands while wearing this highly-desirable two-year style uniform.
Originally obtained from the family of a former grounds crew member at ol' Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, who found this piece in their attic, this piece would prove to be the first exemplar of a 1964-65 Chargers roadie that has ever appeared in the hobby. As the story goes, the father of the family obtained the jersey in either November of 1964 or 1965, in which Alworth lit up the home team Chiefs for 168 and 181 yards, respectively.
This stunning garment features light royal blue shoulder inserts, which measure at an inordinate 4" in length, and accent the gold and white affixed shoulder bolts. "Alworth" is presented on the back nameplate in the Chargers' distinct 1960's font style, above its original back numeral "19". The only notable qualifier on the jersey, which we only mention for the sake of full disclosure, is a faint outline of the original placement of the back numeral, which can be seen about 2.5" higher than where it presently sits. However, there is not even a trace of activity on the three additional sets of numbers, which confirms that the reasoning for the back number repositioning was to make room for the NOB.
The sleeve and front numerals feature the same Swiss embroidery three-color inlays, and is the first time any pro football team used this style. The appropriate tail labeling is complete, with a "Higgins & Crosswaite" distributor's tag and "Spanjan" manufacturer's tag, which exhibit minor fraying, but perfectly consistent with the overall jersey wear.
An absolutely iron-clad jersey, which features the unique combination of historical significance, an ultra-rare uniform style and extreme rarity, this piece is unquestionably one of the finest representations of the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, who in essence, helped put the AFL on the map. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1976-78 Russell Erxleben Game Worn Helmet, Kicking Shoes and Tees. Russell Erxleben is the only three-time All America Kicker in NCAA history, being a consensus choice in 1976, 1977 & 1978 and was a first round pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. One of the last "conventional" straight-on kickers, Erxleben set the record for the longest field goal in NCAA history with a sixty-seven yard kick in 1977.
This UT package includes Erxleben's 1977 helmet manufactured by the Kelley Company. The helmet sports the proper Longhorn decals and player number "15." A pair of Erxleben's Spot Bilt shoes (with squared-off kicking toe) is also included. The shoes are factory stamped on the tongues "15." The package is completed with a pair of game used tees; one orange Kick-Off Tee and one black Field Goal Tee, which are both housed in a burnt orange mesh carrying bag. All pieces exhibit light but definite wear, appropriate for the relatively non-contact world of the place kicker. LOA from Lou Lampson.
This UT package includes Erxleben's 1977 helmet manufactured by the Kelley Company. The helmet sports the proper Longhorn decals and player number "15." A pair of Erxleben's Spot Bilt shoes (with squared-off kicking toe) is also included. The shoes are factory stamped on the tongues "15." The package is completed with a pair of game used tees; one orange Kick-Off Tee and one black Field Goal Tee, which are both housed in a burnt orange mesh carrying bag. All pieces exhibit light but definite wear, appropriate for the relatively non-contact world of the place kicker. LOA from Lou Lampson.
1986 Eric Dickerson Game Worn NFC Championship Jersey - w/ Photomatch and Multiple Team Repairs. One of the NFL's most prolific running backs, who will forever be remembered for his trademark long curly hair and on-field goggles, elusive speedster Eric Dickerson wore this exemplary Los Angeles Rams jersey during the team's highly anticipated meeting with the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Championship Game. Without question, this uniform is far and beyond the best Dickerson gamer to ever see hobby light.
Between the Football Hall of Famer's prototypical custom-cut "V" neck, scattering of awesome team repairs throughout and a unique built-in hand warmer on the front, this jersey will make even the most savvy collectors drool. The proper screened-on royal blue numerals are covered with hit marks and scuffing from battle on the gridiron, with "Dickerson" screened on the back nameplate in the proper positioning. The complete double tail tagging is present, with the appropriate "Exclusivity" tag and "Sand Knit [size] 48".
The only detractor on this jersey is the absence of the team's 40th anniversary patch, which was above the left breast. Presumably, this shirt was also used the following season because of the presence of the sewn-in hand warmers, and was no longer in need of the commemorative designation. It is widely known that jerseys with the built-in cold weather customizations were used for multiple seasons.
A definitive photomatch is shown in this catalog description, which depicts a narrow team repair that can be seen on Dickerson's rear "9", and can be pinpointed to the 1985 NFC Championship game.
The Rams fell short of Super Bowl XX that special season, and only the likes of probably the best defense in NFL history, the 1985 Chicago Bears, could stop the offensive powerhouse from the West Coast . Here is a great chance to own an authentic gamer from Eric Dickerson's biggest game, where he played on his best team as a professional. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Between the Football Hall of Famer's prototypical custom-cut "V" neck, scattering of awesome team repairs throughout and a unique built-in hand warmer on the front, this jersey will make even the most savvy collectors drool. The proper screened-on royal blue numerals are covered with hit marks and scuffing from battle on the gridiron, with "Dickerson" screened on the back nameplate in the proper positioning. The complete double tail tagging is present, with the appropriate "Exclusivity" tag and "Sand Knit [size] 48".
The only detractor on this jersey is the absence of the team's 40th anniversary patch, which was above the left breast. Presumably, this shirt was also used the following season because of the presence of the sewn-in hand warmers, and was no longer in need of the commemorative designation. It is widely known that jerseys with the built-in cold weather customizations were used for multiple seasons.
A definitive photomatch is shown in this catalog description, which depicts a narrow team repair that can be seen on Dickerson's rear "9", and can be pinpointed to the 1985 NFC Championship game.
The Rams fell short of Super Bowl XX that special season, and only the likes of probably the best defense in NFL history, the 1985 Chicago Bears, could stop the offensive powerhouse from the West Coast . Here is a great chance to own an authentic gamer from Eric Dickerson's biggest game, where he played on his best team as a professional. LOA from Lou Lampson.
2001-02 Brock Marion and Zach Thomas Game Worn Jerseys -Unwashed w/ Multiple Team Repairs! With a little help from NFL Auction's charity sales, and presumably the team's equipment manager, the Miami Dolphins seem to truly understand the minds of collectors. Ask any true game-used jersey collector and they will agree that there is nothing better than an unwashed NFL jersey, which reeks of sweat, is covered in helmet transfer abrasions and displays a nice scattering of fresh grass stains. This duo of Miami Dolphins shirts presents all of those important characteristics, and more importantly, have been worn by key members of their world-class defense. The first piece is a Zach Thomas jersey that was worn in the September 22, 2002, battle versus the New York Jets. This signed example is perfect, with heavy wear, the proper "02-48" collar tag and "Reebok [size] 6" L.B. [size] 48" tail tagging. In addition, the offered lot includes a white mesh shirt worn in 2001 by Pro Bowl safety Brock Marion. This jersey features team repairs, hit marks and the proper "01-46" swatch in the collar. Great collection of game-worn jerseys from the leaders of the Dolphins defense. LOA from Lou Lampson. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
2006 Osi Umenyiora Game Worn Jersey. A third consecutive season as sacks leader for the New York Giants, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that Umenyiora missed five games with a strained hip flexor in 2006. This blue mesh gamer exhibits terrific, unwashed use from that season, with hit marks throughout, particularly on the shoulders where yellow face mask paint is still readily apparent. A team repair at the left shoulder ensures at least two games of use. Number "72" is applied in white tackle twill to chest, back and shoulders, with "Umenyiora" spanning rear nameplate. Oddly hemmed tail customization was rendered above the tag line, though the "06-42" label still appears inside the collar. Ideal provenance comes in the form of a team-issued certificate of authenticity. COA from New York Giants. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Session 3
Golf Collectibles
1893 Willie Auchterlonie Signed Photograph. In 1893 St. Andrews native Willie Auchterlonie captured the British Open Golf Championship at Prestwick with a 72 hole score of 322 and subsequently joined the family business of clubmaking. His signatures are seldom seen--signed photos virtually non-existent. This is a gorgeous studio photo, by Lafayette Ltd., measuring 5 1/2 X 7 3/4 and it sits on the original mount. Signed brilliantly "William Auchterlonie Open Champion 1893." Black fountain pen ink rates a technical 9+/10, and photo itself likewise remains in splendid condition. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1888 John Ball, Jr. Handwritten Signed Letter. John Ball Jr. is the most prolific winner of amateur titles in the history of golf. From 1888-1912 he captured the British Amateur Championship no less than eight times and in 1890, he won the Open Championship. This item is a splendid note on raised letter stationery from the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in which Ball indicates he's received his medal. Both text and closing autograph are rendered in flawless black fountain pen ink. Page measures 4.5x7" and exhibits original mailing folds, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1937 Jim Barnes Signed Photograph. "Long Jim" Barnes was one of golf's early stars, winning the very first US PGA Golf Championship in 1916 at Siwanoy. After a two year hiatus for World War I, he won again in 1919, and in 1921, he added the US Open title to his credit with President Warren Harding there in person to present the trophy. His final major championship win came when Prestwick hosted its last Open in 1925. This exquisite 8 X 10 Edwin Levick original studio photo, so stamped in lower right corner, is inscribed "With all good wishes Jim Barnes 1-8-37." All black fountain pen ink survives at an impressive strength of 9/10, and the photo itself sees any hint of wear confined to the thin white borders, leaving the image to present as NRMT with a simple framing job. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 James Braid Signed Cabinet Photograph. With JH Taylor and Harry Vardon, James Braid formed "the Great Triumvirate" around the turn of the 20th century. The trio dominated the Open Championship with Braid notching five titles in the decade 1901-1910. Following his competitive career, Braid was the host pro at Walton Heath, just outside London, and this item is a beautiful photo of Braid in full swing with the Walton Heath clubhouse as the backdrop. This original studio photo, about 4 X 6, sits on the original mount of Russell's of Chichester. Braid's bold fountain pen autograph is written in his customary style of "Jas Braid," and rates 9+/10. Some very minor wear (apparent tape removal) to the top edge of the mount, but otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1925 James Braid Handwritten Signed Letter. This is an outstanding handwritten note by the five-time British Open Champion James Braid. It is written on his spectacular personal letterhead to Rowan & Co., a department store that sold sporting goods. The company would employ golf professionals to demonstrate their equipment and perhaps play an exhibition. Braid tells Rowan that he "has secured Vardon, Taylor, Ray & Herd...etc." Dated January 30, 1925 and all in fountain pen with Braid's customary "Jas Braid" signature. Measures 6.75 x 8. Ink is 9+/10, page has original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1906 David Brown Handwritten Signed Letter. David Brown won the 1886 British Open Champion at Musselburgh Links and this is an amazing two sheet, four-sided letter, all in Brown's hand. The content details helping a collector find feathery golf balls and the letter is written on quite a sensational Links at Musselburgh letterhead. Dated March 14, 1906. Extremely rare autograph. All ink and closing signature rates 9/10 or better. Letter is written on both sides of a two pages, which exhibit original mailing folds but no other problems of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1931 Billy Burke Signed Photograph. In 1931, with Bobby Jones retired and not defending his title (and the Grand Slam), the field for the US Open was wide open and Billy Burke won in a playoff against heralded amateur turned pro George Von Elm. This item is an original 8 X 10 photo with a dapper Burke, clubs in tow, and a sporty new automobile. The playoff for the 1931 US Open was a two-day 36 hole marathon! The inscribed image has a perfect 10/10 autograph, and the photo itself has just slight wear at the borders, leaving the image area problem-free. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1939 Richard Burton & Henry Cotton Signed Photograph. Richard Burton won the last Open Championship before World War II at The Old Course in 1939 and he is pictured here with three-time Open Champion winner, Sir Henry Cotton. This original 8 X 10 photo has been signed by both champions in fountain pen. Burton is a scarce signature, signed photos rarely seen. Each appears with 9+/10 boldness, and the photo itself exhibits minor wear at the corners but nothing that is evident except upon close inspection. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1978 Tom Creavy Signed Government Postcard & Unsigned Photograph. Tom Creavy won the US PGA Championship in 1931 and his autograph is the rarest of all PGA Champions. This perfect autograph is applied to a clean GPC mailed from Creavy's West Palm Beach, Florida hometown. All ink is 10/10. Postcard is accompanied by an original action photo from the final match in 1931 PGA Championship, 6 x 8, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Jimmy Demaret Signed Photograph. Colorful Jimmy Demaret won the Masters in 1940 and followed that up with two more Green Jackets, becoming the first man to accomplish that feat. Later in life he became a worldwide ambassador for the game, traveling and hosting Shell's Wonderful World of Golf. At about the time of his first Masters victory, this remarkable sepia tone original photo was taken. The inscription reads as follows: "to my Pal Toney (Penna) a Credit to his Profession Golfingly Yours." Believed to be a Christian Family studio original photo. Direct from the Penna Estate. Inscription and signature rate about 7/10 in strength, and the 8 x 10 photograph provides no flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Leo Diegel & Denny Shute Signed Photograph. Leo Diegel ended the great Walter's Hagen string of four PGA Championship titles in a row when he prevailed in 1928 at Baltimore's Five Farms. And he backed that up the next year, too, winning successive PGA's. Denny Shute was himself a four-time major champion and they both signed this original photo in 1934. Diegel is an especially rare autograph in this format. Each inscription is to a "Capt. Gorham," and is applied with 9/10 black fountain pen. The 8 x 10 photo provides no condition flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1920 Findlay Douglas Signed Photograph. Findlay Douglas captured the US Amateur title in 1898 at Morris County Golf Club and went on to become President of the USGA for the years 1929-1930. This original signed photo, about 4 1/2 X 6 1/4 and affixed to a 7 x 9 mount, is the oldest known signed photo of any USGA Champion. In immaculate condition with a 10/10 signature. Photo and mount are likewise free of flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1933 George Duncan Signed Photograph. George Duncan won the Open Championship in 1920 at Royal Cinque Ports, or "Deal," as it's come to be known. Duncan was a fixture in the post "Triumvirate" days in the UK, playing on the first three Great Britain & Ireland Ryder Cup Teams of 1927, 29 and 31. This is an exceptional original signed photo, 7 1/2 X 9 1/2, mounted on art board, showing the stylish Duncan upon completion of a swing. The inscription reads "Yours sincerely, George Duncan, 33." Black fountain pen ink rates a conservative 7/10 and photo itself provides a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Olin Dutra Signed Photograph. Big Olin Dutra was a hot player in the early 1930's winning the PGA at Keller Golf Course in Minneapolis in 1932 and topping that with a US Open crown at Merion in 1934. This is an especially rare original signed photo, dated in the year of his US Open win at the posh Miami Biltmore hotel. Beautiful image, 10/10 autograph. Photo measures 6.5 x 8.5 and appears NRMT from any reasonable viewing distance, though a few slight, insignificant wrinkles are evident upon the closest inspection. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1900's H. Chandler Egan Signed Blank Business Card & Unsigned Photograph. H. Chandler (Chan) Egan was one of the bright amateur stars in US golf, capturing back to back USGA Amateur titles in 1904 at Baltusrol and 1905 at Chicago Golf Club. He was a driving force behind bringing the US Amateur west of the Mississippi for the first time--to Pebble Beach in 1929 where he also contributed greatly to design enhancements for that championship. This lot provides an original EX-MT photo, 4 3/4 X 7 1/2, of a young Egan and a perfect fountain pen autograph on a blank business card. He was also the 1902 NCAA Golf Champion, US Walker Cup Team member in 1930 & 1934, and designer/remodeler of 15 western golf courses. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1920 Charles "Chick" Evans Signed Photograph. The remarkable career of Chick Evans was jump-started in 1916 when he won both the US Amateur Championship and the US Open. He would win the Amateur again in 1920 and play on numerous Walker Cup teams. Further, he established the Evans Scholars Caddie Program for the Western Golf Association that continues to this day. This is a handsome original photo of a very young Evans signed and inscribed to a "Bob Jones of Keller Golf Course: Warmest good wishes from Chick Evans." Ink rates a conservative 8/10, and the 6.75 x 9.5 photo exhibits a couple of barely evident corner bends but presents marvelously. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1900's James Foulis Original Manuscript Pages. "THE EDGEWATER GREENS" by James Foulis, the famous golf architect. This is a simply fascinating manuscript written by the 1896 US Open Champion Jim Foulis. It features his greenskeeping measures at Edgewater Golf Club in great detail and in an effort to prove his credentials, he further states, "During those years I played competitive golf I was third in the National Open at Newport, Rhode Island; won it at Shinnecock Hills in 1896; and was third again in the National Open at Chicago Golf Club. I played off and on until 1910 and was several times in the prize money." A four page report with, unfortunately, one page missing. Unsigned. Typed pages exhibit wear at edges, apparent in our catalog photography, but such problems must be forgiven in light of the tremendous scarcity.
1928 William C. Fownes, Jr. Signed Letter. William C. Fownes, Jr. created a golf legacy that will live forever. His prowess as a player was confirmed with his USGA Amateur title in 1910 at The Country Club. Shortly thereafter, he helped his father build a links style course on the top of a windswept hill near Pittsburgh, PA and Oakmont Country Club was born. This is a two sheet letter on magnificent USGA stationery with wonderful golf content, signed in full by Mr. Fownes. Closing signature rates a perfect 10/10, and pages exhibit original mailing folds and paper clip indentation and rust at upper edge, remaining well clear of any text. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1926 Robert A. Gardner & More Signed Menu. The 1926 US Walker Cup Team went overseas early in preparation for the Matches at St. Andrews on June 2 and 3. On the eve of May 21 in Edinburgh, a dinner was held in their honor and this menu cover is signed by the following US Team members: Robert A. Gardner, William C. Fownes, Jr., Jesse Guilford, George Von Elm, Roland MacKenzie and Watts Gunn. On the left side of this great piece are lords and other dignitaries, among them famed writer O. B. Keeler. Gardner won the US Amateur twice (1909 & 1915); Fownes the 1910 US Amateur; Guilford the 1921 Amateur, and Von Elm the 1926 Amateur. A spectacular item with many rare early signatures. All autographs are rendered in bold pencil. The menu itself remains in splendid undamaged condition, ideal for display. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Ralph Guldahl Signed Photograph. Ralph Guldahl was the hottest player in golf in the late 1930's, capturing the US Open in 1937 and 1938 and The Masters in 1939. His autographs are not common and this is an especially desirable signed photo on which Guldahl additionally has noted his major championships. All ink is 9/10 and the 8 x 10 photo has a touch of wear at its extremities but will still present as NRMT when framed. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Walter Hagen Signed Letter. This is a truly outstanding museum quality item written on Royal Liverpool stationery with a full fountain pen signature of The Haig. The spectacular content belies the bravado of the new Champion. He writes, "On behalf of Mrs. Hagen and myself I thank British golfers for the great and cordial reception and many kindnesses we have received while with you to play in the Open Championship. I did not come to win it but to try for it and to enjoy the sportsmanship and friendship which has always been extended in such abundance. With my fellow countryment I look to the Little Island as the home of golf and it is always a joy to play amongst you. I shall try to come next year and defend the title I am so proud to win. Sincerely yours, [signed] Walter Hagen." A true museum piece! Single page (4.25 x 7) of letterhead exhibits original mailing folds and light toning, neither any distraction. The closing signature is 9+/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Walter Hagen Signed Photograph. Walter Hagen, "The Haig" as he was known, is still today in third place with 11 major championships won, though he never won the Masters. His showmanship, guile and moxie are all legendary, showing up in a rumpled tuxedo on the first tee, etc. This is a wonderful 8 X 10 photo beautifully and boldly inscribed, signed and dated. Fine personalized inscription and autograph rate a bold fountain pen 9+/10, and photo itself is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1948 Claude Harmon Signed Photograph. Claude Harmon won the 1948 Masters and is the rarest of all deceased Masters Champions autographs. His career was most successful after his competitive days as the host pro and renowned teacher at Winged Foot. His autographs are scarce--an 8 X 10 virtually unheard of. His red ink signature is as bold as the day it was applied, and the photo itself finds wear only at the outermost extremities of the borders, leaving the image to present as NRMT when framed. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Alexander (Sandy) Herd Signed Photograph. Alexander (Sandy) Herd had the misfortune of competing against The Great Triumvirate but broke through in 1902 with a win in the Open Championship at Hoylake. This is a beautiful studio portrait photo, signed boldly as Alex Herd and dated Aug 25, 1936. While personalization is a little light in spots, the autograph itself rates an unimprovable 10/10. The fine sepia studio photograph is likewise NRMT, and measures 6 x 8 in size. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1920 Harold H. Hilton Signed Photograph. Harold Hilton had an extremely distinguished career, winning the British Amateur title four times from 1900 to 1913. In that span he also won a US Amateur, in 1911 at Apawamis. If that wasn't enough, he also won two Open Championships as an amateur--in 1892 at Muirfield and in 1897 at Hoylake. This is an original Sport & General Press Agency photo on original studio mount, signed boldly by the seven time major Champ. Very rare. Image size is 6 x 8, with mount expanding the final dimensions to 8 x 10.5. The signature rates an impressive 8/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Ben Hogan Signed Photograph. Ben Hogan's record of nine major championship wins tells only a part of his story. Stardom came very slowly to this Texas caddie boy and his dominating play was nearly ended for good with a terrible auto accident. But he resurrected his body to win again, and in 1953, played only six tournaments, winning five, including the Masters, US and British Opens. This is quite possibly the finest 8 X 10 signed Hogan item ever offered--an original unpublished photo by PGA photographer Jimmie Dodd, so stamped on the reverse, signed with a perfect 10/10 signature. Photo is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Horace Hutchinson Handwritten Signed Letter to JH Taylor. Horace Hutchinson was one of Britain's early stars, winning the British Amateur in its second and third years, 1886 and 1887. He became an esteemed author and wrote this touching letter to JH Taylor while confined to his bedroom. On his own letterhead, Hutchinson begins, "My dear Taylor, I must write you a line of the heartiest congratulations" and continues to compliment him on his play in the 1924 Open Championship at age 53. Hutchinson begs forgiveness for writing in pencil before signing off, "Always yours old friend, Horace S. Hutchinson." Letter is written on both sides of a single page, with all pencil as strong as the day of application. Letter is folded into quarters for mailing with no other flaws. Original mailing envelope is included, though stamp has been clipped off by an earlier philatelist.
1947 Robert T. "Bobby" Jones Signed Letter. This is as fine a Bobby Jones letter as one could imagine. His "wordsmith" skills are readily apparent as he informs the recipient he won't be hired at The Augusta National Golf Club. The content further is indicative of the South's societal situation of the day, mentioning the "colored steward" at The Augusta National. The mention of Clifford Roberts, his partner in founding The Masters Golf Tournament, adds to the luster of this piece. The letter is typed on the full size stationery of his law firm and is enhanced by the bold and flowing fountain pen full signature (10/10). Jones' personal letterhead exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. Original mailing envelope included. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Robert T. "Bobby" Jones Signed Photograph. After Francis Ouimet's dramatic win in the 1913 US Open, America was ready for an American golf hero and in Bobby Jones, they found one. Winner of an astonishing thirteen majors in eight years (1923-1930), Jones retired at age twenty-eight after completing the then unheard of achievement of winning all four majors in one year. This item is quite simply as fine a Bobby Jones item as has ever been offered for public sale--an original 8 X 10 photo printed on firm stock signed in bold and flowing penmanship with perfect contrast and uninscribed. Any minimal wear is confined entirely to the wise borders of this special relic, providing a genuine NRMT appearance upon display. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1900 Johnny Laidlay Signed Photograph. Johnny Laidlay was one of the UK's early stars, winning the British Amateur twice, both times at The Old Course in 1889 and 1891. It is generally recognized that Laidley was the first fine player to use the overlapping grip, popularized and now known as "the Vardon grip." This item is an outstanding original photo on studio mount, showing Laidley following through. Signed boldly in the lower right corner as "J. E. Laidlay." Image size is 4.5 x 6.5, with mount extending the final dimensions to 7.5 x 8.5. Black fountain pen autograph rates a splendid 9+/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1888 Johnny Laidley Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a handwritten letter from Johnny Laidley dated November 26, 1888. It is penned on front and verso of his personal embossed letterhead and details the receipt of his runner-up medal earned in the 1888 Amateur Championship at Prestwick. This was only the fourth year in which it was played. All writing and closing signature is applied with perfect black fountain pen. Page (4.5 x 7) exhibits original mailing folds but no other condition issues. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Lawson Little Signed Photograph. Lawson Little is the only man to ever win the US Amateur and British Amateur twice each. And he accomplished this in 1934 and 1935, winning each amateur championship each year. After turning pro in the late 1930's, he won the US Open at Canterbury in 1940. This is a gorgeous 8 X 10 original photo signed and inscribed impeccably. A 10/10. Photo is likewise free of flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 C.B. MacDonald Handwritten Signed Letter. Charles Blair (C. B.) MacDonald won the first ever USGA Amateur in 1895 and went on to a distinguished career as an architect of several early courses, his most famous being National Golf Links on Long Island. He also famously authored a well-known golf book "Scotland's Gift." His autographs are rare, let alone his handwritten initialed note on National Golf Links stationery. All fountain pen ink survives at a strength of 9/10, and the page exhibits original mailing fold and a small hole at upper left, well clear of the writing, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Willie Macfarlane Signed Photograph. Willie Macfarlane burst onto the US golf scene as the winner of the 1925 US Open at Worcester CC in a playoff with Bobby Jones. His signatures are scarce, signed photos very scarce. This is an original press wire photo with minor surface retouching that is signed. Signature and inscription factor to a grade of 6/10, and image appears to have no flaws of note beyond aforementioned editorial touches. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1894 A.F. MacFie Signed Scorecard. The first British Amateur Championship was held in 1885 at Hoylake and won by A. F. MacFie. Nine years later, young Freddie Tait, who himself would win the Amateur twice (in 1896 and 1898) played a challenge match at The Old Course against Old Tom Morris and shot a then course record 72. In Tait's own hand, he wrote down his scores on this sheet and had it attested by none other than A. F. MacFie. This is the only known signature of the first British Amateur Champion. His pencil autograph rates a 7/10, though we must stress the scarcity disallows any quibbling over condition. Page measures 3.5 x 4.5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 Arnaud Massy Signed Photograph. Frenchman Arnaud Massy competed in a total of 21 British Open Championships and despite the competition of The Great Triumvirate, he broke through to win the 1907 Open at Hoylake. He is still today the only Frenchman to win one of golf's major championships. This item is an a very fine rare original photo that Massy has signed on the reverse with his club affiliation. Ink and notation are rendered in 10/10 black ink. Photo measures 2.75 x 4 with scrapbook corners still affixed, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 Robert Maxwell Signed Photograph. Robert Maxwell was one of the finest amateurs of his day, winning the British Amateur title twice-in 1903 and 1909, both at Muirfield. This is a very handsome studio photo signed by Maxwell and quite possibly the only one to exist. His "Yours Very Truly, Robert Maxwell" fountain pen inscription rates an impressive 9/10, and the image itself also remains in splendid condition. Some wear to the mount is likely the result of an earlier framing and does nothing to detract from the central focus. Image is sized 6 x 8, with mount extending the final dimensions to 8 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1918 Johnny McDermott Signed Photograph. In 1911, Johnny McDermott became the first American-born player to win the National Golf Championship and still today McDermott is the youngest US Open Champion of all time at age 19. All previous US Open winners (1895-1910) had been born in the UK. In 1912, McDermott won again, but shortly after being rescued from a ship accident in 1914, McDermott blacked out at his host club Atlantic City and he spent the balance of his life in mental hospitals. This is an extremely rare and significant piece. This is his "official" US Open 8 X 10 portrait photo sitting with his trophy. His bold signature, inscription and date (1918) are in the lower right corner where unfortunately the contrast is weak, though technically 9+/10 in strength. This is, however, the only known 8 X 10 signed photo of Johnny McDermott to exist, and photo itself is NRMT+. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1898 "Old Tom" Morris Signed Check. Old Tom Morris was golf's first impresario. He was the foremost player of his day winning four British Open Championships 1861-1867. He was also among the finest ball and clubmakers; and he was also a prolific and fine architect. His early career was at Prestwick, but in 1864 he moved on to St. Andrews where he would spend the rest of his life, passing away in 1908. This exact item, a cheque for 800 pounds, gave him outright title to the building and shop on Links Road in St. Andrews that bears his name to this day. In an award-winning book on Old Tom published in 2008, this cheque is pictured with the history relating to its significance. Signed boldly, a wonderful example. Check exhibits two vertical storage folds which do little to distract the eye, otherwise no flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990 Jack Nicklaus Signed US Open Scorecards Lot of 4. No one in golf history has won the US Open Golf Championship more than Jack Nicklaus. In 1990, the Open was held at Medinah #3 in Chicago and this lot is for all four actual scorecards of Jack Nicklaus from the 1990 US Open. Each one signed boldly by The Golden Bear and his various pairing partners, with scores filled in by Nicklaus' pairing partners. Each shows the appropriate wear for their official duties but displays nothing which could be considered damage. A fine lot for the dealer and collector alike. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Francis Ouimet Signed Photograph. Twenty year old Francis Ouimet, a local caddie, stunned the golf world with an upset victory in the 1913 US Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. His shocking win came in a playoff against British stars Ted Ray and Harry Vardon. Ouimet won the US Amateur the next year and again in 1931 and became the first American to become Captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. This item is a rare 8 X 10 color photo inscribed to his longtime friend, host golf pro at Siwanoy Tom Kerrigan. Red ink survives at a bold 9+/10, and photo is a little rough along right border but image area remains free of any distractions, a genuine NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920 Willie Park Signed Book Page. Willie Park, Jr. came from a distinguished lineage of a golfing family from Musselburgh, Scotland. Both his father and uncle had been Open Champions and Willie Jr. captured the title twice-in 1887 at Prestwick and on his own home course of Musselburgh Links in 1889. He is regarded as the first golf professional to write a golf book, The Game of Golf, in 1896, and The Art of Putting in 1921 is a staple among golf collectors. He was also a prolific architect with some 170 courses to his credit. This bold autograph is from the title page (removed) to his classic The Art of Putting. All ink is 9+/10 and the page itself will likewise present as NRMT with a simple framing job. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1912 Ted Ray Signed Photograph. Ted Ray was a mountain of a man with a wild swing, but nevertheless a very fine player. His first major championship victory came at The Open in 1912 at Muirfield, whereupon the great Harry Vardon asked Ray to accompany him to America for a series of exhibitions in 1913. The English pair happened to tie for the US Open title in 1913 but Francis Ouimet scored a stunning upset win over them. During his second US tour in 1920, Ray won the US Open this time at Inverness. This is a magnificent studio portrait photo, signed and dated 1912. Stellar piece presents as if it were brand new, with only the slightest mellowing of the black fountain pen signature and inscription to a conservative 9/10. Image measures 3.75 x 5.25 with mount extending the final dimensions to just over 8 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1933 Densmore "Denny" Shute Signed Photograph. Denny Shute burst on to the world golf stage with a wonderful win at the Open Championship at St. Andrews in 1933. His outstanding play would continue in the US, winning the PGA back to back--in 1936 at Pinehurst and in 1937 at the Pittsburgh Field Club. This item is very fine original 8 X 10 studio photo by E Reeb of Westward Ho, England, signed beautifully by Shute and dated in the year of his Open triumph 1933. Black fountain pen ink is an indisputable 10/10, and the photo is likewise NRMT, 7.5 x 9.5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Horton Smith Signed Photograph. Horton Smith will always be remembered as the winner of the very first Masters Tournament in 1934. He was a very strong player, competing on the US Ryder Cup teams of 1929-1931-1933-1935 and 1937 and also winning the Masters again in 1936. He was the longtime host pro at Detroit Golf Club and President of the PGA of America from 1952 to 1954. This is an outstanding 8 X 10 studio photo of Peter Fish that Smith has signed impeccably. Photo itself has vertical bend in the sky above Horton and some corner wear, but nothing that infringes upon the central focus. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1908 Alex Smith Signed Book Photograph. Alex Smith was one of five golfing brothers from Carnoustie, Scotland. His brother Willie won the US Open in 1899 and Alex won it twice-in 1906 at Onwentsia in Chicago and again in 1910 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. This is an extremely rare US Open Champion autograph. It is written on the title page (removed) of his book "Lessons in Golf" and dated 1908. All black fountain pen ink retains a boldness of at least 9/10 and the page will appear as NRMT with a simple framing job. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1865 Andrew Strath Handwritten Signed Wage Receipt. Andrew Strath became the "Keeper of the Greens" at Prestwick in 1865, following Old Tom Morris' resignation and move to St. Andrews, and promptly won the Open Championship at his new home course. He was a brilliant player in golf's infancy with four other top four finishes in the Open. Sadly he died of tuberculosis in 1868, making this signed and dated receipt for wages the rarest of the rare in major golf championship memorabilia. Remarkably, his unmarked grave was recently discovered and now a commemorative plaque identifies the forgotten Champion. Quite possibly the only Strath signature in existence. All fountain pen ink, including the closing signature, rates a splendid 9+/10. Page measures 5 x 8 and exhibits light toning and original storage folds, none of which causes any distraction. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Jess Sweetser Signed Photograph. Jess Sweetser was a stalwart of early American amateur golf, first capturing the NCAA individual title while at Yale University. He won the USGA Amateur in 1922 at The Country Club beating Bobby Jones and Chick Evans along the way and in 1926, he became the first American born player to win the British Amateur Championship at Muirfield. He represented the US on six Walker Cup teams and was twice Captain. This is a very handsome original signed photo. Unpersonalized inscription and signature rate 5/10 in black fountain pen ink, while photo and mount (6 x 7.5 and 8.5 x 11 respectively) are NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1923 John Henry Taylor Handwritten Signed Letter. The letterheads of the fine British players of the early 20th century are something to behold and J. H. Taylor's might be the most impressive. On this full size piece of his personal stationery that features his five Open Championship medals, he replies to Rowan & Company regarding a personal appearance and his fee structure. Signed with perfect signature, all in fountain pen dated December 24, 1923. Page exhibits original mailing folds but no other issues. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 John Henry Taylor Signed Photograph. John Henry (J.H.) Taylor, along with James Braid and Harry Vardon, formed golf's "Great Triumvirate" at the turn of the 20th century, so named for the trio's domination of the Open Championship. Taylor won it five times from 1894-1913 and he was a prolific writer and active in British PGA affairs his entire life. This is a quite spectacular original studio photo by Elliott & Fry signed perfectly "Faithfully yours, J H Taylor." The black fountain pen ink has mellowed only slightly, to a conservative strength of 8/10. The cabinet photo measures 4 x 6.5 and is displayed in a modern mat which extends the final dimensions to 8.5 x 10.5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Jerry Travers Handwritten Signed Letter. Jerry Travers was America's most celebrated amateur golfer from the inception of the USGA Amateur in 1895 until 1913. Travers won it four times from 1907 to 1913 and to add further luster to his career, he became the second amateur to win the US Open in 1915. During the Great Depression he would fall upon hard times and this unique 1939 handwritten letter is symbolic of his plight. A rare autograph in this format. Bold 9+/10 black fountain pen ink is applied to a single page (6 x 9) which exhibits original mailing folds and an insignificant tear at upper border but no troubling flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1911 Walter Travis Signed Letter. This is a short letter dated January 23, 1911 from Walter Travis to the St. Andrews Golf Club requesting one of the "club-books." Travis was the founder and principal editor of The American Golfer magazine, the finest golf publication of its day. Travis has signed this in his customary "W J Travis" flowing fountain pen signature (9+/10). A fabulous association piece from almost one hundred years ago. Page exhibits original mailing folds, insignificant paper loss at right edge and minimal foxing at left, none infringing upon the text at center. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1909 Walter Travis Signed Photograph. Born in Australia in 1862, Walter Travis didn't pick up the game of golf until the 1890's but he learned quickly. His remarkable career included USGA Amateur titles in 1900, 1901 and 1903 and the British Amateur Championship in 1904. In 1908 he founded The American Golfer magazine, the most highly regarded golf publication of its time. His further accomplishments included golf course design, club design and author. This is a magnificent original photo signed and inscribed beautifully. Black fountain pen ink rates a solid 8/10, while the image presents as NRMT. Image area is 6.25 x 9, with mount extending the final dimensions to 8.5 x 11.5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1909 Harry Vardon Handwritten Letter. This is a rare piece of Harry Vardon memorabilia as it's written when he only had won four of his six Open Championships. Those four medals and his 1900 US Open medal are displayed beautifully on this gorgeous letterhead. The memo dates to August 27, 1909, and confirms an upcoming visit. Written in the prime of Vardon's career and all in fountain pen and signed brilliantly, "Yrs truly Harry Vardon." All ink is 10/10 in strength and the 7 x 8 page presents original mailing folds but no other flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1935 Harry Vardon Signed Photograph. The name Harry Vardon evokes respect as one of golf's all-time finest players. He was the stylish Englishman who still today holds the record for most British Open Championships won with six. His victories came between 1896 and 1914 and during this period he popularized the overlapping grip that bears his name. He made three promotional/exhibition trips to the USA-the first in 1900 when he also happened to win the US Open. In his two subsequent trips in 1913 and 1920, he finished runner-up in the US Open. In this original photo Vardon exudes the quiet confidence of a Champion, signed and dated boldly just two years before his death. Autograph is spectacularly bold, a bona fide 10/10. Photo itself exhibits wear at the edges which leaves central focus unharmed, 6 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Cyril Walker Signed Photograph. In the first US Open played at Oakland Hills in 1924, a slight Englishman named Cyril Walker beat Bobby Jones by three shots to capture the title. His was a surprise victory and his autograph is very rare. This item is an original Scott Chisholm studio photo taken at the Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles. Walker has signed and inscribed this nicely but there is slight water damage to his handwriting and Walker's given name but not his surname. A bit of toning at the borders must be noted as well, but otherwise the 5 x 7 relic exhibits quite nicely. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Jack White Signed Photograph. In a six-year span from 1899-1904, Jack White had five top six finishes in the Open Championship including a win at Royal St. George's in 1904. His professional life became secure as the longtime host professional at prestigious Sunningdale outside London. This is nevertheless a very rare and attractive signed photo. The unpersonalized inscription competes against the dark background somewhat but rates a technical 9/10. Image area is 4 x 6 with the mount extending final dimensions to 7 x 10. NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Craig Wood Signed Photograph. Craig Wood was one of golf's most stylish players in the 1930's and 40's and his fine play brought him two major championships in the same year-1941. He captured the Masters in April and won the US Open at Colonial in June. Along the way he was also runner-up in all four majors and the host pro at prestigious Winged Foot in New York. This is as fine an 8 X 10 signed photo of Wood to ever appear on the market, inscribed to the photographer himself, Jimmy Dodd. Blue fountain pen ink is 9/10, and photo itself presents as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1998 Tiger Woods Signed Photograph. The legend of Tiger Woods began with three consecutive victories in the US Amateur Championship--a feat never before accomplished. He turned pro in late 1996 and blew the field away in the 1997 Masters winning by 12 shots. This is an original IMG issue 8 X 10 souvenir photo from 1998 that the young star has signed and inscribed perfectly. NRMT. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Jimmy Adams & Percy Alliss Signed Photograph. This is a very attractive original 8 X 10 of Percy Alliss and Jimmy Adams. Percy Alliss, father to Peter, was a four-time Ryder Cupper 1929-1937. Jimmy Adams played on four Ryder Cup Teams 1947-1953. A handsome photo signed by both in 8/10 black fountain pen ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Skip Alexander & Dave Douglas Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Presented is a pair of signed 8 X 10 original photos. Skip Alexander, a member of the 1949 and 1951 US Ryder Cup teams, personalizes his in 10/10 black ink. Dave Douglas, who represented the US on the 1953 US Ryder Cup team, simply signs with equivalent boldness. Any wear is confined to thin borders, otherwise photos present as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 George Archer & 1967 Jerry Barber Handwritten Signed Letters Lot of 2. This lot provides handwritten letters of two major champions--George Archer, who was the 1969 Masters Champion and Jerry Barber, the 1961 PGA Champion. Each is penned in 10/10 ink on one side of a single page. The latter has punch holes at left edge, but each is otherwise NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Tommy Armour Signed Photograph. Winner US Open at Oakmont 1927, PGA in 1930 at Fresh Meadow and British Open at Carnoustie in 1931. Nicknamed "The Silver Scot". Renowned instructor. Personalized blue ink inscription rates a 9/10. Photo is 8 x 10, with all wear confined to border areas leaving image area NRMT in appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1902 Laurie Auchterlonie Cabinet Photograph. Very scarce original image. Fairweather was one of St. Andrews's renowned photographers at the turn of the century. Winner US Open 1902 at Garden City. Original studio photo by J. Fairweather of St. Andrews measures 4.25 x 6.5, NRMT.
1888 Leslie Balfour Handwritten Signed Letter. Leslie M. Balfour is one of England's most famous sportsmen. He gained notoriety as a cricketer and he also captured the British Amateur Golf Championship at The Old Course of St. Andrews in 1895. This is an outstanding 1888 three-sided letter on his personal letterhead with great golf content, signed perfectly. All ink and closing signature are 10/10, and letter exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Jerry Barber & Tommy Bolt Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Presented is a pair of 8 X 10 signed photos of two major champions--Jerry Barber, the 1961 PGA Champ and 1961 Ryder Cup Captain and Tommy Bolt, the 1958 US Open Champion at Southern Hills. Each signs in 9/10 or better blue ink. Photos are EX-MT or better. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Pam Barton Signed Index Card. Pam Barton was the brightest female star in English golf in the 1930's, winning the 1934 French Ladies Championship and in 1936 winning both the British Ladies and USGA Amateur title. She won the British title again in 1939 and was a member of the Curtis Cup teams of 1934 and 1936. As a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in World War II, she was tragically killed at age 26. Her autograph is extremely rare and this fountain pen signature is dated the very day she won the USGA Amateur at Canoe Brook CC. Ink and card itself are NRMT. Included is a NRMT news photo of the young links star, 7 x 9. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's John Beck Signed Cut Signature & Unsigned Photograph. John Beck was a leader in English amateur golf as a member of the 1928 GB & I Walker Cup team and as Captain in 1938 and 1947. Presented is a clipped pencil autograph (10/10) on a 1.5 x 2.5 paper fragment and an unsigned 6.5 x 8.5 wire photo, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Harry J. Bentley & More Signed Album Page. Fine quality signatures, all rating 9+/10. Five members of 1934 British Walker Cup Team at St. Andrews; Bentley, Jack McLean, Eric McRuvie, Eric Fiddian and Samuel L. McKinlay. Album page measures 4.5 x 7, no condition flaws to note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Ted Bishop Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. In the first USGA Amateur Championship post World War II, Ted Bishop won at Baltusrol. Presented is a 10/10 blue ink signature on a blank 3 x 5 index card and an 8 x 10 news photo with editing marks but otherwise presenting as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Michael Bonallack & Harry Bradshaw Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Sir Michael Bonallack is a five time winner of the British Amateur and also the longtime Secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Harry Bradshaw was an affable Irishman who played in three Ryder Cups 1953-55-57. This lot provides very nice signed photos of both men. The former measures 7 x 9, the latter 4 x 6. Ink is 9+/10, photos themselves are NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Aubrey Boomer Signed Album Page & Unsigned Photograph. Aubrey Boomer was a member of the first ever two GB & I Ryder Cup teams in 1927 and 1929. He also won five French Open Championships. Presented is a 10/10 black fountain pen signature on a 3.5 x 4 album page and an unsigned EX-MT 6 x 8 photo. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Julius Boros, Jack Burke, Jr. & Gay Brewer Signed Photographs Lot of 3. This lot offers original 8 X 10 signed photos of three major champions--Julius Boros, winner of the 1952 and 1963 US Opens and 1968 PGA; Jack Burke, Jr., the 1956 Masters and PGA Champ; and Gay Brewer, the winner of the 1967 Masters. Each 8 x 10 photo is signed in 9+/10 marker. Brewer's photo has some corner bending but the others present as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Mike Brady Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. Runner-up to Johnny McDermott in 1911 US Open and to Walter Hagen in 1919 US Open; his worst finish in the US Open from 1911-1922 was 14th place! Scarce autograph, applied to a blank 3 x 5 index card. Included is fine original Underwood & Underwood photo (6 x 7.5), trimmed of borders otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1962 John Arthur Brown Signed Letter. John Arthur Brown succeeded George Crump as Pine Valley President and this is a 1962 letter that sums up Pine Valley. Signed boldly by Brown. Staining along left edge and original mailing folds, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1973 Eric Brown & 1954 Joe Kirkwood Handwritten Signed Letters Lot of 2. Eric Brown was a Ryder Cup stalwart playing in all the matches 1953-1959 and Captaining in 1969 and 1971. Joe Kirkwood, an Australian, was a fine player, trick shot artist and in 1923 he won five tour titles. This lot is for handwritten letters of both men. Each is penned on a single page of letterhead in 9+/10 ink. The latter has punch holes at left edge, otherwise each presents as NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Walter Burkemo Signed Photograph. Walter Burkemo won the 1953 PGA Championship and was the longtime host pro at famed Oakland Hills. This is an especially appealing original 8 X 10 photo that he signed perfectly. Photo is likewise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 Richard Burton Handwritten Signed Letter. Richard Burton won the last Open Championship prior to World War II at The Old Course and his autographs are scarce. This is a very nice short note on his very colorful personal stationery with Silver King and signed in his customary "R Burton." Black ink registers at a 9+/10 strength. Page exhibits original mailing folds otherwise no troubles. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1931 Prescott Bush Signed Letter. Prescott Bush is the father of US President George Herbert Walker Bush and grandfather to President George W. Bush. In 1931 he was serving as the Secretary of the USGA and this is a short letter on USGA stationery signed in fountain pen as "P S Bush." He would become USGA President in 1935. Signature is 10/10, and page is likewise NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1900's Eben Byers Photograph. This is a rare original photo of Eben Byers, the 1906 USGA Amateur Champion at Englewood Golf Club. Size is 5 x 8, condition EX-MT. Photo has "Paul Thompson" stamping on verso.
1953 Joe Carr Signed Photograph. Joe Carr is the Hall of Famer who was a three-time British Amateur Champion and seven time Walker Cupper from Ireland. This is an original 1953 action photo of Carr that he has signed and personalized in 9/10 blue ink. Photo measures 7 x 8, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1951 Dick Chapman Signed Photograph. Dick Chapman was one of the finest amateurs ever in the US, winner of 1940 USGA Amateur at Winged Foot and 1951 British Amateur at Royal Porthcawl. He played in over a dozen Masters, US Opens and US Amateurs and this is a very attractive original Hemmers studio photo he has signed with very nice contrast. Personalized inscription rates 10/10. Photo measures 8 x 10, EX. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Charlie Coe Signed Vintage Photograph. In the 1940's and 1950's Charlie Coe was a standout US amateur player, winning the 1949 and 1958 USGA Amateur Championship. He was a five-time US Walker Cup team member and finished as low amateur at The Masters an unheard of six times. This is a fine original wirephoto from the 1950 Amateur Championship that Coe has signed in 10/10 blue sharpie. Photo measures 6.5 x 7.5, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Glenna Collett Signed Magazine Photograph. Glenna Collett is the all-time record holder of USGA Amateur titles with six. She is the only male or female to accomplish this amazing record spanning the years 1922-1935; She anchored all four US Curtis Cup Teams 1932-1938 and was a two-time Captain. Furthermore, she was the first woman honored at Jack Nicklaus's Memorial Tournament. Very rare autograph in this format, a signed photo. Ink is 10/10, and 8 x 10 magazine photo has minimal paper loss at lower border but image area remains NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Miscellaneous Collectibles
1906 Harry S. Colt Signed Cut Signature. Famed architect of Pine Valley, Royal Portrush, Sunningdale and Wentworth, among others. Rare signature is dated to 1906, and applied in 9/10 black fountain pen ink on a clipped 1.25 x 4 paper fragment. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Golf Collectibles
Circa 1940 Archie Compston Signed Cut Signature & Unsigned Photograph. Member of first three GB & I Ryder Cup teams and especially famous for an 18 & 17 rout of the great Walter Hagen in a scheduled 72 hole match play challenge match. Autograph is rendered in 10/10 black fountain pen ink, apparently upon a trimmed upper section of Compston's letterhead (4.5 x 7), exhibiting storage folds but no other flaws. Perfect to frame with included 8 x 10 wire photo of Compston at work in 1940, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1946 "Lighthorse" Harry Cooper Signed Photograph to Bobby Jones. The leading money winner on Tour in 1937. Nicknamed "Lighthorse" for his quick pace of play, often mentioned as one of the greatest players to never win a major championship. Incredible 8 x 10 photo is autographed to iconic links legend Jones in flawless black ink. Photo itself is likewise beyond reproach. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Fred Corcoran Signed Photograph. Led the PGA Tour from 1937-1948. Legendary promoter; agent for Ted Williams, Babe Zaharias and Ty Cobb. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo. Inscription and signature rate a perfect 10/10, and 8 x 10 photo is likewise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1940 Henry Cotton Signed Photograph. Three-time Open Championship winner spanning 1934-1948; MBE; finest English golfer post The Great Triumvirate. Deckle edge 4 x 6 photo is signed in 10/10 black fountain pen ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Bill Cox Signed Photograph & Wiffy Cox Signed Index Card. Wiffy Cox led the US Tour with four wins in 1931 and played on the Ryder Cup Team at Scioto. Englishman Bill Cox played on the 1935 and 1937 GB & I Ryder Cup Teams. Wiffy's 10/10 signature appears on a slightly trimmed blank index card. A snapshot photo is included, EX with rust stains Bill's signature is 9+/10 at the top of a NRMT 4 x 7 photo. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1963 Bill Cox & Circa 1950's Arthur Lacey Signed Letters Lot of 2. Both of these players were especially prominent in the 1930's when Bill Cox made the 1935 and 1937 GB & I Ryder Cup team and Arthur Lacey the 1933 & 37 Ryder Cup teams and Captaining in 1951. This lot provides typed and signed letters from both men. Each signs in 9+/10 inkk and the letters exhibit original mailing folds and Lacey's some rumpling and minor staining, but otherwise no issues of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Bing Crosby Signed Photograph. Macdonald Smith came from Carnoustie, Scotland to the US and Crosby's inscription is a tribute to Smith. Original "Scott Chisholm" photo, dated 1936. Inscription rates a marvelous 9/10, and 8 x 10 photo exhibits minor handling wear but nothing that distracts the eye. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1967 Bing Crosby Signed Letter. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope played countless golf exhibitions around the US and the world raising countless charitable dollars, especially for the Allied World War II effort. Both are in the World Golf Hall of Fame and this is a very fine letter on Bing Crosby's personal "Hollywood" stationery written to esteemed writer Pat Ward-Thomas. The letter has exceptional golf content and is signed "Most cordially yours, Bing Crosby" and a fountain pen "Bing." Signature is 10/10, and page is likewise NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Bobby Cruickshank Signed Photograph. Only signed photo we've ever encountered. Fine player from the 1920's. Tied Bobby Jones for 1923 US Open title and lost in playoff. Black fountain pen ink is a legitimate 10/10. Photo measures 6 x 10 and exhibits some paper loss and toning at wide left border, easily hidden by a simple matting job. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950 Bobby Cruickshank Handwritten Signed Letter This is a fine handwritten letter from one of the Tour's finest players of the 1920's and 1930's Bobby Cruickshank. Dated November 13, 1950 from famed Gulf Stream in Delray Beach, FL Bobby tells a friend a certain job has been filled. Written entirely in 9+/10 fountain pen and signed perfectly. Letter exhibits original mailing folds and insignificant toning, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Harriot Curtis Signed Index Card. Harriot Curtis was the winner of the 1906 USGA Women's Championship at Brae Burn CC near Boston. Her sister Margaret would become a three-time USGA Champion in the coming years and the Curtis family donated the Championship Trophy for the Curtis Cup Ladies matches which began in 1932. A rare pristine fountain pen autograph on a blank 3 x 5 index card. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Margaret Curtis Signed Index Card. Margaret Curtis, sister to Harriot, won her three USGA titles in 1907, 1911 and 1912. Her family's love of golf were the inspiration for the Curtis Cup Matches starting in 1932. A rare pristine fountain pen autograph. Blank 3 x 5 index card is likewise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1947 Fred Daly Signed Photograph. Only Irishman to ever win The Open Championship until Padraig Harrington in 2007. First Irishman to win Open Championship at Hoylake in 1947. Blue fountain pen ink provides "To William With Best Wishes, Fred Daly" inscription with conservative 8/10 strength (due to a few ink skips). Deckle edge photo is NRMT and measures 4 x 6. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1959 Findlay Douglas Signed Letter. In this February 18, 1959 letter to collector Bill Johnson, 1898 USGA Amateur Champion Findlay Douglas complies with his request. Signed with a perfect full fountain pen signature. Typed on personal letterhead, which rates NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Ed Dudley Signed Photograph. Also President of the PGA from 1942-1948. Member of three early US Ryder Cup teams and Bobby Jones's choice to be the host pro at Augusta National Golf Club when it opened in 1934. Original "Gayle's" studio photo. Personalized black ink inscription is a bold 9+/10. Photo measures 8 x 10, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1923 George Duncan Handwritten Signed Letter. On his Hanger Hill Golf Club stationery, 1920 Open Champion George Duncan writes Rowan & Company a confirmation of his upcoming visit and the prices for clubs he is bringing along. The letter mentions James Braid and Duncan signs off in his rather typical scrawl "Yours faithfully, Geo Duncan." Fine content letter is penned at a boldness of 9/10, and page exhibits original mailing folds and very minor toning, but no real problems. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 George Dunlap Signed Photograph. Rare signed photo. USGA Amateur Champion in 1933 at Kenwood CC in Cincinnati. Original 1934 wire photo. Unpersonalized autograph rates 8+/10, and 7 x 9 photo exhibits inconsequential border wear at upper left but is otherwise free of problems. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1971 Olin Dutra Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a simple letter to one of America's greatest autograph collectors John Smith. The two-time major Champion Olin Dutra helps out with a few addresses for Mr. Smith. Letter is written in 10/10 blue ink on Dutra's San Luis Bay Club stationery and dated July 30, 1971. Dutra ends the note with a fine full signature. Original mailing folds and punch holes at left edge, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1933 Syd Easterbrook Handwritten Signed Letter. Syd Easterbrook was a stalwart English golfer who played on the GB & I Ryder Cup teams of 1931 and 1933. This is a very attractive and nicely written fountain pen letter from 1933 to a fan. Signed beautifully. All ink 10/10, and single page is NRMT besides original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 Edward, Prince of Wales Signed Letter to Henry Cotton. This very fine letter is rare correspondence from Edward, Prince of Wales to his golfing friend Sir Henry Cotton. Dated September 10, 1954 and written on the Prince's own personal letterhead, the letter has delightful golf content and a strong bold fountain pen signature of the Prince. Single page of Edward's personal letterhead exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1930 Al Espinosa Signed Photograph. Member of first three US Ryder Cup teams 1927-1929-1931; only known signed photo. "F. H. Anderson" original studio photo. Personalized inscription is a technical 7/10 due to imperfect ink adhesion. Photo measures 6 x 9.5, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1931 Chick Evans Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a handwritten letter from Chick Evans on the hotel stationery of "The Columbus" in Miami, Florida and also the original envelope. The letter is written in pencil and shows a side to Evans that is very unique. He signs off, "Devotedly, Chick." NRMT, with original mailing folds. Also here is original mailing envelope, addressed to "Mrs. Charles Evans," creating a second autograph of sorts. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 Johnny Farrell Handwritten Signed Letter to Jerry Travers. America was in the middle of The Great Depression in 1932 and five-time major Champion Jerry Travers had fallen on hard times. The content of this incredible letter from 1928 US Open Champion Johnny Farrell details an upcoming exhibition match and how the proceeds will be distributed. Written on Farrell's personal letterhead as the pro at Quaker Ridge and dated May 31, 1932, this is an outstanding piece of golf history. Signed beautifully by Farrell. All ink and two-page (separate sheets) letter are NRMT, original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Late 1920's Johnny Farrell Signed Photograph. Led the Tour in wins in 1927 with seven. 1928 US Open winner in playoff over Bobby Jones at Olympia Fields; longtime host pro at Baltusrol. Original studio stamp "George S. Pietzcker" photo. The most fanous golf photographer of the 20th century! Black fountain pen personalized inscription is a flawless 10/10. Photo measures 5 x 7 and exhibits some toning where it had once been matted, otherwise NRMT.
1951 Max Faulkner Signed Book Photograph. At the only venue outside England or Scotland at which the Open Championship was ever played, Max Faulkner was the winner at Royal Portrush in 1951. This is a small book photo that Faulkner has signed and dated in the year of great Open win. Signature is applied in 10/10 black felt tip ink. Page could easily be framed to a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1959 Jim Ferrier Handwritten Signed Letter. This is an extremely interesting letter written by 1947 PGA Champion Jim Ferrier to his Wilson Sporting Goods representative, a fellow named "Plug" Osborne. The letter is dated May 12, 1959 and is comprised of two separate sheets and has exceptional period content. Signed with a perfect full signature. Both pages exhibit original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Jim Ferrier Signed Photograph. Jim Ferrier was a native Australian who won the US PGA Championship in 1947 at Plum Hollow in Detroit. This is an original 8 X 10 photo signed and inscribed to his Wilson Sporting Goods representative Plug Osborne. All ink is a flawless 10/10, and the photo itself likewise presents marvelously. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1933 John W. Fischer Signed Card & Unsigned Photograph. Johnny Fischer was the 1936 USGA Amateur Champion and three-time Walker Cupper 1934-36-38. Perfect blue ink signature is applied to a piece of paper about the size and shape of a business card, slightly wrinkled but still presenting well. Unsigned photo measures 5.5 x 7, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Ed Furgol Signed Photograph. Courageous Ed Furgol, playing golf with a withered left arm, overcame his handicap to win the 1954 US Open at Baltusrol. This is a beautiful original studio photo signed in 9/10 blue ink. Photo measures 8 x 10, stamped by "Jimmie Dodd," NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's George Gadd Signed Cut Signature & Unsigned Photograph. George Gadd was picked for first ever GB & I Ryder Cup team in 1927 but didn't get a chance to play. This is an original photo of Gadd and a pencil autograph. The former measures 6 x 8 with mild wear to borders, otherwise NRMT. Signature rates 10/10 on a tiny (.75 x 1.25) clipped paper fragment. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1910's Jean Gassiat Signed Cut Signature. Jean Gassiat was the 1912 French Open Champion but became more famous when he designed an unusual putter bearing his name. Presented is an attractive cut signature (1 x 3.5) rendered in the boldest of black fountain pen ink. A clipping from a modern magazine accompanies. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Vic Ghezzi Handwritten Letter to Tom Kerrigan. This is an outstanding handwritten letter from 1941 PGA Champion Vic Ghezzi to his longtime friend and host pro at Siwanoy Tom Kerrigan. The letter is written on stationery from The Whitman Hotel on Long Island and it's really a touching tribute to his old buddy signed as "Sincerely, your friend. Vic Ghezzi." Letter is penned in 10/10 ink on two separate pages of letterhead, exhibiting original mailing folds but no other flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1941 Vic Ghezzi Signed Photograph. Another very rare signed photo. 1941 PGA Champion. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo, personalized to the photographer in 9/10 blue ink. Photo is 8 x 10 and presents as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1929 John Golden Signed Album Page. Pristine fountain pen autograph on full album page. Member of first two US Ryder Cup Teams and rarest autograph of all US Ryder Cup players. Page measures 4.5 x 6 with toning at edges, but autograph is unaffected. Two signatures on verso likewise cause no distraction. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Johnny Goodman Signed Index Card. 1933 US Open Champion at North Shore CC as an amateur. Last man to win an Open as an amateur; famous also for upsetting defending champion Bobby Jones in 1929 US Amateur at Pebble Beach. Flawless black fountain pen autograph is applied to blank 3 x 5 index card. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1959 Johnny Goodman Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a short letter from 1933 US Open winner Johnny Goodman dated October 1, 1959. The very scarce autograph letter with a perfect full signature is applied to an unlined blank page, exhibiting original mailing folds and very minor spotting at uppermost edge, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Frances Griscom Signed Index Card. At Shinnecock Hills at the dawn of the 20th century, Frances Griscom won the 1900 USGA Ladies Championship. There were 62 total entries and Miss Griscom beat Margaret Curtis in the finals. Quite possibly this is her only known signature and this lot also includes an unpublished original photo. Black ink signature is notated with "USGA Champion 1900" below, all ink rating 10/10. Blank index card has paper clip impression at upper border, otherwise NRMT. Unsigned photo measures 2.75 x 6.5, NRMT attached to scrapbook clipping. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1921 Jesse Guilford Signed Cut Signature. Rare autograph. 1921 USGA Amateur Champion and member of first ever US Walker Cup team in 1922. Pencil signature (10/10) is applied to a clipped piece of paper approximately the size of a business card. Also here is a photo stamped on verso from noted photographer Paul Thompson of Guilford at work in 1921. Photo is 5 x 7, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1943 Ralph Guldahl Handwritten Signed Letter. Authentic signatures of 1939 Masters Champion are rare, let alone in letter format. This is a nice note written to an autograph collector's mother. Guldahl writes this on March 22, 1943, all in fountain pen and signs off with a perfect autograph. Single unlined page exhibits original mailing folds, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Watts Gunn Signed Photograph. Runner up to Bobby Jones in 1925 US Amateur. Member of 1926 and 1928 US Walker Cup Teams; longtime close friend to Jones. Only known signed photo. Personalized inscription and signature applied in 9+/10 blue ink. Photo measures 5 x 7 and could be matted to a NRMT appearance by obscuring tack holes at the edges of the borders. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Bob Hamilton Signed Photograph. The PGA Championship was played during World War II and in 1944 Bob Hamilton was the winner. He also was a member of the 1949 US Ryder Cup team. This is an original 8 X 10 photo signed perfectly by Hamilton, personalized to noted photographer Jimmy Dodd. NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Chick Harbert Signed Photograph. Melvin "Chick" Harbert was the 1954 PGA Champion and two-time member of the US Ryder Cup team in 1949 and 1955 and its Captain in 1955. This is a very attractive original 8 X 10 color photo that he has personalized and signed in 10/10 black ink. Photo exhibits border wear but image area is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Chandler Harper Signed Photograph. Chandler Harper was the surprise winner of the 1950 PGA Championship at Scioto Country Club and this is a very fine original 8 X 10 signed by Harper. Black felt tip personalized inscription competes for contrast but is a technical 9+/10. Photo exhibits border wear otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1944 Dutch Harrison & 1942 Bud Ward Handwritten Signed Letters Lot of 2. Dutch Harrison was a three-time US Ryder Cupper and Bud Ward the 1939 and 1941 USGA Amateur Champion. This lot is for both extremely rare wartime letters, signed "Dutch" and "Cpl Bud Ward." Each is penned on a single page of military letterhead in 10/10 ink. Each has punch holes at left edge and original mailing folds, with staple holes in the former and minor scrapbook remnants on verso of the latter. None of these issues causes any concern. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1950 Dutch Harrison Signed Photograph. Exceptional vintage signed 8 X 10. Member of 1947-1949-1951 US Ryder Cup teams. Original "John G. Hemmer Pinehurst - N.C." photo. Unpersonalized inscription and autograph are 10/10. Photo is likewise free of flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1923 Arthur Havers Handwritten Signed Letter. In the year of his Open Championship victory, Arthur Havers penned this delightful letter of recommendation for a fellow professional. Dated March 2, 1923, the text eloquently endorses the young man on Havers' own personal letterhead, and he signs off with a beautiful full fountain pen signature. All ink is 10/10 and page exhibits original mailing folds otherwise EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1930 Arthur Havers Signed Photograph. A member of first ever GB & I Ryder Cup team in 1927 and also in 1931 and 1933. 1923 Open Champion at Troon. Fine portrait photo features a 9/10 fountain pen signature. Photo is just over 3 x 5 in size, with an insignificant upper left corner bend, otherwise NRMT. Very rare signed photo. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Clayton Heafner & Bob Hamilton Signed Photograph. This is a very fine original 8 X 10 photo signed by both Clayton Heafner and Bob Hamilton. Heafner was a 1949 and 1951 Ryder Cupper; Hamilton the 1944 PGA Champ and 1949 US Ryder Cup player. Each signs in 9+/10 blue ink. Photo presents as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's-90's Jay & Lionel Hebert Handwritten Signed Letters Lot of 2. Jay and Lionel Hebert are the only brothers to ever win majors. Both Heberts won a PGA Championship--Lionel in 1957 at Miami Valley CC and Jay at Firestone in 1960. This lot provides a handwritten letter from each Hebert. Each is applied to a single page of 8.5 x 11 paper in 10/10 ink. Each exhibits original mailing folds and Jay's has punch holes at left edge, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1927 Alex Herd Handwritten Signed Letter. Written on his wonderful personal letterhead on February 18, 1927, this letter from Alex Herd confirms his upcoming visit and work with Rowan & Company. He wants to be adequately prepared and he mentions the "net stunt" among other things. Written with handsome penmanship and signed in full in fountain pen as Alex Herd. All ink is 10/10 in strength, and the page exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's E.W.E. Holderness Signed Paper & Unsigned Photograph. The 1922 British Amateur Champ at Prestwick and again at St. Andrews in 1924 provides a 9/10 black ink signature on a piece of black scrapbook paper (4 x 5). Also here is a 6 x 8 news photograph of Holderness on the links, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1929 Marion Hollins Signed Album Page. Marion Hollins is a very interesting lady. She grew up in the East and was an accomplished equestrian and then turned to golf. She was so skilled she won the 1921 USGA Womens Championship and shortly thereafter moved west. She was a driving force behind the design and creation of Cypress Point Club and Pasatiempo in California. Flawless pencil signature appears on a 2.75 x 4 album page. Two other signatures on verso cause no distraction. Also here is a 6 x 8 wire photograph trimmed of borders but otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Gene Homans Signed Cut Signature. This is a very rare irregular cut autograph of Gene Homans, probably most famous for his loss to Bobby Jones in finals of the 1930 USGA Amateur which completed the Grand Slam for Jones. Signature is 9/10, the clipping affixed to a 2 x 4 album page. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1960 Beatrix Hoyt Signed Blank Business Card. Beatrix Hoyt won the second, third and fourth USGA Womens Championships in 1896-1897-1898. This autograph is the only one known of Miss Hoyt and it is the oldest of any USGA Champion. The blue ink signature rates a bold 9+/10 upon a blank card affixed to a page of what we assume to be Hoyt's personal letterhead. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1920 Willie Hunter Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. British Amateur Champion at Hoylake, 1921. Black fountain pen signature rates 10/10 on a blank 3 x 5 index card. Included is a NRMT wire photograph, just over 5 x 7 in size. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Dorothy Campbell Hurd Signed Index Card. Dorothy Campbell Hurd was a globe-trotting player and was a three-time Champion of the USGA Womens Amateur in 1909, 1910 and 1924. This is a MINT fountain pen autograph dated 1924, applied to a blank 3 x 5 index card. Included is a 7 x 8.5 period wire photograph of Hurd at work, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1921 Jock Hutchinson Signed Photograph. Striking image of the great man. Following his playing career, became the first honorary starter at The Masters with Freddie McLeod in 1963. 1921 Open Champion at St. Andrews. Original Peter Fish studio photo Chicago, Ill. is autographed in 9/10 blue ink at upper left. Photo itself presents as NRMT, 8 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Tony Jacklin & Bernard Gallacher Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Tony Jacklin is the 1969 British Open Champion, 1970 US Open Champion, seven time Ryder Cupper and four time Captain. Bernard Gallacher is an eight time Ryder Cupper and three time Captain. This lot presents original signed photos of both Ryder Cup stalwarts. Each NRMT 8 x 10 photo is signed in 10/10 blue marker. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1939 George Jacobus Signed Letter to Walter Hagen. George Jacobus was a steady hand as PGA President in the years 1933 to 1939. On the 25th anniversary of Walter Hagen's first major championship victory in 1914, a scrapbook was assembled and given to him. This is a letter from that scrapbook. Dated December 5, 1939 and written on magnificent PGA stationery, the content is sensational. Signed in bold 9+/10 fountain pen, George R. Jacobus. Page exhibits original mailing folds and mild toning, otherwise no issues of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1928 Harrison Johnston Signed Index Card & Unsigned Wire Photograph. 1929 US Amateur Champion at Pebble Beach; member 1928 and 1930 Walker Cup teams. Blue ink signature is perfect on blank 3 x 5 index card. Perfect for framing with included 6.5 x 8 .5 wire photograph of Johnston in action in 1928, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1924 Herbert Jolly Signed Photograph. Herbert Jolly was a member of the first ever GB & I Ryder Cup team in 1927 and this is perhaps the only known signed photo of him. Jolly's signature retains a boldness of 8+/10, while his date below of "July 18th, 24" is a couple shades lighter. Photo measures 6 x 8 with light handling wear but no problems of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970's Robert Trent Jones Signed Photograph. As a student at Cornell University, Robert Trent Jones helped design a curriculum in golf course agronomy. He of course went on to become one of golf's best known architects with some 500 courses to his credit. This is a fine portrait photo signed with his full signature in 10/10 black ink. Photo measures 5 x 7, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1930 O.B. Keeler & Grantland Rice Signed Photograph. O.B. Keeler was the chronicler of Bobby Jones's career and Grantland Rice the best known sports writer in the Golden Age of sport. Rice was a great friend to Jones as well and was a founding member of the Augusta National Golf Club. Each has signed this 8 x 10 photo in bold black fountain pen ink, along with Francis J. Powers. Photo exhibits mild handling wear but presents wonderfully. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1989 Herman Keiser Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a wonderful handwritten letter from 1946 Masters Champion Herman Keiser. Dated in 1989 and written to our consignor, it vividly recalls a deuce Keiser made on the tough fourth hole in the first round! All ink and page itself are NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Herman Keiser Signed Photograph. Rare and exceptional vintage signed studio 8 X 10 of the 1946 Masters Champion. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo is personalized and inscribed in 9/10 blue ballpoint ink. Photo has minor edge wear but could be framed to a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1910 Andrew Kirkaldy Signed Photograph. 1889 Open Champion runner-up and longtime professional at The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Only known signed photo. Unpersonalized inscription rendered in 9/10 black fountain pen ink, though contrast is competing. Photo measures 3.25 x 5.25, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Ted Kroll & Sam Byrd Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Ted Kroll was the Tour's leading money winner in 1956 and a three-time Ryder Cupper. Sam Byrd had two professional sports careers--first as a New York Yankee outfielder and then as a golf pro. Kroll personalizes his 8 x 10 photo to "Mark" in 8/10 blue ink, while Byrd's signature is an unpersonalized 9+/10. Both photos exhibit minor edge wear, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Arthur Lacey & Harry Weetman Signed Photographs Lot of 2. Offered are original signed photos of two Ryder Cup veterans, Arthur Lacey and Harry Weetman. Lacey competed on the 1933 and 1937 Teams and was Captain in 1951. Weetman was on seven Teams and Captain in 1965. Lacey's and Weetman's photos measure 4 x 5.5 and 3 x 4 respectively, and each is signed in 9/10 blue ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1934 Ky Laffoon Signed Photograph. 1935 US Ryder Cup Team member. Rare autograph. Famous for eccentric stunts such as tying his putter to the rear of his car! Adhesion marks to the reverse do not affect obverse. Personalized signature applied in 10/10 black fountain pen ink. Photo measures 8 x 10 and presents in NRMT condition. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1914 Cecil Leitch Signed Photograph. Cecil Leitch grew up on the northwest coast of England in Silloth. She became the most prolific English Ladies Champion and a five-time French Ladies Champion. This is an extremely scarce signed photo dated 1914. Black fountain pen ink is flawless. Image measures 3.5 x 5, with only touches of wear at outermost edges, causing no distraction. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1965 Tony Lema Signed Letter to Henry Cotton. This is a simply charming letter from 1964 Open Champion Tony Lema to three-time Open Champion Sir Henry Cotton. Dated December 15, 1965 and written on his personal stationery, this is a most tender correspondence. Sadly, the next Open would be Tony's last as he was tragically killed on July 24, 1966. Closing "Tony" signature is rendered in 10/10 blue ink, and page is likewise NRMT with original mailing folds. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Early 1960's Tony Lema Signed Magazine Photograph. Beloved Open Champion of 1964. Nicknamed "Champagne Tony" for providing the press with the bubbly after a tournament win. Tragically killed in 1966 plane crash. Personalized blue ballpoint inscription and signature rates 10/10. Color photo clipped from magazine measures 7.5 x 10, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1949 Bobby Locke Signed Photograph. Four time Open Champion 1949-1957. Rare signed photo. Signed and dated following his 1st British Open victory. Personalized black fountain pen inscription rates 9+/10. Photo measures 8 x 10 with some creasing along right edge, well clear of writing. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1973 Henry Longhurst Handwritten Signed Letter & Unsigned Photograph. Englishman Henry Longhurst is the noted author and journalist hired by CBS as the first British TV sports commentator in the US, famous for his succinct comments at The Masters. This is a fine handwritten letter on Sunday Times letterhead and signed in 9+/10 blue ink. Letter exhibits original mailing folds and light handling wear. Included 8 x 10 photo is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 George Low Handwritten Signed Letter to Jerome Travers. Written on September 25, 1932 in the depths of The Great Depression, world famous clubmaker George Low informs five time major Champion Jerry Travers that an exhibition match is not possible and that his own investments "have gone to hell." He closes offering his old friend $50 saying "nobody but Jerome Travers will ever know." Quite amazing. All in fountain pen, written on two sheets and signed as "George." All ink is 10/10 and pages exhibit original mailing folds otherwise no flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 Tony Manero Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. 1936 US Open Champion at Baltusrol. Rare autograph applied to blank 3 x 5 index card with inscription noting his 1936 glory. All ink and card itself are perfect. Included is 8 x 10 photo, , NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1946 Lloyd Mangrum Signed Photograph. 1946 US Open Champion at Canterbury. Four time Ryder Cupper and Captain in 1953. Personalized NRMT 8 x 10 photo provides 10/10 blue ink perfection. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Dave Marr & Freddie Haas Signed Photographs Lot of 2. This lot presents 8 X 10 signed photos of Dave Marr and Freddie Haas. Marr was the 1965 PGA Champion, and a member of the 1965 US Ryder Cup Team and 1981 Ryder Cup Captain. Haas, one of very few men to play in Walker Cup and Ryder Cup, both for the US, in 1938 and 1953 respectively. Each NRMT 8 x 10 photo is signed with 9+/10 boldness, and Marr's is personalized. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 Max Marston & More Signed Album Page. 1932 album page with 1923 US Amateur Champion Max Marston (RARE), 1933 US Open Champ Johnny Goodman, 1933 US Amateur Champ George Dunlap, 1929 US Amateur Champ Harrison "Jimmy" Johnston and Tom Seaver's father, Charles Seaver, a 1932 US Walker Cupper. Nine signatures in total, each in 9+/10 black fountain pen ink. Some staining, border wear and writing on verso, none of which is a problem. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's George May Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. George S. May was an egocentric promoter who was the creator of the Tam O'Shanter World Championship near Chicago in 1941 paying golf's richest purse. Presented is a 10/10 black ink signature on a blank 3 x 5 index card and an unsigned 8 x 10 by Fabian Bachrach, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Dick Mayer Signed 1958 Sports Illustrated Cover. Dick Mayer won the 1957 US Open Championship at Inverness. Presented is a removed cover of the June 9, 1958 cover of Sports Illustrated, personalized and signed in 10/10 blue sharpie. Cover exhibits expected wear, VG-EX. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Mark McCormick Signed Photograph. Mark McCormick is the person who virtually created the industry of athlete representation. He was the founder of today's giant IMG whose first client was Arnold Palmer whom McCormick met while playing college golf. This is an original 8 x 10 photo of Mr. McCormick signed in 9/10 blue ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1974 Fred McLeod Signed Note. With Jock Hutchison became the Masters first honorary starter in 1963. 1908 US Open Champion at Myopia Hunt Club. Brief typed note is signed in 10/10 blue ink at the close. Page measures 4.5 x 5.5 with original mailing fold, otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1945 Harold "Jug" McSpaden Signed Photograph. Rare signed photo. Best known as Byron Nelson's partner in numerous four ball events. Named to US Ryder Cup teams of 1939 and 1941 but not played due to WW II. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo, dated 1945. Photo (8 x 10) and blue ink signature present perfectly. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's "Wild Bill" Melhorn Signed Photograph. Also led the Tour in wins in 1926 and 1928. Member first ever US Ryder Cup Team in 1927; only known signed photo. Original "Carlyle" studio photo. Blue ink signature registers at 9/10 strength. Photo (7 x 9) is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Dick Metz Signed Photograph. Dick Metz was a fine player in the 1930's, qualifying for the 1939 US Ryder Cup Team. This is a handsome original 8 X 10 photo signed nicely. Personalized inscription rates 10/10, and photo itself exhibits mild border wear but still presents as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Cary Middlecoff Signed Photograph. Also had a degree in dentistry. US Open Champion 1949 and 1956; Masters Champion 1955. Unimprovable black ink signature appears upon this fine sepia photo (8 x 10) of Middlecoff in action. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1921 Abe Mitchell Handwritten Signed Letter. Dated February 14, 1921, this letter of endorsement for a Walter Bourne for a head professional job is rendered entirely in Mitchell's bold black fountain pen ink. Single unlined page exhibits original mailing folds and scattered wrinkling but still presents very nicely. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920 Abe Mitchell Signed Photograph. Three-time Ryder Cupper 1929-1931-1933 and the actual model for the top of the Ryder Cup trophy. Signed & dated 1920 in 6/10 black fountain pen ink. Photo itself sees any wear confined to the outer edges, well clear of the central focus. Size is 4 x 5.5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Kel Nagle Signed Photograph. In a very tight 1960 Open Championship at St. Andrews, Australian Kel Nagle nipped Arnold Palmer by a single stroke. This is an 8 X 10 original photo of Nagle that he has signed boldly. Photo is EX-MT, 8 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Byron Nelson Signed Photograph. "Lord" Byron Nelson is one of golf's most endearing figures and this item is an original photo taken at Augusta National Golf Club circa 1945. Mr. Nelson has personalized and signed this NRMT 8 x 10 photo in 9/10 vintage fountain pen. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Jack Neville Signed Index Card & Unsigned Photograph. Very rare autograph. Five time California state amateur champion and member of the 1923 US Walker Cup team; co-designer of world famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. Blue ink signature is perfect on unlined 3 x 5 index card. Original "Julian P. Graham" photo (8 x 10) is included. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1980's Jack Nicklaus & Gary Player Signed Vintage Photographs Lot of 2. This lot is comprised of two original and unpublished photos by Frank Gardner in England, circa 1965. Each is 8 X 10 and Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have each signed their respective photos in 10/10 sharpie. Photos are likewise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1950 Ed "Porky" Oliver Signed Photograph. Ed "Porky" Oliver was one of the Tour's finest players in the post World War II era and quite a character. He was on three US Ryder Cup Teams 1947-1953. This is a fine original 8 X 10 signed and personalized in 10/10 black ink. Photo is free of any noteworthy flaws. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 Francis Ouimet Signed Letter. This is a very nice Francis Ouimet signed letter. It's typed on his personal stationery and written to author Dawson Taylor who at the time was working with Horton Smith on a soon to be published book "The Secret to Holing Putts." Dated March 24, 1961 Ouimet vaguely discusses his putting and signs off with a beautiful fountain pen signature in green ink, 10/10. Page exhibits original mailing folds with no other flaws to note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Alf Padgham Signed Photograph. This is a rare signed photo of the 1936 Open Champion Alf Padgham. To make his tee time for the final rounds, Padgham had to break into the pro shop to secure his clubs! Photo (3 x 5) and signature are unimprovable. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Arnold Palmer & Johnny Palmer Signed Photographs Lot of 2. This lot provides signed photos of two Palmers--'THE KING" Arnold Palmer and Johnny Palmer, a member of the 1949 US Ryder Cup Team and a Western Open Champion in 1947. Each signs his own photo in 9/10 or better felt tip pen. Arnie's photo is 8 x 10 and NRMT, Johnny's 5 x 7 and EX. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960 Arnold Palmer Signed Unused Masters Scorecard. Mint official Masters scorecard from 1960 signed on front. Dates to the second of Palmer's four Masters wins. Black sharpie signature is 10/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1903 John Park Signed Letter. John Park was a son to British Open Champion Willie Park, Jr. and worked in the family business. This is a 1903 letter with a simply spectacular letterhead, continued on verso where it is signed in 9+/10 black ink. Letter exhibits original mailing folds and staining at upper edge and center fold, VG. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Sam Parks, Jr. Signed Photograph. 1935 US Open Champion at Oakmont and 1935 US Ryder Cup team. Marvelous personalized inscription rates a perfect 10/10, as does the 8 x 10 photograph itself. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Billy Joe Patton Signed Photograph. Billy Joe Patton was a five-time Walker Cup player from 1955-1965 and he actually led the 1954 Masters going into final round as an amateur. He finished as low amateur in the Masters six times, a record that will never be broken. This is a fine original 8 X 10 photo that Patton has signed in 9/10 blue ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960 Harvey Penick Handwritten Signed Letter. Harvey Penick is the legendary coach and teacher to Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw and Kathy Whitworth. Harvey became quite famous late in life as the author of the "Little Red Book." This item is a 1960 letter on his personal letterhead responding to a fan request. All ink and closing signature are 10/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Toney Penna Signed Photograph. Toney Penna was a fine touring pro in the 1940's and 1950's who became best known as clubmaker to the best players after his competitive years. This is a very attractive original 8 X 10 signed by Mr. Penna. Signature and photo present as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1935 Alfred "Alf" Perry Signed Cut Signature. Englishman Alfred "Alf" Perry began the final round of the 1935 Open Championship at Muirfield with a double bogey six. He played aggressively the entire day and won his only major by four shots. Scarce autograph in any format. Signature is dated on verso the year of his championship. Black ink signature is 10/10 on 1 x 2.5 clipping. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Henry Picard Signed Photograph. Henry Picard was one of the world's hottest golfers in the late 1930's, capturing the 1938 Masters and the 1939 PGA Championship. He went on to a distinguished teaching career following his competitive days. Beautiful original photo measures 8 x 10. Both photo and black felt tip signature are NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1992 Gary Player USGA Senior Open Scorecards Full Lot of 4. South African Gary Player is one of only five men to win the career Grand Slam. He is tied with Ben Hogan for all-time major championship wins with nine. This lot is for all four actual scorecards from his play in 1992 USGA Senior Open. Two are marked and signed by 1963 British Open winner Bob Charles and round three is signed by the surprise winner of this event Larry Laoretti. All are, of course, signed by Player himself as well. A great collectible of "The Black Knight." LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Dai Rees Signed Photograph & Bob Sweeny Signed Index Card. Presented is a 3.5 x 5.5 signed photo of one of the greatest Ryder Cup figures of all time--Dai Rees. He played on nine teams and was Captain five times and this is a rare signed photo, autograph rating 8/10. The other autograph is a vintage 3 X 5 card from 1937 British Amateur Champion Bob Sweeny, rating 10/10. An unsigned photo of Sweeny (7 x 9) is included.
1930's Johnny Revolta Handwritten Signed Letter. 1935 PGA Champion Johnny Revolta writes on Evanston Golf Club stationery advice on where to find souvenir photos. Signed very nicely, "Good luck always, Sincerely, Johnny Revolta." All ink is 10/10 and the page exhibits original mailing folds but no other issues. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Johnny Revolta Signed Photograph. Johnny Revolta's only major championship came at the 1935 PGA at Twin Hills CC and he was also the Tour's leading money winner that year. Rare original vintage photo signed. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo. Unpersonalized inscription rates 7/10. Photo measures 8 x 10 with wear to borders leaving image itself free of concerns. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 Teddy Rhodes Signed Index Card & 1979 Lee Elder Handwritten Signed Letter. Teddy Rhodes is recognized as the finest of the early African-American golfers who didn't get a chance to play the PGA Tour. Lee Elder is the first African-American to play in the Masters and for a US Ryder Cup Team. This lot comprises a vintage Teddy Rhodes signed 3 X 5 unlined index card and a handwritten letter from Lee Elder. Each is rendered in 9/10 or better ink. Letter exhibits original mailing folds but no other issues. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Bill Richardson Signed Letter to Walter Hagen. Bill Richardson was an outstanding golf writer for the New York Times for whom the Golf Writers Association of America name an annual award. This incredible letter is from 1939 and was included in a special scrapbook given to Walter Hagen on the 25th anniversary of his major win. You just have to read this--every word. Signed in 10/10 fountain pen "Bill Richardson." Page has some staining along left border and original mailing folds but still presents wonderfully. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Skee Riegel Signed Photograph. Skee Riegel was the 1947 USGA Amateur Champion at Pebble Beach and a member of the 1947 & 1949 US Walker Cup teams. This is a very appealing original 8 X 10 signed by Riegel in 9+/10 ink. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1910's Alex Ross Photograph. Alex Ross was a brother to famous architect Donald Ross, but Alex was the better player winning the 1907 US Open. This is an original photo of Ross. Size is 4 x 6.5, EX-MT.
1930's Paul Runyan Signed Photograph. Rare original vintage photo. 1934 and 1938 US PGA Champion; nicknamed "Little Poison" referring to his short distance off the tee and deadly short game. Black fountain pen signature rates a flawless 10/10. Photo is likewise NRMT (7 x 9). Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Samuel Ryder Signed Album Page. The British seed merchant who donated the Cup bearing his name for the Matches which began in 1927. His 10/10 fountain pen signature joins the autographs of Henry Picard and Joe Kirkwood. Page measures 3.5 x 5. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 Gene Sarazen Signed Photograph. His autographs are plentiful but vintage signed photos aren't. First man to win the career Grand Slam of all four professional majors. Credited with inventing the modern sand wedge, lifelong ambassador for the game. Nicknamed "The Squire." Personalized black fountain pen inscription and signature rate 10/10. Photo is mounted on board and measures 7.5 x 9.5. Tack holes at top and bottom, minor crazing, otherwise presents wonderfully. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1956 George Sargent Signed Index Card. George Sargent won the 1909 US Open at Englewood GC and subsequently became the head pro at Scioto CC in Columbus, OH. Of US Open winners, he is among the rarest autographs. Rare autograph is applied to blank 3 x 5 index card with date below. All ink and card are NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Macdonald Smith Signed Photograph. Macdonald Smith is often mentioned as the greatest player to never win a major. From the famous Smith golfing family of Carnoustie, Scotland, he captured twenty-four titles in his career. Photo is inscribed to Hall of Fame author Herb Graffis. Original studio portrait mounted on board measures 8 x 10, NRMT. Personalized inscription and signature rate 9/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1942 Sam Snead Handwritten Signed Letter. Just a month after Sam Snead's first major championship triumph at the 1942 PGA Championship, he entered the service and wrote this whimsical letter on United States Navy stationery. He concludes, "The Navy is great. I like it. They certainly have some fine men here. It's time for chow, so, so long for now." Dated July 5, 1942, this outstanding example is laid down on another page but still displays a fine vintage Sam Snead signature and contains wonderful content. All ink is 9+/10 and page presents wonderfully. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1962 Sam Snead & Arnold Palmer Signed Sports Illustrated Cover. Sports Illustrated chose to put Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead on the cover of their November 12, 1962 issue as the pair headed to Argentina to compete in the World Cup. Both men have signed this very attractive cover, each in bold black ink. Snead's signature is almost imperceptibly brushed by a hand, while Palmer's remains perfect. Removed magazine cover exhibits light handling wear but still presents wonderfully. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1932 Ross Somerville Signed Album Page & Unsigned Photograph. Ross Somerville became the first Canadian to win the USGA Amateur Championship and it came at Baltimore CC in 1932. Signed album page dates to this historic year, and is rendered in 9+/10 black ink. Included is original 1935 "Keystone" news photo, 6.5 x 8, EX-MT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990's Payne Stewart Signed Photograph. Also known for his traditional "knickers" clothing. US Open Champion 1991 and 1999, PGA Champion 1989, member of five US Ryder Cup teams. Died in plane crash, 1999. Personalized 8 x 10 photo signed in 10/10 black sharpie. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1921 Alexa Stirling Signed Card. Alexa Stirling grew up in Atlanta and was a member at East Lake CC where she developed a lifelong friendship with Bobby Jones. Alexa, Jones, and other East Lake members played together in many, many exhibitions, notably for the War effort supporting World War I. Alexa owned the USGA Women's title for five solid years, winning in 1916 and again in 1919 and 1920, following a two year hiatus for the War. This is a scarce gorgeous fountain pen signature, dated 1921 in her prime. The medium is a neat little (2.25 x 3.5) card apparently created by a young autograph collector, complete with the return mailing envelope (unsigned). LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 Frank Stranahan Signed Photograph. Frank Stranahan was a globe-trotting amateur golfer of great skill. He was the first vocal proponent of weightlifting and won the British Amateur Championship in 1948 at Royal St. George's and in 1950 at The Old Course. He was also a three-time US Walker Cup player. Presented is a vintage 8 X 10 original photo signed in 1954 in 8/10 black ink. Photo presents as NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940 Jess Sweetser Signed Letter. Otto Probst is recognized as the first significant golf collector in the United States and this is a terribly interesting letter written to Probst from the Treasurer of the USGA, none other than former US Amateur Champion Jess Sweetser. The letter is written on impressive USGA stationery and implores Probst to find some new member clubs to join the USGA. Signed in perfect bold fountain pen as "Jess W Sweetser." LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1896 Fred Tait Photograph. Very rare 1896 photo. Two-time British Amateur Champion 1896 and 1898, died in Boer War 1900. Original photo teeing off in 1896 Amateur at Royal St. George's. Unsigned photo measures 6 x 7.5, EX-MT.
1901 H.O. Tallmadge Handwritten Signed Letter. H. O. Tallmadge was the very first Secretary of the USGA when it was formed in 1895. This exquisite letter on beautiful embossed stationery recommends a fellow for membership at the first golf club in the US, St. Andrews. Written entirely in 10/10 fountain pen with a perfect signature. Page has original mailing fold otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Jimmy Thomson Signed Photograph. Jimmy Thomson was a crowd-pleasing long hitter in the 1930's and this an appealing original 8 X 10 photo signed by him. Personalized inscription and signature is applied in 9+/10 black fountain pen ink. Photo has some paper loss and a small tear at edges but could easily be framed to a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Cyril Tolley Signed Cut Signature & Unsigned Photograph. Cyril Tolley was a force in English golf in the 1920's, winning the 1920 and 1929 British Amateur. He is especially famous for taking Bobby Jones into extra holes in the semi-finals of the 1930 British Amateur before bowing out. The six-time Walker Cup player provides a 10/10 black fountain pen signature and a few lines of text apparently clipped from an old letter (size approximately 3 x 5). Also here is a NRMT 6 x 8 photographic portrait. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1993 Lee Trevino USGA Senior Open Scorecards Full Lot of 4. "Super Mex" Lee Trevino is the winner of six major championships and member of World Golf Hall of Fame. This lot provides all four of his actual scorecards from the 1993 USGA Senior Open at Cherry Hills, each signed by Trevino in pencil. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1963 Richard Tufts Signed Letter. The Tufts family founded the world famous Pinehurst Resort and Richard Tufts was the second generation leader. He is in the World Golf Hall of Fame and this is a fine 1963 letter on official Pinehurst stationery signed in full by Mr. Tufts. Letter is NRMT with original mailing folds. Signature is 9+/10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1960's Jim Turnesa Signed Photograph. The only Turnesa brother to win a major, it came at the 1952 PGA Championship at Big Spring CC in Louisville, KY. 1953 US Ryder Cup team. Original "Jimmie Dodd" photo is personalized and signed in 10/10 black felt tip. Photo has minor wear to borders, otherwise NRMT, 8 x 10. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Willie Turnesa Signed Photograph. Willie Turnesa was the most decorated of the golfing Turnes brothers. He was a two-time US Amateur Champion--in 1938 at Oakmont and in 1948 at Memphis CC. He won his third major by capturing the 1947 British Amateur at Carnoustie. This is an original 8 X 10 signed by Turnesa in 9/10 blue ink. Photo will present as NRMT with a simple framing job. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1976 Joe Turnesa Signed Government Postcard. From a famous golfing family, Joe had five brothers who also became golf pros. Member first ever US Ryder Cup team 1927. Rare autograph is applied to a government postcard mailed from Turnesa's Tampa, Florida hometown. All black ballpoint ink is 10/10, and postal stamping bleed-through does not distract. Included is original "Underwood & Underwood" photo, NRMT, 7 x 9. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's William Twedell Signed Cabinet Photograph. 1927 British Amateur Champion; 1928 Walker Cup team. Artful mounted photo is autographed in 9/10 black fountain pen ink. Both the 6 x 8 photo and the 8 x 11 mount survive in extraordinary NRMT condition. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Sam Urzetta Signed Photograph. This is a rare 8 X 10 original signed photo of the 1950 USGA Amateur Champion Sam Urzetta. Personalized inscription has a couple spots of smudging but is otherwise 9/10. Photo exhibits light handling wear but could still be framed to a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Ellsworth Vines Signed Photograph. Ellsworth Vines had two professional sports careers--first as a tennis star and then as a golf pro. This is a beautiful 8 X 10 original photo signed perfectly in black ink. Photo is likewise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1961 George Voigt Handwritten Signed Letter. George Voigt was a teammate of Bobby Jones on the 1930 US Walker Cup team and also played on the 1932 and 1936 Walker Cup teams. This is a 1961 note to Bill Johnson with a perfect full signature. All ink is likewise 10/10. Original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1954 George Von Elm Signed Government Postcard & 1926 Unsigned Photograph. George Von Elm was one of the pre-eminent amateur golfers of the 1920's. In 1924 and 1925, he lost matches to Bobby Jones in the USGA Amateur but beat Jones, the two-time defending Champion, to win the title the next year at Baltusrol. Three time Walker Cupper. Black fountain pen inscription and signature are 10/10 on provided GPC. Also included is NRMT unsigned 1926 original Underwoord & Underwood photo, 6 x 8. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1930's Frank Walsh Signed Photograph. Dapper Frank Walsh had a brush with golf immortality but finished runner up for 1932 PGA Championship. He later became a noted instructor. This is a very attractive signed photo, personalized and autographed in 9/10 blue fountain pen ink. Photo itself exhibits no flaws of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1959 Marvin "Bud" Ward Signed Photograph. This is a very rare original 8 X 10 signed photo of the 1939 and 1941 USGA Amateur Champion Bud Ward. Personalized inscription and signature rates 9/10. Photo exhibits no condition problems of note. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1950's Harvie Ward & Charlie Ward Signed Photographs Lot of 2. This lot comprises two signed photos. The first is of Harvie Ward--the winner of the British Amateur at Prestwick in 1952 and of back to back US Amateurs in 1955 and 1956. Charlie Ward was a member of three GB & I Ryder Cup teams 1947-49-51. Each NRMT 6 x 8 photo is signed in 9+/10 blue ink, with Harvie's personalized to a fan. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1940's Al Watrous Signed Photograph. Al Watrous was a member of the very first two US Ryder Cup teams and longtime host pro at Oakland Hills CC. This is an original photo signed in 9+/10 blue fountain pen. Photo measures 5 x 7, NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1920's Roger Wethered Signed Album Page & Unsigned Photograph. Roger Wethered was one of the fine amateurs in England in the 1920's and he did win the 1923 British Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports. He could have won others but fell to Bobby Jones in the finals in 1930. Presented is a perfect 10/10 blue fountain pen signature on a pink album page (3 x 4) and a NRMT action photo (4 x 6). LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1970 Roger Wethered Handwritten Signed Letter. This is a fascinating letter dated March of 1970 from the 1923 British Amateur Champion Roger Wethered to British writer Pat Ward-Thomas. He mentions all three members of The Great Triumvirate--Vardon, Braid & Taylor--and John Ball, Jr. A great lettersigned off as "Yours Sincerely, Roger Wethered." All ink registers at a strength of 9+/10 and the single page of letterhead exhibits original mailing fold, some staining and pencil writing near top, but nothing which could be considered problematic. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Circa 1929 Joyce Wethered Signed Photograph. Joyce Wethered is arguably the greatest female golfer in the history of Great Britain, winning the English Ladies title five years running starting in 1920. Her match against Glenna Collett at St. Andrews in 1929 is still regarded as one of the finest ladies golf events of all time. Scarce signed photo dates to 1929 according to original paper caption on verso, and blue ink signature at upper left retains an 8/10 boldness. Photo presents as NRMT, 6 x 8. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1936 E.R. Whitcombe Signed Album Page & Unsigned Photograph. E. R. (Ernest) Whitcombe was one of three Whitcombe brothers to represent GB & I in the early days of the Ryder Cup. His Ryder Cup years were 1929, 1931 and 1935 and he finished runner-up to Walter Hagen in 1924 Open Championship. Presented is a bold black fountain pen autograph upon a 3.5 x 4.5 album page and a 6.5 x 8.5 news photo with editing marks and wear or trimming at edges, technical VG. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1941 R.A. Whitcombe Signed Page and 1938 Unsigned Photograph. Though less decorated than brother Charles, Reg (R. A.) Whitcombe won the 1938 Open Championship at Royal St. George's. He also played on the 1935 Ryder Cup team with brothers Charles and Ernest. Presented is a 10/10 black fountain pen autograph on a 4 x 5 piece of clipped paper and a 1938 wire photograph (EX-MT) measuring 5 x 7. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1910's Charles Whitcombe Signed Cabinet Photograph. Charles A. Whitcombe was a six-time Ryder Cupper and three-time Captain. His signature appears at lower right as a ghost burned into the photo emulsion, devoid of the original ink but still quite visible. Image measures 6 x 8 with the mount extending the final dimensions to 8 x 10.5. Photo itself is NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1919 Jack White Handwritten Signed Letter. This is an outstanding golf letter from the 1904 Open Champion Jack White to a young Cyril Tolley. By the date of this letter, December 4, 1919, White was ensconced as the head professional at Sunningdale, helping his income with club-making. This letter is neatly written and confirms a club sale to Tolley who would win the British Amateur the next year! Signed modestly, "I am sir, yours faithfully, Jack White." All black fountain pen ink and closing signature are 10/10. Original mailing folds but no other condition issues worthy of note. Original mailing envelope is included. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1989 Herbert Warren Wind Handwritten Signed Letter. Hall of Famer Herbert Warren Wind is arguably the foremost American golf writer and author. This is a 1989 letter on his The New Yorker magazine letterhead to our consignor giving very welcome advice. All ink and closing signature applied with 10/10 boldness. Letter exhibits original mailing folds otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1994 Tiger Woods Signed US Amateur Championship Pairing Sheet. Tiger Woods is the only man to win the USGA Amateur title three times in a row. The first time he reached the finals was 1994 and at one point was five down to Trip Keunhe before turning the match around and winning. This is a final round pairing sheet to 1994 USGA Amateur, his first of the record-setting three in a row, signed boldly (10/10 black sharpie) at the venue. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1947 Lew Worsham Signed Photograph. Lew Worsham found his way into golf's record books with his win at the 1947 US Open Championship at St. Louis CC. He subsequently became the longtime host pro at Oakmont. This 8 x 10 photo is nicely autographed at upper left in 9+/10 blue ink. Photo exhibits minor edge wear otherwise NRMT. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Baseball Collectibles
1930's Charlie Yates Signed Photograph. Charlie Yates grew up at East Lake in Atlanta and was a lifelong friend to Bobby Jones. He supervised the press tent at the Masters for decades and was a very fine amateur player, winning the British Amateur at Royal Troon in 1938. This is an original 8 X 10 action photo personalized and signed in 10/10 ink. Photo exhibits some edge wear but could easily be framed to a NRMT appearance. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Golf Collectibles
1953 Babe D. Zaharias Signed Letter. The greatest female athlete of the 20th century certainly did possess marvelous athleticism and talent, but she had a personality and character that few got to see. Though stricken with cancer and having undergone surgery, Babe Zaharias writes this unbelievable letter to her good friend Scotty Chisholm on December 1, 1953. She says, "Take very good care of yourself, Scotty, because there are too many people who love you very much." Babe would win the US Womens Open the next year in 1954 and die within two years. Signed with a perfect fountain pen signature. Page exhibits original mailing folds and mild toning but presents marvelously. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1925 US Open Pairing Sheet. In the days before the USGA printed their own official pairing sheets, often local businesses would take on this responsibility. In 1925, a local New England publication named "Fairways" printed them and this is an extremely rare final day pairing sheet to the 1925 US Open where at the end of this day's play, Bobby Jones and Willie Macfarlane would tie to force a playoff the next day. In excellent condition.
1928 Alex Herd, Ted Ray & George Duncan Signed Album Page. This is a large full album page signed by British Open Champions Alex Herd (1902), Ted Ray (1912), George Duncan (1920) and Arthur Havers (1923). Other prominent autographs include Ryder Cup dignitaries Abe Mitchell (model for trophy) and C. A. Whitcombe, three-time Captain. All signatures are rendered in 10/10 black fountain pen ink on front and verso of a 4 x 6 album page. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1947 PGA Championship Program. Sixty-eight page program was issued for the 29th PGA Championship contested at Detroit's Plum Hollow Golf Club. Only an inch long tear in the cover and some fading at the spine is to be noted in terms of condition issues, leaving the rest of the program in remarkably fine condition. Rare in any state.
1953 The Masters Pairing Sheet. Ben Hogan would only play in three major championships in 1953 and he won them all--starting with the Masters on the very day of this pairing sheet. Paired with Byron Nelson, the "Hawk" breezed to a five shot victory. Normal folds, otherwise EX-MT.
1994 President's Cup Signed Display. The first ever President's Cup Matches were staged in 1994 at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club outside Washington, DC. This beautiful display piece was signed by all players from both teams and the Captains on site during that first event. Twenty-five signatures include Irwin and Mickelson. All signatures 9/10 or better. Framed dimensions 17 x 20. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
1990's Golf Grand Slam Winners Signed Page. The first four men to win the career Grand Slam have all signed this special 8 X 10 single sheet. In 2000 Tiger Woods joined this elite fraternity. All signatures are rendered in 10/10 sharpie. A perfect piece to display with your favorite photos of these elite golfers, or to present to Tiger to complete the theme. LOA from Mark Emerson. Auction LOA from James Spence Authentication.
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Mailing Address:
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Street Address:
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75261-4127
(Northwest corner of W. Airport Freeway & Valley View Lane)
All Rights Reserved
1-800-872-6467 / (214) 528-3500 / Fax: (214) 443-842