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1954 Mickey Mantle Game Worn Jersey. It was Groundhog's Day, 1954. While an expectant nation awaited the forecast on the arrival of Spring from a rodent in Pennsylvania, Mickey Mantle was making his own preparations for the coming thaw, hoping that the operation to remove a cyst from behind his right knee might do something to ameliorate the pain that had plagued him since his injury in Game Two of the 1951 World Series. The Yankees had posted their fifth consecutive World Series victory four months earlier and there seemed to be no end in sight for the team's winning ways. But the twenty-two year old Mick knew he was instrumental to his ballclub's chances, and if he could finally get that knee working the way it was supposed to, there would be no stopping the Yankees.

In the end, the surgery ended up being a limited success, but Mantle was of tough Midwestern stock and fought through the pain bravely, as he would continue to do for his entire career. And the Hall of Fame numbers continued to mount. In 1954, Mickey improved upon all of his batting stats from the previous season, posting an even .300 average with twenty-seven home runs. His 102 runs batted in marked the first season in which he would reach the triple-digit mark, a feat he would accomplish just four times in his storied career. And his 129 runs scored led the league by a considerable margin, with Minnie Minoso taking the silver with ten fewer. Injured or not, Mantle was still one of the game's biggest stars in 1954.

This historic road grey flannel represents one of the very few Mantle jerseys still available for public sale, and one of the earliest known to exist. We instruct those who idolize Mickey but may not be schooled in the collecting hobby that players at this time were issued only two home and two road jerseys per season, and the fine wear is appropriate for an estimated forty games of use. Pick any road event from the 1954 season, and there's a 50/50 chance that Mickey was spor
Auction 702 | Lot: 19683 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $119,500.00
1952 Bowman Large Football High-Grade Complete Set (144). An absolutely exceptional set that would immediately crack the top five of PSA's set registry if the winning bidder chose to slab the remainder of the raw cards here. Many collectors consider this the most beautiful of all football issues, and when you pair this adoration with the intense rarity of the cards, it's no wonder why it tops so many hobbyists' wish lists. As rare as these cards are in general, the occurrence of a complete set is even more remarkable. Those cards with numbers divisible by nine (9, 18, 27, etc.), and those a single digit higher than these cards (10, 19, 28, etc.) were printed in a painfully short run, and carry a significant premium as a result. Furthermore, the final card in the set (144 Lansford) suffered tremendously from his placement at the bottom right corner of the printed sheets, subject to disproportionate wear and poor cuts. The problems were so severe that many were discarded prior to packaging at the factory, making this card among the rarest in the hobby, particularly in strong condition. Our PSA 8 representation has only been topped twice in the history of the grading company. Important rookies include Paul Brown, Christiansen, Donovan, Gifford, Halas, Lary, Marchetti, Matson, McElhenny and Robustelli. A total of forty-seven cards have been graded by PSA, which add up to nearly $20,000 in SMR value. Graded cards, PSA NM-MT 8: forty cards with 2 Graham, 3 Walker, 10 Bednarik, 19 Connor, 21, 22, 28 Rote, 29 McElhenney, 30 Baugh, 34, 37 Hirsch, 39 Tunnell, 42, 44, 46 Donovan, 48 Halas, 58, 59, 68, 76, 78 Layne, 88, 93, 98, 106, 108 SP, 112, 113, 115, 118 SP, 121, 122, 125 Nomellini, 126 SP, 128 Lavelli, 129 Christiansen, 132, 137 Waterfield, 139, 144 Lansford. PSA NM 7: four cards with 16 Gifford, 17 Tittle, 32, 142 Landry. PSA EX-MT 6: three cards with 1 VanBrocklin (presents NM-MT with small surface crease on verso), 86, 99 Stydahar. Ungraded cards include 4 Owen (NM), 12 Trippi
Auction 702 | Lot: 19433 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $59,750.00
1926 Jack Dempsey Heavyweight World Championship Belt. William Harrison Dempsey was born in the small mining town of Manassa, Colorado on June 24, 1895. The town itself had only been founded seventeen years earlier, by Mormon settlers who arrived from the south through Pueblo fleeing persecution because of their faith. It certainly seemed like an unlikely setting for the birth of one of the most important sporting figures in American history. Dempsey lived the barnstorming life of a hobo in his late teens and took up fighting in various Colorado mining towns, mostly under the name of "Kid Blackie." His first fight was in 1912, a knockout of Fred Wood. It is possible Dempsey fought as many as 100 fights in this early period, all unrecorded.

By 1914, boxing became a more serious business for Dempsey. He took on many fighters in places like Salt Lake City, Provo, Cripple Creek and Ogden. In 1916 he fought Australia Joe Bonds in Ely, Nevada and was spotted by Bonds manager, Jack Kearns who saw talent. Under the leadership of Kearns, Dempsey would begin to emerge as a real threat to serious contenders and the Champion, Jess Willard. He posted victories over Gunboat Smith, Bill Brennan, Billy Miske. Fred Fulton, Carl Morris and Battling Levinsky.

On July 4, 1919 Dempsey got his shot at the title when he met Willard under a blistering sun in Toledo, Ohio. At 6' 6" and 265 pounds, Willard was by far the bigger man. Dempsey however, was by far the better fighter. In a completely one-sided match, Willard was repeatedly knocked down before finally succumbing in the fourth round. Following two defenses against Miske and Brennan, Dempsey took on the famous Frenchman, Georges Carpentier on July 2, 1921 in Jersey City. In the first million dollar gate in boxing history, Dempsey stopped the smaller, but game Carpentier in the fourth. On July 4, 1923 Dempsey again retained his crown, winning a fifteen-round decision over Tommy Gibbons in a small Montana town, a fight forever immortaliz
Auction 702 | Lot: 19262 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $44,812.50
1909-11 T206 White Border Near Complete Set (520) Minus the Big Three. What takes those intrepid few collectors months and years to assemble could be accomplished here with a single bid, as we offer this rare opportunity to acquire the hobby's first great set without the laborious searching. A whopping total of 233 cards have been graded by PSA. Graded Cards, PSA NM-MT 8: Four cards. PSA NM 7: Eight cards w/ Tinker (Portrait), Donlin (Fielding), Clarke (Bat). PSA EX-MT 6: Twenty-nine cards w/ Chance (Yellow Port), Evers (Port), Keeler (Port). PSA EX 5: Forty-six cards w/ Bender (Port), Brown (Cubs), Crawford (Bat), Griffith (Port), Huggins (Port), Joss (Port), Lajoie (Bat), Waddell (Port), Young (Port). PSA VG-EX 4: 127 cards w/ Beckley, Bender (Trees in Back), Bresnahan (Port), Bresnahan (Bat), Brown (Chicago), Chance (Red Port), Chase (Dark Cap), Chase (White Cap), Chesbro, Cicotte, Collins (Phila), Crawford (Throw), Evers (Chicago), Evers (Cubs(MC)), Griffith (Bat), Jennings (Port), Jennings (One Hand), Jennings (Two Hands), Johnson (Portrait), Johnson (Chest), Keeler (Bat), Marquard (Port), Mathewson (Dark Cap), McGinnity, McGraw (Hip), McGraw (Air), O'Hara (St. Louis(MC)), Smith (Chi & Bos), Speaker, Tinker (Bat Off), Walsh, Wheat, Willis (Bat), Young (Bare Hand). PSA VG 3: Nineteen cards w/ Brown (Port), Demmitt (St. Louis), Elberfeld (Wash, Port), Huggins (Mouth), Joss (Pitch), Lajoie (Throw), Marquard (Pitch), Mathewson (Port), McGraw (Port, No Cap), Tinker (Bat On), Waddell (Throw), Young (Glove).

Auction 702 | Lot: 19502 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $35,850.00
1953 Bowman Baseball Color High-Grade Near Set (141/160). The first set of contemporary Major League players to feature color photography, this set marks a major milestone in the history of collectible cardboard and remains one of the most popular issues of the post-war era. With the demand for high-grade singles from this set so intense, it's particularly rare to see an offering of such volume and quality. Break down value here is just tremendous. A total of thirty-one cards have been graded by PSA which add up in excess of $14,500 in SMR value, and the vast majority of the raw cards are entirely worthy of slabbing. Graded cards, PSA Mint 9: 45 Dropo. PSA NM-MT 8: twenty-two cards with 10 Ashburn, 14, 24, 27, 39, 43, 51 Irvin, 54, 70, 76, 80 Kiner, 82, 84, 93 Rizzuto/Martin, 97 Mathews, 99 Spahn, 103, 109, 118 Martin, 129, 131, 160 Abrams. PSA NM 7: eight cards with 18 Fox, 33 Reese, 44 Berra/Bauer/Mantle, 46 Campanella, 62, 92 Hodges, 108, 156. Ungraded cards include 1 Williams (NM), 9 Rizzuto (EX). Missing: nineteen cards with 32 Musial, 57 Boudreau, 59 Mantle, 114 Feller, 116, 117 Snider, 120, 121 Berra, 123, 129, 130, 132, 136, 140, 143, 145, 146 Wynn, 148, 153 Ford. Grades 35% NM to NM-MT, 45% EX-MT, 20% EX.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19565 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $33,460.00
1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The Alpha and Omega in sports artifact collecting, the beginning and the end. The value of the Ruth single has continued to rise with the consistency of the morning sun, so educated collectors hardly even see the purchase of one as an expense--rather an investment, a conversion of liquid capital into something akin to a blue chip stock or bond, though with a far greater emotional appeal. And while any investment in a Ruth piece is a wise one, the smartest money is on high-grade autographs such as this. Lesser specimens are more likely to trade hands several times over a lifetime, whereas balls like the one offered here tend to find a home for years, even generations, so that the supply of available top-end singles continues to wane. So if you have the capital to invest, we would suggest that you consider this cream-toned OAL (Harridge) ball with the unmistakable 9/10 black ink signature of the game's greatest figure on the sweet spot. Place it in an airtight container in your bank's safe deposit box, or lock it behind UV-resistant glass in your office or den. It will make money for you right before your eyes. It's the safest bet in the market. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19011 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $31,070.00
1954 Warren Spahn Game Worn Jersey. He's the number six man on the career wins ladder, and figures to remain as such unless Roger Clemens has two more good seasons in him. Spahn's figure of 363 victories has never been topped in the Live Ball era, and as of today there is not a pitcher within thirty games of the southpaw Braves ace who didn't register at least the vast majority of his wins prior to 1920. This fact becomes all the more remarkable when considering that Spahn left for World War II combat, experiencing the fiercest of fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, after appearing in only four games in 1942. He wouldn't post his first career victory until 1946, when he was twenty-five years old. Like the Rocket that tails him, Spahn not only had longevity, but tremendous quality in that longevity. Stan Musial once joked that Spahn would never make it into the Hall of Fame. "He'll never stop pitching," he explained.

Considered by most uniform collectors as the most aesthetically impressive style in post-war baseball fashion, this jersey commands attention even before the number "21" on front and verso reminds the observer just who it was that once wore it. The scripted black and red felt "Braves" gives way to a gorgeously rendered tomahawk on the chest, with the zipper front keeping the design tight and complete. The Indian head patch is a masterpiece of design on the left sleeve that housed Spahn's million-dollar throwing arm. The front left tail houses the proper "Wilson [size] 42" and cleaning instruction labels, which frame a white felt swatch with red chain stitched "Spahn 54," all details of which match exactly to other known Braves jerseys from this season. Wear is clearly evident from appearances at such ballparks as Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and Wrigley during a season that saw him win twenty-one games against just twelve losses. Breaking tradition from most of the flannels we see from this era, there is not a single incident of damage, be it st
Auction 702 | Lot: 19682 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $31,070.00
1973 Secretariat Triple Crown Worn Bit & Bridle. Secretariat was destined for greatness from the moment he was conceived, a convergence of top racing bloodlines and brother of Sir Gaylord, who had been favored to win the 1962 Kentucky Derby before coming up lame in a pre-race training session. It quickly became clear, as the chestnut colt matured into his prime, that Secretariat may well be Sir Gaylord's superior, and before the horses had even lined up at the starting gate for the 1973 Kentucky Derby, the whispers in the Louisville crowd seemed to echo with the prediction that Secretariat would soon wear the Triple Crown. And for once, those whispers were correct.

Presented here is one of the most remarkable artifacts from the Sport of Kings ever to reach the auction block, the bit and bridle worn by the greatest racehorse of all time in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, races won by Secretariat to secure the elusive Triple Crown. It derives directly from the Collection of Meadow Stables and Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, and was originally sold through the famous Sotheby's auction of horseracing artifacts. The blue and white coloring should be instantly recognizable from race films, and Secretariat's victory by thirty-one lengths to secure the Triple Crown at Belmont should give an unobstructed view of the bridle and bit in action.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19206 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $26,887.50
1938 Henry Armstrong Ring Magazine Triple Championship Belt. Henry Armstrong was born Henry Jackson on December 12, 1912 in Columbus, Mississippi, the eleventh in a line of fifteen children. His father, Henry Sr. was of Irish, Indian and African American descent. His mother, America Armstrong, was half Cherokee Indian. The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri when Henry was four. His mother died when he was six and he was raised by his paternal grandmother who insisted on Henry obtaining an education. Henry excelled in school and was voted class president and was eventually the valedictorian of his graduating class. After school, Armstrong took jobs as a laborer with the Missouri railroad and as a shoe shine boy. In 1931 he met a fight manager named Tom Cox and began his amateur career. During this time he knocked out sixty-six opponents and never lost a fight.

Henry turned professional in 1932 and quickly established himself as one of the best fighters in his weight class. He was also one of the busiest, often taking fights only days apart. Throughout his career he earned the nicknames of "Homicide Hank," "Perpetual Motion," and "The Human Buzzsaw." In 1936 he defeated Baby Arizmendi to claim a portion of the World Featherweight Title. After defeating notable fighters, Mike Belloise, Benny Bass and Frankie Klick, Armstrong took on Pete Sarron on October 29, 1937 and stopped him in six rounds to unify the World Featherweight Title. On May 31, 1938 Armstrong moved up in weight and defeated the great Barney Ross in fifteen rounds to win the World Welterweight Title. In his very next fight, only two and a half months later, he incredibly dropped down in weight and won a fifteen round decision over Lou Ambers on August 17, 1938 to win the World Lightweight Title. This incredible fighter had accomplished what most observers thought impossible. He had won three world titles in three separate weight classes and held the titles at the same time. Armstrong retired in 1945 after winning
Auction 702 | Lot: 19273 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $26,290.00
1970 Hank Aaron Game Worn Jersey. Though Aaron is certainly best known for his monstrous 755 career home run total, we should not ignore the fact that this gold medal slugger has a key to the 3,000 Hits clubhouse as well. In fact, Hammerin' Hank stroked number 3,000 on May 17, 1970 at Crosley Field (he hit his 570th career home run later in that game too). Understanding that even superstars like Aaron only received two home and two road jerseys for use each season, it doesn't take a mathematician to conclude that it's a 50/50 chance that this is the jersey he was wearing that day. We also must conclude that approximately one quarter of Aaron's thirty-eight home runs in 1970 were stuck with this jersey on his back, so this grey flannel Atlanta Braves roadster definitely looks fantastic on paper. Fine wear to this important relic is perhaps most notable in the gentle ribbing of the blue and red tackle twill "Braves" script on the chest, symptomatic of the effects of the salt in Aaron's sweat. The same holds true for the since-retired number "44" on verso. Terrifying Indian head patch on left sleeve. Embroidered swatch inside collar reads, "40 Set 1 70," while tail houses three tags: "Spalding, 40, washing instructions." A perfect black sharpie signature from Aaron leaves this spectacular piece lacking absolutely nothing. LOA from Dan Knoll & Dave Bushing/ SCD Authentic.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19691 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $26,290.00
1958 Cassius Clay Golden Gloves Fight Worn Trunks. Given Muhammad Ali's status as Sportsman of the Century, a title bestowed upon him by the definitive athletic periodical "Sports Illustrated," a strong argument could be made that this fantastic relic represents one of the most important pieces in the sports memorabilia collecting hobby. Baseball's equivalent would be Babe Ruth's Baltimore Orioles jersey. In football, perhaps Red Grange's earliest University of Illinois jersey could compare. And while these hypothetical "Holy Grail" garments almost certainly have long since returned to the earth from whence they came, somehow the trunks worn by the sixteen-year old Cassius Clay as a Golden Gloves competitor have managed to live on. Heritage is supremely honored to offer the earliest known Muhammad Ali fight worn trunks here today.

A full six years before Cassius Clay wrested the title of Heavyweight Champion from the grip of underworld goon Sonny Liston at the Miami Beach Convention Hall, the boy who would be "The Greatest" suited up in these white satin trunks as he battled to a victory in the the Light Heavyweight division of the Chicago Golden Gloves Championships on March 5, 1958. Though his greatest amateur achievement would come two years later as he claimed the Light Heavyweight Gold Medal at the Rome Olympic Games, this 1958 Golden Gloves win was his first real taste of boxing glory, a fact that he proudly noted with his black ink inscription on the right leg, reading, "To Mary From Cassius Clay, Champ! 1958." This autograph is obviously one of the earliest known from Ali, if not the very earliest, bar none. It remains in strong 8/10 condition in terms of boldness.

The trunks are otherwise charmingly and properly nondescript, appropriate for a poor kid from Kentucky trying to make good. The blue waistband has faded to a cool purple, and where the center label was removed appears a block-lettered "CLAY." Penned in the same block lettered style on
Auction 702 | Lot: 19287 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $25,095.00
1974 Muhammad Ali Fight Worn Trunks from Frazier II Bout. On January 28, 1974 at New York's Madison Square Garden Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought for the second time in their careers. The two had fought at the same venue in 1971 with the heavyweight title at stake. In that spectacular fight Joe Frazier knocked Ali down in the final round, winning a unanimous decision and handing Ali's his first defeat as a professional. Since that first fight Frazier had lost his title to powerful George Foreman. This rematch with Ali was to determine who would be Foreman's next opponent. The fight lacked the drama of the first meeting, but not the action. When it was over Ali emerged with a hard fought unanimous twelve round decision, although a number of observers at ringside thought Frazier had won. Presented here are the fight worn trunks of Muhammad Ali from this historic bout. The trunks are white satin with black trim and include a manufacturer's label for "EVERLAST" which reads, "Made Expressly For Muhammad Ali." Following the fight these trunks were presented to George Killian, a nearby resident of Deer Lake where Ali maintained his training camp for this fight. Mr. Killian was a long time friend of Ali who had visited there on numerous occasions while the camp was active. Mr. Killian presented the trunks to long time Ali collector Pete Morkovin, who has supplied a detailed explanation as to how he acquired the item. The trunks show moderate wear, but are perfectly intact and are in overall very good condition. Here's a rare offering from the second bout in Ali's most famous fight trilogy. LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19308 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $21,510.00
Circa 1900 James J. Jeffries Championship Sash Belt. Jim Jeffries was born on April 15, 1875 at Carroll, Ohio, one of eight children of a man who split time between farming and ministering at the local church. As a youth Jeffries became involved in both wrestling and boxing, but put off his boxing career at the request of his mother. He was a strapping man standing over six feet two inches tall and weighing over 200 pounds. Jeffries was a great outdoorsman and spent much of his spare time hunting. He turned professional boxer in 1895. By 1897 he was already fighting good competition and engaged in several exhibitions with notables like Jim Corbett and Joe Choynski. In 1898 he defeated an aging Peter Jackson, and then went on to score a big win over Tom Sharkey. On June 9, 1899 Jeffries challenged Robert Fitzsimmons for the World Heavyweight Title at Brooklyn's Coney Island. Jeffries ability to absorb punishment and his incredible stamina proved to much for Fitz who he stopped in the eleventh round to win the title. Jeff went on to defend the title seven times beating such notables as Corbett, Sharkey, Fitzsimmons (in the rematch) and Choynski. He retired undefeated in 1905 and moved to a farm in California where his weight ballooned up to 300 pounds.

When Jack Johnson became Champion, Jeffries was coaxed out of retirement to challenge him in one of the biggest fights of the century. They met in Reno, Nevada on July 4, 1910. The five-year layoff and the year it took to get in shape (Jeffries lost eighty pounds) took its toll on Jeffries and he was stopped by Johnson in a one sided affair. Johnson, the first African American to win the title, dominated from the outset. To his credit, after the fight, the always humble Jeffries, admitted he could not have beaten Johnson on the best day of his life. In his later years Jeffries trained several fighters and promoted some fights at the famous Jeffries Barn in California.

Presented here is a Championship sash belt which forma
Auction 702 | Lot: 19246 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $20,315.00
The Finest 1951 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball Known, PSA Mint 9. In post-war New York Yankees autograph collecting, it simply doesn't get any better than this. While many immortal World Championship squads have called the Bronx home in the past six decades, the 1951 team brings something to the table that no other pinstriped crew could match: the single-season convergence of the Yankee Clipper and the Commerce Comet. As the torch was passed at the center of a thirty-three year stretch that found one of these two top-tier Hall of Famers occupying the center field grass of Yankee Stadium, only a small quantity of baseballs offering genuine signatures from both was produced. Often DiMaggio, one of the most famous men in the country in 1951, would turn over signing duties to clubhouse assistants. And the rookie Mantle struggled considerably in his first season, and spent more than a third of it training in the minors. Any 1951 team ball blessed by authentic autographs of both Mantle and DiMaggio is held with the highest reverence in the collecting community as a result.

This, however, is not just any such ball. Surely the catalog images express this sentiment very well, and should adequately back our claim that we present here the most desirable 1951 Yankees team ball on earth. The OAL (Harridge) sphere remains all but untouched by the passing of fifty-four years since its creation, with the pale horsehide of its surface mellowing only a fraction of a shade from its original brilliance. The autographs themselves, all twenty-six of them, are comparably free of signs of aging, looking for all the world as if they were signed only minutes ago. DiMaggio's gorgeous signature finds its proper home on the sweet spot, as the nineteen-year old Mantle pays his dues as one of the masses on a side panel. Among his teammates present: Berra, Houk, Rizzuto, Dickey, Burdette, Mize, McDougald (1951 ROY), Reynolds, Lopat and Stengel. Not a single signature falls below 9/10 in
Auction 702 | Lot: 19347 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $20,000.00
1958 Spectacular Mel Ott Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8. Of all the milestones of immortality that dot the baseball landscape, none quickens our pulse quite the way the 500 home run mark does. Pitching may win ballgames, but the long ball wins hearts, and there isn't a little leaguer alive who hasn't dreamed of knocking one out of a big league park in the clutch. Fortunately for collectors, most of the Club is quite readily available on singles. Mantle, Mathews and Williams are gone, but they left a good supply behind. Ruth is likewise quite easy to locate, though pricier. Jimmie Foxx is very tough, yes, but the prize for toughest of them all goes to the man who made the right field bleachers of the Polo Grounds his personal landing pad for twenty-two seasons, the immortal Mel Ott. So we're proud to present one of the finest Ott singles known in the hobby, slabbed for posterity by the good folks at PSA with the chart-topping figure of NM-MT 8. The blue ink inscription to a young fan, reading "To Tommy, Best Wishes, Mel Ott" fills the side panel of this OAL (Harridge) ball with the same sort of boldness it held close to fifty years ago, and the ball has mellowed only a half shade to a creamy tone. The year "1958" is penned discreetly on the "Reach" logo of the ball, invisible upon display. Search for years and you won't find an Ott that's nicer. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19016 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $17,925.00
1987-88 Michael Jordan Game Worn Uniform. The 1987-1988 season was a defining one for Michael Jordan. His first three years in the league saw him ascend to the cusp of N.B.A. royalty, but there were some who still regarded him strictly as an electrifying player who put more stock in the number of points he scored rather than the number of games his team won. Michael changed quite a few minds in 87-88, leading the Bulls to a 50-32 record, and getting them out of Round One of the playoffs for the first time since his arrival in Chicago. His performance in the first round of the playoffs against Cleveland, where he averaged forty-five points per game, is the stuff of which legends are made.

Like a great film at the Oscars, when it came to award time, Jordan swept all categories. First team All-N.B.A. for a second consecutive year, League Most Valuable Player, and Defensive Player of the Year. The All-Star Game was held in front of his hometown Chicago fans that year, and he did not disappoint, walking away with M.V.P. honors and, of course, retaining his title as Slam Dunk Champion, with the famous leap from the free throw line which is the source of one of the most famous basketball images ever. Jordan was wearing his road jersey during the dunk contest, and for all we know, this was the one he had on. It was one of the most remarkable seasons in N.B.A. history, and judging by the use on this complete uniform, Michael worked very hard for the accolades he received that year.

This complete Chicago Bulls road uniform show as much wear as we have ever seen on a modern basketball jersey, clearly having seen hundreds of minutes of floor time during its tenure in Mike's wardrobe. The uniform was so saturated by the sweat of hardwood royalty that some of the white areas of the jersey are stained to a light gray. The supremely memorable number "23" is screened in bold black and white on chest and verso, where the words "Bulls" and "Jordan" are announced respe
Auction 702 | Lot: 19172 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $17,925.00
1928 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Barnstorming Memorabilia Collection. Just six days after avenging their 1926 Series defeat with a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals to capture the World Championship, the two linchpins of the famed Murderer's Row found themselves in a small Quebec town for an early stop on their famed "Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous" barnstorming tour. There they were greeted by a crowd of thousands at Hull, Quebec's Dupuis Parc, and received a hero's welcome from the town's mayor Theo Lambert, from whose estate this magnificent collection derives. Any of the four pieces that comprise this lot could stand perfectly well on its own at auction, but we keep this remarkable quartet as a complete ensemble for the Ruth and Gehrig collector who seeks to bring something very special and unique to his trophy room. The four pieces are as follows:

1) A large (14x22") broadside for the event featuring a small image of the Babe and the text, "Parc Dupuis, Hull, Babe Ruth et Lou Gehrig avec 2 clubs All Stars de Montreal, Lundi 15 Oct. a 3.00 P.M." Very minor age toning at top and bottom only serve to add to the vintage patina, but the poster is entirely devoid of creasing, tearing or staining and displays magnificently. Certainly one of the finest broadsides of any type we have seen from the decade, both in terms of condition and collecting appeal. Matted and framed to a museum quality 21x29" in size.

2) A fantastic vintage 8x10" photograph of Gehrig and Ruth in uniform flanking mayor Lambert, with a packed grandstand of Canadian fans behind them. The shot is masterfully rendered, offering a clarity and contrast so superior that we can discern the wrinkles in the Babe's forehead and the individual strands of chicken wire that separate the fans from the action. Lambert's black bowler hat (see number 3) is perched rather comically on the Babe's head, and Lambert has taken Gehrig's game worn "L.L." cap to wear in its place. In Lambert's right ha
Auction 702 | Lot: 19325 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $17,925.00
1960-61 Yogi Berra Game Worn Catcher's Mitt. When the young Berra returned from combat in World War II, where he had served on a rocket boat that capsized off Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the Yankees quickly snapped up the stocky young backstop. Though he served as admirably in his early years in pinstripes as he had in the uniform of the United States military, his predecessor behind the plate remained unconvinced. "Right now, Berra does about everything wrong," Hall of Famer Bill Dickey explained, "but Casey Stengel warned me about that. The main thing is he has speed and agility behind the plate and a strong enough arm. He just needs to be taught to throw properly. I know he can hit. I'd say Berra has the makings of a good catcher. I won't say great, but certainly a good one."

Clearly hindsight is twenty-twenty, and Dickey happily ate those words long before the three-time American League M.V.P. headed to the plate with this mitt on his left hand. An integral part of the machinery that brought an incredible ten World Championships to the Bronx, Yogi excelled both behind and beside the plate, and though his catching duties had largely been turned over to the great Elston Howard as of the time he used this mitt, the strong use suggests that this was Berra's one and only gamer in the seventy-eight games for which he called the pitches during 1960 and 1961.

The "Spalding 1457 personal model EZ-Flex" mitt has been confirmed by noted glove expert Joe Phillips as proper both for the era and for Yogi specifically. Phillips notes that it was manufactured in 1960 and exhibits "considerable use," and that the lack of personal markings (Berra's name or number) is not surprising given the fact that Berra was the only Yankee catcher using "Spalding" brand leather (and his name was already stamped on the glove by the factory). In all major attributable regards, Phillips has found this glove to be characteristic of those used by Berra during the perio
Auction 702 | Lot: 19687 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $17,925.00
1909-11 T206 Partial Set (463/521). The most recognizable and beloved of tobacco issues, we could almost forgive the lung cancer for the joy this set has brought to countless thousands of collectors. The dream of the Wagner card has crept into the minds of even the most casual hobbyist, and though we do not present the Old Dutchman in this sizeable offering, there is certainly no shortage of Dead Ball heroes to be found. A total of thirty-two Hall of Famers have been graded by SGC. Graded Cards, SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: Cy Young (Glove Shows). SGC 60 EX 5: six cards with Baker, Brown (Chi. Shirt), Chance (Yellow Port.), Crawford (w/ Bat), Marquard (Pitching), Mathewson (Dark Cap). SGC 50 VG-EX 4: eight cards with Brown (Port), Cobb (Red), Cobb (Green), Collins, Johnson (Port), Lajoie (Throw), Speaker, Tinker (Port). SGC 40 VG 3: eleven cards with Bender (Trees), Bender (No trees), Chase (Trophy), Cobb (bat on), Evers (Port), Johnson (Pitch), Joss (Pitch), Lajoie (bat), Lajoie (port), Marquard (side), Marquard (Port). SGC 30 Good 2: two cards with Brown (Cubs), Young (Bare hand). SGC 20 Fair 1.5: four cards with Cobb (Bat off), Mathewson (White), Mathewson (Port), Young (Port). Ungraded cards include Beckley (VG-EX), Bender Port. (VG), Bresnahan Port (VG), Bresnahan Bat (VG-EX), Chance Bat (VG), Chase White (VG-EX), Chase Black (VG-EX), Chase Port (VG-EX), Chesbro (Miscut VG-EX), Cicotte (VG-EX), Clarke Port (Good), Clarke Bat (VG-EX), Crawford Throw (Fair), Evers Chi (EX), Evers Cubs (Good), Huggins Mouth (VG-EX), Jennings One Hand (VG-EX), Jennings Port (VG-EX), Joss Port (Fair), Keeler Port (VG-EX), Keeler Bat (VG-EX), McGraw No Cap (VG-EX), McGraw Finger (VG-EX), Tinker Bat Off (Fair), Tinker Knees (Fair), Waddell Port (EX), Waddell Throw (VG-EX), Walsh (VG-EX), Willis Port (VG-EX), Willis Throw (VG-EX), Willis Bat (EX). Grades 10% EX or better, 60% VG-EX, 30% VG or lesser. Complete listing of cards available upon request.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19501 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $17,327.50
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 GAI NM-MT+ 8.5. "Mickey is the Yankee rookie of whom so much is expected in 1951," begins the text on the verso of the Yankee legend's '51 Bowman card. How's that for understatement? Though the Mick offered only a glimpse of his future greatness that turbulent first year, his subsequent seventeen left no doubt that the money spent on sending scouts out to Joplin in 1950 was a sound investment. And the same could certainly be said of money spent to acquire this paramount example of Mantle's true rookie, one of the finest representations to reach the auction block in recent memory. The scarcity of this card in general, buried in the unpopular final series of Bowman's 1951 print run, means that collectors are quick to scramble for even the most marginal specimen, but this top-tier example is for the true collecting elite. Based purely upon eye appeal, this card has no equal, not even from those rare few cards that have topped it in the population reports. Registration, so often a problem with this issue, is flawless here, and the coloring is bold and dark. Blazing white borders turn at razor-sharp corners. Only the 60/40 left/right centering, though superior to the vast majority of Bowmans from this issue, lowers this card ever so slightly from the absolute peak of perfection. A very minor wax stain on the verso has the similar effect, though again the condition of the back is leaps and bounds better than the bulk of others from this issue. Of course, there will be many who justifiably celebrate these miniscule imperfections, as the card would command perhaps $50,000 at auction in their absence.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19552 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $16,730.00
1961-72 Topps Baseball Set Run. 1961 Topps Complete Set (587). Topps returned to its traditional vertical format for its 587-card issue in 1961. The set is numbered through 589, although only 587 cards were printed. The scarce high-numbered series includes card numbers 523-589. Highlights include 2 Roger Maris (VG/EX), 150 Mays, 290 Musial (EX), 300 Mantle (pinholes), 344 Koufax (EX), 388 Clemente (VG), 415 Aaron, 417 Marichal (EX), 425 Berra (EX/MT), 475 Mantle MVP (EX), 576 Maris All Star (EX/MT), 577 Aaron All Star (OC), 578 Mantle All Star (VG/EX) and 579 Mays All Star (OC). 20% of the set grades EX or better, while 30% grades VG or better. Balance of the set and those not noted above grade G/F/P.

1962 Topps Complete Set (598). Easily identified by its distinctive wood-grain design, the 1962 Topps issue set a new standard by including 598 cards. The high-numbered series (523-598) included several short-printed cards. Highlights include 1 Maris (EX), 5 Koufax (EX), 10 Clemente (EX/MT), 18 Managers' Dream (VG), 53 AL HR Ldrs (EX), 199 Perry (VG/EX), 200 Mantle (EX+), 300 Mays (VG/EX), 318 The Switch Hitter Connects (EX), 320 Aaron (VG), 387 Brock (EX), 471 Mantle All Star (VG/EX), 530 Gibson (EX/MT) and 544 McCovey (EX/MT). 40% of the set grades EX or better, while 35% grades VG or better. Balance of the set and those not noted above grade G/F/P.

1963 Topps Complete Set (576). The 1963 Topps set design, with its dominant color photo and smaller black and white portrait, is among the most popular of the 1960's. Included in the high series, is the highly sought after Pete Rose rookie card. Highlights include 120 Maris (VG), 173 Bombers' Best (G), 200 Mantle (G/VG), 210 Koufax (EX+), 300 Mays (VG), 380 Banks (EX/MT), 390 Aaron (VG), 472 Brock (G), 537 Rose (G), 540 Clemente (G/VG) and 553 Stargell (VG). 25% of the set grades EX or better, while 35% grades VG or better. Balance of the set and those not noted above grade G/F/P.

1964 Topps Complete Set (587)
Auction 702 | Lot: 19583 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $16,730.00
1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. A signature much like the man who penned it--bold, Yankee blue, and larger than life. This exceptional OAL (Harridge) 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 beige hue, and mellowing the ink to a very conservative 8/10 in strength. 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. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19730 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $16,730.00
1948 Bowman Football High Grade Complete Set (108). Considered the first football set of the modern era, this supremely desirable set is where the finest football card collections begin. In a strange diversion from standard practice, the Bowman football issue of this year was three times the same of its baseball brother. Another interesting fact: the '48 Bowman Football cards were printed in three sheets, with the third sheet, holding all of the cards with numbers divisible by three (ie: 3, 6, 9, 12, etc.) printed in much shorter supply. A significant premium for these cards is the result. Important rookies are Baugh, Conerly, Luckman, Pihos, Bulldog Turner, Van Buren and Waterfield. A total of twenty-eight cards have been graded by PSA and add up to over $5,000 in SMR value by themselves. Graded cards, NM-MT 8: twenty-three cards with 3 Lujack, 7 Van Buren, 11, 28, 31, 42 SP, 44 Christman, 48 SP, 52, 55, 64, 65 Holovak, 72 SP, 82, 83, 88, 89, 92, 93 SP, 94, 99 Gilmer, 107 Luckman. PSA NM 7: five cards with 20, 22 Baugh, 37, 63 Pihos, 101. Ungraded cards include 12 Conerly (NM), 17 Trippi (EX-MT), 36 Turner (EX-MT), 60 Nickel (EX-MT), 61 Wojo (EX), 80 Dudley (EX), 95 McAfee (EX), 108 Ray (EX-MT). Grades 50% NM to NM-MT, 30% EX-MT, 20% EX or lesser.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19418 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $15,535.00
1954 Topps Henry Aaron #128 SGC Mint 96. Certainly one of the hobby's most important post-war cards, a status it will retain even if Aaron's remarkable 755 career home run total is someday surpassed. Though Aaron's own assumption of the home run crown came more than a quarter century after Jackie Robinson broke the color line, Hammerin' Hank was forced to endure everything from racist taunts to death threats as he reeled in the Babe. This exceptional Mint example of his 1954 Topps rookie card is a fitting tribute to the skill and bravery of history's most prolific slugger, remaining to this day entirely unchanged from its emergence from a wax pack over a half century ago. Offering perfect color, registration and centering to go along with its complete absence of wear, it is not surprising that this card finds itself at the top of the record books, much like the man himself, with not a single specimen ever grading higher.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19569 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $15,535.00
1952 Bowman Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (252). Count us among those collectors who believe that the artwork of early 1950's Bowman cards represent the peak of the hobby's design. And there is certainly no shortage of star power within the ranks. We offer a spectacularly high-grade set here for our bidding clientele. A total of sixty cards have been graded by PSA, which add up to over $9,250 in SMR value. Graded Cards, PSA NM-MT 8: fifty cards with 2, 4 Roberts, 5 Minoso, 11 Kiner, 15, 32, 43 Feller, 44 Campanella, 73, 76, 78, 84, 85, 87, 88, 93, 94, 110, 116 Snider, 122, 124, 128 Newcombe, 131, 134, 136, 137, 145 Mize, 146 Durocher, 156 Spahn, 159, 164, 166, 172, 174, 177, 178, 179, 184, 194, 198, 200, 201, 208, 211, 213. High #'s 219, 228, 237, 241, 250. PSA NM 7: Eight cards with 8 Reese, 30 Schoendienst, 52 Rizzuto, 99, 196 Musial, 218 Mays, 220, 240. Ungraded cards include 1 Berra (EX-MT), 21 Fox (NM), 33 McDougald (NM), 80 Hodges (EX-MT), 101 Mantle (EX), 217 Stengel (EX-MT), 232 Slaughter (EX-MT), 252 Crosetti (NM). Grades 60% NM to NM-MT, 30% EX-MT, 10% EX.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19560 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $14,937.50
1940's Babe Ruth Signed Baseball. "Exceptional" does not begin to describe the quality of the autograph resting between the seams of this OAL (Harridge) ball, looking not a moment older than it did when it was placed there by the biggest sports star of the twentieth century. Its home, an equally flawless, creamy white Official ball, is worthy of similar commendation. Compare the quality of the Ruth signature and that of the ball itself to singles selling in the past two years, and you'll find it among very limited and expensive company. Equally strong on adjacent panels are the signatures of A.B. "Happy" Chandler and Ewell Blackwell, who likely joined Ruth at a baseball banquet or similar event--the careful and pronounced signatures of all three certainly suggest that these were not hurried scribbles for a teeming ballpark crowd. In short, you could search the rest of your life for a more perfect signature from any of these early stars on a baseball, and die unsuccessful. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19008 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $14,340.00
1909 T204 T.T.T. Cigarettes Jesse Burkett Oval Frame SGC EX/NM 80. An absolutely exceptional specimen, worthy of glowing praise on a number of fronts. Most importantly, it is the earliest and most significant card attributed to this early Dead Ball legend, and the only noteworthy issue dating to his active baseball life, as manager of the Worcester Club of the Atlantic Association. Next we must address the gorgeous design of the issue itself, with elegant golden foil highlighting intricate scroll work that rings the fine center portrait. Condition is the third jewel in the crown, as this offering represents the highest grade, by far, of the few submitted to SGC. And of the fourteen to pass through the offices of PSA, perhaps only two could hold a candle to this one, leaving it in the most elite of company. Just a few pinpoints of wear to the wonderfully balanced gold borders spare the card from absolute perfection, and it would not surprise us in the slightest if a resubmission bumped this representation to the status of "finest known on earth."
Auction 702 | Lot: 19495 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $14,340.00

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1950 Bowman Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (252). The gorgeous artwork that made thousands of collectors fall in love with the Bowman debuts here, as the third issue from this bubble gum manufacturer leaves photography behind to return to the roots of the hobby. A total of twenty-eight cards have been graded by PSA, which add up to $5,250 in SMR value. Graded cards, PSA Mint 9: 141 Coleman. PSA NM-MT 8: nineteen cards with 12, 29, 30, 34, 42, 62, 63, 65, 77 Snider, 112 Hodges, 134, 143, 148, 154, 176, 185, 202, 204, 228. PSA NM 7: five cards with 11 Rizzuto, 19 Spahn, 20, 21 Reese, 23 Newcombe. Ungraded cards include 6 Feller (EX-MT), 98 Williams (EX-MT). Three cards show evidence of trimming: 22 Robinson, 46 Berra, 75 Campanella. Grades 30% NM to NM-MT, 50% EX-MT, 20% EX.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19549 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $13,742.50
1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 PSA 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 PSA 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, and gum and wax stains are all but epidemic. Our offering is spared the brunt of such ailments, and takes it a step further by sporting four sharp corners and clean, unrubbed edges. Any "flaws" are so minor as to risk overstatement with a mere mention. In short, this one's a real blazer.

Of 840 such cards graded by PSA at the time of this writing, the population report tells us that collectors must chase down one of just ten cards on earth if they wish to upgrade from a PSA 8. Suffice it to say that finding one of the ten cards that top this one will be a difficult ordeal, and paying for it will be none too easy either.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19551 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $13,742.50
1960's Roberto Clemente Single Signed Baseball, PSA Mint 9. Top autograph expert Steve Grad of PSA/DNA was just blown away by this one, and that's a guy who's literally seen it all. Your eyes are not deceiving you, nor is our photograph--the inscription and signature, "To Rickey & Bruce, Best Wishes, Roberto Clemente," really is as dark and bold as it appears, an eleven on a scale of one to ten. An unblemished, creamy white ONL (Giles) ball serves as the ideal home for this paramount Clemente specimen. No superlative could adequately capture just how spectacular this ball is, though the label on the hermetically sealed cube reading PSA Mint 9 should begin to tell the tale. A piece for the collector who demands nothing but the very best. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19033 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
1924 Christy Mathewson Signed Check. The legendary New York Giants pitcher's brilliant career and early death make his autograph among the most desirable and rare for serious autograph hounds. Particularly intriguing is this check drawn from Mathewson's "Adirondack National Bank" account on September 20, 1924, and made payable to "T. Finnigan" for the amount of $118.40. All writing is in the founding Hall of Fame member's elegant hand, and rating 10/10 except for the digits "44/100" and the final three-quarters of Mathewson's signature, which were brushed by an errant hand before the ink had fully dried. Two vertical folds at the center of the check do nothing to detract. With most collectors realizing the investment value of such a scarce and important artifact as a Mathewson signature, there will soon be almost none available at public sale. Don't miss your chance. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19059 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $13,145.00
1933 Goudey Sport Kings Near Set (38/48). Indisputably the most beloved multi-sport issue in the card collecting hobby, the Sport Kings set continues in the majestic artistic tradition that made that year's baseball set one of the hobby's "Big Three." Issued during the height of the Great Depression, the set surely has a number of factors working against it in terms of healthy survival. Primarily, bubble gum cards for children were not a high priority in most American families' budgets at the time, and seventy years of life is a lot to ask from any paper product. It's also noteworthy that trading cards were not considered to hold any intrinsic value until quite recently, leaving most cards from the pre-war era to fall to the bicycle spoke, the thumb tack on the wall, the trash. So we are pleased to do our part for historic presentation with this expansive and impressively fine selection of thirty-eight cards from the set of forty-eight. The majority reside in an SGC slab, breaking down as follows. SGC VG 40: Cobb #1. SGC EX 60: Jones #38, Stevens #47. SGC EX+ 70: Thorpe #6, Tilden #16. SGC EX/NM 80: Wachter #5, Blood #9, Jewtraw #11, Londos #14, Dempsey #17, Kahanamoku #20, Weissmuller #21, Morenz #24, Lopchick #32, Burke #33, Jaffee #34, Hoppe #36, Browning #41, Vines #46. SGC NM 84: Hagen #8, McLean #12, Tunney #18, Sarazen #22, Richards #23, Turner #27, Carnera #43, Didrickson #45. SGC NM+ 86: Walthour, Jr. #31. The balance of the collection remains unslabbed, and presents as VG-EX across the board: Holman #3, Walthour, Sr. #7, Fator #13, McNamara #15, Shore #19 (minor alteration), Snoddy #25, Bailey #29, Madison #37, Westrope #39 (vintage tape on verso), George #40. A few additions, a few upgrades, and you'll have one of the top sets in the hobby.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19597 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $12,547.50
1927-28 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball with G.C. Alexander. We'll never know the complete history of this exquisite sphere, but the appearance of St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famers G.C. Alexander and Frank Frisch on this otherwise purely Yankee ball leads us to assume that it was signed at the 1928 World Series, when the Bronx Bombers avenged their 1926 loss to the red birds in a four-game sweep. There are, however, a couple of Yankees present that retired after the 1927 season (Shawkey and Ruether), and a third that first appeared in pinstripes in 1929 (Funk). A few other signatures are nowhere to be found in reference material, and may be batboys, trainers. The rest, however, are pure Murderer's Row, featuring some of the biggest names ever to put pen to horsehide: Ruth, Gehrig, Huggins, Lazzeri, Combs, Hoyt, Bengough, Meusel, Moore, Dugan and the coveted Urban Shocker. Signature quality is just about as strong as the quality of talent, with not a single autograph dropping below 7/10, and several clocking in at 9/10 or better. OAL (Barnard) ball is evenly and attractively toned to a light shade of beige, leaving the autographs in perfect contrast. Whether you like this ball for the majesty of Ruth and Gehrig, or the scarcity of Alexander, Huggins and Shocker, you certainly won't be disappointed if the auction hammer falls on your high bid. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19324 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $11,950.00
1921-31 "Shoeless" Joe Jackson Barnstorming Game Used Bat. It took the loss of Lou Gehrig to offer to the baseball world a story more tragic than that of Shoeless Joe, an illiterate laborer from Pickens County, South Carolina who left the dirt farms of his youth to become one of the game's greatest stars, and then lost it all in an instant. We may never know exactly how much Jackson understood, and how much he actually participated in the Black Sox scandal that resulted in the loss of the 1919 World Series and his banishment forever from Major League Baseball, but we can be certain that he was one of the most gifted athletes ever to find his way onto a Big League ballfield. Ty Cobb himself called Shoeless Joe "the finest natural hitter in the history of the game," and the great Babe Ruth echoed this sentiment, stating that "he's the guy that made me a hitter." Despite this highest of praise, the harsh ruling of Judge Landis was a weight that Jackson carried for the rest of his days, and he still does, perhaps forever locked out of the gates of Cooperstown.

Of course Joe Jackson's baseball career didn't end entirely as a result of the scandal, though the venues showcasing his remarkable talents changed from 40,000 seat stadiums to weed-choked sandlots in towns with forgotten names. The fame and the money now gone, Jackson would continue appearing on the barnstorming circuit for twenty years, until the age of fifty, which would suggest that he really did play for the love of the game, and that the lure of easy money did not overshadow his competitive spirit that dark October. "God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times," Jackson is quoted as saying, "and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

Presented here is a remarkable artifact dating from the early years of Jackson's excommunication from organized ball, his trusted signature model Hillerich & Bradsby in his famous two-toned "Black Betsy" style. In a sad development, the famous bat ma
Auction 702 | Lot: 19660 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $11,950.00
Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, Maris & Ted Williams Signed Baseball. The collecting equivalent of the Playboy Mansion, offering the best of the best all in a single geographical location. The magic begins with a sweet spot signature from the great Bambino, rating a very legible and respectable 5/10 to 6/10. Traveling eastward, we encounter his trusted sidekick Lou Gehrig, whose signature offers the same fine quality of ink. Framing the Babe's signature from the north and south are the signatures of the M&M boys, with Mickey and Roger each clocking in at 6/10 to 7/10 in darkness and legibility. Ted Williams is a shade or two lighter to the west of Ruth, though still quite ably keeping pace with his fellow legends. Two more Hall of Famers share the spotlight as well: Sam Rice, who rates a 4/10 to 5/10, and Bob Feller, whose blue ink signature is the darkest of all at 9+/10. Two more lesser players also appear, but couldn't possibly detract from this one-of-a-kind treasure. Serious autographed baseball collectors take notice--dreams sometimes do come true. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19005 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1909-11 T206 Cy Young Bare Hand Shows GAI NM-MT+ 8.5. There's surely no need to go on and on about how unlikely it is for a baseball card to survive nine decades of life without seeming to age so much as a day, but our offering proves that such miracles do occasionally come true. The header of the GAI slab notes that this is the "1st Graded," and we have confirmation from Global that none have ever been graded higher since. We can safely assume that this is unlikely to happen in the future either, as you just don't find corners so sharp, edges so smooth, surfaces so clean on these early tobacco cards. In fact it's a distinct possibility that this card could have graded even higher if not for a single stray pinpoint of green printer's ink that found its way into the yellow background of sky. The condition in regard to wear/aging is so remarkably strong that even a lofty NM-MT+ seems a bit stingy. An exceptional card, to put it mildly.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19500 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1961 Topps Baseball Complete Set (587). As the M&M boys were painting the record books in pinstripes, schoolkids were tearing open the wax hoping to find one of these two Yankee idols. The large format color photographic portraits on the face make this a collector favorite as well. This is one of the highest grade '61 sets to come down the pike in some time. A total of fifty-five cards have been graded by SGC. Graded Cards, SGC Mint 96: five cards with 327 Alou, 402 Larsen Perfect Game SP, 565 Alou, 570 Fox All-Star, 576 Maris All-Star. SGC NM-MT+ 92: twenty-one cards with 1 Groat, 20, 54, 59, 168, 211 Gibson, 260 Drysdale, 285, 290 Musial, 300 Mantle, 312 World Series, 318, 332, 344 Koufax, 360 F. Robinson, 403, 417 Marichal, 525, 545, 547, 586 Ford (AS). SGC NM-MT 88: twenty-four cards with 11, 41 Clemente/Mays, 44 Mantle/Maris, 46 Bunning etc, 50, 55, 95, 134, 156, 201, 221, 319, 321, 377, 388 Clemente, 405 Gehrig Benched, 415 Aaron, 425 Berra, 429 Kaline, 443 Snider, 460 Hodges, 552, 572 B. Robinson All Star, 578 Mantle (AS). SGC NM+ 86: four cards with 42, 63, 160 Ford, 310. SGC NM 84: #2 Maris. Two cards (150 Mays and 485 Banks MVP) show evidence of trimming. Grades 70% NM to NM-MT, 20% EX-MT, 10% EX.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19581 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $11,352.50
1911 T205 Gold Border Walter Johnson SGC NM+ 86. The twenty-three 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? Not only has this majestic T205 never been equalled or topped on the SGC population charts, but only one other card has ever topped SGC EX 60! So this representation doesn't just win by a nose, it leaves the rest of the pack in the dust.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19516 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $10,755.00
Circa 1920 Ray Chapman Signed Artwork. The date was August 16, 1920, and the twenty-nine year old Cleveland Indians shortstop Chapman stood at the plate in Manhattan's Polo Grounds facing tough right-hander Carl Mays of the New York Yankees. Chapman was notorious for crowding the plate, while Mays was an inside pitcher, unafraid to plunk a batter who got too comfortable. On that day, the combination proved deadly. Chapman froze in the face of a high and tight pitch and was felled with a loud crack to the skull that resonated throughout the cavernous New York City ballpark. Chapman never regained consciousness, and died the next day from his injuries. Offered here is a simply remarkable autograph from the only man killed in Major League Baseball action. The black ink inscription, "Ray Chapman, Cleveland B.B. Club" rates a perfect 10/10, and finds a home on a wonderful work of art from noted silhouette artist Beatrix Sherman, whose autograph is also present. The detail of the artwork is just astounding, considering that it was hand-cut from a piece of black paper, with even the wisp of the eyelashes included. Recently Sherman's silhouette of Harry Houdini, signed by the famed magician, sold at auction for $8,000, while other works portraying such luminaries as President Roosevelt, Harding, Coolidge, Mary Pickford, Geraldine Farrar and the Prince of Wales have commanded similar sums. Top autograph expert and PSA/DNA frontman Steve Grad notes that this is one of fewer than five known examples of Chapman's signature, and the only known signed image. He also unhesitatingly proclaimed this autograph to be the "most pristine" of the tiny population. The white card onto which the silhouette was glued and the signatures were placed measures 3.75x5.5", and shows just the slightest bit of unobtrusive edge wear. An exceptional piece, of which only the finest baseball autograph collections could be truly worthy. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19057 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
Enormous Baseball Signed Postcard Collection (900+). This vast and varied archive from a fervent New England autograph collector uses George Burke photographic imagery on postcards as the medium for autographs from the biggest stars of the 1920's-50's. The cards remain in spectacular EX to NRMT or better condition, with their ink or sharpie autographs averaging 9+/10. Far too many to itemize, but the highlights include: Alston, Appling, Averill, Berra, Boudreau, Chandler, Carey, Conlon, Cronin, Coveleski, Joe DiMaggio, Dickey, Doerr, Durocher, Feller, Ferrell, Gehringer, Greenberg, Gomez, Grimes, Herman, Hoyt, Hubbell, Travis Jackson, Kell, Kelly, Lemon, Lopez, Lyons, Mize, Musial, Newhouser, Reese, Rizzuto, Ruffing, Sewell, Slaughter, Snider, Spahn, Terry, Lloyd Waner, and Ted Williams. Almost all of these are offered in some quantity, often significant quantity, and typically featuring different several images. For example, there are eight Greenberg signed cards, nine DiMaggios and four Williams. Over 195 Hall of Fame autographs in all! There are some fine names among those not enshrined at Cooperstown too, among them Mickey Owen, Preacher Roe, Allie Reynolds, Mickey Vernon, Ed Lopat, Johnny Vander Meer, George Pipgras, Luke Sewell and countless more. With our limited time, it's very possible that we missed some great "sleepers" in these massive stacks of postcards. A tiny percentage, and almost none of the Hall of Famers, have personalized their signatures to "Loring," but again this figure is negligible. Autograph collectors and eBay enthusiasts will certainly want to take notice of this gigantic opportunity. LOA from Steve Grad & Zach Rullo/ PSA DNA.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19101 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
1952 Topps Baseball Complete Set (407). The 1952 Topps set was the largest set of its day, both in number and size of the cards. Cards 311-407 are extremely limited. Graded cards, PSA VG 3: 261 Mays, 312 Robinson. PSA PR-FR 1: 311 Mantle, 407 Mathews. Ungraded cards include 1 Pafko (G), 11 Rizzuto (G/VG), 33 Warren Spahn (G), 36 Hodges (G), 37 Snider (G), 88 Feller (VG), 175 Martin (OC), 191 Berra (OC), 243 Doby (EX/MT), 313 Thompson (G), 314 Campanella, 320 Rutherford (EX), 333 Reese (G), 372 McDougald (VG), 392 Wilhelm (trimmed) and 400 Dickey (paper loss). 10% of the set grades EX or better, while 15% grades VG or better. Balance of the set and those not noted above grade G/F/P.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19561 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
Early 1940's Ted Williams Game Worn Pants. For all but the most well-funded collectors of sporting artifacts among us, the dream of a Ted Williams game worn jersey will remain only a dream. The combination of the tremendous demand and anemic supply has driven prices of the few known specimens into the stratosphere, leaving most of us with no other option than to peer at one through Cooperstown plexiglass. One fortunate collector, however, will be able to bring some genuine home white Boston Red Sox flannel from the greatest hitter of all time into his trophy room at the close of this auction, and at a price that will be just a fraction of what a jersey would command. This well-worn pair of pants saw a full season of action in the wardrobe of the great Ted Williams before being recycled for a second tour of duty with the baseball team of New York University. This was a common practice for decades, that Major League uniforms were passed down to various minor league, corporate and/or college teams at the end of the season. Our consignor's father was a member of the early 1940's N.Y.U. ballclub, and had the good fortune of owning the same general build of the Hall of Fame slugger. Quickly noting that the name "Williams" was embroidered in the waistband beside the "McAuliffe" and size "38" tagging, and that a faded number "9" was penned above in marker, the young ballplayer decided he'd choose another pair of pants to wear, and hang onto this pair as a keepsake. A wise choice. Short of a decent tear in the back of the right leg, almost certainly suffered during a slide into the bag, and a few scattered rips elsewhere, the pants remain in quite strong condition, with various team repairs and only a couple of minor stains. The terrific use leads one to imagine how many long balls he clubbed while suited up in this fine artifact, and even if it's possible that these date from his magical 1941 season that saw him top .400 for the last time in baseball history. Letter of provenance f
Auction 702 | Lot: 19678 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $10,157.50
1977 Muhammad Ali Fight Worn Shoes. Historic footwear carried the boxing legend through his last successful title defense, a fifteen round decision over the hard-punching Earnie Shavers on September 29, 1977 at Madison Square Garden. Though Ali emerged as the victor this night, the fact that he was staggered on several occasions by the the prohibitive underdog led many to believe that Ali had overstayed his welcome in the fight game, and three losses in his final four fights to come seemed to prove them right. Acquired directly from the Champ's longtime trainer and cornerman Wali Muhammad, the size thirteen white leather "Mitre" shoes are all original, right down to the laces and show the proper wear. "ALI" can be found in markered black block lettering inside each shoe. Ali's star continues to rise a quarter century after he hung up his gloves, with no end in sight. These important relics represent the end of an era that will certainly be honored for decades to come. Letter of provenance is from Wali Muhammad. LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19311 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $9,560.00
1951 Bowman Football High-Grade Complete Set (144). Issued both in six-card nickel packs and single-card penny packs, this issue experienced a growth spurt from previous years, with the cards now five-eighths of an inch taller. Important rookies include Landry, Tunnell and Van Brocklin. A total of forty-three cards have been graded by PSA which add up to more than $4,600 in SMR value. Graded cards, PSA NM-MT 8: thirty-five cards with 3 Speedie, 4 Van Brocklin, 12 Bednarik, 13 Turner, 14, 15 Lujack, 16, 26 Hart, 27, 29, 38, 40 Waterfield, 41, 42 Davis, 45, 46 Pihos, 56 Conerly, 57, 58, 59, 60, 66, 72, 87, 93, 94, 95, 98, 99, 100, 105 Perry, 117, 125, 130 Finks, 141. PSA NM 7: eight cards with 1, 2 Graham, 6, 32 Tittle, 34 Baugh, 75, 91, 102 Layne. Ungraded cards include 10 Van Buren (NM), 21 Weinmeister (NM-MT), 25 Walker (NM), 62 Creekmur (NM), 73 Lavelli (NM-MT), 76 Hirsch (EX-MT), 90 Canadeo (NM), 137 Trippi (NM-MT), 140 Nemellini (NM), 144 Dudley (NM). One card (20 Landry) shows evidence of trimming. Grades 70% NM to NM-MT, 20% EX-MT, 10% EX.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19429 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $9,560.00
1939 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio #26 PSA Mint 9. The definitive representation of Joltin' Joe's definitive card. Never, of the nearly 600 attempts to achieve the status of PSA Gem Mint 10, has a '39 Play Ball DiMaggio been successful, leaving this outrageous specimen one of just thirteen representations at the top of the population charts. You simply cannot, by definition, find a finer example of this important card, so for one lucky collector the search ends here. Flawless registration and centering conspire to offer unmatched eye appeal, and the corners are as sharp as a DiMaggio line drive. Offered humbly for the uncompromising hobbyist.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19542 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50
1948 Bowman Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (48). The Bowman company throws its hat into the ring with its premier set, and one of the first baseball card issues in the wake of World War II. A total of nineteen cards have been graded by PSA, which add up to over $5,750 in SMR value. Graded cards, PSA NM-MT 8: fifteen cards with 1 Elliot, 3 Kiner, 5 Feller, 10, 11, 12, 13, 24, 26, 28, 34, 36 Musial, 40, 44. PSA NM 7: three cards with 4 Mize, 6, Berra, 18 Spahn. Ungraded cards include 7 Reiser (EX-MT), 17 Slaughter (NM), 29 Page (NM-MT), 38 Schoendienst (NM). 2 Blackwell and 8 Rizzuto show evidence of trimming. Grades 35% NM-MT, 35% NM, 30% EX to EX-MT.
Auction 702 | Lot: 19545 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50
April 16, 1947 Babe Ruth Handwritten and Signed Postcard. Charley Weber had his daughter to thank for his incredible baseball connections. Though his good natured gregariousness and the top-quality meat he sold at his butcher shop certainly endeared him to the elite of the New York dugouts, it all began when in 1933 his daughter married a nineteen-year old rookie pitcher for the New York Giants named Jack Salveson. Many introductions were subsequently made. Soon Charley was rubbing elbows with Gehrig and Stengel. Bill Terry and Branch Rickey, who lived in the Bronxville, New York neighborhood where Weber's Market stood, were frequent customers and good friends. A newspaper clipping included in the magnificent collection we present below pictures Weber at a dinner beside Ford Frick and Leo Durocher. But, of course, none of Weber's new friends could compete in the fame game with the sport's greatest legend, the Bambino himself. Weber's 1973 obituary notes "Baseball standout Babe Ruth often spent many an hour in the back of Weber's market spinning tales to a captivated audience. The twosome often bowled together, and Ruth was a frequent visitor at the cattle farm which Mr. Weber owned during World War II."

It's certainly clear simply from this collection of correspondence that there was a special bond between the butcher and the Babe. Wherever Ruth traveled in his later years, whether Mexico City, Acapulco, Miami Beach or Chicago, he took the time to drop a postcard in the mail to his good friend Charley, and Charley held onto them with great affection and pride. The postcards also speak volumes about the Babe and his legendary sense of humor, which is illustrated in the variety of comical cards he picked to mail to his friend.

We are pleased to offer this very personal look into the life and mind of baseball's greatest superstar. Each piece offers its own unique insight, and we invite each of you to choose your favorites, and to bid to win. A photocopy of th
Auction 702 | Lot: 19723 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $8,962.50
Early 1920's Christy Mathewson Handwritten & Signed Document. Matty is an autograph on just about every Hall of Fame collector's wish list, and for very good reason. It's the simple rule of supply and demand. The Hall of Fame right hander's death from pneumonia in 1925, the result of lungs weakened by a World War I poison gas incident, has made his signature an extraordinarily scarce commodity. And the demand? As the most dominating pitcher of the dead ball era, Mathewson posted 373 wins against just 188 losses, representing baseball's premier team as the star of John McGraw's New York Giants. Only a handful of players could match his appeal, and those few are significantly more accessible. In short, everybody wants Mathewson, and almost nobody has him.

We'll change that for one lucky collector as we offer one of the most incredible Mathewson pieces to hit the auction block in recent memory. Acquired through the mail in the mid-1960's from Matty's widow is this clipping from a "The Pennsylvania R.R. Co." stock certificate, filled out entirely in the legendary pitcher's hand and bearing the monumentally scarce "Christopher Mathewson" signature. The slip of paper is 2.25x7" in size, but its importance and allure is immeasurable. It's certainly one of a hypothetical tiny handful of autographs bearing Mathewson's complete given name that could possibly exist, and all ink rates an unimprovable 10/10. A single vertical fold at center is essentially invisible and does nothing to detract, and his wife's 1935 handwriting on verso regarding the sale of stock is also invisible upon display.

Included with this important document fragment is the accompanying handwritten letter from Mathewson's widow to the 1960's autograph collector, noting "Your letter was forwarded from Cooperstown. I am sorry that I have nothing but this enclosed record to give you. This is written in my husband's own writing. It is about the last specimen of his handwriting that I possess." L
Auction 702 | Lot: 19058 | May 14, 2005

Sold For: $8,365.00

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