1927 Walter Johnson Day Presentational Silver Tea Set & Flatware....

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An elegant gift in recognition of the Big Train's career accomplishments

1927 Walter Johnson Day Presentational Silver Tea Set & Flatware. Walter Johnson is the only player in baseball history to achieve the landmark of pitching for the same team for twenty-one seasons. On the occasion of his twentieth anniversary with the Washington Senators, August 2, 1927, the team and fans of Washington held a day in his honor at Griffith Stadium. In his widely syndicated column, Will Rogers told his readers:

"August the second, don't forget the national anniversary celebration of Walter Johnson in Washington, D.C.. He is the other Swede that Lindbergh copied in showing the world how to be great and still be modest. Remember next Tuesday the only man in America that stayed a hero for 20 years."

With Secretary of State Frank Kellogg serving as the master of ceremonies, Johnson was lavished with praise and gifts before taking the mound against the adversaries in his first game twenty years earlier, the Detroit Tigers. Of all the presents bestowed upon Johnson that day, perhaps none was as beautiful, or as meaningful, as this Gorham Fairfax sterling silver tea service bought with the proceeds of a testimonial fund from the fans. The large tray (16.5x26") carries this inscription, "Presented to Walter Johnson By His Many Friends In Recognition of Twenty Years Meritorious Service as Pitcher Of The Washington Baseball Team, August 2, 1927." The tray, as well as the six large serving pieces, are engraved with a large letter "J." The seventy-six pieces of flatware, a service for six, are each engraved with the full monogram "WPJ."

All pieces exhibit a degree of expected tarnishing which could be easily counteracted if desired, otherwise no condition issues of note. Letter of provenance from Walter Johnson's daughter & grandson.

THE WALTER JOHNSON COLLECTION.

*A donation of $100 to the American Red Cross is required to attend the Live auction.

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