This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2015
Presented is a magnificent framed display containing a quintet of bank checks, each one signed by a revered member of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.
The Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York was established with a straightforward mission: “…to preserve the sport’s history, honor excellence within the game and make a connection between the generations of people who enjoy baseball.” The five men selected in 1936 as the Hall’s first inductees stood as ideal choices to forward that agenda, and to forever and most fittingly represent the National Pastime’s elite. The signatures of those legendary figures – who were to be inducted at the Hall’s 1939 formal dedication and opening ceremonies – are showcased wonderfully in this museum-caliber display piece.
The athletes heralded by this showpiece were the first ones chosen by a careful method that was devised to ensure efficiency and fairness. In the first balloting that resulted in these selections, Ty Cobb led the field, receiving 98.2% of the vote. Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner each received a percentage of 95.1%, followed by Christy Mathewson (90.7%) and Walter Johnson (83.6%). (Annual votes in subsequent years defined the classes of ’37, ’38 and ’39; the early classes were inducted together at the Hall’s dedication, coinciding with 1939’s Baseball Centennial.)
The ideal visual summary of the game’s most prominent icons, this array of bank checks highlights an outstanding example of each of the stars’ treasured signatures. Each check has been authenticated and encapsulated by one of the hobby’s major third-party grading services; all of the documents and their penmanship project bold and vivid, generally “9-10”-strength, fountain pen scripting. The media upon which they reside are official, fully executed bank checks boasting apparent EX/MT quality or finer. The checks are accompanied in their highly flattering, matted-and-framed setting by individual Yellow Hall of Fame Plaque Postcards and 2001 Upper Deck “Hall of Famers – Class of ‘36” premium trading cards picturing each player.
The Hall of Fame Class of ’36 includes:
Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) – The 373-game winner, who won multiple N.L. titles for ERA, strikeouts, wins and shutouts, has signed “Christy Mathewson” in blue ink on an “Adirondack National Bank” check (Saranac Lake, NY) dated January 4, 1923. The check is pre-printed “Christy Mathewson” at the left margin. Assessed “Authentic” and encapsulated by PSA/DNA. Standard bank punch-holes are placed at the check’s center, and do not approach the splendid signature. A hand written note from Mrs Mathewson accompanies this item.
Walter Johnson (1887-1946) – The two-time A.L. MVP Award recipient – who won 417 games during his career – has signed “Walter Johnson” in black ink on a Germantown, MD (“The Germantown Bank”) check dated November 6, 1940. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the check’s signature has been graded MINT 9. Standard bank stampings (not approaching the signature) can be seen at the check’s center.
Babe Ruth (1895-1948) – The Yankee home run king has signed “G.H. Ruth” in black ink on a “Chemical Bank & Trust Company” check (New York City) dated November 6, 1941. The check is pre-printed “Babe Ruth” at the left margin. Assessed “Authentic” and encapsulated by SGC Authentic. Standard bank punch-holes are placed at the check’s center, not approaching the signature. A full JSA LOA is included with this item.
Honus Wagner (1874-1955) – The famed Pirates shortstop has signed “John H. Wagner” in black ink on a “Carnegie National Bank” check (Carnegie, PA) dated December 21, 1918. The check is pre-printed “John H. Wagner” at the top margin. Assessed “Authentic” and encapsulated by PSA/DNA. Standard bank punch-holes are placed at the check’s lower-right corner, with some signature involvement.
Ty Cobb (1886-1961) – The sport’s long-time hits king and batting champion has signed “Tyrus R. Cobb” in black ink on a “First National Bank” check (Reno, NV) dated July 5, 1950. The check is pre-printed “Tyrus R. Cobb” at the left edge. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the check’s signature has been graded MINT 9. Standard bank punch-holes and stampings appear at the check’s center, not affecting the signature.
An absolutely amazing and abundantly significant creation, this assembly of signed checks represents an extraordinary coming-together of prized, top-tier signatures. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 39x25.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.