LOT #80100 |
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Early 1960's Mickey Mantle Game Worn New York Yankees Cap with Spectacular Provenance....
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Sold on Feb 27, 2021 for:
$39,600.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
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Description
Acquired by Hockey Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate from Rangers/Yankees assistant trainer "Tubby" Ensign!
Early 1960's Mickey Mantle Game Worn New York Yankees Cap with
Spectacular Provenance. If Mickey Mantle hadn't existed in
reality, Hollywood would have needed to invent him--an affable
blonde-headed Oklahoma boy with enormous natural gifts turned loose
upon the City that Never Sleeps, slugging titanic homers during the
day and boozing away the nights. Though the Mick nobly spent the
final weeks of his life casting himself as a cautionary tale, there
was nobody in America that more young boys were inspired to
emulate, from the way he swung the bat to the hunch-shouldered way
he trotted around the bases after connecting.However, the offered lot proves that it wasn't just the kids who were captivated by Mantle's hardball heroics, but even fellow New York sports legends. An included letter of provenance from New York Rangers star and Hockey Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate states, in part, "I do attest that this is an original Yankees hat that was worn by Mickey Mantle. The hat was personally given to me by Edward 'Tubby' Ensign in the early 1960s. Tubby was an assistant trainer and equipment handler for both the New York Rangers and New York Yankees at the time."
Renowned hobby veteran and current PSA/DNA game used bat authenticator John Taube supplies his own notarized letter as well, commenting, "Mickey Mantle game worn caps are scarce. To find one with strong provenance is almost impossible. Taking into account the cap's source, together with Mr. Bathgate's letter, the hat surely ranks as the best Mantle game worn cap known."
It's not just the provenance that elevates this specimen to the top of the narrow population, however, as the relic also boasts spectacular vintage and superior condition. It need hardly be mentioned that the Mick and his Yankees team were at the peak of their powers in the early 1960's, an era punctuated by five consecutive American League Championships, two World Championships, an MVP Award and participation in the historic 1961 home run race. And while the cap exhibits solid, sweaty wear from this fruitful period, it survives in truly spectacular condition, one of the few we've encountered from this era with an unbroken cardboard insert in the visor. The underside of the visor is sweat-stained and bears a handwritten number "7" identifier. Interior leather headband is likewise undamaged and reveals proper "Tim McAuliffe, Pro KM Cap" labeling and a size "7 1/4" identifier, correct for the Mick's cranium. Letter of provenance from Hockey Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate. LOA from John Taube. LOA from Heritage Auctions.
Auction Info
2021 February 27 - 28 Winter Platinum Night Sports Auction - Dallas #50038 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2021
27th-28th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 28
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,379
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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