October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
As one of the best left handed pitchers in baseball history, Eddie Plank was instrumental in the early Philadelphia Athletics dynasty which won three American League titles and two World Series from 1911-1914. After their easy five game conquest of the New York Giants, each of the team members were presented with these tremendous pocket watches. The front of this rare and extremely significant 14K gold watch features a representation of a baseball diamond surrounded by the words "WORLD’S CHAMPIONS 1913," which in turn is bordered by a floral design. The interior displays the engraved name "EDWARD PLANK." Also lettered on the interior is the name of the manufacturer "E. HOWARD WATCH CO. - BOSTON," as well as "14K." The Howard watch company was one of the premiere timepiece manufacturers at the time. This presentation watch supersedes the standard practice awarding of team World Series rings by almost a decade, and were the prime method for honoring championship teams during the 1910's, and this is one of a handful of known 1913 Athletics World Championship watches in existence, but none of the others are of the player caliber of Eddie Plank. The watch does not run currently, but can probably be repaired by a qualified jeweler, and has had the original front casing. It displays only modest handling wear and remains in outstanding Excellent to Mint condition. The watch has been in the Plank family possession since 1913, and comes with a letter of authenticity from the great nephew of Edward Plank.