Featured Items     Lot ## Description High Bid Est. Price Range Status Sold For Price   2 Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris autographed baseball from the personal collection of Barry Halper. MacPhail AL ball signed by Mantle across the sweet spot and Maris on an adjacent side panel in blue ink. Signatures remain very strong rating 9/10 out of 10 each. The ball itself exhibits only some very minor age toning with bold manufacturer's stampings. This particular example of the famed Yankees duo originated from the personal collection of Barry Halper. As recounted by Halper in the included letter of provenance, he had asked Maris to sign the ball first to which Roger replied that he would only sign the side panel leaving the sweet spot for Mickey. Halper later had Mantle sign the ball and fondly recalled this story years later. Very strong exemplar with desirable Halper Collection provenance. Includes LOA from JSA and letter of provenance on Yankees/Halper stationary signed by Halper: Ball: EX/MT-NM, Signatures: NM-MT $5,360.00 ($7,500-$10,000) Closed to online bidding $5,360.00   69 Exceptional Babe Ruth and Mel Ott autographed baseball. The offered autographed baseball truly is not in need of very many descriptive superlatives. During the late 1930-40s era Babe Ruth hosted an NBC radio show as sponsored by Spalding Sporting Goods. Ruth would routinely welcome significant sports figures to the show, one of which was New York Giants slugger Mel Ott. On one such occasion a young man attended the show as part of the audience and in turn received the offered signed baseball. F.Frick NL ball remains in pristine unused condition listing a very slight age toning as its only mentionable imperfection. Babe Ruth has neatly signed the sweet spot in crisp blue fountain pen with Mel Ott adding his signature in black ink to the panel above. Ruth signature rates a 9 out of 10 with the Ott rating slightly stronger at 9/10 out of 10. The rarity of this particular signed ball cannot be overstated and with the exception of its mate offered within this auction is the only such exemplar we have encountered. The ball also includes its original Spalding NL baseball paper bag. Magnificent signature piece with relation to a pair of legendary members of the 500 Home Run club. Includes LOA from JSA: Ball: NM, Signatures: Range NM-NM/MT $14,850.00 ($20,000-$30,000) Closed to online bidding $16,000.00   70 Superb Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, and Ernie Banks. "Let's Play Two"indeed. As noted in the aforementioned description of Lot #71, the offered autographed baseball is one of two such fine examples having been signed during an appearance on Babe Ruth's Spalding radio show. This specimen, however, is additionally signed by Hall of Fame member and fellow 500 Home Run Club member Ernie Banks. Ruth has again occupied the sweet spot with a resounding blue fountain pen signature with Mel Ott positioned in black ink on the panel above. At a later date, Ernie Banks was asked to sign the ball and did so adding the date of 1978 in blue ink. Ruth signature rates 8/9, Ott a 9/10, and Banks a 9/10 as well. The F.Frick NL ball itself remains unused with some very light age toning and a few minute areas of soiling mentioned for accuracy only. Interesting and unique signed baseball which would be a perfect example on which to obtain additional significant 500 HR club member signatures. Includes LOA from JSA: Ball: EX-MT, Signatures: Range NM-NM/MT $7,920.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $9,000.00   73 Fine 1926 Babe Ruth single signed baseball. Light to moderately toned AL baseball signed across the sweet spot by Babe Ruth in black fountain pen. Markedly bold signature rates a 9 out of 10 with uncommon and desirable date of "1926" written in Ruth's hand. The ball itself shows some general light surface wear and age toning with light, but visible, American League mfg. stampings present. Pre-1930s era Ruth single signature baseballs with definitive dating are extremely rare in conjunction with the superb autograph quality found on the offered example. Includes LOA from JSA: Ball: VG-EX, Signature: NM $7,425.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $12,000.00   76 Exceptional 1927 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig autographed baseball. Off white red and black stitched Wilson "Official League" baseball is signed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Edgar "Dud" Branom. A superb example of Ruth's signature occupies the sweet spot in vibrant blue ink rating a resounding 9 out of 10. Gehrig is positioned on the panel above rating 9 out of 10 in boldness with light feathering to "Lou". An additional signature of journeyman minor leaguer and PCL player, Dud Branom, appears beneath Gehrig. A date notation adjacent to Ruth's signature in an unknown hand reads "Oct. 15th, 1927", just seven days after the Yankees completed their sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates to capture the World Series title and complete the most dominant season in baseball history. The date notation and the presence of the signature of Branom, who played for Portland of the PCL in 1927, suggests that the ball was signed during a northwestern stop on Ruth and Gehrig's famed Bustin' Babes and Larrupin' Lous barnstorming tour. The ball itself shows minimal evidence of handling with an unblemished creamy-white surface which ideally showcases the pronounced signatures. A facsimile name stamping of minor league president T.J. Hickey is found on a separate side panel. Superb condition exemplar featuring the coveted Ruth/Gehrig signature combo from the most prolific year of their career. Includes LOA from JSA: NM-NM/MT $10,395.00 ($12,500-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $10,395.00   118 Significant Kirby Puckett 1991 World Series Minnesota Twins professional model road jersey. The 1991 World Series is considered by many to be the finest ever played inclusive of ESPN viewers who voted as much. The series went the full seven games with five of its games being decided by a single run, four games decided in the final at-bat, and three games going into extra innings. While there were numerous notable plays and "heroes" on any given game during the series it was Kirby Puckett who cemented his place in baseball history through his outstanding Series play. While Puckett had already appeared in the 1987 World Series with the Twins it would be two notable plays, one defensive and one offensive, that would define his 1991 showing. Both plays occurred in the critical Game #6 played in Minnesota with the Twins finding themselves down 3 games to 2 and needing a win to continue the Series. The first play was a surreal leaping catch that Puckett made against the outfield wall to preserve the Twins lead. The second was a walk off home run for the ages as Puckett hammered a Charlie Leibrandt pitch into the seats in the 11th inning to force a Game #7 which the Twins would win to capture the World Championship. Offered is Kirby Puckett's 1991 World Series road jersey as given by Puckett to teammate and friend Chili Davis. Grey knit jersey with pinstripes retains its original "Minnesota" team name across the front with 34 beneath. "Puckett" nameplate remains on the back of the jersey along with "34" below. Rawlings mfg. tagging is found inside the collar along with "90 1" strip tag indicating its was originally produced for the 1990 season (commonly seen in postseason uniforms). Twins logo patch is affixed to the left sleeve while the original 1991 World Series patch is found on the right sleeve. Jersey shows excellent usage and wash wear remaining in original as issued condition. One of the finest modern era Hall of Famer game worn World Series jerseys that we have seen offered with uncommon primary source provenance. Surely, the finest Puckett game jersey to have entered the marketplace. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from Chili Davis: EX $7,054.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $20,000.00   207 Chili Davis 1991 Minnesota Twins World Series trophy. Substantial personal trophy from Chili Davis in honor of the Twins 1991 World Championship title. Imperial size figural trophy from Balfour measures 25" tall and 13" deep having brass pennants atop poles with NL and AL team names. Center area features a finely cast silver plated baseball positioned inside a brass ring with crown figural finial on top. Twins and Braves World Series press pins facades are found affixed to the black base. Round base displays an inscribed brass band titled, "1991 World Series Champions Minnesota Twins Chili Davis". The reverse of the band has impressed lettering with the copyright of the Commissioner of Baseball markings. Personal player World Series trophies of this significant size format are very rarely offered at public auction. Their quality is of the absolute highest standard with a total weight of nearly 30 pounds. The offered example is the first of its size, type, team, and year that we have handled and should be considered a worthy addition to the finest collection. Includes letter of provenance from Chili Davis: NM $10,043.00 ($25,000-$35,000) Closed to online bidding $0.00   208 Chili Davis 1999 New York Yankees World Series trophy. Substantial personal trophy from Chili Davis in honor of the Yankees 1999 World Championship title. Imperial size figural trophy from Balfour measures 25" tall and 13" deep having brass pennants atop poles with NL and AL team names. Center area features a finely cast silver plated baseball positioned inside a brass ring with crown figural finial on top. Yankees and Braves World Series press pins facades are found affixed to the black base. Round base displays an inscribed brass band titled, "1999 World Series Champions New York Yankees Chili Davis". The reverse of the band has impressed lettering with the copyright of the Commissioner of Baseball markings. Personal player World Series trophies of this significant size format are very rarely offered at public auction. Their quality is of the absolute highest standard with a total weight of nearly 30 pounds. The offered example is the first of its size, type, team, and year that we have handled and should be considered a worthy addition to the finest collection. Includes letter of provenance from Chili Davis: NM $10,043.00 ($25,000-$35,000) Closed to online bidding $25,000.00   209 Chili Davis 1998 New York Yankees World Series trophy. Substantial personal trophy from Chili Davis in honor of the Yankees 1998 World Championship title. Imperial size figural trophy from Balfour measures 25" tall and 13" deep having brass pennants atop poles with NL and AL team names. Center area features a finely cast silver plated baseball positioned inside a brass ring with crown figural finial on top. Yankees and Padres World Series press pins facades are found affixed to the black base. Round base displays an inscribed brass band titled, "1998 World Series Champions New York Yankees Chili Davis". The reverse of the band has impressed lettering with the copyright of the Commissioner of Baseball markings. Personal player World Series trophies of this significant size format are very rarely offered at public auction. Their quality is of the absolute highest standard with a total weight of nearly 30 pounds. The offered example is the first of its size, type, team, and year that we have handled and should be considered a worthy addition to the finest collection. Includes letter of provenance from Chili Davis: NM $10,043.00 ($25,000-$35,000) Closed to online bidding $25,000.00   216 Chili Davis 1999 New York Yankees World Championship ring. Highly ornate 14K gold original World Series ring presented to Davis as a member of the Yankees organization in honor of their 1999 World Championship. Top panel features the classic NY logo with inset diamonds surrounded by a field of additional diamonds in the background and perimeter. A total of approximately (99) diamonds are found on and around the top panel. "DAVIS" appears in raised lettering on one side panel with a replica of the Yankees World Series trophy. The other side panel has the Yankees logo with "25th World Championship" lettering. Marked "Balfour 14K" on the interior ring band. Size 12. One of the more desirable modern era Yankee rings being offered for the first time publicly. Includes letter of provenance from Chili Davis: NM $24,200.00 ($30,000-$40,000) Closed to online bidding $31,000.00   242 Important T-206 Honus Wagner tobacco card proof strip c.1909-11. "Not long ago, a firm of tobacco manufacturers wrote to a local newspaper man and asked him to secure a picture of Hans Wagner to be given away with cigarettes [sic] together with the written permission of the big Dutchman to use it. The writer was promised a liberal fee for his work in landing the photo. The scribe wrote to Wagner and asked him for the picture enclosing the tobacco company's letter. A few days later he received a communication from Hans, saying that he did not care to have his picture in a package of cigarettes [sic], neither did he wish his friend to lose the chance to cop a little extra coin. "So," he concluded, "I enclose my check for the amount promised you by the tobacco company in case you got my picture and hope you will excuse me if I refuse." The newspaper man sent the check back, with a higher opinion of Wagner than he had ever possessed before, though the two had always been close friends." Excerpt from October 24, 1912 "Wagner: A Wonder" article as published in the Sporting News. Between the time period of 1909-11, the American Tobacco Company produced a series of color lithographic baseball cards to be inserted into sixteen different brands of cigarettes as a promotional tool. The offering was hugely successful due in part to the popularity of baseball during the period and the attractive color lithographic design of the cards. As time passed, and the collectability of the set increased a number of rarities and errors were discovered as could be expected from a set of this size and distribution from the early part of the century. It became very clear, however, that the card of Honus Wagner was in fact extraordinarily scarce. As early as the 1930s price guides for the T-206 set listed most cards at around 30 cents while the Wagner card was at $5.00, a stupendous price for the era. Rather quickly the card would become the most desired in the collecting world achieving iconic status as featured in publications, books, and film. Values escalated from $10,000 in the early 1980s to several examples recently having exceeded $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 respectively. Although the card has always been clearly an extreme rarity with relevant pricing, the reasons behind its scarcity have long been the subject of debate which is at the very core of its iconic status. As referenced in the aforementioned excerpt from the 1912 issue of The Sporting News, Wagner clearly did not want his image included within the T-206 set. Many speculated that he did not wish for children to aspire to use tobacco products in order to collect his baseball card. Others believe it was a commercial dispute with the production company as Wagner had, in years prior, been photographed on baseball/tobacco related advertising pieces including cigar trade cards and boxes. The absolute truth may never but it may be likely that some elements of all theories are applicable. In either case, the legend is cemented within American cultural history and to date remains one of the most oft told in relation to the game of baseball. Presented is the unique surviving example of the 1909-11 T-206 Hones Wagner card proof strip. The strip is of a similar stock to the standard issue T-206 cards and includes four other players: Mordecai Brown (HOF), Frank Bowerman, Cy Young (HOF), and Johnny Kling. Card fronts retain very bold color with particular note to the richness and depth quite possibly due to the fact that it was in fact a proof rather then production card. Small proof 'has marks' are found at the mid section areas of top, bottom, and sides of the respective cards. The back remains appropriately blank as the standard issue set featured (16) different tobacco advertising backs. As such, a proof would not have been created for standard distribution and thus would not have the designated advertising reverse printed. The strip itself does have creasing to several areas including the Wagner card which runs vertically through the card slightly to the right. Some of the creasing, including the Wagner, card is heavy while the overall eye appeal is quite strong with note to the aforementioned color. The card remains in its original condition and presents very nicely. It should be noted however that if an interested party were to sublet the strip for professional restoration to the creasing the overall eye appeal and visually apparent condition grade would increase dramatically especially due to the strong general color. According to the history of the strip it was discovered in the Wagner family estate among some of Honus Wagner's personal belongings inclusive of clothing, uniforms, and other articles. The strip also resided for many years within the notable collection of Barry Halper. It has recently been graded by the professional grading service SGC and certified with an "Authentic" designation. This is the first time that this iconic strip has been professionally graded. It is accepted that the extremely limited surviving population of T-206 Honus Wagner cards numbers between (50) to (100). Given the legendary status of the Wagner card it is with great certainty that we propose that the offered proof strip will permanently retain its status as the unique surviving example. Exceptional piece of historic baseball history with iconic status and unlimited value potential: Hunt Auctions: FR-GD, SGC: Authentic $121,000.00 (Estimate Upon Request) Closed to online bidding $275,000.00   246 Fine Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig autographed baseball c.1928. Lightly toned Spalding J.Heydler ONL baseball has been signed on the sweet spot by Babe Ruth and adjacent side panel by Lou Gehrig. Ruth signature rates 7/8 out of 10 with Gehrig rating 8 out of 10. Period ink notation in unknown hand reads "A.B.M. J.H.S. Oct. 24, 1928." Just two weeks prior the Yankees had swept the St Louis Cardinals in four games to win their second consecutive World Series. In celebration, Ruth and Gehrig set out to tour the country with the "Bustin Babes and Larrupin Lous" Barnstorming teams, and it was during one of those stops that this ball was presumably signed. Offered for the first time publicly as having descended in the family of the original recipient. Displays nicely with light scattered surface wear and placement such that both signatures can be viewed at the same time. Includes LOA from JSA: Ball EX, Signatures: EX/MT $7,321.00 ($15,000-$20,000) Closed to online bidding $0.00   247 Babe Ruth professional model baseball bat c. 1924-26. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 36" long and weighs 37.4 oz. Bat shows evident use including ball marks, cleat marks, stitching impressions, and a professionally repaired handle crack. Manufacturer and player facsimile signature stampings remain very bold with the bat displaying a fine light brown patina. The bat is consistent with Hillerich & Bradsby factory ordering records which show Ruth using bats of this specification during the referenced labeling period. Very attractive Ruth professional model bat with strong usage and display qualities. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions and PSA/DNA (Graded GU 7.5): EX $10,648.00 ($10,000-$20,000) Closed to online bidding $21,000.00   332 Rare 1894 Temple Cup color tinted print. In 1894, Pittsburgh Pirates team owner and business magnate, William Chase Temple, offered an ornate 30" tall silver trophy cup to the winner of a post-season best of seven game series to be played between the top two teams in the then National League. Played from 1894 through 1897, the Series became known as the Temple Cup and is regarded as the precursor to the modern day World Series. Noted period illustration artist Hy Sandman created this rendering of the 1894 match-up between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants which is generally regarded as one of the finest baseball related display pieces of the period. The work was published in several different variations with the offered having been printed in 1897. Titled within the wide white bottom border "A Base Ball Game" it was published in Paris by Boussod, Valadon and Company. The 26.75"x43.75" visible area exhibits subtle hints of light wear with scattered surface wrinkling visible upon close inspection. Extremely minor age toning with lower left corner exhibiting a slightly lighter coloring. Museum quality framed to 36"x53": EX/MT $6,655.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $8,000.00   344 Superb Joe DiMaggio professional model baseball bat c.1940-42. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 35 7/8" long (just a hair under 36") and weighs 35.6 oz. The bat shows exceptional use including ball marks, stitching impressions, grain swelling, and rack marks. Knob end is absent any model number stamping dating to the bat to the 1934-44 labeling period. There is also a small amount of period staining to the end of the handle/knob area which appears likely to be tobacco juice of some sort, which, could easily be removed but was left intact with regard to the originality of the bat. The bat originates from the family of a contractor who resided in Asbury Park, New Jersey during the 1950s era. The contractor counted New York Yankee and DiMaggio teammate George "Snuffy" Stirnweiss as one of his former clients. The Stirnweiss family resided in nearby Red Bank, NJ and became acquainted with the contractor through their work relationship. In 1958, Snuffy Stirnweiss was tragically killed when his train derailed and went off the Newark Bay Bridge. According to family history, after the tragedy Mrs. Stirnweiss became understandably distraught and began giving away some of her late husband's baseball materials. This particular bat was given to the contractor at which time it was specifically noted by Stirnweiss to have been used by DiMaggio during his legendary streak of 1941. Included with the bat is a detailed letter of provenance from the widow of the contractor who vividly recalls the occasion on which her late husband received the bat and relayed its special history to her family. Based on comparisons with the Hillerich & Bradsby bat ordering records this particular "Rudy York" style bat was most likely used by DiMaggio during the 1940-41 period. The first notation of a Rudy York model having been ordered was on 8/24/40. During the aforementioned dating period however it is noted on several occasions within the records, "Mark Weights on Ends". While the offered bat does not have any weight stampings on the end of the knob it is certainly plausible that the offered bat was used during the 1940, 1941, or 1942 seasons. In fact, while interpretive, the factory records also indicate several order with instructions "same as above". While that can certainly be interpreted as having the weights marked on the ends it could also simply refer to the size and weight of the "above" bat orders. According to most reliable period newspaper accounts, it is generally accepted that DiMaggio used between three and five bats during the streak. Several of the bats have been accounted for including one which was auctioned in the period to raise money for the USO overseas. It is certainly not possible to guarantee that the offered bat was in fact used during DiMaggio's legendary streak but based on factory record information, provenance, and labeling period the possibility of that attribution must be strongly considered. In either case, the offered DiMaggio game bat is one of the finest to have entered the collecting marketplace. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and notarized letter of provenance from the widow of the original recipient: EX $8,300.00 ($25,000-$50,000) Closed to online bidding $40,000.00   448 Exceptional Jackie Robinson professional model baseball bat c.1953. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 34 1/2"" long and weighs 35.42 oz. The bat exhibits wonderful evidence of use inclusive of multiple ball marks, stitching impressions, rack marks, cleat marks, and small area of grain swelling at back of barrel. Handle area has a professionally restored crack. Model number S100 is stamped on knob end along with an exceedingly rare "42" in black ink. While the "42" does have some chipping it is only the second such example which we have encountered having Robinson's vaunted uniform number on the knob end. The offered bat, along with the Roy Campanella game bat within this auction, was obtained during a game played at the Polo Grounds in New York between the NY Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. Two brothers, ages 7 and 9, went down to the Dodgers dugout after the game and were given the Campanella and Robinson bats. The brothers were life long Brooklyn Dodger fans and have had the bats in their possession until their current offering. Jackie Robinson epitomizes the very essence of the phrase "changing history." His path to immortality was filled with adversity, challenges, rewards, defeats, and ultimately success as he became the first African American player in the history of Major League baseball. Robinson entered the game of baseball some 60 years ago, which does not seem significantly far in the past, that is, unless one considers the dramatic social and political changes that have occurred since. This timeless baseball artifact is being offered to the public for the first time from the original recipient. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from the original recipient: EX $12,100.00 ($30,000-$40,000) Closed to online bidding $55,000.00   449 Fine Roy Campanella professional model baseball bat c.1953. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 35" long and weighs 33.8 oz. The bat shows strong use including ball marks, stitching impressions, rack marks, cleat marks, and pine tar residue. The handle has a repaired crack which extended into the back of the barrel. Model #G80 stamped on the knob end with "CAMPANELLA" block lettering stampings on the barrel end. Along with the Jackie Robinson game bat within this auction, this particular example was acquired by the current consignor at a Dodgers game around 1953. Exceptional Campanella game bat with direct provenance. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions and letter of provenance from the original recipient: EX $3,993.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $12,000.00   455 Scarce Brooklyn Dodgers professional model satin uniform c.1944-45. Widely regarded as one of the most attractive uniform styles ever produced, the Brooklyn Dodgers instituted an alternate style satin uniform in 1944. These uniforms were produced for night games in an effort to make the players "stand out" with the player caliber lacking due to World War II. The experiment did not last long and save for a brief revisit in 1948, the uniforms were produced in very limited quantities with few surviving examples having surfaced. The offered is a home white satin jersey from Ray Hayworth retaining its original "Dodgers" blue lettering across the front with desirable #32 on the verso having later been retired by the Dodgers in honor of Sandy Koufax. Wilson mfg. label remains inside the collar area along with "hayworth" chain stitched strip tag and "44" size flag tag. The jersey remains in outstanding original condition with special consideration given to the original fragility of the satin materials. Evident usage wear is present throughout with some areas of staining to the back of the shirt: EX. Matching pants retain their original Wilson mfg. tag with "38" size flag tag and "Schultz" chain stitched strip tag as issued to Howie Schultz. General condition is very fine with evident usage including staining to several areas and a few team repairs to tears on the back of the legs: VG-EX. Highly uncommon collecting opportunity with the offered example being offered for the first time publicly. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions. $8,415.00 ($10,000-$15,000) Closed to online bidding $8,415.00   475 Significant Mickey Mantle 1951 World Series professional model baseball bat. The 1951 World Series represented several points of notable change within the game of baseball. It would be the final World Series appearance in the storied career of Joe DiMaggio. The Series would also represent the inaugural appearance of two young rookie players for the Giants and Yankees, respectively, by the names of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Ironically, all three men would be involved in a play which became the most notable of the series. During the fifth inning of Game #2 Willie Mays hit a deep fly ball on which centerfielder Joe DiMaggio called off Mickey Mantle. DiMaggio made the catch but Mantle, in trying to halt his advance, got his foot caught in a field drain and badly injured his knee. Although Mantle would obviously return to health and go on to appear in numerous World Series during his career, this injury seemed to set the stage for a career which would be plagued by multiple injuries. Offered is one of the most historic Mickey Mantle game bats to have been offered publicly. Louisville Slugger 125 model bat measures 35" long and weighs 33.6 oz. The bat exhibits very fine use including ball marks, cleat marks, rack marks, and slight grain swelling to the back of the barrel. Professional repairs are found to a handle crack and an area to the back of the barrel. Model #T41 stamped on knob end (incorrectly stamped at factory as records indicate T61 for 1951 World Series bats) with Louisville Slugger manufacturer's stampings remaining bold. Stamped on barrel end, "World Series 1951 Mickey Mantle New York Yankees" as appropriate to World Series issue bats of the era. Originally obtained from Mantle around 1955 or 1956 while he was visiting a hotel in the Oklahoma area with his high school baseball coach. A friend of the consignor's father indicated to Mantle that his friend's son was a huge fan to which Mantle offered this bat and a signed ball. Given the dating to Mantle's rookie season of 1951, coupled with the high desirability of World Series model bats, the offered example is absolutely one of, if not, the finest of its type extant. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EX $33,300.00 ($100,000-$150,000) Closed to online bidding $0.00   514 Exceptional Roberto Clemente autographed professional model baseball glove c.1967. Rawlings model TG12 glove of the highest quality exhibits evident use including interior pocket wear and appropriate external surface wear. "CLEMENTE" lettering written in vintage black marker is visible just to the right of the Rawlings label. "21" in similar vintage black ink and writing mannerism is found just slightly to the right of "Clemente". The glove itself has been autographed by approximately (28) members of the Pirates team including Clemente, Stargell, Face, Virdon, Alley, Pagan, Moose, Sanguillen, and Johnny Pesky. The presence of both Pesky and Moose signatures allow us to date the glove, or at least its signing, to the 1967 season. Black marker signatures range from 3-8 out of 10. Clemente's autograph remains very strong having been inscribed, "To Rudy From Your Friend Roberto." Signature and salutation remain quite strong rating 8 out of 10. It is noteworthy that the Clemente autograph is signed on top of the vintage "21" indicating that the uniform number was definitively written on the glove prior to Clemente's passing in 1972.á Included with the glove are two very large bound scrapbooks from the family including numerous period Clemente related photos, articles, souvenir publications, and general ephemera chronicling the relationship between Clemente and the recipient of the glove. Additionally, a copy of a vintage black and white photo (as seen in this catalogue) is included with the lot which pictures a glove that may in fact be the actual offered exemplar, or, at worst a nearly identical specimen.Numerous consistent areas may be noted within the image inclusive of the glove lacings/formation and the glove ties which extend from the glove image and actual glove in identical fashion. Furthermore, a slightly dark area is visible within the image to the right of the Rawlings label and while inconclusive may in fact be the shadowing of the "Clemente" notation present on the actual glove. The rarity and significance of this particular glove within the collecting category cannot be overstated. It is well documented that baseball players carefully protect their game gloves with special note to a player of the defensive talents of Clemente. The additional provenance, Clemente autograph, and period Clemente indicator notations only multiply the desirability level of this example. One of the finest Hall of Famer game gloves that we have handled and almost certainly the best Clemente exemplar to have surfaced. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions (glove), JSA (autographs), two original Clemente related albums, copy of the image printed within this catalogue, and letter of provenance from the family: Glove: EX, Signatures: Range VG-EX/MT $19,117.00 ($20,000-$40,000) Closed to online bidding $100,000.00   515 Rare Roberto Clemente autographed professional model baseball bat c. 1961-67. Adirondack model #302 bat measures 36" long and weighs 35.4 oz. The bat shows evident use including ballmarks, rack marks, and stitching impressions. Model #129X stamped on knob end along with a vintage "21" written in black marker. The barrel of the bat has been signed, "Best Wishes" to the left of the stampings and "Clemente" to the right. Both writings have a piece of vintage clear tape placed over top ranging from 4-6 out of 10 each. Clemente autographed game bats are notably rare with this particular example being one of two we have handled. Includes LOAs from Hunt Auctions (bat), JSA (autograph), and letter of provenance from the family: Bat: EX, Signature: VG $4,430.00 ($7,500-$10,000) Closed to online bidding $6,000.00   517 Stunning Roberto Clemente single signed baseball. Wilson "Circuito Superior, Baseball Aficionado de Puerto Rico" baseball has been signed across the sweet spot "Roberto Clemente" with added Spanish language salutation translating "With love" or "With kindness". The bold blue ink signature rates 9 out of 10 offering brilliant contrast. Ball itself exhibits a pleasing light even tone with factory fresh manufacturers stampings. The ball is dated in another hand,"12/25/72" just a few days before his tragic passing in a plane trash. A handwritten letter from the original recipient relays that he obtained the ball on Christmas Day, 1972 while bringing food to aid the Nicaraguan earthquake relief efforts. An extremely strong and visually pleasing example which is without question one of the better surviving Clemente single signature baseballs. Includes LOAs from JSA and PSA/DNA: Ball: EX/MT-NM, Signature: MT $13,613.00 ($15,000-$20,000) Closed to online bidding $15,000.00   526 Significant Whitey Ford 1961 Cy Young Award. The 1961 New York Yankees represent one of the most storied teams in baseball history and their season has taken on largely mythical proportions. Fueled by the Mantle and Maris assault on Babe Ruth's home-run record, they powered through the regular season finishing eight games ahead of the Detroit Tigers and took the World Series over the Reds in five. The pitching squad was lead by Whitey Ford who in his 10th Major League season had matured into the team's undisputed pitching leader and one of the most dominating hurlers League wide. Ford's 1961 season statistics were staggering with (25) victories, (209) strikeouts, (1159) batters faced, (39) games started, and an .862 win/loss percentage, ALL of which were league leading numbers. He was designated not only the American League Cy Young Award winner but also earned World Series MVP honors. It would be the first, and only, Cy Young award season for Ford during his illustrious career. Original 16.5" tall black painted wooden plaque with affixed silver plated figural pitching arm positioned above a placard with raised lettering, "Presented to Edward "Whitey" Ford Most Valuable Pitcher 1961". The plaque was made by the Balfour company and bears their tacked on metal manufacturer's tag on the back. Exhibits light scattered wear with several minute paint chips and expected tarnish. Original Cy Young award plaques of quality are exceedingly scarce within the collecting marketplace. To date there have been only a scant few publicly offered with this particular exemplar ranking as the most significant with regard to player, team, and playing era. Beautiful figural award display piece with relation to the greatest career pitching accolade of the most decorated pitcher in New York Yankees history. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EX/MT $89,177.00 ($150,000-$200,000) Closed to online bidding $0.00   585 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie. Very attractive card with nice centering, strong registration, and great color. Displays as EX overall with even corner wear and clean front and back surfaces. Two light creases on the upper right account for the given grade. Graded SGC 40: VG $6,486.00 ($7,500-$10,000) Closed to online bidding $6,486.00   623 Scarce 1914 Boston Garter #8 Larry Doyle. Superb exemplar from this extremely rare issue exhibiting great original color and remaining free of creasing. Corners exhibit light wear. Printed back retains bold original contrast and exhibits little to no wear. Graded SGC 50: VG/EX. Also included is a c.1914 4"x4" Boston Garter "Moreen Pad" box (VG/EX). $6,648.00 ($7,500-$10,000) Closed to online bidding $17,000.00