Auction Item Details
Lot 143
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Lot Number: 143
Description: Scarce and Important 1890 Louisville Colonels American Association championship pendant as presented to Peter Weckbecker. The 1890 Louisville Colonels team captured the American Association pennant finishing the season with a record of 88-44. Following a meeting of the team officials from the Louisville club and the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Champions of the National League) it was agreed upon that a "World's Series" would take place. The agreement called for a best of nine series played in several cities to determine a champion. In the end, the games would be played only in Louisville and Brooklyn with the series being called short due to inclement weather after seven games. Both Brooklyn and Louisville won three games each with one game ending in a tie thus each team was able to lie partial claim to the championship. Offered is the original medal as presented to Louisville catcher Peter Weckbecker as a member of the 1890 championship team. Striking gold medal with ornate decor displays a crossed bat and ball pinback having a suspended circular medal beneath with an early uniformed player running the bases. Small inset diamond chips are fixed into second base with a baseball belt serving as the medal perimeter. Weckbecker's name is engraved into the top banner. Reverse of the medal is fully engraved, "Presented to Peter Weckbecker Catcher Louisville B.B. Club from Amy Lee's Clipper Co. Louisville, Sept. 27, 1890". Marked on the back of the pinback with hallmarks for "George Wolf Louisville, KY" denoting the highly regarded jeweler of the period in Louisville. Overall condition is outstanding with minimal surface wear retaining all of its original components. Along with the Dauvray Cup and Temple Cup presentational medals/trophies the offered pendant ranks as one of the earliest professional baseball championship awards. 2 1/2" total length. Exceptional 19th century baseball rarity being offered for the first time at public auction. Includes a color image of the 1890 Louisville team: EX-MTEstimated Price Range: ($10,000-$20,000)
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