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1911 Addie Joss Day Panoramic Photograph from the Frank "Home Run" Baker Collection. Arguably the most desirable baseball photograph in the hobby, and with good reason. This simply remarkable panoramic photograph captures the greatest stars of the American League Dead Ball era, all of whom had convened at Cleveland's League Park on July 24, 1911 for a benefit game to raise money for the widow of Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss, whose life had been tragically cut short three months earlier in a virulent bout with meningitis. It must be noted that panoramic photographs were very expensive to produce at this time in history, and as such only those participating in the event were given a copy. Frank "Home Run" Baker's personal photo, offered here, is one of the very few to survive the many decades since. Baker is easy to spot, twelfth from right, dressed in the road grey uniform of his Philadelphia Athletics. Three men to his right is the great Walter Johnson in the midst of a season that saw him pitch six complete game shutouts. Other early gods of the diamond present include Shoeless Joe Jackson, Cy Young, Napoleon Lajoie, Eddie Collins, Smokey Joe Wood and the fiery Ty Cobb, who wears a borrowed Cleveland Naps jersey after forgetting to bring his Tigers togs to the ballpark. Behind the chicken wire that separates the stands from the playing field, scores of fans in dark suits and straw hats clamor to get a look at this outrageous assembly of talent, essentially the first All-Star Game in baseball history. The image quality is exceptional, with every button on the high-collared baseball jerseys clearly visible, and this quality carries over to that of the condition of the piece, which offers only a lower border stain near the left end of the piece and a few scattered and very minor wrinkles. None travel the full vertical length. Only in two instances at the left end do the wrinkles even begin to break through the photographic emulsion, leaving the two or three other cases ess
Auction 703 | Lot: 19707 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $89,625.00
1924 Muddy Ruel Game Worn Tour of Europe Uniform from the Herold "Muddy" Ruel Collection. It's among the most exceptional pre-war flannels to reach the auction block in recent memory, believed to be one of only two White Sox uniforms from the historic 1924 Goodwill Tour of Europe extant. But while fellow Washington Senator Sam Rice's identical full uniform has found a permanent home in the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, this exceptional rarity will soon become the private holding of a discerning uniform collector. As is every piece offered under the heading of "The Muddy Ruel Collection," this jersey and matching pants are consigned directly by Muddy's son, and are offered for the very first time to the collecting public.

Baseball statisticians will instantly note that Ruel never actually played for the Chicago White Sox, the team represented by the offered uniform. After all, Ruel was the big star of the Washington Senators that season, plating the Game Seven run that earned Walter Johnson and the District of Columbia their only World Championship. But Muddy, by virtue of his superior skills and his heroic turn in October, and his teammate Rice, a future Hall of Famer, were offered positions with the team when members of the Sox opted out of the transatlantic journey. Interestingly, both the daughter of Rice and the son of Ruel have confirmed that the White Sox Tour of Europe uniforms were the only ones their fathers kept from their playing days, almost certainly because it represented the only time that the club did not collect each player's gamers at the close of a season. Though, of course, one could also reasonably surmise that the exceptional beauty and historic nature of the uniforms would prompt the pair to hold on to these fantastic keepsakes.

Though not as widely known as the Tour of Japan that would bring Ruth, Gehrig and the gang to the Far East a decade later, the Goodwill Tour of Europe was tremendous baseball news at the time, featuring a
Auction 703 | Lot: 19725 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $44,812.50
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM 7. If the all-important quotation marks around the "Babe" don't convince you, this stellar signature's home on a Ban Johnson Official American League ball will leave no doubt that this is an early, particularly desirable specimen dating to the era of the Babe's famed sixty home run season. It certainly couldn't be any later, and not just because Ruth dropped the "quotes" right around that World Championship year. Ernest Barnard took over the post of American League president after Johnson stormed out of office in a huff following a protracted quarrel with team owners, and 1928 saw a new batch of baseballs bearing the successor's name. Now clearly such an exceptional signature as we find here between the gorgeous blue and red stitching of this lightly-toned sphere would be cause for celebration if it had been signed much later in the Babe's life, but such a remarkable representation from the very peak of Ruth's powers is in a class by itself. Though PSA has encapsulated this valuable piece with a rating of NM 7 for both the autograph and the ball itself, we'll let you make your own decisions from the catalog imagery. If you think it's ever better than that already highly impressive grade, you won't be alone. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19090 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $31,070.00
1909-11 T206 White Border Partial Set (400/521). Offered here is a partial set of the American Tobacco Company's classic T206 white border issue. This is an outstanding representation of the most recognized and most widely collected vintage issue in the hobby. A total of 66 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $15,325. Includes: Graded Cards -PSA NM-MT 8: Doc White (Chicago, Pitching). PSA NM 7: 6 cards w/ Beckley, Gasper, Leach, McGinley, Persons (So. League), Puttman. PSA EX-MT 6: 15 cards w/ Chance (Port. Red), Fritz (So. League), King (So. League), Mathewson (Dark Cap), Rockenfeld (So. League), Walsh. PSA EX 5: 17 Cards w/ Bender (Trees), Bresnahan (Port), Chance (Port. Yellow), Crawford (Throwing), Griffith (Portrait), Collins, Huggins (Hands at Mouth), Keeler (Port), Speaker (mk), Wallace, Willis, Young (Port). PSA VG-EX 4: 17 cards w/ Baker, Bender (Port), Brown (Chicago), Chesbro, Cobb (Port. Green), Cobb (Port. Red), Cobb (Bat on Shoulder)(mk), Evers (Port), Joss (Port), Marquard (Port), McGraw (Finger in Air), Tinker (Hands on Knees), Waddell (Throwing), Young (Glove). PSA VG 3: 5 Cards w/ Bresnahan (Bat), Brown (Port), Joss (Pitching), Mathewson (Port), Tinker (Port). PSA Good 2: 5 Cards w/ Evers (Bat), Johnson (Hands at Chest), Lajoie (Throwing), Lajoie (Port), Tinker (Bat Off). Note: Many of the cards present stronger than their technical grade but suffer from some discoloration on the verso. Ungraded Cards - Highlights include: Chase (Blue Port) (VG-EX), Chase (Pink Port) (VG-EX), Cicotte (VG), Clarke (Bat) (EX), Crawford (Bat) (EX), Elberfeld (Wash) (Good), Jennings (One Hand) (EX-MT), Jennings (Port) (VG-EX), McGinnity (VG-EX). Grades 20% EX or better, 60% VG-EX, 20% VG or lesser.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19462 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $28,680.00
1948 Bowman Stan Musial #36 PSA Gem Mint 10. When the Bowman Gum company launched its inaugural issue just three years after the close of World War II combat, the technology at work in printing their cards and cutting them from the sheets was antiquated at best. Printing errors, miscuts and general defects were the rule rather than the exception, leaving only a small percentage of the cards issued in the running for Gem Mint status from the moment of conception. Then we must consider how few of that already slim population survived to see the twenty-first century in any decent state of wear whatsoever, much less those that traveled the decades entirely unscathed. Perhaps the PSA population report could shed a bit of light--of the 5,835 cards submitted from the 1948 Bowman set as of the time of this writing, just thirteen have found a home in a Gem Mint 10 slab. And the figure for Stan Musial, the most valuable card in the set of forty-eight by a wide margin, is one. And so, for the most sophisticated of collectors, we offer the finest possible specimen of the key card from the first great post-war baseball issue. As such, the significance of this singularly perfect card could not possibly be overstated, and its ownership places the lucky high bidder among the top elite of the hobby.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19473 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $28,680.00
1951 Bowman Willie Mays #305 GAI Mint 9. Along with fellow Hall of Fame rookie Mickey Mantle, Mays is responsible for a large percentage of the value in this gorgeously rendered set, firmly in most collectors' top ten list of favored issues. But it's not often that one lays eyes upon any card from the set quite so pristine as the offered specimen, much less one of the heroic rookies. Print defects and gum and wax staining, so often a problem with this issue, are entirely absent here. Centering defects are similarly not a concern. In fact, a studied attempt to find a single flaw to mention, however minor, is in vain. Only a small percentage of "pack fresh" cards are as fine as the one you see before you, and what a card to do it!
Auction 703 | Lot: 19483 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $26,290.00
Magnificent 1913 World's Series Newsreel Large Poster from the Casey Stengel Collection. Arguably the crown jewel of the treasure trove that is The Casey Stengel Collection is this never-before-seen poster advertising the film footage of the historic October 1913 meeting of the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Giants. Each considered among the finest baseball teams ever assembled, and certainly near the top of the Dead Ball list, they boasted talent pools that read like a who's who of Cooperstown: Home Run Baker, Eddie Collins, Chief Bender, Eddie Plank, Christy Mathewson and Rube Marquard to name a few. And, of course, featured prominently in their own large circular portrait windows are the two greatest baseball minds of the era, John "Mugsy" McGraw and Cornelius "Connie" Mack. Below these portraits they appear once more in exceptional team photographs, Mack in his unmistakable black suit and hat, and McGraw sitting beside his star pitcher Matty. Fabulous art deco font announces, "1913 World's Series Base Ball Games, Giants vs. Athletics, Champions, Commercial Motion Pictures Co. (Inc.). In the bottom border is the printer's mark, reading "Cooke & Joste, The Metro Litho. Co. N.Y."

To give some notion of the scarcity of this piece, we printed a facsimile of the poster to scale to display at the National Sports Convention in Chicago in July, where it was viewed by essentially every top expert in the hobby. Hundreds of collectors absolutely fawned over it, many making offers to buy our copy. Not a single person had ever seen this poster before, or frankly, anything from the era that bore even a passing resemblance. A search of results of all major auctions in the past five years also finds nothing similar. So our thanks must go out to young Casey, a twenty-two year old Dodgers rookie at the time, for hanging onto this remarkable artifact and ensuring its survival almost a century later.

While it is almost sacreligious to throw even a single stone at a pie
Auction 703 | Lot: 19604 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $22,705.00
1968-69 Wilt Chamberlain Game Worn Jersey. "Nobody roots for Goliath," Chamberlain once claimed, but certainly this giant had his share of fans and well-wishers, and he continues to rate very highly among the collecting community. And when The Stilt suited up in this purple durene Lakers jersey for his first season with the team, the entire City of Angels turned to the supremely gifted center for hope that he might bring the NBA Championship home from the East. It would be 1972 before Wilt would answer these prayers, but while wearing this historic shirt, the Hall of Fame center took his new team within a single game of the brass ring. This Western Division Championship jersey exhibits tremendous wear, and represents the most desirable style of Laker jerseys, purple durene with the five-striped purple, yellow and white trim. It should be noted that this trim style, paired with the placement of the "Lakers" identifier on the chest, classifies the jersey definitively as a late 1960's style. Number "13" appears on front in back in identical white and yellow tackle twill to the team identifier, with "Chamberlain" in a wide arc across the shoulders. The absence of manufacturer's labeling is not unusual at all, as Bernie Tiernan would typically hand-tailor his jerseys to the players' frames, making tag-free jerseys the rule rather than the exception. The left seam of the jersey has several inches of separation, but this will not be immediately apparent upon display and could certainly be quite simply remedied if desired. This is one of the most desirable, and certainly the earliest, of all Chamberlain Lakers jerseys ever offered for public sale, worthy of a home in the finest basketball collections. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from MEARS.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19270 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $22,705.00
1924 Muddy Ruel Game Worn Tour of Europe Sweater from the Herold "Muddy" Ruel Collection. Absolutely exceptional specimen is the companion piece to Ruel's full Chicago White Sox uniform worn in service of the team during this historic Tour. And, in similar fashion, the gorgeous wool cardigan-style sweater remains in tremendous NM-MT condition, without a single noteworthy flaw daring to challenge the beauty of this important artifact. The maroon body of the sweater is punctuated by dark royal blue trim in patriotic fashion, with a seven-button front (not including three smaller buttons at the throat to cinch the collar high on the neck if desired). The sleeve cuffs are also constructed in blue, a color that is likewise found in the piping that trims the two front pockets along with a similar band in white. "Chicago" appears over the heart in 1.5" high white felt lettering, copying the same font style apparent on the jersey front from the tour. Note that the letter "H" in "Chicago" bears a vintage ink "M R" to identify it to its former owner. The classic "Sox" used in the team's jersey design as early as 1912 appears below. The left sleeve offers perhaps the most thrilling component of all, the gorgeous stars and bars shield that came to characterize the Tour. Constructed of tri-color felt, the patch shows only a couple of tiny imperfections only noticeable upon very close inspection, certainly nothing that detracts at all from the tremendous visual appeal. Inside the collar is a simple black tag reading "A.G. Spalding & Bros.," remembering the Hall of Fame legend responsible for the first Baseball Tour of Europe and an early pitching star, manager and president of the Chicago American League team. Lauded by the authenticators at MEARS as "absolutely perfect," this remarkable and exceptionally scarce artifact is appropriate for only the most serious and advanced uniform collectors. MEARS Authentic. LOA from MEARS. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19726 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $20,315.00
Circa 1971-72 Joe Namath Game Worn Jersey & Sideline Beanie. Joe Namath game worn jerseys are in such demand that the plethora of jersey styles worn from the mid-1960's Jets years to his final hurrah with the Rams in '77 have been ranked, graded and scrutinized like T206's and 1965 Topps AFL Football Cards. At the top of the list of course is a SBIII game jersey or SBIII season durene jersey, followed by MacGregor mid-1960's durene jerseys with cerafed font numerals, the heavyweight cold weather jerseys with pockets and sewn on numerals, and the Jets early screened on mesh styles. This jersey obviously falls into the mid-career mesh jersey category, but make no mistake about its ability to rank solidly with the aforementioned heavy hitters. While mesh Jets Namath jerseys are not in short supply, early, turn of the decade representations with extra length, custom crotch piece, nameplate, crossover neck, sleeve customization and wear rocket the jersey right up the charts. Throw in Namath's infamous pregame beanie and the package becomes spectacular.

The jersey body itself is white mesh with mesh 3" green shoulder inserts and green mesh sleeves. The shoulder insert houses a 1.25" mesh stripe sewn overlay, while the contrasting green sleeves sport white sleeve numerals. The mesh collar at 1.25" is unique in both its width and large crossover. The jersey tail sports "Champion" custom added, six-button, cotton crotch piece and the company's size "L" cloth label with a pen code. Don't let the size designator be misleading - the jersey measures to a "46" to "48" and has three to four inches of extra length. It's certainly large enough to accommodate Namath's oversized ribbed padding, the forerunner to the modern day flap jacket. The numerals are screened on in proper and classic "slash" style font. The custom sleeves are cut right to the edge of the green panel edge with a half-inch fold over. The workmanship was local customization and the reinforced stitching along t
Auction 703 | Lot: 19205 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $17,925.00
The Finest Known 1910 World Series Program (Chicago) from the Frank "Home Run" Baker Collection. What a fine coincidence that the most beautifully preserved program from the seventh installment of the World Series derives from the personal collection of one of its Hall of Fame participants. Though we must admit, it's not as if there is a great deal of competition for the blue ribbon. Our database of auction records notes that the last sale dates to the famous Barry Halper auction in the Fall of 1999, where a VG copy realized a winning bid of $10,925. We would grade our copy a conservative EX, due only to some mild rubbing wear on the front and rear cover, and a half-inch tear at the left border of the front cover that is essentially invisible upon display. Whereas the Halper program had interior pages loose from the bindings, our copy is completely solid, with a minimum of wear of the pages within, and the score sheets free of marking. If not for a few bends at the absolute tips of the last several interior pages, we would assess a grade of NRMT to all residing between the covers. The program's quality, former ownership, and status as the style issued the day Connie Mack's Athletics closed out their first World Championship makes it a treasure worthy of a place in the most advanced of sporting artifact collections.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19703 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $14,340.00
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 SGC NM/MT 88. "Mickey is the Yankee rookie of whom so much is expected in 1951." So begins the text on the back of this essential card, the first to bear the likeness of the legendary Hall of Famer. It's safe to say that the Yankees' expectations were well met. And any expectations a serious card collector might have will be similarly satisfied with this top representation of Bowman's #253 card from their 1951 issue. Print lines and centering problems, two issues that affect a large percentage of cards from this set, have taken a vacation in this case. Microscopic touches on the corners take an eagle eye to spot, as does the slightest hint of a rough cut on the bottom edge. From any distance greater than six inches, it's impossible to see anything veering from perfection. We'll just leave it at this: only three cards have ever graded higher at SGC and that should say it all.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19482 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $14,340.00
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Bat from Ruth Family Friend. With the scarcity and desirability of Babe Ruth signed bats so extreme, it is always a thrill to find the genuine article in the sea of forgeries. This gorgeous specimen derives from the estate of Maxine "Miki" Herzberg-Fisher, a longtime friend of the Ruth family. Several other Ruth items from the Herzberg-Fisher estate have reached the marketplace in recent years, though none could hold a candle to this historic hardwood in terms of quality or value. The Spalding store model Frank M. Schulte (early home run king) bat offers what is surely among the very strongest signatures from Ruth on a bat conservatively rated 9/10, reading, "To Miki, From Babe Ruth." The handsome 31.5", twenty-six ounce bat exhibits an especially rich, pleasing wood finish to match the high quality of the Babe's inscription, making for a piece that is truly museum quality. While signed baseballs from this most significant of sporting icons will always be the gold standard of the hobby, it must be noted that Ruth signed bats are hundreds of times more scarce, and as such a steep incline in value over the coming years is all but assured. Smart investors understand that this is a "can't lose" opportunity. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19013 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
1924-28 Rogers Hornsby Game Used Bat. "I don't like to sound egotistical," Hornsby once quipped for the press, "but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." While this may sound immodest, we must paraphrase his fellow Cooperstown inductee Dizzy Dean's contention that it isn't bragging if you can back it up. Hornsby certainly could, and did. Twice he topped the magically elusive .400 mark during the five-season span of this bat's potential service, and only during the World Championship season of 1926 did he fail to place at least second in average for the National League for this period. Much of this fine work is clearly evident in the ash of this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby owned and operated by one of the greatest batsmen of the pre-war period. Dozens of ball marks coat the barrel, with punishment so severe that the grain has swollen from the impacts. Gouges from Hornsby's spikes are visible in the barrel as well, as Rajah used the bat to tap caked dirt from his shoes. A slight handle crack does not threaten the structural integrity of the bat, but did put an end to what had to have been a long period of service. A close inspection of the left barrel reveals traces of factory side-writing, indicating that this bat was returned to the factory to be used as a template for models of the same specifications, proving that this bat was not only used by Hornsby, but favored by him. Lathe marks are clearly visible on the knob and barrel end. Length and weight are thirty-six inches and thirty-five ounces respectively, also proper to Hornsby's preferred lumber. All in all, a marvelously strong representation of a very tough and desirable bat. Graded PSA GU7.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19775 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
Exceptional Circa 1928 Paul Waner Large Die-Cut Spalding Advertising Sign from the Sarabella Collection. This exceptionally scarce and visually stunning piece is among the elite of advertising pieces we've seen from the Roaring Twenties, picturing the Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirate kicking up a cloud of dirt in a close play at the plate. Bold text at top reads, "Paul Waner, Leading Batsman and most valuable player of the National League 1927 uses Spalding Bats and Official Base Ball Equipment." The "Spalding" name and logo appear on the lower half, with the text "Waner Safe at the Plate!" Miraculously saved from a 1920's sporting goods store, the large piece (29x42") has since been mounted professionally on corrugated cardboard. A repaired separation crosses horizontally the catcher's image, with some minor restoration. In very good condition over all. An absolute dream piece for the serious baseball advertising collector, from the esteemed collection of Barry Halper. Nicely framed to final dimensions of 35x48".
Auction 703 | Lot: 19115 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
Incredible Collection of 500 Home Run Club Members Individual Portraits Lot of 18 by Jurinko, Most Signed! (from the Sarabella Collection). We had considered breaking these up into individual lots, but thought that the series really deserved to stand on its own. Those familiar with the work of Andy Jurinko, considered by many to be among the top sports artists working today, will instantly recognize the mastery with which the artist has created these fantastic oil on canvas portraits. Each canvas measures 28x34", with all but Sammy Sosa housed in an attractive frame that brings the final dimensions to 31x37". One can only imagine the monumental visual effect of a wall displaying all eighteen together. The works were commissioned by collector extraordinaire Barry Halper, to whom all signed portraits are personalized in perfect sharpie. The signed works: Mantle, Williams, Banks, Killebrew, Robinson, Schmidt, Jackson, Aaron, Mays, McCovey and Mathews. The unsigned works: Ruth, Ott, Foxx (personalized to Halper by the artist), Sosa, Bonds, McGwire and Murray. A truly incredible lot that will turn a large trophy room into a veritable art gallery. (Total: 18 Items)
Auction 703 | Lot: 19165 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
Circa 1910 Frank Baker Studio Photograph by Horner, Used for M116 Sporting Life from the Frank "Home Run" Baker Collection. Though the most famous photograph snapped by celebrated early baseball photographer Carl Horner is the image of Honus Wagner used for the million dollar T206 card, we must note an equal mastery of technique in his study of the great Frank "Home Run" Baker we offer here. And, like the Wagner image, this too found a second life in a trading card set, notably the M116 Sporting Life, which again features a colorized version of the black and white shot. Baker appears in the uniform of the World Champion Philadelphia Athletics for this seated portrait, a crystal-clear image with the delightful interplay of light and dark that illustrates the great talents that Horner possessed. The image measures 3.75x5.5" on a mount that brings the final dimensions of the piece to 5x7". The artist's stamp of "Carl Horner Co., Wash'n Bldg, 387 Washington St., Boston" appears at lower right. Only the lightest wear to the edges cannot derail a grade of NRMT. Included in the lot is an EX example of the resultant M116 card.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19698 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
1880's John L. Sullivan Fight Worn Boxing Belt & Sash. Offering bare-knuckle boxing enthusiasts an opportunity of which they had never even dared to dream, we proudly present this incredible offering of relics from the storied career of John L. Sullivan, the hard-drinking Boston brawler who rose from a humble Irish neighborhood to prominence as the most revered pugilist of the 19th century. Originally acquired from the estate of late family member General William Sullivan, the mounted display is highlighted at at bottom by a ring belt owned and worn by the Boston Strong Boy. Fashioned of thirty-two inches of black velvet, the belt is adorned with nine brass ornaments and trimmed with metallic woven thread. The top of the display finds a red, white and blue satin sash, which Sullivan wore around his waist as he entered the ring. This piece exhibits only light staining and presents magnificently. At the center is a turquoise and red crossed ribbon affixed with twelve golden stars, showing a fair degree of wear but still solid and complete. The display was originally obtained by General William Sullivan at a Sullivan family reunion. It was later acquired from the General Sullivan estate by Sullivan's lawyer, a World War II veteran and Special Agent in the F.B.I. He was presented these remarkable Sullivan pieces by the General's widow as gifts for his antique shop, which he opened following his retirement from the legal profession. The display also features three fine cabinet photographs of the great John L., featuring two studio portraits and a third image in a fighting stance. Individual matting has obscured the edges, but the images themselves present as NRMT. The final dimensions of the display measure 30x37". Perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect in such a direct manner to the most fearsome fighter of the pre-Queensberry era.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19332 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00

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Late 1920's Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. It has been postulated that the Pittsburgh Pirates, upon witnessing the extraordinary power exhibited by these two sluggers in batting practice before the opening game of the 1927 World Series, gave up any hope of winning before the first pitch was even thrown. And who could blame them? Ruth's sixty home runs in the '27 regular season, and Gehrig's forty-seven, defied all reason. The next closest competitor for the home run crown hit eighteen by comparison, one of only six in the American League to reach double digits. How is it even be possible, thought the Pirates, that these two superhuman sluggers could hit like that? As such, this pair of Hall of Fame immortals drew legions of the gawkers wherever they traveled, folks drawn by the same curiosity that made them pay a nickel to see a two-headed cow or a bearded lady. The offered baseball, blessed with fantastic 8/10 ink signatures from Ruth and Gehrig, was likely signed at a barnstorming event, where local country folk could catch a glimpse of something that bordered on the magical. While any baseball featuring this pair is cause for celebration, the specimen we present here is a cut above the rest, both for the strong quality of the autographs and their unbeatable juxtaposition, with Gehrig signing just below and almost exactly parallel to the sweet spot Ruth. As such, this Official League Special sphere is the most perfectly displayable Ruth/Gehrig ball we have ever encountered. The catalog image should tell its thousand words in backing up this claim. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19089 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
Early 1980's Ray Bourque Game Worn Jersey. Exceptional early career representation is one of the few in the hobby bearing the single-digit number "7," a jersey number that was raised to the rafters in retirement for its former owner Phil Esposito in 1988, causing Bourque to double up with the far more common number "77" usually seen at auction. While Boston Bruins fans had the luxury of watching the game's greatest defenseman, Bobby Orr, in the 1960's and 1970's, they were treated to another defensive gem on a nightly basis during the 1980's and 1990's. Ray Bourque will in turn be considered an all-time great, and this early career number "7" representation will attest to his voracity and exemplary play. The "Sandow" made mesh jersey has a full compliment of sleeve and tail striping in yellow, black and gold, as well as a solid black v-neck. The Bruins' spoked crest is sewn on the jersey front and the logos are sewn onto each shoulder. Bourque's original "7" is sewn onto each sleeve as well as the verso while an off color nameplate houses a two-color name on back in black and gold tackle twill and proper font style. Dual neck label flaps are present, the top washed out and the other designating fabric content and washing instructions. The fighting strap is still intact as is the screened on manufacturer's logo on the lower right rear tail. The jersey shows wonderful wear with shoulder and sleeve repairs and exterior blemishes. LOA from MEARS.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19326 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,950.00
Late 1970's Pete Maravich Game Worn Jersey. Remembering much happier days in the Big Easy is this outstanding gamer from the personal wardrobe of the Hall of Fame guard known for his floppy grey socks, floppy brown hair, and ball handling dexterity that bordered on the magical. While other NBA legends might challenge Pistol Pete in skills and in domination of the game, none could match him for natural flare, and none was more exciting to watch. Here we present a late career gamer from this Springfield enshrinee exhibiting fine, consistent wear from shortly before the team's relocation to Utah. The unmistakable "Jazz" logo is screened to the chest in purple, green and yellow, with Maravich's number "7" in the club's most prevalent, and therefore most desirable, style. The number "7" is repeated on verso, below a purple tackle twill "Maravich" sewn directly into the body of the jersey as is proper for the era. The arch is correct and represents a shallower depth than the Jazz used in its earlier renditions, thus helping to date the jersey to 1976-77 or later with high probability. The small size "Medalist Sand-Knit Size 44" label in the tail is the style that was used from the mid-1970's to the early 1980's, and again the size is proper for Pete at the time. To the left is the factory fabric coding "68" affixed in appropriate zigzag stitching. A fine remembrance of an exciting time in the National Basketball Association. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19272 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,950.00
1965-68 Mickey Mantle Game Used Bat. Though the World Championship glory days of the New York Yankees were behind the Commerce Comet when he strode to the plate with this bat on his shoulder, his legendary numbers continued to grow, further establishing his baseball immortality with every swing. The spectacular use illustrated by a barrel coated with dark ball marks and deeply imbedded stitch patterns speaks to the titanic power of this Yankees superhero, even near the end of his Hall of Fame career. The signature model Hillerich & Bradsby K55 is on record as having been ordered by the team for the Mick's use, rather than by Mantle himself, though this was certainly not uncommon for Mantle gamers from this era. This historic hardwood measures just short of thirty-four inches in length, and tips the scales at thirty-four and a half ounces. It's always a thrill to hold genuine Mantle lumber in one's hands, and this representation is truly a top notch specimen, garnering the full three points for heavy use on the authentication grading scale for a final score of MEARS A8.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19777 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1958 Topps Baseball High-Grade Near Complete Set (484/494). Offered is a high grade near set of 1958 Topps baseball. This issue is noted for bright colors and numerous star cards, including high profile rookies of Maris, Cepeda, and Flood. This example includes 13 Yellow Letter variations: 13, 20, 23, 33 (PSA 8), 50, 53, 58 (PSA 8), 61 (PSA 8), 77, 78, 79, 85 Aparicio (PSA 8), 101. Note: Clemente is not yellow letter, PSA tag is a misprint. A total of 53 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $7,350. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA MINT 9: #387. PSA NM-MT 8: 39 cards w/ #'s 18, 19 Giants, 24, 25 Drysdale, 28, 30 Aaron, 33 Yellow Letter, 37, 39, 40, 48, 52 Clemente, 58 Yellow Letter, 59, 60, 61 Yellow Letter, 67, 71 Dodgers, 75, 80, 85 Aparicio Yellow letter, 93, 106, 303, 307 B. Robinson (oc), 369, 375 Reese, 377 Braves, 385, 388, 389, 398, 399, 421, 425, 428 Reds, 434, 439, 455. PSA NM 7: 10 cards w/ #'s 47 Maris, 88 Snider, 97, 150 Mantle, 277, 351 Aaron/Mathews, 386, 418 Aaron/Mantle, 440 Mathews, 463. PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards w/ #'s 310 Banks, 370 Berra. PSA EX 5: # 187 Koufax. Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s 1 Williams (EX), 5 Mays (EX), 70 Kaline (NM-MT). Missing: #'s 485-494 Grades 40% NM to NM-MT, 50% EX to EX-MT, 10% VG-EX or lesser.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19510 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1933 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. An autograph collector's dream piece, this "Babe Ruth Home Run Special" baseball boasts the finest pair of signatures from these Yankee ultra-legends ever found together on a single sphere. The Babe's sweet spot gem rates a solid 9/10, while his sidekick Lou does him one better on the side panel with a flawless 10/10 specimen. If the story ended here, this ball would make a serious challenge for the status of finest known, and as such would command a price at auction approaching $50,000. However the ball is signed by a third party as well, Ralph "Cy" Perkins, a member of the 1931 Yankees whose signature is equal in quality to Babe and Lou's. Though given the placement of Perkins on the panel below the Babe, the ball could quite easily be displayed so as to completely obscure his autograph from view, as our catalog images will illustrate. The ball itself shows mild, even toning with very minor incidents of foxing, and one pinprick of a brown mark that touches the flawless Gehrig signature. Included with the lot is the August 19, 1933 program from the Comiskey Park game where this ball was signed (glued into a scrapbook) and an affixed newspaper clipping recounting the game, and noting that the Babe clubbed his twenty-eighth homer of the season that day. Also here is another scrapbook page with the stub from the game and more news clippings affixed. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19093 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1935 Chuck Klein Game Worn Jersey. Chicago Cubs fans have been trained through decades of crushing disappointment never to expect miracles when it comes to their beloved ballclub. But the closest thing to a miracle since the days of Tinkers, Evers and Chance did in fact happen the year that Hall of Famer Chuck Klein suited up in this road grey jersey. Locked in a head to head pennant race with the St. Louis Cardinals on September second, the Cubbies proceeded to win the next twenty-one straight games, establishing a winning streak record that has never been equaled. And by a margin of four games, and for the second to last time in history, the Chicago Cubs were National League Champions.

Proudly presented here is one of only a handful of jerseys known to exist from that historic season, worn by the club's greatest home run threat and the 1933 winner of the coveted Triple Crown. The heavy road grey wool flannel was, unbelievably, a hand-me-down to a Chicago area industrial team, who stripped the "Chicago" from the chest but left the jersey otherwise unaltered. Klein's original number "4" on the verso remains unmoved from its original application at the start of the heroic '35 season, as do the embroidered "Klein" beside the "Spalding" label inside the collar, and the number "35" chain stitched in similar fashion in the rear tail. The body style is a pullover with four-button front, with matching blue and red piping at the collar and sleeve cuffs. The fabric that comprises the body of the shirt remains free of any noteworthy damage, offering wear described by the authenticators as "moderate." The shadow of the removed city name is still quite visible upon the chest, and if the winning bidder is interested in restoration, we can direct him or her to an expert capable of returning the piece to the spitting image of its former self. It is only due to the loss of this team identifier that the jersey does not receive a perfect rating, losing five points for a final grade of
Auction 703 | Lot: 19736 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
Massive 1926 World Series Panoramic Photograph Dating from Babe Ruth's Greatest Game! Presented here, for the first time to the collecting community, is the piece that may well take the prize for Best Sporting Photograph Auctioned in 2005. This absolutely massive piece, in terms of physical dimensions, importance and desirability, was unbelievably found ten years ago at a St. Louis area yard sale, where the lucky consignor purchased it for a song. While this leaves the exact trail of provenance a mystery, we can be almost certain that its original home was a wall of the clubhouse at Sportsman's Park, where this image was captured during the bottom of the third inning of Game Four of the World Series, October 6, 1926. The image's quality and its simply tremendous size--over nine inches high and fifty-six inches wide! (not including the frame)--certainly leaves no doubt that the piece was produced for a serious and powerful V.I.P. The original frame carries the final dimension to 14x61", over five feet in width! Considering that the average panoramic photograph of the day measures three feet wide, we begin to understand just how rare and special this piece is.

But again, the majesty of this one of a kind artifact extends well beyond its tremendous girth. Clearly it was a stroke of luck that the photographer working the complicated panoramic camera happened to be stationed in the right field stands this day, as he couldn't possibly have known it would prove to be one of the game's most historic. As we look out past the expanse of outfield grass, beyond where the Babe stands positioned twenty yards from the left field foul line, we come upon the stadium scoreboard. It lists a run for each team in the first inning, none in the second, and another run for the Yanks in the third. Check the record books and you will note that this could have only been that famous game in which the Babe clubbed three home runs, establishing a record that has been equalled but never beaten.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19580 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1957 Topps Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (411). The popular 1957 Topps issue was their first with the now standard 2.5" x 3.5" sizing. This high-grade offering exhibits strong corners, centering, and surface throughout as the graded representations will exhibit. A total of 74 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $8,380. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA NM-MT 8:53 cards w/ #'s 2 Berra, 4, 8, 9, 12, 14, 18 Drysdale (mc), 30 Reese, 44, 58, 71, 74, 123, 142, 144, 151, 163, 180, 183 Cubs, 189, 192, 196, 198 Tigers, 199, 200, 201, 211, 224, 231, 234, 237, 241, 244, 246, 250 Mathews, 252, 253, 259, 264, 270 Senators, 284, 289, 292, 317 Giants, 336, 337, 357, 359, 376, 396, 398, 399, 401. PSA NM 7: 16 cards w/ #'s 10 Mays, 20 Aaron, 35 F. Robinson, 55 Banks, 76 Clemente, 80 Hodges, 95 Mantle, 97 Yankees, 100, 120 Lemon, 121, 125 Kaline, 210 Campanella, 286 Richardson, 302 Koufax, 400 Dodgers Sluggers. PSA EX-MT 6: 4 cards w/ #'s 1 Williams, 25 Ford, 277, 338. PSA EX 5: 407 Mantle/Berra. Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s Grades 65% NM to NM-MT, 30% EX to EX-MT, 5% VG-EX or lesser.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19509 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $10,755.00
1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee (Magie) Error Card PSA VG 3. To give some idea of the incredible scarcity of this important tobacco card, we'll note that only fifty-five have ever been encapsulated by the PSA grading service, just over twice as many as the twenty-five representations of the famed Honus Wagner card, considered one of the rarest pieces of cardboard on earth. Severely abridged print runs are the common thread that causes the skimpiest of supplies of each, as Wagner personally put a stop to his own appearance in the set, and the misspelling of Magee's last name was caught and corrected early in the process. Even the most advanced collections of T206 sets are often short of the coveted "Magie," and so we expect spirited bidding for this nice example. Typical corner wear is the only noteworthy condition issue, as the surfaces present as well as a card of much loftier rank.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19461 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $10,755.00
1914 Boston Braves Team Signed Baseball. After dumping both halves of an Independence Day, 1914 doubleheader to drop to fourteen games under .500, it looked as if the bumbling Braves would not even equal their fifth place finish of the previous season. But something in the fireworks that lit up the sky that night over Brooklyn where the series would resume two days later rained a bit of magic down upon the Braves squad, and they came storming back to win both July 6th games. And they just kept winning. In the month since that dismal Fourth of July, the Braves won twenty-one of twenty-six contests. The next month, they took twenty of twenty-seven. At season's close, they found themselves ten and a half games in front of Matty and McGraw's New York Giants, and poised to take on the powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics, winners of three of the previous four World Series. Surely now, pronounced the sportswriters, the Miracle Braves will see their luck run out. But this was far from the case. After a four-game sweep of the Mack Men, the Boston Braves had completed one of the most incredible comebacks in the history of sport, and were crowned as Champions of the World.

We are thrilled to have this exceedingly rare opportunity to present an ONL (Tener) baseball autographed by eighteen members of this storied squad. Among the Miracle Men present are Maranville, Davis, Cather, Tyler, Deal, Cocreham (twice), Schmidt, Whitted, Rudolph, Martin, Connolly, Mitchell, Hughes, Tyler, Gilbert and a few others too light to discern. Signature quality of those listed ranges from 4/10 to 8/10, still quite impressive given the truly advanced age of the piece. To the best of our knowledge, not a single other example of this incredible team sphere has ever been offered at public auction, making this quite literally a once in a lifetime opportunity. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19370 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie #106 PSA VG 3. Only the famous Honus Wagner card of the T206 set could claim a more vast divide among card collectors between those who fervently desire a specimen and those that actually own one. Both the T206 Wagner and the 1933 Goudey Lajoie are so exceedingly scarce that listed full set prices for the issues fail to take them into consideration, beaten into submission by the knowledge that the cards just can't be found. Well, we've located one for our Heritage bidding clientele, allowing one lucky customer to switch teams to the "haves" from the "have nots." Thanks must be offered to one young Depression-era set builder, who would not be deterred by the fact that card number 106 was not available in standard wax packs. It took a letter, mailed to the Boston offices of Goudey Gum Co., to earn this toughest of all cards from this Big Three set, accounting for their terrific rarity today. While the edge and corner wear typical of the vast majority of cards from this issue is present here, nothing can disguise the fact that the image area, utilizing the design features that characterize the '34 set, presents well above its technical VG 3 rating. Of course, any griping over condition when it comes to a card of such minimal population is a bit ridiculous, as any collector knowledgeable in the field would surely agree. A rare and special chance to set oneself apart from (and above) the rest of the pack.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19470 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. Unmistakable from twenty yards away is this booming black ink sweet spot signature from the first and last name in baseball autograph collecting. It comes tantalizingly close in quality to those Ruth singles that clear the $50,000 mark, with this OAL (Harridge) ball providing only an insignificant degree of scuffing that occasionally nips at the autograph, and scattered toning to bring it into the realm of mortals. Based purely on the darkness of the black fountain pen ink, notably on the most desirable model of baseball from Ruth's late and post-playing days, this example ranks higher than the vast majority of the Babe's singles, which have seen at least some degree of ink fading over the passing decades. And as these lesser baseballs continue to fade into oblivion, the savvy collector will be pleased he made the decision to purchase this special sphere, which seems poised to weather another half century and beyond with no loss of quality or appeal. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19098 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $9,799.00
1939 Lou Gehrig Signed Large Wire Photograph. This was one of our favorite images of the Iron Horse long before we ever encountered this unimaginably rare and important signed oversized print. His career ended by a fatal diagnosis of arterial lateral sclerosis, the brave team captain watches from the dugout steps as his young teammates carry on the pinstriped tradition of excellence without him. A cryptic, Mona Lisa smile suggests the same mixture of sadness and pride that led him to tearfully claim the status of "luckiest man on the face of the earth." It's such a brilliantly evocative image, and offered here in such razor-sharp contrast that there can be no question as to its first generation status. Of course, the strong (8/10) black ink signature that slants across Gehrig's chest is further proof of this fact, as the tragic hero's autograph dating from this season and beyond practically fails to exist. In fact, we have encountered only a single other example of this image signed, and we don't suspect that another will surface anytime soon. While a certain degree of scattered wrinkles and spotting must be noted, these factors do not materially affect the remarkable display value of the piece. Along with the "Associated Press" stamping on the verso is the word "Walsh" penned in vintage ink, suggesting the possibility that this may have once belonged to famed sports agent Christy Walsh. While the physical dimensions of this photograph are 9.5x15", it can justifiably be claimed that the importance and appeal are quite simply immeasurable. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19031 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $9,799.00
1956 Topps Baseball High-Grade Partial Set (261/340). This high-grade partial set represents the second consecutive year that Topps employed the horizontal cards featuring both a portrait and an action scene. This offering includes the first 3 series' and is missing the 4th series of 261-340. Fortunately, none of the key cards are located in the final series, which only includes two Hall of Famers: 292 Aparicio, and 307 Wilhelm. A total of 66 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $9,000. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA Mint 9: 5 cards w/ #'s 81, 89, 94, 135 Mantle(oc), 190 Furillo. PSA NM-MT 8: 46 cards w/ #'s 17, 20 Kaline, 22, 29, 31 Aaron, 37, 38, 44, 45, 47, 54, 55, 56, 58, 60, 77, 80, 90 Reds, 91, 96, 121 Pirates, 125, 128, 130 Mays(oc), 138, 145 Hodges(oc), 160, 162, 164 Killebrew(oc), 165, 180 Roberts, 188 White Sox, 206, 212, 214, 217, 221, 222, 228, 230, 234, 236 A's, 242, 243, 244, 249. PSA NM 7: 12 cards w/ #'s 30 Robinson, 33 Clemente, 41, 78, 79 Koufax, 113 Rizzuto, 143, 148, 150 Snider, 153, 158, 175. PSA EX-MT 6: 5 cards w/ #'s 15 Banks, 110 Berra. PSA EX 5: #5 Williams . Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s 101 Campanella (EX), 166 Dodgers (EX-MT), 200 Feller (EX), 240 Ford (EX), 251 Yankees (NM), 260 Reese (EX-MT). Grades 50% NM to NM-MT, 50% EX to EX-MT.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19499 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50
The Entire Pre-1990's 500 Home Run Club Signed Display with Ruth, Foxx & Ott from the Sarabella Collection. From the famous collection of hobbyist extraordinaire Barry Halper comes this amazing display that fills in those conspicuously empty spots in long ball history. While certainly highly desirable in its own right, the famous Ron Lewis lithograph picturing the eleven Club members alive in the late 1980's is not exceptionally scarce in its signed form. But who but Halper would have taken that extra step to add the three gentlemen who founded the Club? Presented above the classic Yankee Stadium scene that pictures perfect blue sharpie signed images of Williams, Robinson, Killebrew, Jackson, Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Schmidt, Banks, Mathews and McCovey are three terrific signed photos of the men who engineered the concept of the home run slugger. Appropriately at center is the Babe, who inscribes a 5.5x8" photograph in bold black ink (9/10), "To my friend M.E. Malast, Sincerely Babe Ruth." The left side pictures the second man to reach the mark, a 7x9" Burke photograph reading, "To my friend Tom, Wishing you the best, You are a swell guy, Jimmie Foxx." The ink quality is a very strong 8/10. Finally, the terror of the Polo Grounds appears at right, on another 7x9" Burke photograph. His 8/10 ink inscription reads, "To Ray from Melvin Ott." Ruth's photo shows a vertical center fold that has been greatly minimized through framing and does little to detract from eye appeal. A small defect in the unoccupied background of the Ott photo is even less significant. Break down value is quite obviously significant, though an imaginative and expensive framing and matting job would be wasted by such a move. Final dimensions of this extraordinary piece are 42x44". LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19151 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50
Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris Signed 1962 "Safe at Home" Large Movie Poster from the Sarabella Collection. As scarce as is the dual-signed one-sheet movie poster offered in this auction, the 40x60" monster that we present here ventures even further into the realm of disbelief. Certainly the only specimen of its kind, this poster leaves us with nothing to do but applaud the incredible foresight of Barry Halper, who corralled both of the film's superstars to sign in perfect blue sharpie, with Mick and Roger adding the sentiments of "Best Wishes" and "Best Always" respectively. The result is one of the most visually impressive autographed pieces imaginable by this magical duo of 1961, guaranteed to draw the lion's share of attention from visitors to even the finest sports memorabilia collections. For years, this poster was displayed at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant in New York City, only returning to Halper's personal collection following Mantle's death. The poster is dry-mounted for protection and exhibits natural fold lines and some patches of light staining, but still displays magnificently, with no defects that attract from visual appeal in any significant way. An elegant wooden frame carries the final dimensions to 43x63". LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19123 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50

Make Offer to Owner
$13,444 or more
1965-68 Roger Maris Game Used & Signed Bat. One of the most impressive Roger Maris bats to reach the auction block in recent memory, and if you don't want to take our word for it, ask the authenticators at MEARS, who sing this bat's praises with a stellar A9 rating. The signature model Hillerich & Bradsby A92 is the style favored by the hero of the 1961 home run chase during his final seasons in the Bronx, and the close of his career in St. Louis. Strong use certainly suggests that a few of Roger's patented long balls were launched from its barrel, which exhibits ball, stitch and rack marks from its days of active duty. Number "9" appears in vintage marker on the knob and barrel end. But perhaps most excitingly, the barrel offers a vintage personalized inscription reading, "To Ron Kurtz, Best Always, Roger Maris," placing the bat definitively in the superstar slugger's hands. Once coated with clear tape for protection, that tape has since been removed, leaving a shadow behind that does little to detract from the 7/10 inscription. Length is thirty-five inches, at a weight of thirty-three and a half ounces. The grade bears repeating: MEARS A9. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19780 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,365.00
1920's Ty Cobb "Stall and Dean" Advertising Display. With the last sighting of this piece at auction remaining the 1999 Barry Halper sale, where a slightly superior example to our offering realized a price of $19,550, the presentation of this terrifically rare countertop display piece is certain to cause a commotion among both Cobb and advertising piece collectors. The Peach's rather controversial nature made him a bit of a gamble for product endorsement, so it is quite rare to see Mr. Cobb working solo on an advertising piece despite his tremendous talents. And in that short supply, no other piece could hold a candle to the leaping image of the Tigers legend, fixed against a background of a baseball and signature model glove, with Cobb's name in bold and heroic text. The cardboard rarity is die-cut to dimensions of approximately 10x15.75" and it presents quite beautifully despite an expected degree of wear most apparent at lower left, where water damage has affected a section of the piece just short of 1x3" in size. Easel back is still in place on verso, and fully operational. Those wishing to add this very special piece to their collections would be well advised to chase this specimen, as the wait for the next one could well exceed the six years between the last sale and this one.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19543 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,365.00
1969-72 Roberto Clemente Game Used Bat. This signature model Hillerich & Bradsby U1 is the style favored by the heroic Hall of Famer in the final years of his career, and his life, the model with which he powered his way to the elusive 3,000 hit mark. Presented here is a fabulous example of a blonde ash weapon once wielded by the superstar Pirate, exhibiting a few unmistakable ball and stitch marks on the barrel. All characteristics are exact to factory records, from the thirty-six ounces of weight to the thirty-six inches in length. Properly fonted and aged number "21" on the knob recalls Clemente's since-retired jersey number. Far more than an artifact of our National Pastime, this is an inspirational piece from one of the game's greatest humanitarians. MEARS A6.5.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19781 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $8,365.00
1951 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8. After seeing a 1951 Yankees team sphere graded PSA Mint 9 realize a price a few dollars short of $30,000 in the Heritage May 2005 Signature Auction, one wise collector decided it was time to present this nearly identical representation for sale. Happy to oblige his wishes, we present this superb example of the most collectible post-war Yankee ball on earth, pairing a final season sweet spot DiMaggio with his youthful successor in center field, a rookie named Mantle. Surrounding this deific duo are twenty-two World Championship teammates, notably Martin, Henrich, Rizzuto, Mize, Berra, Stengel (clubhouse), Houk, McDougald, Crosetti, Coleman, Collins and more. Both the OAL (Harridge) baseball and the autographs that take residence there have been graded "8" by the authenticators at PSA/DNA, accounting for the final score as listed. Indisputably one of the finest examples known. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19407 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50
1934 Tour of Japan Multi-Signed Baseball with Babe Ruth. It was a story made for Hollywood, with the most famous man in America, his faithful Yankee sidekick, a few other baseball legends, and a secret agent moonlighting as a Big League catcher. No serious baseball collection could possibly live without an artifact from the amazing 1934 Tour of Japan, and here we offer a captivating piece from the far side of the vast Pacific. The Babe fittingly occupies the sweet spot of this "Spalding" baseball signed on the historic Tour, appearing in the boldest black ink imaginable. His traveling teammates follow suit, with Manush, Sewell, Averill, Gehringer and Higgins all rating 9/10 or better. Light shellac is to be given credit for the superb signature quality, and the attractive sepia tone of the ball. Clearly one of the finest Ruth signatures ever found on a baseball, with historical value to add even further to the ball's tremendous appeal. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19379 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50
1996-97 Michael Jordan N.B.A. Finals Game Worn Jersey. While any Chicago Bulls jersey sanctified by the touch of His Airness is worthy of respect and awe, the appearance of one that saw action on basketball's greatest stage carries the appeal to an unearthly realm. Here we present one of the finest Jordan gamers ever made available for public sale, worn as the greatest basketball player of all time steered his Windy City club to their fifth World Championship under his command. In most respects, this historic shirt presents identically to those we much more typically see: "Bulls 23" is sewn in black and white tackle twill on the chest, with "Jordan 23" doing time on verso. The proper labeling in tail has "96-97 Bulls Exclusivity" tag in tail with "Body Length +3" identifier. "Champion [size] 46" label is to the right. But the two small patches at the upper shoulders set this monumental offering apart. At upper right is the patch of the N.B.A. Championship Finals, never made available for public consumption and only seen on authentic Finals gamers. And the upper left features the NBA logo in gold, making note of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the league, which notably saw Jordan named as one of the fifty greatest players of all time. Any jersey featuring this golden logo is exceedingly difficult to come by, much less a Finals jersey by the game's greatest star. Wear is appropriately light but definite for a jersey that saw use only at the thrilling climax of yet another dominant season. Picture perfect in every way, this is one of only a tiny handful of Jordan playoff jerseys ever to reach the auction block, and as such should find a home in only the most serious basketball collection. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19278 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50
1930's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. Place this signature on the sweet spot of an OAL (Harridge) ball, take away the personalization, and the value grows to $50,000 or more. So for those collectors looking for a high-quality Ruth single without the massive price tag, we present this spectacular 9/10 inscription reading "To Pearl Schuler From Babe Ruth." The side panel of a "Star Player College League" ball gives a home to this top-quality ink, and the ball too remains in marvelous condition, with only some small spots of foxing well away from the display side to be noted. Dollar for dollar, this may be the best autograph value in the auction. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19092 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50

Make Offer to Owner
$11,651 or more
1888 Goodwin Champions N162 Complete Baseball Set (8). Issued by Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarettes, this set remains a favorite for many 19th century card collectors due to its gorgeous Victorian age lithography, picturing the game's greatest stars standing before glorious multi-hued skies right out of a painting by Claude Monet. Four residents of Cooperstown clock in for this set: Anson (Good 30), Brouthers (Good 30), Kelly (VG 40) and Keefe (VG/EX 50). Rounding out the team are Andrews (Fair 20), Caruthers (Fair 20), Glasscock (EX 60) and Dunlap (EX+ 70).
Auction 703 | Lot: 19459 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50
1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Program. This is the kind of piece collectors see in their dreams, simple and yet so perfectly constructed that it is almost as if the fan that originally acquired it had a psychic notion of the future hobby, and what it would most crave. Clearly, if we were to pick any year's program on which to place this historic pair, it would be 1927, when the Babe clubbed five dozen, and the Iron Horse took American League M.V.P. honors. But even with access to a time machine, we might not have demonstrated the wise forethought to stack the two signatures so perfectly on either side of the bold text reading "Season of Nineteen Twenty-Seven." The Babe's 10/10 pencil is not to be outdone by Gehrig's 9/10 blue ink, and while the scorecard itself shows a degree of wear, with toning at the edges, staining on rear cover and a few scattered minor tears and holes, none of this materially affects the spectacular display value. Date of "Jul 22 1927" is stamped on cover, and interior box scores are unmarked. A fine centerpiece to even the most sophisticated autograph collection. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19007 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,767.50
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Photograph. The definitive Ruth signed photograph. A strong 9/10 black ink inscription from the hand of the game's brightest star finds a home on this classic image of Ruth sending one into the seats. The simple sentiment reads "To Paul Martin, From Babe Ruth." The surname of the recipient should ring a bell for many advanced Ruth collectors, as the Martins were close friends of Babe and his wife Claire, and quite a few various autographed pieces bearing the Martin name have found their way to the auction block in recent years. Few could match the quality of this piece, however, and it should be noted that the photograph itself joins the inscription in its NRMT designation. Photo measures 7x9", and is gorgeously matted to final dimensions of 14x16". LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19012 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,528.50
1929 Philadelphia Athletics Team Signed Panoramic Photograph. Highly collectible and capable of realizing prices approaching $2,000 in its unsigned state, this glorious panorama from the collection of third baseman Sammy Hale takes on an elephantine appeal with the addition of twenty-eight autographs, representing every last man pictured, all the way down to the young mascot that kneels at center. Those familiar with the composition of this squad, prominent in any educated discussion of the all-time greatest teams, will be intimately familiar with the cast of characters: Mack, Foxx, Cochrane, Collins, Grove, Simmons, Bishop, Dykes, Earnshaw, Miller, Boley and Haas. The signature quality ranges from a perfectly respectable 4/10 to a flawless 10/10, with each entirely legible and all but a few falling quite comfortably into the 6/10 to 8/10 range. Among the Hall of Famers, only Simmons' 5/10 fails to meet that standard, while Grove surpasses it with a conservative 9/10. The photograph itself, measuring 9x31.5" in its original frame, is likewise very well preserved, with a light touch of toning at far left and a single inch-long tear at far right leaving the wide expanse in between free of flaws. An absolute dream piece for the uncompromising collector. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19715 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,170.00
1962 "Safe at Home" Movie Poster Signed by Mantle & Maris from the Sarabella Collection. What do you get when you cross one of the most desirable movie posters in the sports memorabilia collecting hobby with the autographs of its two heroic stars? The answer is right in front of you, a piece that ranks among the most coveted of all Mantle/Maris signed artifacts. This one-sheet (27x41") poster from the 1962 flick "Safe at Home" is linen-backed to great effect, and bears the perfect blue sharpie signatures of Mickey Mantle (who adds the sentiment, "Best Wishes") and Roger Maris. With lowly 8x10" signed photos of the pair topping $2,500 at auction, what do you suppose this infinitely more desirable piece is worth? Attractively framed to 29x43". LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19122 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,170.00
Mickey Mantle Signed 1962-63 Jello Advertising Poster from the Sarabella Collection. Tremendously rare and desirable in its unsigned state (one of the few known specimens sold at auction in 2004 for over $6,000), the example we offer here triples the appeal with a flawless blue sharpie signature from the pinstriped legend pictured, who adds the charming Jello slogan inscription "um um Good." This singularly unique piece derives, rather unsurprisingly, from the vast personal collection of Barry Halper, and demonstrates original folding creases and a scattering of insignificant smaller creases. None of these issues manages to come close to derailing the monumental visual appeal created by the oversized photographic portrait of the Mick and the bold text of a piece that conspire to an impressive 30x35" in size. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 703 | Lot: 19124 | Oct 29, 2005

Sold For: $7,170.00

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