Heritage Auctions Search

Skip to main content

Go to accessibility options

1923-24 Ty Cobb Side Written Game Used Bat. Famously quoted as saying, "When I came to Detroit, I was just a mild-mannered Sunday school boy," the iconic Georgia Peach would fuel himself with a steady diet of anger and hate in the years to follow to metamorphose into the sport's most terrifying figure. The dark knight of the first quarter of the twentieth century game, Cobb was baseball's Machiavellian ideal of claiming power and respect through the iron fist rather than the hand of friendship. It's particularly interesting that this tremendously important side written bat appears within the same auction as another once belonging to Babe Ruth, as these members of the Hall of Fame's inaugural class represent a study in contrasts on several fronts, most notably their public personae and the manner in which they wielded their bats.

The peculiarities of Cobb's batting style are clearly evident in the forensics of the offered specimen, placing it into the hands of this legend with the same degree of certainty that the Hillerich & Bradsby factory side writing does. Before we move on to a discussion of this physical evidence, we'll again present a brief tutorial on the concept of factory side writing. For several decades it was common practice within the professional leagues for players to return their favorite bats to the Hillerich & Bradsby factory for the purposes of duplication, at which point the receiving clerk would apply a grease pencil notation to the barrel noting the player's identity, the date, and sometimes the team, the weight of the bat, or other such specifics. The appeal within the collecting community is quite obvious-this "side writing" provides the most solid provenance imaginable, and stands likewise as a testament to the player's own particular fondness for the bat in question. In this case we find a faded but still quite legible "T. Cobb 5-5-24," with a smaller "Detroit" printed below. It is noteworthy that this exact bat can be cross-referenced to
Auction 708 | Lot: 19674 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1965 Hank Aaron Game Worn Jersey. Though "Beer City" got its Brewers in 1970, the haunting black and white photograph of Eddie Mathews and Hank Aaron walking the dimly lit clubhouse tunnel of Milwaukee County Stadium for the last time on September 22, 1965 can still draw a tear from the fan who cursed the Braves' exodus to the South. For all but the club's first season since abandoning Boston to the Red Sox in 1953, the young slugger was a fixture in the stylish white flannel of the Milwaukee Braves, and here we present what may very well be that last jersey Hammerin' Hank wore in the iconic farewell image. The spectacular provenance of the shirt would certainly suggest this to be the case, as it was gifted by Aaron to budding young star Bill Madlock in the mid-1970's, and it would stand to reason that it would be this last jersey that Aaron kept as he left the park that night. Beyond any mere conjecture however is the fact that the offered jersey rates as one of the most important Aaron gamers held in a private collection, one of the few predating the Atlanta move.

One could get so hung up on the historical import of this incredible garment that the stunning aesthetics are almost missed. The chenille screaming Brave on the left sleeve is the absolute height of diamond artistry, and even the "Aaron H, 65 Set 1" embroidered within the collar is rendered with remarkable grace. "Braves 44" is applied to the chest in red and navy tackle twill, which shows fine puckering from sweaty summer days in the outfield, with those retired digits repeated on verso. Proper "Wilson [size] 40" label appears in lower left front tail with simple and proper straight stitching.

Included with the jersey is a pair of matching yet later white flannel pants, tagged "Wilson [size] 32" inside the waistband. It must be noted that there are no identifiers attributing th ese pants to Aaron, but they were part of the set given to Madlock by the legendary slugger and are offered here acc
Auction 708 | Lot: 19644 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. The components of an ideal Ruth single are as follows: first, the autograph must be rendered in bold ink upon the sweet spot. Second, the ball should be of Official American League breed. And, finally, that OAL ball must be pale and unblemished, with no distracting staining or scuffing. You may use this offering as a point of reference, providing all of the bells and whistles that knowledgeable collectors crave. The blue fountain pen used to craft this enormous Bambino autograph rates a solid 9/10, and the sphere dating from the A.L. presidency of William Harridge is as clean as the proverbial whistle. From the viewpoint as sports collectibles as a commodities market, the high-grade Ruth single has been the equivalent of Microsoft stock, solid as bedrock with a consistent upward trend. Consider this purchase simply wise portfolio diversification. Few bets are any safer. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19422 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$62,738 or more
The Finest Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Photograph on Earth. Our lot title might start an argument or two, but we stand behind the pronouncement, and it would take something pretty remarkable to make us change our minds. This simply phenomenal signed photo was consigned to us by the niece of Joe Glassenberg, who served as a bat boy for the New York Yankees from 1926 through 1928. That's him, of course, standing at center of the greatest slugging duo in baseball history, staring into the camera lens with the same unsmiling look of determination shared by his Hall of Fame friends. Purely as an image, this piece would carry tremendous collecting appeal, providing a sharply detailed study of the fabled Ruth and Gehrig during the storied 1927 World Championship season. It also must be noted that the photo is oversized, measuring a jumbo eleven by fourteen inches! Surely it goes without saying that photos of this magnitude were far from common during this era, as it required no small expense to print to these expanded dimensions. But it's the signatures, each personalized "To Joe" in magnificently bold black fountain pen ink that elevate this photo to the absolute pinnacle of collecting desirability. The image exhibits a few light scratches at lower right, but nothing that distracts from the majesty of the piece in the slightest. The photo is mounted to a cardboard backing which has served its purpose of preventing creasing or tearing admirably. Included with the signed image is an unsigned wire photograph that finds young Joe tending to his bat boy duties during a 1926 visit from the St. Louis Browns. Finally, our consignor has provided us with several photocopies of a column Glassenberg wrote for The Evening World newspaper entitled "Straight from the Bench" which provided readers with an insider's view into the Big League game. Please also see th e Lou Gehrig and John McGraw individually signed photographs from Glassenberg's collection, likewise offered
Auction 708 | Lot: 19457 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1962 Stan Musial Game Worn Jersey. It was more than the simple attraction to a rhyme that made St. Louis Cardinals fans dub him "The Man." For the better part of his twenty-two seasons with the ballclub, the hard-slugging outfielder found himself near the top of the offensive rankings and a constant fixture on the All-Star circuit. Even at age forty-one, when Musial suited up in this home white flannel at Sportsman's Park, The Man was putting up world class numbers, rating third in the National League with an astounding average of .330 over 135 games of action. This fine offering from Musial's last truly great season in the Majors is presented here in unimprovable, 100% original condition, with only a flawless black sharpie signature on the chest to differentiate it from its active state. Classic chenille birds and bat logo on the chest is joined by the properly retired number "6" in two-tone felt, with "Musial 6" spelled out on verso. An understated "Rawlings [size] 44" label is straight-stitched into the tail, just above an artfully embroidered "Musial 62." The custom shortened sleeves that Musial favored are clearly in effect here, and the wear is solid and consistent throughout, with no unsightly staining or other condition problems to be found. While so many collectors clamor for the rookie model jersey, there is something particularly appealing about the late-career jersey from legends setting their final marks in the game's record books. It was in a home white jersey, for example, on September 2, 1962, that Musial recorded his 3,516th hit to move ahead of Tris Speaker and into second place on the career hits leaderboard. Could this have been the jersey Musial was wearing when he tipped his cap to the congratulating cheers of the hometown crowd? It's entirely possible. LOA from Dave Bushing, Graded A10. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19643 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1957 Jim Brown Rookie of the Year Trophy. Widely considered the greatest running back in the history of the National Football League, former Syracuse Orangemen standout Jimmy Brown was the sixth overall draft pick for the 1957, leaving five teams to curse themselves for the foolishness of allowing the Browns to secure his services. Here we present what is arguably the most significant post-war football award to reach the auction block in recent memory, the trophy presented to Brown as the unanimous choice for 1957 Rookie of the Year. With 942 rushing yards, Brown led all NFL running backs in 1957, the first of eight years he would take that checkered flag during his nine-season career. Nine rushing touchdowns was likewise a League-topping figure for that freshman campaign.

The striking silver-plated treasure Heritage is pleased to present here is a fitting tribute to that remarkable first season, featuring a life-size football presented upon a round wooden base affixed with a plaque reading, "1957 Marlboro Award, Jimmy Brown, Rookie of the Year, National Football League, as Selected by The Sporting News." Measuring fifteen inches in height, the trophy offers only the requisite tarnishing to suggest a half-century of life, as no other flaws worthy of mention are to be found.

Lest there be any confusion, let us stress that this is the one and only Rookie of the Year trophy, the official version sanctioned by the National Football League. While any such award would carry tremendous collecting appeal, this example from the man chosen by The Sporting News in 1999 as the greatest football player of all time must be considered the pick of that illustrious litter. Equal in prestige to the majority of artifacts housed today in the Football Hall of Fame, this trophy is destined to serve as the cornerstone of one elite private collection.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19983 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1978 Muhammad Ali Championship Fight Worn Robe from Leon Spinks II Bout. On September 15, 1978 former World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali attempted to do what no man in the history of heavyweight boxing had done, win the heavyweight title for an unprecedented third time. The trail to the title actually began on February 15, 1978 in Las Vegas. Ali, out of shape and aging, had accepted a title defense against 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist (light heavyweight), Leon Spinks. On paper it looked like a mismatch. Spinks had only seven professional fights going into this fight with Ali. That inexperience, at least as a professional, was thought by most observers to be the most telling factor against Spinks. It did not prove to be. Spinks, in great physical condition, and not in any way in awe of Ali, pounded out a close but decisive victory with a 15 round decision. Ali appealed for a rematch which he was given. This time the fight was different. Ali, focused and in better physical condition, won a relatively easy 15 round decision and made history, becoming the first man to win the undisputed heavyweight title on three occasions. Presented here is the fight-worn robe worn by Muhammad Ali into the ring for this historic fight with Leon Spinks. This is a full length white satin robe with black trim. On the reverse in black lettering are the words "MUHAMMAD ALI." The robe has a terrycloth interior. There are slit openings at each wrist to accommodate the gloves. There is some staining, likely from blood or from bleeding of the red gloves worn in the fight. Muhammad Ali has signed the robe below the front left breast pocket in black sharpie. This robe originated from the Drew "Bundini" Brown collection. When Brown died in the late 1980's it was sold along with other Ali equipment as part of the storage facility's locker sale to pay Bundini's expenses. The original auction ta g from that sale (No. RK8833) is still attached to the robe. The winning bidder will receive the inventory from that locke
Auction 708 | Lot: 19938 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1904 Pittsburg Pirates Composite Photograph by Horner. As the era's most noteworthy and celebrated baseball photographer, Carl Horner bears the lion's share of responsibility for the manner in which we see the early game in our mind's eye. His simple yet expertly rendered studio portraits of the men populating the Dead Ball game served as the template for much of the tobacco and candy card issues of the day, most notably the image of Honus Wagner that appears upon the most coveted and valuable trading card in the collecting hobby. That unmistakable image appears here as one of sixteen stirring photo portraits that comprise this fantastic composite celebrating the National League Champions. To nip any confusion in the bud, we'll explain that the text underneath the large image of Hall of Fame player manager Fred Clarke, reading "Pittsburg, National League 1904 Champions," actually refers to the club's 1903 pennant win. At the time, teams were considered "Champions" until another club assumed their reign. This was the club that battled for, and lost, the first World Series title against Cy Young's Boston Red Sox. This historical import is matched only by the stunning aesthetics of the piece, which pairs Horner's magical imagery with delicate interspersed artwork picturing winding flowered vines and the tools of the baseball trade. "Photos by Carl Horner, Boston" is announced at lower right. The enormity of the display, which stretches the tape measure to 17x21", only furthers the tremendous visual appeal. While we are aware that the primary function of this display was for publication in newspapers of the day, we cannot state for certain the purpose of this print, though certainly the original population was tiny and has been whittled away to a scant few in existence today. It is likely that it was produced only for players and VIP's, as was the case with most oversized imagery of the day due to the significant expense of production. It is only a hop--rather than a leap--of
Auction 708 | Lot: 19708 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Circa 1922 Autograph Book Signed by Rusie, Youngs, Ruth. Despite a cast of just eighty-seven signatures held within the leather covers of this unassuming volume, this example ranks among the most exceptional we've encountered in recent memory. What the original autograph seeker lacked in quantity he more than made up for in quality, apparently concentrating on the sport's elite. While there is a scattering of "common" names, the legends just keep on coming, perhaps most notably the exceptionally tough Amos Rusie, who appears alone in the boldest of black fountain pen ink on one of the album's 4x5.5" pages, and the equally rare Ross Youngs who appears on a page populated by Giants teammates. Other noteworthy signers: Ruth, Bancroft (twice) Kelly, Jennings, Evers, McGraw, Stengel, Wilbert Robinson, Baker, Collins, Schalk, Cobb, Heilmann, Speaker, Sewell, Hooper, Sisler, Frisch, Hornsby, Landis, Kid Gleason and Charles Ebbets. Ratio of pen to pencil is approximately 70/30, and signature quality is a very consistent average of 9/10, with all autographs just as bold as the day they were signed. The leather cover is a bit loose but all pages have remained well protected and present perfectly. Pre-war autograph collectors should be drooling over this offering. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19448 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1958 Willie Mays Game Worn Jersey.

Please note: "San Francisco" on jersey chest is restored.R
One of the most significant artifacts within this auction, both for the great stature of the player who once owned it and for the historic westward shift of the game that it heralded. This incredible grey flannel was the first roadster issued to the Giants' superstar centerfielder after abandoning the Polo Grounds, announcing upon its chest a California town that had forever prior remained two thousand miles removed from the nearest Major League action. While it was a heartbreaking development for millions of Big Apple baseball fans who had suddenly seen their baseball options diminished by two-thirds, Mays thrived in the Pacific air, posting a career-best .347 batting average and leading the National League in stolen bases and runs scored. Fine wear is evident from this key season in a career with no shortage thereof, with a team repair at the right shoulder and consistent softening of the tackle twill identifiers announcing "San Francisco" on the chest and "24" on verso. A "MacGregor size 42" label appears within interior collar, with an artfully chainstitched "Mays" properly applied to a white felt swatch an inch and a half below. Left front interior tail houses the small but important flap tag proclaiming "Set 2 1958." A small amount of loss to the black and orange piping at the back of the collar and some bleaching of the rear numerals are mentioned for accuracy's sake and do not materially diminish the stunning visual or historic appeal. Post-war baseball collectibles don't get much more significant than this jersey, and we expect that the eventual winning bidder will give it the place of honor that it deserves within his trophy room. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19639 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1895 Warren Baseball Club Imperial Cabinet Photograph Featuring Honus Wagner. In a journalistic gaffe rivaling the "Dewey Beats Truman" headline, a Sporting Life writer expressed in the July 24, 1897 issue, "It is hoped that Louisville didn't throw away very much money on the Wagner deal, as times are bad and Wagner won't set the world afire..." With this simply stunning rarity we're offered a look at the twenty-one year old future Hall of Famer on his next-to-last stop before his ascension to the Majors as a member of the Warren club of the Pennsylvania Iron-Oil League. That's him standing second from right in the back row, the "S" on his mismatched jersey likely that of the Steubenville Inter-State League club he represented earlier in 1895. A striking work of Victorian era studio portraiture, the photo finds thirteen members of the club posed in an elegant gallery setting as part of what is almost certainly the earliest Wagner baseball image known. Each player is identified in bold vintage black ink on the lower border of the cabinet mount below the 10.5x13.5" image. Both the photo and the mount, which measures 13.5x16.5", present not a single condition flaw to note. The original frame (20x23") shows minor design loss at the right edge, but still presents very nicely. One could quite safely assume that this is the only example of this image in existence today, so bidders should consider this opportunity with due regard.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19705 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Early 1970's Nate Archibald Game Worn Jersey. At six feet tall on a good day, and tipping the scale at one hundred fifty pounds, the speedy little point guard out of the University of Texas El Paso came by his nickname of "Tiny" quite honestly. But with talents in inverse proportion to his stature, Archibald earned both a well-deserved Hall of Fame nod in 1991, and inclusion within the even more exclusive brotherhood of "The NBA's Fifty Greatest Players" as announced at the 1997 NBA All-Star Game. This home white knit gamer dates from Archibald's early years with the former Cincinnati Royals franchise, though clearly after he was named team captain, as we encounter the resultant "C" high on the right chest above the blue and red tackle twill "Kings 10" identifiers. Verso demonstrates the franchise's offbeat practice of placing player name beneath the rear numeral, an unorthodox variation that further elevates the desirability of this tough superstar representation. The "Rawlings" manufacturer/size labeling in the tail has been lost, but the jersey measures to approximately size 38, proper for the diminutive great. Washing instructions tag still holds on by a few threads. Solid wear suggests season-long usage. A rare opportunity that should start a genuine bidding war between those jersey collectors concentrating on star players, and those seeking unique style variations. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19870 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Barnstorming Photograph. Those experienced in the baseball autograph collecting hobby have been trained to believe that Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous dual-signed photos are actually modern reproductions, and for the most part that's true. Take a look on eBay and you'll find a dozen of them. Here we provide one of the rare breaks from that tradition, that instantly recognizable image of the barnstorming World Champs offering genuine, hand-signed autographs dating to the historic national tour. Pioneering sports agent Christy Walsh was the mind behind both this tour and this souvenir photograph that was sold at one of the ballparks the Home Run King and American League MVP visited in the weeks following the Yanks' four-game Series sweep. One wise fan took the opportunity to approach Ruth and Gehrig with this photo and a black ink fountain pen in hand, providing one collector eight decades later with a compelling reason to raise his bidding paddle high. Ruth's autograph rates a strong 8/10 in boldness, with Gehrig's, who adds an "Oct. 23, 1927" notation, a couple of shades lighter. The photo itself remains in remarkably fine condition with not a crease, stain or tear to be found. The 7x9" image is matted and framed to an elegant 15x17". LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19455 | Oct 27, 2007

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

Proudly presented here is one of only a handful of jerseys known to exist from that historic season, worn by the club's greatest home run threat and the 1933 winner of the coveted Triple Crown. The heavy road grey wool flannel was, unbelievably, a hand-me-down to a Chicago area industrial team, who stripped the "Chicago" from the chest but left the jersey otherwise unaltered. Klein's original number "4" on the verso remains unmoved from its original application at the start of the heroic '35 season, as do the embroidered "Klein" beside the "Spalding" label inside the collar, and the number "35" chain stitched in similar fashion in the rear tail. The body style is a pullover with four-button front, with matching blue and red piping at the collar and sleeve cuffs. The fabric that comprises the body of the shirt remains free of any noteworthy damage, offering wear described by the authenticators as "moderate." The shadow of the removed city name is still quite visible upon the chest, and if the winning bidder is interested in restoration, we can direct him or her to an expert capable of returning the piece to the spitting image of its former self. It is only due to the loss of this team identifier that the jersey does not receive a perfect rating, losing five points for a final grade of A5. S
Auction 708 | Lot: 19634 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1996-97 Michael Jordan NBA Finals Game Worn Jersey. A fifth World Championship season, and a fifth NBA Finals Most Valuable Player nod for the man who suited up in this home white mesh gamer on basketball's biggest stage. It must be noted that the Chicago Bulls were in white when Jordan defeated the Jazz double-team by swinging a pass out to an open Steve Kerr who drained a seventeen-footer and nailed down the deciding victory. Was this the shirt Jordan was wearing that night? It's certainly a possibility. After all, only a limited quantity of Finals jerseys, characterized by the logo patch at upper right chest, were issued to each player, far fewer than regular season models. This gamer also sports the beautiful golden NBA logo patch at upper left, a theme unique to the Golden Anniversary season. In every other regard the jersey matches the Jordan gamers that continue to thrill the hobby, with "Bulls 23" applied in two-tone tackle twill to the chest, and "Jordan 23" on verso. Proper tagging in the tail announces "Bulls Exclusivity" with a "Body Length +3" designation, and "Champion [size] 46." Wear is definite, and appropriately light for a Finals jersey. A flawless black sharpie signature on the front numerals completes the package, one of the most desirable Jordan pieces to reach the auction block in recent memory. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph).
Auction 708 | Lot: 19881 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1924 Christy Mathewson Signed Check. In the rough and tumble Dead Ball Era of our national pastime, when the sport was populated by brawling drunks and illiterate farmhands, Matty was recognized almost as much for his gentlemanly comportment as he was for his remarkable Hall of Fame abilities. The 373-game winning right-hander filled out and signed this personal check less than a year before his early death as the delayed result of a World War I gas attack, scripting all words, figures and his closing signature in bold 9+/10 black fountain pen ink. Some light fold lines are only visible upon the closest of inspection, and the check otherwise presents wonderfully with light edge and corner wear. "Big Six" signatures are becoming increasingly tough, and forgeries abound. Smart investors are aggressively chasing the few available examples of his personal checks as they appear, and we expect the flow will continue to wane in coming years, and that the value will continue to rise. The check has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA for protection and unquestioned authenticity.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19449 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Exceptional 1894 Temple Cup Print. Nineteeth century baseball's artistic equivalent of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the magnificent and vast expanse of this piece must be seen in person to fully appreciate. Mere text or catalog imagery cannot suffice. In stirring shades of black and white, lilthographer Hy Sandham captures the action of this meeting between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants in the first annual post-season Championship series known as the Temple Cup, a precursor to the modern World Series. Elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen fill the grandstands surrounding the diamond where a Giants baserunner is breaking for second. A runner on third anxiously awaits the pitch to a right-handed batter at the plate. From the ragged state of the infield grass to the abbreviated crouch of the catcher to the netting that protects the fans directly behind home plate, the work is a feast of period detail. Just as thrilling are the forty-four small individual photographic portraits of players and executives that frame the larger image at top and bottom. Among those pictured: John Mongomery Ward, George Wright, Albert Spalding, Frank Selee, John Brush, Hugh Duffy, Cy Young, Wilbert Robinson, Charles Comiskey, Ed Delahanty, Adrian "Cap" Anson, Roger Connor, Amos Rusie and George Davis. The print is constructed of mid-weight card stock and exhibits some wear at the edges from ancient framing, leaving the image area itself mercifully free of all but light and inconsequential toning. While autograph authentication would be impossible, a pencil signature at lower left appears to be that of the artist, suggesting that this may have been given to a special recipient, as the few known examples are unsigned. Dimensions are 31x44".
Auction 708 | Lot: 19730 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1965-66 Wilt Chamberlain NBA Player of the Year Award. One of the most significant basketball pieces to reach the auction block in recent years is presented here, the plaque awarded to the legendary Stilt in recognition of his status as the NBA Player of the Year. As the prize was issued by the celebrated athletic periodical The Sporting News, we will not attempt to improve upon their journalistic skills and will simply transcribe the text at the bottom of the plaque that justifies their choice. "Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia 76'ers, 1965-66 NBA Player of the Year, Setting a field goal shooting percentage record of .540, Chamberlain piled up 2,649 points in 79 games during the 1965-66 campaign to lead the National Basketball Association in scoring for the seventh season in a row. He also topped the circuit in rebounds with 1,943. As a result of his great performance, he was chosen by his fellow performers as Player of the Year in a poll conducted by The Sporting News."

The plaque is striking in its simple, elegant aesthetics, made all the more attractive with a matching silver sharpie signature from the man whose portrait appears at center. A small amount of chipping at the upper left corner is noted for the sake of full disclosure, but causes little distraction to the eye. The understated silver frame brings the final dimensions to 14x17".

Perhaps only Babe Ruth could enter into a discussion of the most dominant figure within his sport during his era of activity, and clearly the numbers that Chamberlain put up this season, and most of the others in his Hall of Fame career, couldn't possibly be duplicated. Given this iconic status, any artifact from the career of Wilt Chamberlain takes on tremendous historical import, and with Most Valuable Player awards for comparable baseball Hall of Famers like Joe DiMaggio and Roy Campanella approa ching six figures at auction, it will be interesting to see how Wilt matches up. LOA from PSA/DNA (autogr
Auction 708 | Lot: 19866 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. The most sought after duo in baseball collecting comes to you here in wonderfully bold vintage ink, almost certainly applied during the famous Bustin' Babes vs. Larrupin' Lous barnstorming tour that followed the Yanks' October demolition of the 1927 Pittsburgh Pirates. Ruth appears in his customary sweet spot position, complete with the quotation marks around "Babe" that typified his pre-1928 autograph. Equally large, and perhaps half a shade lighter at 7.5/10, is Gehrig on the side panel, positioned close enough to his Hall of Fame teammate that simultaneous display is possible. The "Rawlings Special League" ball that serves as a home to this illustrious pair remains brilliantly white, with just a few insignificant spots of toning well clear of the autographs. The patriotic blue and red stitching perfectly mimics that of Official American League balls of the era, providing the ultimate in visual dramatics. A true cornerstone piece for all but the most spectacular baseball autograph collections. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19404 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1963 Pete Rose National League Rookie of the Year Trophy. Charlie had only just begun to Hustle when he was presented this sizeable (35" tall) trophy following a freshman season punctuated by 170 hits including forty for extra bases. A terrific image of the budding Rose holding the trophy appears on page seventeen of "The Official Pete Rose Scrapbook," (included in lot) with a caption that explains "Gary Peters of the White Sox and I were Rookies of the Year together in 1963 and the Savannah Sugar Company gave us those huge trophies because we played against each other in the old Sally League when I played at Macon, Ga. I still have that trophy, my first real important one..." Clearly this last statement no longer holds true, as we offer it here today, the very one that Rose cherished at least until the printing of the book in October 1985. Bold engraving upon the massive plaque affixed to the base addresses the specifics, reading, "Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds, National League 1963 Rookie of the Year, Presented by Savannah Sugar Refining Corp., Savannah, GA and Everglades Sugar Refinery, Inc., Clewiston, FLA." Only the loss of the removable bats once held in the hands of the two lowermost figures is to be noted in terms of condition flaws, as the enormous wood and metal prize is otherwise free of all but a couple minor, inconsequential abrasions. Certainly a piece as worthy of the Hall of Fame as is the man himself, and a fitting centerpiece of any fine baseball awards collection.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19750 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. Absolutely ideal autograph positioning and the boldest of OAL (Johnson) baseball stamping elevate this offering from the Row's top Murderers to the absolute peak of collecting desirability. While any ball blessed by the hard-slugging hands of this Yankee pair is cause for celebration, this is the first we've seen with Gehrig running parallel to the sweet spot rather than the standard perpendicular configuration. The Babe's black fountain pen ink retains a boldness of 7/10, with Gehrig a point better at 8/10. It's also a key point that the Official American League breed of the ball is a major positive, as so many balls from this pair derive from their barnstorming tours which made use of off-brand models. Note the red and blue stitching as well, which assures pre-1934 vintage. We'll leave our most cultured collectors to battle over this one, as only they could truly appreciate just how unique and compelling the ball is. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19403 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1927 Lou Gehrig Signed Oversized Photograph. From the same session that provided this auction with the incredible Ruth and Gehrig signed image that precedes this lot comes another brilliant photographic study of the American League's Most Valuable Player. The fabled Iron Horse poses beside young Joe Glassenberg, who held one of the most coveted summer jobs in the history of teen employment as bat boy for the Murderer's Row-era Yankees of 1926 through 1928. And, as is the case with the Ruth/Gehrig image, this image is likewise printed to the prodigious dimensions of eleven by fourteen inches! Filling the pinstriped expanse of Gehrig's barrel chest is a stunningly bold black fountain pen inscription reading, "To my friend Joe from Lou Gehrig." A few condition issues must be noted in regard to the photo itself, most notably a horizontal crease that spans the lower quadrant of the photo, well clear of the autograph and the image's central focus. The occasional minor edge tear and corner chip are likewise of little concern, as are the tape stains at the corners. This exceptional signed photo is accompanied by a wire photograph saved by young Joe that pictures him picking up Goose Goslin's bat after the Hall of Fame Senator smacked a home run at Yankee Stadium. Finally, Glassenberg's niece has provided several photocopies of the column, entitled "Straight from the Bench," that her uncle authored for New York City newspaper The Evening World. Oversized dimensions, a flawless inscription and rock-solid provenance register this offering as among the finest Gehrig signed images known. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19456 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1930's Babe Ruth Signed Bat. While our national pastime's most noteworthy figure laid pen to the horsehide of tens if not hundreds of thousands of baseballs during his lifetime, it is a particularly rare and exciting occurrence when one encounters a bat bearing the mark of the Babe. Autographing bats just wasn't something that was typically done back in the days before permanent markers were in vogue, so those collecting pre-war signed wood are a brave and ambitious lot. They'll have cause to celebrate now, however, as we present a remarkably strong signature from Ruth on a signature model Hillerich & Bradsby 40 B.R. retail issue. On the rare occasions when bats were autographed during the pre-war era the glossy finish of the area to be signed was often filed away to present a more welcoming home for fountain pen ink, and such is the case here. The Babe fills the entirety of the 1x3" filed patch, with his signature surviving in remarkably strong 8/10 condition to this day. The bat itself likewise presents beautifully, and measures thirty-five inches in length. As it was with a Hillerich & Bradsby in his hands that Babe carved himself a heaping slab of athletic immortality, we couldn't think of a better home for his autograph than some Louisville lumber. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19472 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1991 Minnesota Twins World Series Championship Trophy. Ranked by ESPN as the greatest Series ever played, five of this classic Fall Classic's seven games were decided by a single run, four decided in the final at-bat, and three extended into extra innings. Consigned to Heritage directly from the nail-bitten hands of a Twins staffer, this unmistakable gleaming prize represents the pinnacle of achievement in our national game, and, as such, should draw tremendous attention from the advanced baseball collector. Gold colored pennants representing all Major League teams, flying a foot high at center, sprout from a circular base wearing a belt engraved with the words "World Series Champions, Minnesota Twins, 1991." Press pins of the Twins and the heartbroken Atlanta Braves are set upon the base in front of baseball and crown sculpture. No team has ever battled harder for its sport's ultimate prize, and we're proud to present one here for the Heritage bidding audience.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19776 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$19,718 or more
Early 1960's Yogi Berra Game Worn Catcher's Mitt. As tough as Hall of Fame jerseys are to locate and acquire, the game used glove or mitt has always been considerably more difficult. The reasoning is simple to understand. The attachment between a Big League ballplayer and his mitt is a visceral thing. Whereas most see uniforms as inconsequential, nothing more than mere clothing, the glove is an instrument of the trade, a constant companion, a friend. Bats get cracked, uniforms are torn or outdated, but the glove only improves with age, and remains the least likely game used piece with which any ballplayer is likely to part. Thankfully for one lucky Heritage bidder, the great New York Yankees catcher did indeed part with this "Spalding 1413" model mitt at some point in the early 1960's, giving it to his buddy Mickey Mantle for display at his fellow Hall of Famer's Holiday Inn hotel in Joplin, Missouri. It was later transferred for display to another Holiday Inn in which Mantle was an investor, this hotel in Baxter Spring, Kansas. When this location was either closed or sold, Mantle's mentor and co-investor Harold Youngman donated the glove to the town's Little League Museum in the early 1980's before finally being purchased from that location about ten years ago.

The mitt shows strong use from its days of Yankee action, and one can only imagine what historic games it saw. The early 1960's, the era from which this mitt derives, was filled with pinstriped glory, with pennants, World Championships and the famous Mantle/Maris home run chase. We can make no claims about this glove's specific use in historic games, but odds are strong that any mitt from this era would have seen Championship action. Speaking to the physical specifics of the mitt, we begin with the "Larry Yogi Berra" facsimile signature stamped into the heel below the pocket. The model number app ears above the pocket, with "Professional Model" stamped at the three o'clock position. "Form Pocket" and "E-Z Flex" ar
Auction 708 | Lot: 19642 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Early 1970's Roger Staubach Game Worn Uniform. Tony Romo may be the toast of the Lone Star State at the moment, and Troy Aikman is still the apple of millions of Texan eyes, but Roger Staubach will always be the definitive Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Together with coach Tom Landry, the Hall of Fame quarterback defined North Texas as the center of the football world, playing a leading role in the establishment of the Cowboys as "America's Team." Here we find a fantastic early home white durene gamer dating from the team's rise to NFL prominence, exhibiting all of the proper hallmarks of that era's Cowboys style. Number "12" is affixed with interior rope stitching in seraf fonted royal blue tackle twill to chest, back and shoulders, with "Staubach" spelled across rear satin nameplate. Terrell, Texas supplier "Southland" label appears in the collar, with cloth "Size 46" flap tag below. Wear is very light, but not unusually so for quarterback usage. Matching pants from the same era feature the proper dual "Sand-Knit" labeling inside the crotch flap, noting "Cowboys Exclusivity" and "Size 34." A sweat-faded number "12" is hand-markered in proper style at interior waistband. Nice wear, with considerable fabric pilling. Size 10 ½ "Adidas" cleats feature molded rubber soles and sweat-faded number "12" at interior of each, in identical handwritten font to the pants' interior waistband. Fine wear as well. Together it forms a fantastic full uniform that demands mannequin display. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19996 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$18,900 or more
1949 Tommy Henrich Game Worn Jersey. This classic home white pinstriped flannel was always a welcome sight to fans in the Bronx when the game was on the line. Alternately referred to as "Mister Clutch" and "Old Reliable," the star outfielder always seemed to make that timely hit or game-saving catch, and Heritage is pleased to present this remarkable artifact from his 1949 World Championship season. The unmistakable "NY" logo over the heart and number "15" on verso remain affixed in place, having never budged from their original affixing unlike so many Yankee flannels of the era. Proper "A.G. Spalding & Bros" label inside collar is applied above size "44" and washing instructions tags, and a 10/10 blue sharpie signature from Henrich appears just below. Chainstitched in the tail, and perfectly matching period exemplars, is "Henrich 49." Thorough season-long wear is evident throughout, but the flannel remains in terrific, undamaged condition. It's interesting to note that this is the same jersey Henrich is wearing upon the February 1950 cover of Sport Magazine, a copy of which is included within this lot. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph).
Auction 708 | Lot: 19637 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1916-18 Napoleon Lajoie Game Used Bat. This member of Cooperstown's second induction class remains one of Cleveland's most beloved baseball figures, so popular in his day that the ballclub was nicknamed the "Naps" in his honor, only taking on its current "Indians" designation upon his departure in 1915. This remarkable "dash-dot-dash" Hillerich & Bradsby dates from the seasons just after Lajoie set sail from Cleveland, possibly during his final stint in the Majors with Connie Mack's Athletics, or with Toronto or Indianapolis of the International League and American Association respectively. Top marks are earned both for adherence to established factory records and game use, with only a lack of direct provenance precluding a perfect 10 of 10 base grade. Authenticator Dave Bushing notes "perfect" markings, and points out that the length and weight of thirty-three inches and thirty-five ounces perfectly match Lajoie's preferred specifications. Heavy ball marks and swollen grain suggest a long and active life in the hands of the man who battled Ty Cobb to a tie for the prize of a Chalmers automobile in the famous 1910 Batting Championship. A handle crack is further evidence of this strong use, with Bushing deducting a point for fifteen inches of handle tape that keeps the bat solid. A one-inch chip from the reverse of the barrel cost another half point for the final grade of A6.5. One could count on a single hand the appearances of Lajoie game used lumber upon the auction block over the past decade, so elite bat collectors must consider this opportunity a rare and special one indeed. Who knows when the next offering will come along? LOA from Dave Bushing.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19672 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1930 Bobby Jones Signed Photographic Montage. Recognizing the striking similarity between his own photo and the one Heritage auctioned in October 2006 for a chart-topping $13,145, the consignor of this fine signed image wisely sought our services for its sale. The central image of this impressive montage measures a regally proportioned 10x13", and pictures the Golden Age golf god with Jones biographer and noted sports columnist O.B. Keeler. Jones pens a wonderful inscription, reading "To Major Cohen, The noblest of them all, and, I am happy to say, a most valued friend, Bob Jones." The black fountain pen ink retains a splendid 9/10 boldness. Slightly lighter, and positioned just below, is Keeler's simple "With everything, O.B. Keeler." The photo itself, boasting the gleaming treasures of Jones' links dominance, remains entirely free of flaws. Encircling the central signed image are seven second-generation photographic images recounting Jones' triumphant return to the United States after winning golf's illustrious Grand Slam. A reproduced article detailing the homecoming is at bottom center, penned by none other than Keeler himself. The final dimensions of this matted and framed piece extend to 32x41". LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19889 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$16,500 or more
Mid to Late 1960's Gale Sayers Game Worn Jersey. Like the winds that share his first name, Gale Sayers appeared on the scene with destructive force, powerful and elusive, and then suddenly was gone. One can only speculate what might have been had not two vicious hits destroyed the ligaments in each of the superstar Bear's knees, first slowing and then ending one of the most promising careers in football. Though he was named the top halfback of the NFL's first half-century in 1969, many wondered if Sayers' short career might keep him outside the gates of Canton, but that question was answered in 1977 when Sayers became, at age thirty-four, the youngest inductee to the Football Hall of Fame.

Here we present an exceptional example of a jersey that would be perfectly at home on display in that museum, a road white Sayers gamer from the time when he ruled the NFL rushing world. The wear is simply outstanding, tangible evidence of the brutality of a game that would eventually take the magic out of Sayers' world class legs. These lightweight tear-away jerseys were particularly susceptible to this sort of damage, worn to minimize the detrimental effects of heat and humidity in the summer and early fall, and, to a lesser degree, the ability of tacklers to grab a firm hold. Jersey authenticator Lou Lampson notes, however, that while many of the smaller repairs on the upper jersey front, shoulders and sleeves were the result of actual game wear, the larger repairs which involve major interior reinforcement were likely due to use during the subsequent year's practice and preseason camp. It was common for Bears jerseys to be reused in this manner. Lampson does note that all repairs are consistent, match exemplars, and are team instituted.

Sayers' number "40" is sewn to chest, back and sleeves in navy and orange tackle twill, and it must be noted that th LOA fro m James Spence Authentication.e "0" digit on the right sleeve was lost to a postseason repair. Lampson points out th
Auction 708 | Lot: 19987 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Circa 1930 Grover Cleveland Alexander Single Signed Baseball. We expect that there will be a fairly sizable group of bidders who decide this is the "can't miss" lot of the auction. Whether collectors of singles from 300 Game Winners, or simply from Hall of Famers, most will be lacking an example from this troubled legend, whose alcoholism, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress from World War I horrors couldn't derail one of the most remarkable pitching careers in baseball history. Alexander's death in 1950, and the aforementioned afflictions that saw him absent from the public eye with only rare exceptions since the end of his barnstorming days in the mid-1930's, have left only a tiny supply of single signed baseballs available to the collecting market. Here we present one of the finest we've ever seen. The medium is an "Official League Ball," which, while not a Major League model, provides a look indentical to period ONL specimens with its black and red stitching. A blue ink side panel signature remains in remarkable 9+/10 condition, perhaps the strongest we've ever seen on a baseball. The ball is moderately dirt-stained and toned, suggesting prior game use. Educated collectors will surely understand what a rare opportunity it is that we present here. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19411 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$14,340 or more
1920 Cleveland Indians Panoramic Photograph. Remarkably scarce and desirable image may be the first to appear upon the auction block since an example realized $18,400 in the groundbreaking Barry Halper sale in 1999. The rarity of this stunning visual document of the first of just two Cleveland Indians World Championship teams is attributable in large part to a tiny original print run that serviced only players and front office personnel. Eighty-seven passing years have thinned this small herd to just a tiny handful of survivors today. This example remains in quite impressive condition considering its vintage, with two vertical fold lines that do not break through the emulsion and do little to distract, as our catalog imagery should attest. Razor-sharp contrast affords the viewer a remarkable study of the faces of Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Stanley Coveleski, the tragic Ray Chapman who would not live to celebrate the forthcoming October glory, and triple-play phenom Bill Wambsganss, who personally autographed his image for our consignor in 10/10 black ballpoint. The understated mat and original wooden frame extend the final dimensions of this treasure to 11.5x34.5". As vintage baseball photography gradually gains the respect it deserves within the collecting hobby, elite pieces such as this should only continue to appreciate in value. Smart investors take note. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19716 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1942 Babe Ruth Screen Worn Glove from "The Pride of the Yankees." Though the Babe played only a minor supporting role in the Lou Gehrig biopic widely considered today to be the most important sports-themed film in American history, most of the movie posters advertising the release prominently announced the reigning Home Run King's name, a testament to Ruth's continued status as baseball's greatest drawing card. Along with Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig and Bill Dickey, the Babe appeared as himself in the film, taking the young Gehrig (played by Hollywood icon Gary Cooper) under his wing and into the Yankee fold. Presented here is the prop glove used by the left-handed Babe during the production of the film, a piece that would be valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars if it dated from just a decade earlier when Ruth was still plying his trade in the Bronx outfield. As an included letter of provenance attests, the glove was given upon the close of production to Otto and Matilda Kuff, who were very well known within Hollywood society and close friends of a number of top silver screen stars. They maintained a collection of movie props derived from these friendships, with this glove among their holdings. The five-finger button-back glove features a "James W. Brine Co. Inc." manufacturer's label on the wrist strap, with a vintage "Babe Ruth #2 LHF" hand inked to the inside of the strap, indicating this was the second left handed fielder's glove issued to Ruth for the project. Here we also find a faint block letter stamping reading "Samuel Goldwyn," the studio responsible for the production. As both a Hollywood prop from one of the era's most celebrated films, and a glove from the right hand of baseball's most noteworthy figure, this piece rates among the most appealing collectibles to enter the hobby in recent years.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19743 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1902 Opening of Palace of the Fans Cincinnati Silver Season Pass. A clear contender for the title of "Best in Class" in the category of silver season passes is this simply remarkable artifact from the collection of Gus Axelson, a prominent sportwriter from the Chicago Herald and author of the 1919 Charles Comiskey biography U Commie. /U Though this gorgeous example of Victorian era craftsmanship afforded Axelson free entry to a season's worth of Reds home games, the more specific purpose of this scarce keepsake was as an invitation to the May 16th dedication of the brand new Palace of the Fans, which served as the club's home field between 1902 and 1912 when Crosley Field was christened on the same ground. One can't help but be stunned by the outrageous detail of the park's ornate grandstand that is faithfully reproduced here in silver, complete with waving flags and miniature ballplayers scattered before a teaming crowd of spectators. Axelson's name is likewise rendered with the matchless artistry, and an engraved serial number of "85" appears at upper right. The gorgeously struck sterling silver keepsake measures 2.5x3.75" and remains in fine, undamaged condition. Included in the lot are six card stock season passes issued to Axelson, as follows: 1919 Cubs, 1922 White Sox, 1923 Cubs, 1924 BBWAA, 1925 BBWAA, 1927 Cubs. Finally, we have Axelson's Chicago Herald business card. All are in VG-EX condition or better.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19759 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Late 1970's Pete Maravich Game Worn Jersey. Remembering much happier days in the Big Easy is this outstanding gamer from the personal wardrobe of the Hall of Fame guard known for his floppy grey socks, floppy brown hair, and ball handling dexterity that bordered on the magical. While other NBA legends might challenge Pistol Pete in skills and in domination of the game, none could match him for natural flare, and none was more exciting to watch. Here we present a late career gamer from this Springfield enshrinee exhibiting fine, consistent wear from shortly before the team's relocation to Utah. The unmistakable "Jazz" logo is screened to the chest in purple, green and yellow, with Maravich's number "7" in the club's most prevalent, and therefore most desirable, style. The number "7" is repeated on verso, below a purple tackle twill "Maravich" sewn directly into the body of the jersey as is proper for the era. The arch is correct and represents a shallower depth than the Jazz used in its earlier renditions, thus helping to date the jersey to 1976-77 or later with high probability. The small size "Medalist Sand-Knit Size 44" label in the tail is the style that was used from the mid-1970's to the early 1980's, and again the size is proper for Pete at the time. To the left is the factory fabric coding "42" affixed in appropriate zigzag stitching. A fine remembrance of an exciting time in the National Basketball Association. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19871 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1860 "Base Ball Player's Pocket Companion." This "Third Revised Edition" of the seminal 1858 publication is considered a "Book of Genesis" of sorts for the serious baseball historian, one of the very first publications to address the rules of the game that would come to be known as our National Pastime in a codified manner. Even the most casual collector understands how scarce is any baseball artifact dating to the Civil War's antebellum period, and few pieces from this small supply could match the offered volume for historical insight. Thirty-five pages reside between the 3.75x5.5" covers, the front of which is embossed with golden lettering and a gloveless figure catching a baseball, with the text split between the rules and regulations of "The New England Game" and "The New York Game," an ominous foreshadowing of the great Red Sox and Yankees rivalry perhaps. Amidst the typed text are found magnificent images of ballplayers in early uniform, labeled as The Thrower, The Striker and The Catcher. Diagrams of the playing fields of each regional Game are also found within. A certain degree of wear must be excused for a book rapidly approaching its sesquicentennial, though the binding still remains essentially intact and all pages are held in place. Handwriting from a former owner appears on the first two blank pages and some light and largely unobtrusive water staining can be found on the few final pages, along with some wear to the last two leaves of paper. The book remains entirely legible front to back, with the vast majority of pages free of any noteworthy flaw. It is believed that only five or six of these volumes survive today, elevating the winning bidder to an elite collecting status where few could follow.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19723 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1927 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. It was just prior to our consignor's father's eighth birthday that the Babe visited him in a Florida children's hospital, illustrating the generous nature for which he was beloved by making a gift of this OAL (Barnard) baseball bearing his sweet spot signature. In a heartwrenching letter of provenance supplied by our consignor, he recounts how his father would recover from his illness and seventeen years later find himself storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Three months into his march through German-occupied France, the young man was killed, leaving behind an infant son he had met only once, and little more than this Babe Ruth baseball he had cherished since he was a sickly eight-year old boy. One can't help but be moved by this touching story, and even the most hard-boiled among us will at the very least be impressed by the 7.5/10 boldness of the sweet spot signature dating from Ruth's most noteworthy Yankees campaign. The red and blue stitching of the moderately and evenly toned sphere seems all the more fitting given the ultimate sacrifice of the American hero who was given the ball eighty years ago, and, for so many reasons, we hope this ball will find a place of proper honor in its next owner's collection. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19408 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1985-86 Michael Jordan Game Worn & Vintage Signed Sneakers. Whether as a basketball player or a marketing icon, there's little question that Michael Jordan should be included high on the short list of the greatest of all time. And no partnership between athlete and corporation has been more successful than the marriage of Jordan and Nike, who fed off one another to create a culture of consumerism unprecedented in the sporting goods universe. In that regard, few modern pieces of sports equipment could be considered more historically relevant than the pair of sneakers presented here, the Original Nike Air Jordans, worn on the court by the man who would come to rule the basketball world. Sneaker-philes will assure you that this style is the hottest of commodities in the complete absence of any direct ownership by the man who gave them their name. But Original Air Jordans from the feet of Jordan? It doesn't get any better than that!

This pair of size thirteen shoes holds the interior inventory code of "850810TH," assuring 1985 vintage. Jordan played only eighteen games this season due to an ankle injury, making this game used pair all the more rare. Wear is light but apparent, proper for an athlete who even at this early stage would wear sneakers for only a single game. Each heel bears the early and far more desirable version of Jordan's autograph, applied with 8/10 black ink to the outside heel. The style, the use and the autographs together make this offering arguably the most desirable Jordan shoes on the face of the earth. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from PSA/DNA (autographs).
Auction 708 | Lot: 19875 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
2001-02 Lebron James Game Worn High School Jersey. Lebron James was the most heralded high school basketball player in the history of the sport. When he announced his intentions to bypass college and go straight to the N.B.A., he was annointed the next savior of the league. These were lofty expectations and a heavy burden for a kid who had yet to attend his senior prom. James is one of the few teenage phenoms who has actually lived up to the hype. In just three seasons in the NBA, James has established himself as not only one of the game's greatest athletic talents, but a team leader with wisdom well beyond his years.

This example of Lebron's high school jersey dates to 2001-2002, his junior year of high school, and was retrieved directly from St. Vincent/St. Mary's by jersey aficionado Lou Lampson. Most of the Lebron high school jerseys in the marketplace were manufactured by Adidas, who stepped in and sponsored the team once James' exploits were being recounted nightly on Sportscenter. What most do not know, is that St. Vincent/St. Mary's only donned the Adidas duds when they were playing on television. For all their other games, they wore jerseys from On Sports. While most of the games from James' senior year were broadcast, several nationally on ESPN, his junior year saw only a few televised contests. As a result, this jersey was worn many more times than the Adidas jerseys that surface occasionally, as evidenced by softness and thread wear on the neck and underarm seams, as well numeral wavering and puckering that would indicate this specimen was Lebron's regular game jersey, with the Adidas versions being special occasion models .

Already among the N.B.A. elite, we can only speculate as to the heights young Lebron will ascend to before his career is over. The sky is the limit for James, and we feel the same is true for this jersey. Included is a lengthy five-page LOA from Lou Lampson as well as several photo matches. LOA from Dan Knoll, Dave Bushing &
Auction 708 | Lot: 19885 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. Despite a partnership that served as the foundation of four World Championship teams, this Hall of Fame duo labored through many of those glory years with a shared animosity. "They didn't get along," fellow Cooperstown enshrinee Tony Lazzeri once explained. "Lou thought Ruth was a big mouth, and Ruth thought Gehrig was cheap. They were both right." The burial of that hatchet was heartbreakingly documented with the famous photograph of Ruth wrapping his arms around the faltering Iron Horse at his 1939 "Luckiest Man" farewell, allowing the collecting community to enjoy this special sphere even more. The "Goldsmith Official League" ball provides a strong 7/10 sweet spot autograph from the Babe, complete with quotation marks to date the signature to the pre-1928 era. Gehrig appears to the west at an entirely legible strength of 4/10. Some evidence of signature removal upon other panels must be admitted, though this work does not infringe upon this celebrated pair. An appealing keepsake from the greatest seasons of Yankeedom. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19405 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1921 New York Giants World Championship Pendant. Though his Major League tenure was limited to just fifteen games, Howard Berry was fortunate to spend that brief career in the company of legends like Kelly, Frisch, Bancroft and Youngs, who conquered Babe Ruth's Yankees to take the Championship in 1921. Presented is the fourteen-karat gold prize issued to Berry for his services, a gorgeously crafted pendant from the fabled artisans of "Dieges & Clust," whose mark appears on verso. The face features a female victory form holding a laurel wreath and a shield inset with a genuine quarter-karat diamond. Text reads, "Giants, World's Champions, 1921." On verso, text reads, "Presented to Howard Berry by the Commissioner of Baseball." Let us make it clear that this is the 1921 equivalent of the Championship ring, the main jewelry award for winning the Series. Almost never do such early Championship artifacts surface within the hobby, and bidders should see this as a rare and special opportunity. The pendant remains in wonderful condition with just the slightest evidence of light wear. Our catalog imagery should illustrate just what an attractive and impressive offering this is.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19765 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

Make Offer to Owner
$11,651 or more
Circa 1939 Texas A&M Aggies Game Worn Jersey.

Please note that we have been informed by Texas A&M researchers that this jersey style was worn by the varsity in 1938 and the freshman squad in 1939.

Texas estate sale find should be a thrill for a nation of Aggies, as pre-war collegiate football uniforms are a rare sight upon the auction circuit. We've been able to identify the player who made use of this durene beauty as Weldom Maple, who wore number "62" as a sophomore for the NCAA Championship team of 1939. Included is a fantastic photo of Maple wearing the jersey, striking a classic early football pose. The maroon body of the jersey is complimented by white shoulders and sleeve striping, and white felt number "62" applied to chest and back. A single "A.G. Spalding & Bros, Durene, 44" label is sewn to interior hem. The jersey remains in wonderful condition with a scattered fabric pull or small stain, but nothing that diminishes the visual appeal. Joining the jersey and photograph as found at the estate sale is the player's cleats worn in the photo, and his Class of 1941 sweater, each of which approximates the jersey's impressive condition. The final piece in the lot is a silver colored pendant commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1939 Championship season. Pendant remains in original "Haltom's, Fort Worth" jewelry box. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19976 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Early 1970's Ray Nitschke Game Worn Jersey. The late Ray Nitschke was the inspirational leader for over a decade of one of the greatest defenses ever assembled, the 1960's Green Bay Packers. As a middle linebacker and defensive signal caller, he seemed to be in on every play - the run, the blitz, the intermediate passing game, etc. He was a warrior supreme and this late career road jersey is emblematic of his ferocious play. This jersey is made of white mesh with a screened-on, traditional Packers' sleeve stripe pattern. While only half of the green and yellow pattern is visible from the exterior, inspection of the inner garment shows the remaining section as well as about 1.5" of white sleeve material. A plausible explanation is that the sleeves were custom hemmed for practice and training camp use after the jersey's initial NFL season run. Nitschke's number "66" is screened in proper font and dimensions to chest, back and sleeves. The lower left front tail features dual "Sand Knit" labeling, with the top label identifying "Packers' NFC Exclusivity," and the lower one designating "Size 52." A well worn markered "2" is written on the top label suggesting a set notation. The name on back appears to have been removed, although the outline of the nameplate is not visible. With high probability, remnants are not visible because the plate was straight stitch affixed and was removed meticulously, and the jersey has been worn and laundered excessively since its final game day use. Massive scars of team repairs in the shoulder region are the result in significant degree to game use, with the balance coming after the jersey's relegation to the practice squad after the season's end. Still, precious few Nitschke's exist, and no Packers player wore number "66" for the next five seasons after Nitschke's retirement. If wear is an important criteria for measuring a j ersey's value, particularly that of a middle linebacker, then this jersey is a worthy representation of one of the greats
Auction 708 | Lot: 19995 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1976 Merlin Olsen Game Worn Jersey. Number twenty-five on The Sporting News' 1999 rankings of the 100 Greatest Football Players, Olsen anchored the fabled "Fearsome Foursome" of the Los Angeles Rams, considered one of the premier defensive lines in the game's history. Presented here is a road white mesh jersey worn by the future "Little House on the Prairie" star during his last of fifteen seasons in the National Football League. The classic Rams stylings are in full effect here, with blue and yellow sleeves featuring ram horns that wrap around Olsen's unforgettable number "74." That number appears screened on chest and back as well, with "Olsen" properly screened across rear nameplate. Dual "Sand-Knit" labeling in tail announces "Rams Exclusivity" and "Size 54," and a local "Wm Fredericks Company, Culver City, California" label appears just below. Solid wear is most instantly evident on the chest, where two nice team repairs join a light spattering of blood. A bold black sharpie signature from Olsen between the rear numerals completes the picture. A terrific representation from this 1982 Hall of Fame inductee. LOA from Lou Lampson. LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph). LOA from James Spence Authentication (autograph)
Auction 708 | Lot: 20002 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1932 Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. One of the Babe's definitive moments would come less than nine months after he signed this OAL (Harridge) ball for a fan, as he would point to the center field wall of Wrigley Field in the third game of the World Series and then proceed to deliver the next pitch to a location well beyond it. A black ink side panel inscription from the year of the mythic "Called Shot" reads, "To Dick Rasberg, From Babe Ruth, Jan 20 - 1932." The quality of Ruth's writing is just fantastic, rating an impressive 8.5/10. The ball shows even toning and scattered foxing, but the latter doesn't dare to encroach upon the panel occupied by the Babe's greeting. A marvelous high-grade playing days single! LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19418 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1964 Sandy Koufax Game Worn Pants. While the dream of owning a Sandy Koufax game worn jersey will remain just that for all but the most well-funded collectors among us, here we provide an opportunity to bring genuine Koufax flannel into your collection at just a fraction of a jersey's price. These home white pants exhibit fine wear from a season that saw Koufax named The Sporting News' Pitcher of the Year after posting a National League-leading earned run average of just 1.74. An embroidered swatch in rear interior waistband announces the owner and tailoring particulars: "Koufax 36 26 1/2 ins." At the right hip we find the "Spalding" manufacturer's label, with "Set 1 1964" flap tag and washing instructions label. Faded marker notations suggest use by minor leaguers subsequent to Koufax' ownership, but these writings cannot diminish the historical importance. The pants display perfectly with no damage of note. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19641 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
1985 Cal Ripken, Jr. Game Worn Uniform. "Sometimes when he gets hit by a pitch I'm almost embarrassed to ask him about it," Orioles trainer Richie Bancells once said. "By the time he gets back to the dugout the bruise is gone." Despite a Hall of Fame career that filled a treasure chest with Gold Gloves, Silver Slugger bats and American League MVP trophies, Ripken's legacy will always be his dedication and durability. That sort of character, paired with the aforementioned superstar talent, makes any artifact from his career inspirational, particularly game worn material from his famed Streak. Here we present a full road uniform from the fourth of his fourteen consecutive seasons of perfect attendance, exhibiting the solid wear one would expect from the game's ultimate workhorse. "Orioles 8" is spelled across the chest in orange and black tackle twill, with "Ripken 8" taking up the rear. "Sand-Knit Exclusivity" and size "44" labeling appears in front tail, with swatches sewn in rear interior tail reading "85 * 44, Ripken, 8." Matching pants feature identical "Sand-Knit Exclusivity" tagging inside the waistband with size "34" designation, which bears a markered number "2" indicating the set. Swatches sewn to the left read "85 * 34, 26, Ripken, 8/2." Fine wear is particularly evident in the pants' lining. A special full uniform from "the last of the old time ballplayers." LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 708 | Lot: 19655 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)
Mid-1970's Len Dawson Game Worn Helmet. One of the greatest passers in the history of the NFL, this legendary Hall of Famer is best remembered for his MVP performance in Super Bowl IV, leading the Chiefs to a twenty-three to seven upset of the Minnesota Vikings. Here we find a late-career representation of his coveted helmet, a "Gladiator" style used by the Chiefs in addition to the traditional Riddell offerings. The outer shell is painted in the proper Chiefs' color hue of fire engine red and sports the mid '70's version of the arrowhead logos with the clear edging. The Chief's had no other outer markings on their shell and through today carry on the same tradition, save for the bumpers, warning sticker and NFL shield. The mask is the BD-9, two-bar version favored by Dawson through most of his career. The side stamping on the mask suggests a 1968-70 time period, but the masks had a useful lifespan of ten years, particularly for a quarterback. Dawson also wore a single bar mask on occasion earlier in his career and a hook after suffering a broken nose in the mid 1960's. The shell's interior is painted battleship gray, as was apropos for "Riddell" and Gladiator masks. The eight-point suspension is the "Gladiator" version and it differs slightly from the "Riddell" version of the era. The crown donut is missing and the front snubber has been trimmed, probably in deference to Dawson being exposed to a wildcat snubber, circa 1974. As was a long time custom with the Chief's, Dawson's name was markered into the shell just above the right ear hole. The font style matches to exemplars. It appears to be over an earlier faded numeric identifier which looks like a "16." There is coding under each ear hole, probably factory paint codes and reconditioning codes. The interior also sports Gladiator's "medalist" reconditioning sticker with black print on an old gold base, as was used in the early to mid 1970's. Solid quarterback wear is clearly evident. A piece ready for a new home in the finest of g
Auction 708 | Lot: 20001 | Oct 27, 2007

Sold For: Sign-in or
Join (free & quick)

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Results per page: 24 48 72

© 2025 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved