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The Earliest Known Ty Cobb Game Used Bat, Circa 1907-08.

Tyrus Cobb's father had been in the ground for just two or three years when the young Georgia Peach stood at the plate in Detroit, this bat gripped tightly in his calloused hands. Mortally wounded by a shotgun blast delivered by Cobb's own mother, reportedly accidentally, Cobb's father had accepted young Ty's chosen path with great reluctance, hoping that his boy would aspire to a more upstanding profession--medicine, law or the military. Professional baseball was populated by gamblers, alcoholics and other shady characters, certainly no place for the son of a state senator. And though his father did not approve, and never lived to see him in a Detroit Tigers uniform, it was William Cobb's words, among the last he said to his son, that resonated in Ty's mind: "Don't come home a failure."

The era during which this rare and outstanding bat saw action established the twenty-year old Cobb as anything but a failure, and ensured he would always be able to come home. After a period of adjustment in which the teenaged Tyrus struggled with Big League pitching, northern living and rookie hazing ("These old-timers turned me into a snarling wildcat," he was quoted as saying), Cobb emerged in 1907 as the game's greatest hitter, the first of eleven seasons that he would lead the American League in batting average. His even four hundred hits over the 1907-08 campaigns were punctuated by sixty-four doubles and thirty-four triples. Each of the two years found him atop the runs batted in leader board. It was an era of greatness for the Detroit Tigers as well, who captured the flag three consecutive seasons from 1907-09, allowing speculation as to the genuine possibility that this bat was utilized in one of the earliest Fall Classics.

As scarce as Cobb bats are in the hobby, this particular specimen is truly one of a kind, the only known Spalding representation, the model used by the young Peach before signing
Auction 704 | Lot: 19631 | May 6, 2006

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1911 Addie Joss Benefit Game Panoramic Photograph. Those who followed our October 2005 Signature auction were surely struck by the $90,000 price realized for Frank "Home Run" Baker's personal copy of this remarkable panoramic photograph. A quick check of the auction results database confirmed everyone's suspicions-it was indeed the highest price ever paid for an unsigned sports photo. And this makes perfect sense.

Consider the factors that propel such a piece to the pinnacle of sports photography collection. First, of course, is the exceptional collection of talent captured on film. No fewer than nine Hall of Famers are pictured among the thirty-seven uniformed ballplayers: Cy Young (in his twenty-second and final season), Napoleon Lajoie, Walter Johnson, Bobby Wallace, Frank "Home Run" Baker, Sam Crawford, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, and Ty Cobb, who appears third from the right in borrowed Indians gear, his Tigers uniform still in his luggage which never made it off the train. And, of course, we cannot forget the great "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, essentially a rookie having played in only thirty games prior to this season. Each and every one of these legends, appearing in uniform in a period photograph, commands tremendous attention from collectors. But a congregation of Dead Ball gods such as this could only have happened on this single day, July 24, 1911, as the Cleveland Naps took on the best in the American League in what could justifiably be called the first All-Star Game. It was the tragic death from meningitis of Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss that brought the best in the game to League Park, the only time prior to the birth of the modern All-Star Game in 1933 that so many different Major League uniforms shared a single diamond.

Next, we must remember how very rare this photograph was, even in 1911. The technology used to print these very special images was particularly expensive, and the run was very limited as a result. Each of the players p
Auction 704 | Lot: 19433 | May 6, 2006

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1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101 PSA Gem Mint 10. Of 1177 such specimens to pass through the offices of PSA as of the time of this writing, only a single other '52 Bowman Mantle has achieved the lofty designation of Gem Mint 10, making this card even more rare than the esteemed Topps rookie of the same year. From an aesthetic standpoint it's hard not to favor this one as well, as the artwork of the early 1950's Bowmans rank high among the greatest sports art in card collecting history. Moving on to the unique aspects of this particular card, we find ourselves able to do little more than spout superlatives. Gem Mint 10 is just that--centering, surfaces, edges, corners all simply unimprovable. Pull one hundred 1950's cards direct from the few untampered wax packs that remain today, and you're unlikely to find a single card that has no print errors, centering problems, gum/wax stains. And this doesn't even take into consideration the issues of handling wear. The mere existence of any fifty-year old card in Gem Mint condition is contrary to all statistical probability, and yet here it is. And what a card to do it! A marquee piece for the collector who wishes to set himself apart from the rest.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19561 | May 6, 2006

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1940's Jim Thorpe Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8. It's overkill, really, a Thorpe single of this exceptional quality. Offer any weather-beaten, faded and shellacked ball bearing the autograph of this Football Hall of Famer, 1912 Olympic Gold Medalist and member of the 1913 National League Championship New York Giants, and thousands of collectors will still sing its praises. Ask yourself--when was the last time you saw one, in any state of disrepair? We can't remember one either. And while we won't be so bold as to claim that another will never surface, we feel entirely comfortable in claiming that you couldn't possibly ever find one finer than the OAL (Harridge) ball you see before you here. The side panel autograph from this uniquely gifted Native American legend is rendered in black fountain pen ink so bold that you could read it from the next county, rating a "9" on a scale of ten according to PSA/DNA, which explains that a point was deducted only due to the fact that the tail end of the letter "e" in Thorpe brushes the ball's stitching. In the absence of this rather insignificant issue, this sixty-year old autograph would be deemed unimprovable. The composite grade of NM-MT 8 is the result of a grade of "6" for the ball itself, resultant of light, patchy toning and fading of the ball's stamping. As our catalog imagery should surely convey, however, the visual appeal of the ball and the autograph itself are not harmed by this natural aging process. Like a gourmet chef supermodel, or a Big League pitcher that bats .300, this ball is better than anything of which we could have possibly dreamed. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19339 | May 6, 2006

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1909-1911 T206 White Border Partial Set (422/521). 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 56 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $11,380. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA EX-MT 6: 4 cards w/ Joss (Pitching), Doyle (NY, Hands above head), Maddox, Dougherty. PSA EX 5: 17 Cards w/ Chance (Yellow), Chase (Blue), Chase (Pink), Chase (White Cap), Covaleski, Evers (Chicago), Jennings (One hand), Johnson (Hands at chest), Killian, Kleinow, Marquard (Hands at side). PSA VG-EX 4: 20 cards w/ Bresnahan (Bat), Brown (Chicago), Brown (Cubs), Chance (Red), Chesbro, Clarke (Bat), Cobb (Green), Cobb (Bat off), Cobb (Red), Collins, Evers (Portrait), Huggins (Portrait), Jennings (Both Hands), McGraw (Finger in air), Willis (Throwing), Willis (Portrait). PSA VG 3: 3 Cards w/ Brown (Port), Griffith (Port), Huggins (Mouth). PSA Good 2: 3 Cards w/ Johnson (Port), Mathewson (White Cap), McGraw (Port). PSA PR/FR 1: 3 Cards w/ Cobb (Bat on), Mathewson (Dark), Mathewson (Port). Grades 6% EX or better, 55% VG to VG/EX, 32% PR to GD, 7% trimmed or altered.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19542 | May 6, 2006

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1951 Bowman Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (324). Offered here is a stunningly fresh complete set of the historic 1951 Bowman issue including the two high-number rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. This issue also marks the first time that Bowman increased the size from the original smaller cards to the new 2 1/16" x 3 1/8" size. A total of 84 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $22,845. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA MINT 9: 1 Card w/ # 165 Williams (oc). PSA NM-MT 8: 71 Cards w/ #'s 3 Roberts, 19, 22, 30 Feller, 31 Campanella (oc), 37, 50 Mize, 56, 60, 62 Boudreau, 84, 87, 88, 92, 94, 102, 108, 110, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 123, 124, 128, 129, 130, 139, 140, 141, 151 Doby, 155, 158, 160, 163, 168, 169, 171, 181 Stengel, 182, 184, 186 Ashburn, 190, 194, 196, 198 Irvin, 199, 201, 208, 216, 220, 223, 227, 228, 230, 237, 240, 250, 257, 258, 259, 260 Erskine, 291 Henrich, 296, 307, 310, 312, 315, 323 Adcock, 324 Pramesa. PSA NM 7: 10 Cards w/ #'s 2 Berra, 15, 32 Snider, 46 Kell, 53 Lemon, 72, 73, 253 Mantle, 284, 305, Mays. PSA EX-MT 6: 1 card w/ #122 Garagiola. PSA EX 5: 2 cards w/ #1 Ford, 295 Lopez. Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s 7 Hodges (EX/MT), 58 Slaughter (EX/MT), 80 Reese (VG/EX), 134 Spahn (EX/MT), 232 Fox (EX), 233 Durocher (EX/MT), 254 Jensen (EX/MT), Dickey (EX/MT). Grades 43% NM to NM-MT, 54% EX to EX-MT, 3% lesser.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19555 | May 6, 2006

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1928 Babe Ruth Signed First Home Run Baseball of the Season. When Babe Ruth stepped to the plate at Fenway Park on April 19, 1928, he was quite literally at the summit of his enormous fame. The season of 1928 had begun only days earlier, and the baseball world was emerging from a long, cold winter with a single name on its lips. Ruth. The New York Yankees slugger's 1927 season was something bordering upon the supernatural, and there was not a baseball fan alive who didn't ache to witness his magical ways in person. Consider this--the top three home run sluggers of the '27 season wore Yankee pinstripes. Lou Gehrig was runner-up with an amazing forty-seven. Tony Lazzeri took the bronze with just eighteen. The Ringling Brothers circus wasn't the greatest show on earth, Murderer's Row was. And there was no question as to which man was the ringleader.

How conflicted those fans turning out to see their Red Sox meet the Yankees that sunny spring day in 1928 must have felt, remembering that the Babe had once resided in their own dugout in Boston, and wishing almost simultaneously that he would strike out and that they could see that fabled home run power for themselves. Those traitorous desires were quickly satisfied when the Bambino applied a tremendous swat to this OAL (Barnard) baseball and sent it sailing through the cool New England air and into the right field bleachers of Fenway Park. It was the first of what would total a League-topping fifty-four home runs in the 1928 season, and the 417th of the Babe's career. As Ruth scampered around the bases in his quirky short-strided gait, a fan in the cheap seats gripped this baseball tightly, understanding even then that he held a piece of great value in his hands. Wisely, he sought out the Babe after the game and presented this ball to him, which Ruth graciously blessed with his classic sweet spot signature, today rating a solid 6/10 to 7/10 in quality. A side panel inscription in the same ancient ink as Ruth is in t
Auction 704 | Lot: 19653 | May 6, 2006

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1908 Chicago Cubs vs. New York Giants Panoramic Photograph. Clearly one of the most exceptional panoramas to reach the auction block in recent memory, this view from the upper stands directly behind home plate of Chicago's West Side Park was captured less than a month before an event known forever afterwards as "Merkle's Boner" linked these two 1908 squads in eternity. Words couldn't possibly convey the profundity of the Dead Ball details visible upon close inspection, from the archaic batting stance of the Giant at the plate, to the white-shirted fans who sit on the field of play along the outfield wall, to the bridges and buildings stretching to the horizon beyond the ballpark. The sepia image stretches the tape measure to 11.5x28", with the original wood frame carrying final dimensions to 17x34". Short of barely visible water staining that is entirely confined to the pale sky above the first baseline grandstands, the image presents as an incredible NRMT. Text along the lower border reads, "National League Park Chicago, Giants vs. Cubs, August 30, 1908" and "Copyright 1908 by The Geo. R. Lawrence Co., 274 Wabash Ave., Chicago 2." We would strongly suggest those viewing this image in our printed catalog to consult this lot at our website, where the incredible composition will be better conveyed through the larger images available. It will take your breath away.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19428 | May 6, 2006

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1928 Lefty Grove Lucky Strike Tremendous Outdoor Advertising Sign. Golden Age marvel is the only one of its kind we've ever seen, and we believe that it is the first (and likely the last) ever to be offered at public auction. While the trolley car sign of this same design is tremendously scarce, examples do occasionally surface in the market. The very existence of this monumental piece is nothing short of a miracle. Our consignor purchased this sign decades ago from a gentleman who claimed that it had once been displayed on the side of a barn for passing motorists, and the size (27x62") and composition would definitely lend credence to this tale. The sign is constructed of painted canvas, and shows the expected wear associated with outdoor use and advanced age, with restoration diminishing the visible effects of ragged wear to the outermost two inches of the right side. Scattered creases and cracks wind their ways across the expanse of canvas, but our catalog imagery should illustrate that none of these factors can materially diminish the tremendous dramatic effect of the piece's size and design. The occasional minor water stain is likewise benign. Light but still visible horizontal and vertical fold lines suggest that this amazing artifact was removed from the wall upon which it was posted seven decades ago, folded, and forgotten. All experts to whom we have shown this piece concur that it is certainly vintage to the era in question, and could not possibly be a modern reproduction. It is, instead, the most impressive and desirable advertising piece to reach the hobby in recent history.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19514 | May 6, 2006

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1961 Mickey Mantle World Series Game Worn Cap. "The best team I ever saw, and I really mean this, was the '61 Yankees," Mickey Mantle once said, years after he had retired from the game that made him a legend. "I never got to see the '27 Yankees. Everyone says that was the greatest team ever, but I think it would've been a great series if we'd have had the chance to play them." And certainly, if there ever was a pinstriped crew that could give Murderer's Row a run for its money, it was the one led by the M&M boys, who carried the team to 109 regular season wins (one short of the 1927 figure) and a World Championship. Each team certainly could give the horsehide a ride--the '61 Yanks' 240 home runs outpaced the competition by more than fifty, while the Babe's batsmen came close to tripling their nearest competitor. And though it was Maris who would topple the Babe during that historic season forty-four years ago, there is no disputing that the greatest slugger to call the Bronx home since Ruth was, and remains, Mickey Mantle.

Maris himself always contended that Mickey would have broken the Babe's record in 1961 had he stayed healthy, and the math does seem to bear this out. Roger's 590 at-bats in 1961 puts his home run pace at one for every 9.67; Mickey, having missed eighteen games, knocked out fifty-four that season in 519 at-bats, or a rate of one per 9.61. Of course this is all purely conjecture, and to imagine what may have been almost pays a disservice to that which actually did happen. And what happened was pure magic.

Offered here is the very cap that the great Mickey Mantle wore in the closing weeks of the 1961 season, continuing on to include his gutsy appearances in the Fall Classic. While that Series was not the most productive of the Mick's twelve October appearances, it is undeniably his most noble. Still in agonizing pain from a terrible infection that left an open wound on his hip, Mickey nonetheless left the hospital bed where h
Auction 704 | Lot: 19663 | May 6, 2006

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1942 Phil Rizzuto Game Worn Jersey with Health Patch. Worth a small fortune in its own right, the "Health" patch on the left sleeve of this pinstriped flannel gamer dates the jersey definitively to the 1942 season, Scooter's second in the Bigs. While Major League baseball wore similar patches on the left sleeves of all jerseys throughout the war years, it was only in 1942 that the word "Health" appeared, changing to striped red and white bars for the 1943 through 1945 seasons. Of course, Rizzuto entered the service after the 1942 season anyhow, returning in 1946 for eleven more seasons in service of the Yankees. In this, his sophomore year, the future Hall of Famer saw action in his first All-Star Game and second World Series, beginning to compile the numbers that would lead him to Cooperstown. The jersey shows excellent wear, though this may be attributed in part to a second life in the minor leagues, which saw the removal of the "NY" patch over the heart. Rizzuto's navy blue felt number "10" remains original to the '42 Yanks, however, as does the embroidered "P. Rizzuto" swatch sewn into the collar. A "Spalding" label above sprouts a size "42" flap tag. A scattering of staining is apparent on front and verso, but nothing that is particularly damaging to visual appeal. A tear in the right armpit is also of minor concern. Collectors are surely aware of how tough Hall of Fame flannels are, particularly those of the pinstriped variety, and will follow this auction with appropriate interest. Sourced from the family of a gentleman who owned a tavern across the street from the minor league ballpark where this jersey was recycled, along with the Stirnweiss jersey and Henrich pants also offered in this sale. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19657 | May 6, 2006

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1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 PSA EX 5. When it comes to cards issued before the Second World War, the Honus Wagner T206 is the undisputed king. But after that great conflict, the Topps Mantle rookie claims the prize as the most coveted and valuable card in the hobby. Here we present a fine example of the card on every collector's wish list, picturing a young legend looking skyward toward destiny. Centering and mild corner wear are typical of the issue, but the stellar color and registration are clearly a cut above. Wax and gum stains so commonly found on cards from this set are likewise absent here. One of the best investments in the hobby.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19560 | May 6, 2006

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1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinet Mike "King" Kelly. Exceptional in rarity, quality and appeal, this 118-year old artifact presents a rare opportunity for one advanced collector. Those studied in nineteenth century collecting are aware that these cabinets, measuring 4.125x6.5", were only available to those tobacco enthusiasts enterprising enough to save and send coupons to the headquarters of Old Judge, who distributed the cabinets solely by mail. As such, the population of the cabinets was never high, even at the time of issue. Over a century later, just a handful remains. And of the tiny tribe of survivors, few could hold the same appeal of a Kelly representation, as the National League slugger was one of the most noteworthy of Victorian ballplayers, and a 1945 posthumous Cooperstown inductee. Here he poses in the uniform of the Boston Beaneaters, an archaic bat poised at the ready. Speaking to the nature of the card itself, we note that the surfaces show just the slightest touch of wear, and the back remains devoid of the damage so typically seen in this issue due to scrapbook removal. The image contrast and clarity is unimprovable, and the gilded lettering and border remains almost entirely intact. We may well be overly conservative in granting the piece a grade of EX-MT. Certainly one of the finest Old Judge cabinets to appear at auction in recent months.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19538 | May 6, 2006

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1928 New York Yankees Panoramic Photograph. In the wake of the record-setting price of $89,625 realized for a 1911 Addie Joss Day panoramic photograph in our October 2005 Signature auction, it's no wonder that the hobby press generated quite a response from consignors hoping for similar results. Offered here is one of the most remarkable pieces to surface in the weeks following the sale, a stunningly pristine and previously unknown image of the reigning World Champs, snapped at Spring Training just months after the Babe clubbed his sixtieth. The photograph derives from the estate of a pair of wealthy sisters in St. Petersburg, Florida, where thirty-six members of this legendary squad lined up for photographer "M.P. Mayberry," whose mark is found at the lower right side of this amazing work. You'll be hard-pressed to find an image with a greater supply of Hall of Fame Yankees, as we are offered crystal-clear portraits of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Bill Dickey, Leo Durocher, Stanley Coveleski, Waite Hoyt, Earle Combs, Herb Pennock and diminutive manager Miller Huggins. Even famed hunchback batboy Eddie Bennett is here, sitting indian-style at Cedric Durst's feet. An interesting bit of photographer's trickery expands the photo past its original dimensions, as the sharp-eyed observer will note that a white vertical stripe four inches from the left marks the spot where two negatives were joined to complete the vastness of the scene, measuring thirty-one inches in width at a height of eight inches. While it might be difficult to believe that this spectacular find remains in NRMT-MT condition, we're sticking to that story. There is not a crease, tear or stain to be found. We encounter not a single sign of the wear and tear of passing decades. In poor condition this would be a thrilling find, but as it stands we don't hesitate to call this piece one of the finest photographs to reach the auction block in recent memory.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19447 | May 6, 2006

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1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb Portrait, Red Background PSA NM-MT 8. A tough El Principe de Gales back makes this majestic Cobb all the more appealing, one of only twenty to merit a NM-MT 8 mark, with none grading higher. Great color and flawless registration makes for tremendous eye appeal, with centering and corners far superior to the overwhelming majority of tobacco issues. Rare back is as clean as the front. A rare opportunity to own one of the most impressive T-cards in the hobby.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19541 | May 6, 2006

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1924 Washington Senators World Championship Pendant Presented to Herold "Muddy" Ruel. After presenting the thrilling "Muddy Ruel Collection" in our October 2005 Signature Auction, we are pleased to present what is arguably the most important artifact from the personal collection of this superstar backstop, the prize awarded to him for his part in the Washington Senators' only World Series victory. And what a part he played! Baseball historians will surely be aware that it was Ruel who bounded home in the bottom of the twelfth in the Series' seventh game to seal the deal for the Washington squad and deliver to legendary pitcher Walter Johnson the single missing jewel from his crown. The visual majesty of the pendant is fitting for its historical relevance, and the condition remains superb after eight decades of existence. An embossed image of the US Capitol building rises above a ball and bats motif, with a faux diamond set at center of the former. A golden "Washington" is emblazoned across the red enamel header, with "World 1924 Champions" similarly placed along the blue footer. We flip the pendant to find text on verso that reads, "Presented to Herold Ruel by the Commissioner of Baseball." The bottom is stamped "14KT Dieges & Clust." This treasure's status as the only World Championship award from the Senators' long history, and its relation to the man who scored the Series-winning run, makes it one of the most appealing awards to find its way into the collecting marketplace in some time.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19511 | May 6, 2006

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1959 Mickey Mantle All-Star Game Used Bat. While clearly any bat once owned and operated by the great Mickey Mantle is worthy of glowing praise and careful curatorship, educated hobbyists understand that those special issue bats related to All-Star Games and World Series belong in a class unto themselves. We are very pleased to bring to the collecting community one of these scarce and monumentally important artifacts, the Adirondack 113A issued to the superstar New York Yankees center fielder for his participation in the '59 Midsummer Classic. As this was a season that featured an All-Star doubleheader, with games at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field and Los Angeles' Memorial Coliseum, we cannot be certain which of the two games saw Mickey use this bat. But based on the "significant" use, as stated by the authenticators at MEARS, one could reasonably expect it was used in both, and then beyond into the second half of the regular season. The brutal impacts caused by Mantle's crushing swings have left the barrel to take on a mottled look, with use that you can feel as you turn the bat in your hands from light deadwood on the back of the barrel. "1959 All-Star" in simple block lettering leads to a slightly larger "Mantle' between the words "Adirondack" and "Personal Model" on the barrel's heart, setting our own hearts to fluttering. Weight of thirty-one and a half ounces and length of thirty-five inches were the favored specifications of the Mick at the time. The authenticators note that the stamping on the bat has since been traced over in black ink, and that there appears to be some use not related to Major League play, but these factors will only be apparent to particularly eagle-eyed experts. They do not materially affect the display of the bat, and certainly not its important heritage. Very faint traces of an ancient autograph further links this bat to its former master. MEARS A4, with points lost only due to post-Mantle alterations. LOA from MEARS.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19639 | May 6, 2006

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1923-25 Tris Speaker Game Used Bat. "It would be useless for any player to attempt to explain successful batting," the legendary hitter once noted. Perhaps the secrets are hidden within this antique lumber that once belonged to the Grey Eagle, who is destined to remain forever in the number six spot for career batting average with an outrageous .345 compiled over twenty-two seasons. The labeling period of this signature model Hillerich & Bradsby pegs its tenure to the 1923-25 era, one that saw Speaker twice top .380 at the plate, and the outstanding use on the bat suggests that it played a major role in these stats. The back of the barrel exhibits grain separation from the extreme punishment, and a handle crack was long ago encased in spiraled black tape for security. Spike marks speckle the barrel, and the knob has been tapered by Speaker as to his preference. The length of thirty-four and three-quarter inches and the weight of just over thirty-eight ounces are both proper for Speaker's known exemplars. Losing points only due to the post-usage handle tape, this remarkable specimen still merits the stellar grade of PSA GU7. Certainly one of the finest Speaker gamers in the game. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19634 | May 6, 2006

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1948-1952 Bowman Baseball Complete and Near Complete Sets with Autographs. Includes 1948 Bowman set of 48 cards, of which 33 are signed. Highlights are #5 Feller (G/VG), 6 Berra (EX), 8 Rizzuto (EX-signed), 18 Spahn (VG/EX-signed), 36 Musial (VG-signed), 38 Schoendienst (VG). The 1949 Bowman partial set (184/240) includes 49 of the scarcer high series cards. Highlights are PSA 6: #224 Satchel Paige; #27 Feller (G/VG), 33 Spahn (EX-signed), 36 Reese (VG/EX-signed), 46 Roberts (EX), 60 Berra (G), 84 Campanella (VG), 96 Rizzuto (VG/EX-personalized), 100 Hodges (VG/EX), 233 Doby (EX), 238 Lemon (VG/EX). A total of 91 cards are signed including #23 Doerr, 26 Kell, 35 Raschi, 85 Mize (2), 114 Reynolds, 194 Branca, 229 Lopat. The 1950 Bowman partial set (217/252) includes 44 of the scarcer low series cards. Highlights are #22 Robinson (EX), 46 Berra (VG), 75 Campanella (EX), 77 Snider (VG-signed), 98 Williams (VG), 112 Hodges (VG/EX), 138 Reynolds (EX-signed), 215 Lopat (EX-signed). A total of 121 cards are signed including #3 Dom DiMaggio, 43 Doerr, 139 Mize, 232 Rosen. The 1951 Bowman partial set (303/352) includes 60 of the scarcer high series cards. Highlights are PSA 4: #165 Williams, 305 Mays; #1 Ford (G/VG), 2 Berra (VG), 25 Raschi (VG/EX-signed), 30 Feller (VG), 31 Campanella (VG/EX), 46 Kell (EX/MT-signed), 80 Reese (EX-signed), 127 Maglie (VG/EX-signed), 134 Spahn (G/VG-signed), 232 Fox (VG), 233 Durocher (VG-signed). A total of 172 cards are signed including PSA/DNA #143 Kluszewski, 254 Jensen; #50 Mize, 56 Branca, 109 Reynolds, 187 Rosen, 218 Lopat, 295 Lopez, 323 Adcock. The 1952 Bowman partial set (243/252) includes 33 of the scarcer high series cards. Highlights are PSA 7: #52 Rizzuto; #1 Berra (G), 24 Furillo (EX-signed), 44 Campanella (VG), 80 Hodges (EX), 116 Snider (VG), 156 Spahn (VG), 196 Musial (VG-signed). A total of 163 cards are signed including #4 Roberts, 8 Reese, 17 Lopat, 37 Raschi, 43 Feller, 45 Pesky, 66
Auction 704 | Lot: 19552 | May 6, 2006

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1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie #106 PSA Good 2. 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 Good 2 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 704 | Lot: 19547 | May 6, 2006

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1960-1961 Topps Baseball Near Complete Sets with Autographs. Includes a 1960 Topps near complete set (566/572). Highlights are PSA 7: #563 Mantle AS; #148 Williams (VG), 160 Rival All Stars (VG/EX), 300 Aaron (VG), 316 McCovey (EX), 326 Clemente (EX), 343 Koufax (VG/EX), 350 Mantle (VG), 564 Mays AS (EX), 566 Aaron AS (EX). A total of 243 cards are signed including PSA/DNA #377 Maris, 505 Kluszewski, 565 Maris AS; #55 Mazeroski, 222 Lopez, 250 Musial, 264 Roberts, 305 Ashburn, 400 Colavito, 445 Spahn. Also included is a 1961 Topps near complete set (582/587). Highlights are PSA 7: #475 Mantle MVP, PSA 5: #300 Mantle; #290 Musial (EX), 344 Koufax (VG), 388 Clemente (EX), 415 Aaron (VG), 417 Marichal (VG), 577 Aaron AS (EX), 578 Mantle AS (EX), 579 Mays AS (EX), 580 Kaline AS (VG). A total of 270 cards are signed including PSA/DNA #2 Maris, 65 Kluszewski, 478 Maris MVP, 576 Maris AS; #20 Roberts, 132 Lopez, 173 Beantown Bombers, 200 Spahn, 245 Adcock, 330 Colavito, 476 Jensen MVP, 500 Kuenn, 574 Aparicio AS. LOA from PSA/DNA. (Total: 2 sets)
Auction 704 | Lot: 19587 | May 6, 2006

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1961 Topps Baseball Complete High-Grade Set (587). A total of 70 cards have been graded by PSA, breaking down as follows: PSA 9: #33, 45 NL ERA Leaders, 59, 129, 164, 178, 196, 214, 224, 317, 336, 338, 340, 362, 408 Mathewson K's 267, 456, 487, 528, 566; PSA 8: #1 Groat, 6, 12, 21, 30 Fox, 38, 43 NL HR Leaders, 50 AL Strikeout Leaders, 58, 67, 79, 88 Ashburn, 160 Ford, 189, 191, 203, 209, 212, 249, 259, 275, 285, 294, 314, 323, 328, 349, 368, 388 Clemente, 425 Berra, 442, 443 Snider, 468, 469, 474, 491, 495 Howard, 504, 517 McCovey, 525, 530, 542 Twins Team, 550, 552, 575 Banks AS, 579 Mays AS, 585; BPSA 7: Q #29, 120 Mathews, 150 Mays, 344 Koufax. Graded cards have an aggregate SMR value of $4840. Ungraded cards include #2 Maris (EX), 300 Mantle (EX), 415 Aaron (EX), 417 Marichal (EX/MT), 475 Mantle MVP (EX/MT), 576 Maris AS (EX/MT), 577 Aaron AS (EX/MT), 578 Mantle AS (EX/MT), 580 Kaline AS (EX). Grades 20% NM to NM-MT, 50% EX-MT, 30% EX.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19596 | May 6, 2006

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1958 Topps Mickey Mantle #150 PSA Mint 9. Marvelous photographic portrait of the Mick in his prime makes the '59 Topps card a favorite among collectors, who will certainly be awestruck by the spectacular quality of the offered specimen. Perfect color, gloss and registration give way to terrific centering and sharp corners. Only seventeen of more than 2,000 specimens submitted to PSA for consideration have earned a Mint 9 designation, with not a single example ever grading higher. Just like the man himself, there is none better.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19578 | May 6, 2006

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1957 Topps Baseball Complete Set (411). In 1957, Topps reduced the size of its cards to the now-familiar 2-1/2" x 3-1/2". In addition, real color photographs were used for the first time. The scarce cards in the set are numbers 265-352. Also included in this offering are three checklists and a contest card. A total of thirty-five cards have been graded by PSA, breaking down as follows: PSA 8: #76 Clemente (OC), 312 Kubek (OC); PSA 7: #1 Williams, 2 Berra, 18 Drysdale, 30 Reese, 65, 95 Mantle (OC), 125 Kaline, 130 Newcombe, 155, 162, 207, 210 Campanella, 250 Mathews, 286 Richardson, 298, 299, 302 Koufax, 314, 315, 318, 322 Cincinnati Reds, 326, 330, 338 Bunning, 344, 352, 360, 370, 372, 379, 400 Dodgers' Sluggers, 404, 407 Yankee Power Hitters. Graded cards have an aggregate SMR value of $3575. Ungraded cards include #7 Aparicio (EX/MT), 10 Mays (EX), 15 Roberts (NM), 20 Aaron (EX), 24 Mazeroski (VG), 25 Ford (EX), 35 F. Robinson (EX), 40 Wynn (EX), 55 Banks (EX/MT), 62 Martin (NM), 70 Ashburn (EX/MT), 80 Hodges (EX), 90 Spahn (NM), 165 Kluszewski (EX/MT), 170 Snider (EX), 203 Wilhelm (EX/MT), 212 Colavito (NM), 328 B. Robinson (EX), Checklist 1/2 (G), Checklist 3/4 (G/VG), Checklist 4/5 (VG/EX), June Contest Card (VG/EX). Grades 57% NM to NM/MT, 43% EX to EX/MT or lesser.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19574 | May 6, 2006

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1968 Topps Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (598). With a border that appears to be a burlap fabric, this issue is well known for having condition issues from chipping and is prone to showing wear. Thankfully that is far from the case with this blazing high grade set. This top quality example includes 31 cards which have been graded by PSA and have an aggregate SMR value of $6,230. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA GEM MINT 10: 4 cards w/ #'s 63, 132, 413, 442. PSA MINT 9: 18 Cards w/ #'s 53, 60, 78, 85 Perry, 86 Stargell, 100 Gibson, 163, 203, 220 Killebrew, 247 Bench, 249, 280 Mantle, 356, 412, 418, 459, 480 Manager's Dream, 520 Brock. PSA NM-MT 8: 9 Cards w/ #'s 122, 174, 177 Ryan, 330 Maris, 346, 355 Banks, 490 Killebrew/Mays/Mantle, 528 Tigers. Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s 1 Clemente LL (NM/MT), 20 Robinson (NM), 45 Seaver (NM), 50 Mays (EX/MT), 80 Carew (NM), 110 Aaron (VG/EX), 150 Clemente (EX/MT), 230 Rose (EX), 240 Kaline (EX), 250 Yaz (NM), 408 Carlton (NM), 500 Robinson (EX/MT) 575 Palmer (NM). Grades 72% NM to NM-MT, 23% EX-MT, 5% EX or lesser.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19621 | May 6, 2006

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1930 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. The pairing of black fountain pen ink and a wonderfully white "Babe Ruth Home Run Special" baseball should delight any serious collector of high-end Yankees artifacts. The Babe takes up his customary sweet spot here, rating a conservative 6.5/10 due to mild hazing of the surname. His trusted sidekick Lou Gehrig fares even better, a solid 8/10 at the top of an adjacent side panel. Furthering the Hall of Fame cause are Bill Dickey (9/10), Earle Combs (9/10), a rookie Vern Gomez (8/10) and Tony Lazzeri (8.5/10). Among the ten Yanks joining this legendary half dozen are Koenig, Lary, Shawkey, Chapman and Cooke. All autographs compare in quality to their Cooperstown-quality teammates. A truly fine example from the greatest era of sports' greatest team. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19385 | May 6, 2006

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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 of $20,000 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 704 | Lot: 19406 | May 6, 2006

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2004 Alex Rodriguez 361st Career Home Run Baseball, Ties DiMaggio! Destined to join Joltin' Joe in Cooperstown as a first-ballot Hall of Famer one day, the Yanks' third baseman joined him on the same rung of the career home run ladder when he delivered this baseball into the outfield seats of Bank One Ballpark on June 17, 2004. The solo shot to lead off the sixth inning was the Yankees' only bright spot against a masterful performance by Diamondbacks knuckleballer Steve Sparks, who held the Bombers to just three hits over seven innings. The ball bears Major League Baseball's holographic authenticating sticker and a 10/10 blue ink signature and inscription from A-Rod, which reads, "Alex Rodriguez, Career HR #361, 6-17-04." If Rodriguez is able to continue at his current pace, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that this hard-slugging infielder could find himself the career Home Run King by the time he hangs up his spikes. A milepost like this then becomes all the more valuable. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19656 | May 6, 2006

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1904 Washington Senators Photographic Composite by Carl Horner. Exceptional display piece is the work of famed baseball photographer Carl Horner, best remembered for creating many of the images used in the popular T206 tobacco card set, most notably the portrait of Honus Wagner used for the hobby's most valuable card. Fourteen photographic portraits present here are all the product of his lensmanship, as is the composite design which was likely used to create some sort of premium or newspaper layout. At the center of the design, at a size of 6x7", is player-manager Patsy Donovan, with his teammates surrounding him in oval or rectangular images slightly smaller in dimensions. Hand lettered text on the heavy cardboard mount at center reads "Wash Am League, 1904," with baseball equipment imagery penned in the margins, along with the words "Photo by Carl L. Horner." We believe that this inscription is in Horner's own hand. The mount measures approximately 19x24" in size, and shows heavy chipping along upper and right edge, and some scattered staining, but the visual appeal is not significantly hindered by these factors and the photos themselves remain clear and crisp. With single photographs by Horner often reaching five figures at auction, this remarkable piece represents an incredible opportunity for collectors of his fine work. The piece is tastefully matted and framed to final dimensions of 26x34".
Auction 704 | Lot: 19427 | May 6, 2006

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1956 Topps Baseball High-Grade Near Complete Set (334/340) with Autographs. This high-grade partial set represents the second consecutive year that Topps employed the horizontal cards featuring both a portrait and an action scene. Includes all but six cards, missing only #10 Spahn, 39, 106, 135 Mantle, 154 and 182. A total of 47 cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $6,275. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA Mint 9: 1 card - #298 Johnny Schmitz (10 extant with none grading higher). PSA NM-MT 8: 29 cards - #20 Kaline, 23, 26, 32, 40, 43, 79 Koufax, 111 Red Sox Team, 150 Snider, 151, 166 Dodgers Team, 172, 176, 184, 185, 189, 191, 207, 211, 226 Giants Team, 235 Newcombe, 237, 242, 243, 250 Doby, 271, 286, 305, 313. PSA NM 7: 15 cards - #4, 5, 14, 15, 33, 35, 101 Campanella, 110, 130, 198, 213, 220, 251, 301, 331. PSA EX-MT 6: 2 cards - #30 Robinson, 31 Aaron. A total of 87 cards have been signed including PSA/DNA #25 Kluszewski; #113 Rizzuto, 155 Kuenn, 164 Killebrew, 192 Burgess, 194 Irvin, 195 Kell, 260 Reese, 307 Wilhelm. Balance of the cards grade EX-MT or better with few exceptions. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19571 | May 6, 2006

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1928 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. A second consecutive four-game Series sweep for the deadly Murderers' Row further cemented the team memorialized here as the educated historian's pick for best team ever. Based purely on Hall of Fame credentials we can see the reasons for the squad's success from the signatures applied to this OAL (Barnard) ball: Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri, Pennock, Dickey, Hoyt, Coveleski and Durocher. Among the other notables are Pipgras, Moore, Koenig, Byrd, Dugan, Meusel and Grabowski. While admittedly the signature quality could not be described as pristine, our catalog imagery should illustrate that the Babe and Gehrig rate a respectable 4/10 to 5/10, and all listed signatures are clearly legible. Twenty-three signatures are here in all, with every last one identifiable and ranging from 2/10 to 6/10. As the 1920's Yankees market continues on a constant and rather steep rise, an investment in a solid artifact such as this couldn't possibly lose. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19383 | May 6, 2006

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1952 Berk Ross Baseball Complete Set (72). Seventy-two unnumbered cards make up the set, including two of Phil Rizzuto. Highlights include PSA 9: Rizzuto (bunting); PSA 8: Hodges, Robinson; PSA 7: Mantle; PSA 6: DiMaggio; PSA 3: Williams. Graded cards have an aggregate SMR value of $3585. Ungraded cards include Berra (EX/MT), Campanella (EX), Feller (EX/MT), Mays (VG), Musial (pinholes), Snider (EX). Grades 30% NM to NM-MT, 40% EX-MT, 30% VG/EX (centering).
Auction 704 | Lot: 19559 | May 6, 2006

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1913 Chicago Cubs Fatima Premium. Tobacco card collecting doesn't get much more challenging than the pursuit of the majestic Fatima premium, a large format version of the T200 team cards only available through the redemption of forty coupons from cigarette packs. The difficulty in attaining these premiums over ninety years ago kept the initial supply quite low, and the passing decades and large size making them susceptible to damage has whittled the survivors down to almost none. Here we present the Chicago Cubs version of this rarity, a third-place club this year featuring the Hall of Fame talents of Johnny Evers and Roger Bresnahan, each of who appears in crystal-clear contrast. The 11x18" image presents very well despite several tears through the emulsion that wander in diagonals of varying length across the piece. While the image was matted to the edge and elegantly framed, long ago, we believe that the original mount is no longer present, and that it was trimmed to the photo's border. None of these factors can detract from the tremendous visual appeal however, and any vintage team photo (much less one of this enormous size) from this era commands the collector's attention. Matting and framing carries final dimensions to 22.5x27.5".
Auction 704 | Lot: 19435 | May 6, 2006

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1913 Pittsburgh Pirates Fatima Premium. The great Honus Wagner and player/manager Fred Clarke pool their Hall of Fame talents to add yet more intrigue to this scarce and tremendously desirable premium. These vast (image size 11x18") keepsakes were only available to those enterprising enough to submit forty coupons from cigarette packs to Fatima headquarters, making the initial population well below even that of even the scarce Old Judge cabinets issued decades earlier. The large format of the Fatima premiums often led to damage and ultimately their demise, allowing just a handful of specimens to see the twenty-first century. Though we believe this one to be trimmed of its cardboard borders, the image itself remains in wonderful condition, with a couple of hairline horizontal cracks extending from the edges but barely extending to the bodies of the posed athletes. Otherwise there are no defects to undermine a NRMT appearance. The piece is matted and exquisitely framed, creating a display that would be at home in the most elegant of settings. A truly special Dead Ball era relic for the distinguished collector.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19436 | May 6, 2006

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1924 Washington Senators Visit White House Tremendous Photograph. As the eventual World Champions smile broadly on the White House lawn in early September of 1924, President Coolidge stands in sharp sullen contrast, still reeling from the sudden loss of his son Calvin Jr., who had died just weeks earlier after developing blood poisoning from a blister suffered in an innocent game of tennis. A dark mourning band encircles the President's left bicep. As such the piece carries exceptional historical relevance, both in documenting the Senators' only Championship team and the immense sadness that essentially ended the political fervor and future aspirations of the Commander in Chief. Walter Johnson stands immediately to the right of Coolidge, with Muddy Ruel and Sam Rice nearby. The photo is simply overwhelming in its dimensions, the gelatin print measuring 23x41", with the original frame expanding the size to 27x45". We have no doubt that this piece was once upon public display--note the drilled holes at the corners for secure mounting to a wall--and we'd suspect that its former home was Griffith Stadium, though we cannot state this definitively. The condition of the piece is as stunning as its dimensions, with only the slightest hint of age toning in the area dominated by the White House backdrop, leaving the team shot itself free of even the slightest flaw.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19442 | May 6, 2006

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1923 Lections Near Set (8/10) with Ruth, Hornsby. Like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, the supremely scarce cards of the Lections set are almost never seen and shrouded in mystery. Before twenty-eight surfaced in Albany, New York in 1997, collectors were not even aware that the set existed, and it's still unclear exactly what product they initially accompanied. The general consensus is that they are candy cards, but we may never know for certain. Presented here are eight cards from the set of ten, representing an offering that doubles the entire population of PSA-graded examples. Present are "Babe" Ruth, Roger (sic) Hornsby, Frank Chance, "Bob" Meusel, Emil Meusel, "Bob" Shawkey, Howard Ehmke and Charles Jamieson. Condition is admittedly rough, with all displaying some degree of heavy creasing and wear, and Ruth and Chance showing pencil writing as well. Given the microscopic population of such cards available in the hobby, however, such concerns must be taken in context. High-grade examples have never surfaced, and likely never will. For the card collector seeking a true challenge, we lead you four-fifths of the way to the top of the mountain. The rest of the climb is yours alone.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19546 | May 6, 2006

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1957-1958 Topps Baseball Near Complete Sets with Autographs. Includes a 1957 Topps near complete set (401/411). Highlights are PSA 7: #76 Clemente; #1 Williams (VG/EX), 2 Berra (VG), 10 Mays (EX), 18 Drysdale (EX), 20 Aaron (VG), 25 Ford (G), 35 F. Robinson (EX), 55 Banks (VG), 95 Mantle (VG), 170 Snider (EX), 210 Campanella (EX), 286 Richardson (EX/MT), 302 Koufax (EX), 324 Dodgers Team (VG/EX), 328 B. Robinson (VG), 400 Dodgers' Sluggers (G/VG), 407 Yankee Power Hitters (EX). A total of 185 cards are signed including PSA/DNA #82 Howard, 165 Kluszewski; #5 Maglie, 30 Reese, 88 Kuenn, 90 Spahn, 117 Adcock, 212 Colavito, 312 Kubek. Also included is a 1958 Topps near complete set (477/494). Highlights are #1 Williams (VG), 5 Mays (EX), 30 Aaron (VG), 187 Koufax (VG/EX), 307 B. Robinson (VG/EX), 310 Banks (EX), 418 World Series Batting Foes (EX), 485 Williams AS (pen on front), 487 Mantle AS (EX). A total of 75 cards are signed including PSA/DNA #47 Maris, 130 Jensen, 178 Kluszewski; #43 Maglie, 270 Spahn. LOA from PSA/DNA. (Total: 2 sets)
Auction 704 | Lot: 19575 | May 6, 2006

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1969 Topps Baseball High-Grade Complete Set (664). This popular set marks the last card for Mickey Mantle and the first for Reggie Jackson with dozens of Hall of Famers offered in between. This top quality example includes 33 cards which have been graded by PSA and have an aggregate SMR value of $4,295. Includes: Graded Cards - PSA GEM MINT 10: 3 cards w/ 226, 613, 650 Williams. PSA MINT 9: 13 Cards w/ # 72, 73, 133, 312, 318, 400 Drysdale, 490, 586, 607, 610, 616, 630 Bonds, 635. PSA NM-MT 8: 14 Cards w/ #'s 98, 130 Yaz, 172, 190 Mays, 260 Jackson, 290, 450 Williams, 477, 480 Seaver, 500 Mantle, 510 Carew, 533 Ryan, 566, 631. PSA NM 7: 3 Cards w/ #'s 50 Clemente, 120 Rose, 255 Carlton. Ungraded Cards - Highlights Include #'s 20 Banks (EX/MT), 95 Bench (EX), 100 Aaron (VG/EX), 200 Gibson (VG/EX), 235 Hunter (NM), 250 Robinson (NM), 440 McCovey (EX/MT), 573 Palmer (NM), 597 Fingers (EX). Grades 70% NM to NM-MT, 20% EX-MT, 10% EX or lesser.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19625 | May 6, 2006

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1968 Mickey Mantle's Last Game at Yankee Stadium Used Baseball, Signed. Fans in the Bronx got their last glimpse of number seven in pinstriped action on September 25, 1968, the day this OAL (Cronin) ball saw use at Yankee Stadium. Though the Mick's skills had been diminished by injury, age and hard living, the legendary slugger accounted for the Yanks' only hit this day in a masterful complete game performance by Indians ace Luis Tiant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only documented game ball from this historic day, and we're sure that the legions of Mantle collectors will appreciate just how significant such a piece is. The ball derives from the personal collection of Hall of Fame umpire Nestor Chylak, who gave the ball to fellow ump Durwood Merrill in the late 1970's. The ball offers a 7/10 vintage blue ink sweet spot signature from Mantle, and bold black notations on two panels that read, "Mickey's last game in Yankee Stadium, Presented to American League Umpires Assoc. by the N.Y. Yankees." Strong use of the ball is evident. Included with the baseball is a letter of provenance from Merrill. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19655 | May 6, 2006

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1973 Thurman Munson Game Worn Jacket. Ah, the joys of being young and beautiful. It certainly worked out well for our consignor, a lovely eighteen-year old blonde from the tri-state area who became a great fan of the New York Yankees, who in turn became a great fan of hers. One player in particular, former Baltimore Orioles ace Pat Dobson, took quite a serious shine to young Judi. As her notarized letter of provenance explains, "...This relationship set the stage for acquiring some great memories and valuable memorabilia. During these years, Pat reserved game tickets for my family, and me, gave me baseballs during batting practices, posed for pictures and gave me team signed baseballs. [Note: see some of these baseballs in this Signature auction]. One day he asked what other souvenir I would like to have and I told him a jacket. He told me he would see what he could do, and to meet him at the entrance of the bullpen during the 5th inning of the game. I did, and he handed me a brown bag with a jacket inside. He told me it was Thurman Munson's warm up coat he had been wearing that day. I later discovered #15 in the front pocket..." And sure enough, there's that vintage number "15" in black marker inside the right pocket of this rare and historic jacket from the wardrobe of the tragic Yankee captain. It was a tremendous season for Munson when this jacket was worn, his first Gold Glove, his second All-Star Game, his highest career home run production. When examining the piece, one almost needs to slip the jacket on due to the chills it inspires. The details are just fantastic, from the white tackle twill "NY" logo over the heart, to the embroidered felt team logo patch on the left sleeve, and back to that all important number markered in the pocket. The jacket's heavy nylon body was intended for use on the Bronx' coldest nights, and still is quite warm despite the absence of the zip-in lining that once resided inside. Elasticized wool ribbing is present at neck, cuffs and
Auction 704 | Lot: 19667 | May 6, 2006

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1961 New York Yankees Stars Signed Baseball with Mantle & Maris. A stunning blue ink sweet spot signature from the season's home run hero proves instantly that this isn't your typical reunion ball, which typically lacks the man who made history in 1961. Also present is his good friend and partner in the famed Babe-chase Mickey Mantle, who appears on the panel just below. Rounding out the cast of characters from this World Championship squad are Ford, Berra, Richardson, Boyer, Skowron, Blanchard and Lopez. All autographs are 9/10 or better on a very lightly toned OAL (MacPhail) baseball. An attractive and affordable alternative to a high-grade 1961 team ball, which couldn't be found without a five-figure price tag. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19418 | May 6, 2006

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1955 Topps Baseball Complete Set (206). This was Topps' first horizontally oriented baseball issue. The format presented dual portrait and action photos along with a facsimile signature. The format was a hit and was used again for the 1956 Topps issue. Highlights include PSA 7: #100 Irvin, 124 Killebrew, 198 Berra; PSA 6: #31 Spahn, 50 Robinson, 164 Clemente (OC), 187 Hodges; PSA 5: #4 Kaline, 123 Koufax; PSA 4: #194 Mays. Graded cards have an aggregate SMR value of $2320. Ungraded cards include #1 Rhodes (VG/EX), 2 Williams (VG/EX), 22 Skowron (VG/EX), 28 Banks (VG), 47 Aaron (VG/EX), 75 Amaros (EX), 120 Kluszewski (EX), 125 Boyer (EX), 152 Agganis (VG/EX), 155 Mathews (EX), 166 Bauer (VG), 189 Rizzuto (VG/EX), 210 Snider (VG/EX). Grades 13% NM to NM/MT, 68% EX to EX/MT, 19% VG to VG/EX.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19570 | May 6, 2006

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1913 New York Giants Panoramic Photograph. A twenty-six year old rookie named Jim Thorpe stands just to the left of John McGraw and Christy Mathewson in this magnificent team shot of the National League Champs. Behind them looms the expanse of the Polo Grounds, just two years after a massive fire forced rebuilding. With the market for early baseball photography on a sharp and steady rise, there has never been a better time to invest in a quality piece such as this. All text has been hand applied in white paint, with notables like Rube Marquard, Wilbert Robinson and the cursed Fred Merkle identified for the viewer. A small patch of the photo appears to have become affixed to the glass at left, and the image seems to have been trimmed slightly along the lower border. Other than these factors, the piece displays beautifully with no noteworthy flaws. Photo measures 7.5x26", and has been framed to final dimensions of 11x29".
Auction 704 | Lot: 19434 | May 6, 2006

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1913 John Henry "Pop" Lloyd Studio Photograph. "I am honored to have John Lloyd called the Black Wagner," Honus was once quoted as saying. "It is a privilege to have been compared to him." The Hall of Fame Negro League superstar of the Dead Ball Era is captured here in one of the few vintage portraits to have survived the decades since. He wears the uniform of the New York Lincoln Giants, a team he would represent from 1911 through 1914, and again for the last five years of the 1920's. The sepia-toned image is marvelously rendered, with slight emulsion loss to Lloyd's cap and the area to the right of his head. The upper right edge of the photo has some minor paper loss that could easily be matted out. There are otherwise no noteworthy flaws. Studio's "Aveda" stamping is found at Lloyd's left knee, and again on verso. 5.75x8" in size.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19437 | May 6, 2006

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1925 Walter Johnson Day Panoramic Photograph from Johnson Estate. The Big Train takes center stage of this fine panorama, likely the only one of its kind in existence, and deriving directly from the estate of the hard-throwing Hall of Famer. Just above a caption reading "Johnson Day, Washington, D.C., June 18, 1925, the aging legend poses holding a presentational certificate. He is flanked on his right by the defending World Champion Senators, and on his left by the visiting St. Louis Browns, who would put a mild damper on the proceedings by managing a nine to six victory over the home team. Behind the two teams throngs of men is suits and straw hats and women in bright dresses mill about in the stands, each in fine, crisp focus. The photo, having resided since its birth in the original oak frame, shows only the faintest hint of waves in its surface, apparent only at extreme angles. To all but the most critical viewer, the piece resonates with a NRMT appearance. Complete framed dimensions are 11x41". Accompanying the lot will be a letter of provenance from the former husband of Johnson's granddaughter.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19444 | May 6, 2006

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1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb #30 PSA VG-EX 4. Though there was nothing sweet about the Peach, he remains the second most valuable card from the hobby's most popular candy issue, distributed during yet another batting crown season for Cobb. The bold coloring and artful portraiture that characterizes the set is entirely evident here, as the surface presents far better than the technical VG-EX grade. Only issues of corner wear, centering and candy residue affect the scoring here, making this the nicest PSA 4 from this set you're likely to find.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19545 | May 6, 2006

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1998 Mark McGwire Game Worn Uniform. To those who believe that Big Mac's accomplishments in 1998 were somehow diminished by those of Bonds in 2001, we must respectfully disagree. Though McGwire's record was still in diapers when it was felled by Barry, the latter never captured the imagination of the baseball world the way the Sosa - McGwire chase of '98 did. Just like the Babe "saved" baseball after the Black Sox scandal with his thunderous bat, so did the Cardinals slugger after the sport took a big hit from the 1994 strike. It was McGwire who chipped through the hard shell of cynicism that was left behind by the cancelled season and let us look upon the game again with new eyes. While a handful of jerseys from that special season have found their way to the auction block, it's particularly rare to find a shirt with the matching pants, as we have here. The combination offers a greatly heightened opportunity for display, and we would expect that the winning bidder would be shopping for a mannequin as soon as the hammer falls. The shirt offers the most attractive of all baseball logos, with the chenille birds and bat rising above the classically scripted "Cardinals" on the chest. "McGwire 25" is sewn in red and navy tackle twill on verso. Just above the custom-shortened inner tail is the proper "Rawlings" label with "52" and "Set 1 1998" flap tags affixed. An Upper Deck authenticated inscription, complete with holographic sticker and paperwork, appears on lower chest, reading, "A True Gamer, 70 HR's, 1998, Mark McGwire" in 10/10 black sharpie. The matching pants offer the same "Rawlings" label beside a machine embroidered swatch that reads, "McGwire 25 36-39 37 98." Both pieces show wear that makes us wonder, how many trips around the bases did they take? After all, with McGwire hitting a home run in almost every other game, there is virtually no chance that this uniform could be a long ball virgin. Don't worry too much if you miss out on this one though -- you can always
Auction 704 | Lot: 19673 | May 6, 2006

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Jim Thorpe Signed Large Photograph. Image measures 11x14" in size and appears to be a later reprint of an shot of Thorpe in a New York Giants baseball uniform. Blue ink inscription on verso rates 10/10, and reads, "Property of Jim Thorpe." Photo shows some wear with a tape repaired tear at upper edge, and while the back exhibits some staining, this does little to detract from the visual appeal of the autograph. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 704 | Lot: 19343 | May 6, 2006

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