Auction Item Details
Lot 158
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 158
Description: Highly significant Jackie Robinson professional model baseball glove c.1948-50 (PSA/DNA). For young baseball fans in New York, the 1940-50s period may have been the most exciting of the 20th century. The powerhouse Yankees were seemingly in contention every season with the New York Giants rating as a formidable opponent as well. However, it was the Brooklyn Dodgers whose popularity among their fans escalated to an almost cult like following. Most notably, in 1947, that very fan base was expanded in a way that none previously could have understood or, in many cases, ever thought possible. Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and the game would never be the same. During Jackie's career with the Dodgers he and his family resided at two properties in the New York area. From 1947 to 1949 the Robinsons lived on Tilden Ave. in Brooklyn, NY after which point they moved to 11240 177th St. in Queens where they remained until 1955. When Jackie Robinson and his family moved to Queens, his son, Jackie Robinson Jr., became acquainted with a young man by the name of Alan Colon. Alan and his family resided diagonally across the street from the Robinsons at 11223 177th St. in Queens. To think of the excitement for young Alan Colon to have shared the friendship with the younger Robinson during such a thrilling time for Dodgers baseball must have been immeasurable. During the boys friendship there were three very special occasions on which Alan Colon accompanied young Jackie Jr. and his father to Ebbets Field to watch a Dodgers game. One such instance took place on September 26, 1954 when Alan and Jackie Jr. enjoyed the amazing experience of being down on the field with the Dodgers- players before the game. A series of (13) original black and white images were taken to memorialize the visit picturing Alan Colon with various players included Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Sandy Amoros, and Don Newcombe among others. One of the photos depicts Alan and Pee Wee Reese along with Jackie Robinson Jr. Interestingly, none of the images show Alan or Jackie Jr. with Jackie Robinson himself. At first examination, that factor would be "disappointing" to the history of the experience until it was confirmed that the reasoning was due to the fact that Jackie Robinson was taking the photographs for the boys! After one of the visits to Ebbets Field, Alan Colon went back to the Robinson home and was presented with a special surprise, which to this date ranks among the most memorable of his life. Jackie Robinson presented young Alan with one of the gloves that he had used while playing with the Dodgers. Robinson himself exclaimed that is was one a only a few that he ever wore while playing for Brooklyn. After careful consideration, Dr. Alan Colon has now elected to share this very special glove with the collecting public and in the spirit of what Jackie Robinson stood for will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Negro League Baseball Museum. The glove itself is a top of the line professional model Wilson A2004 fielder's glove, which retains its original black manufacturer-s label on the back strap and exhibits evident use throughout. Glove surface presents beautifully with medium brown patination to top grade tanned steer hide leather with visible "Streamline Kurv-Form Fingers" patent stamping visible on outer pinky finger. Clearly visible "42" written in period black marker resides just to the right of the Wilson label on the back strap. The webbing area of the glove has been replaced with a vintage Wilson web identical to the original model and some of the lacings were replaced due to typical dryness/age damage. Wilson label exhibits some light to moderate tattering and the interior glove pocket shows exceptional use with well-defined wear. Additionally, included is an original typewritten autographed letter from Jackie Robinson to Alan Colon in response to a note he had mailed to Jackie. Signed, "Jackie Robinson" in blue ink rating 8 out of 10. The content of the letter also sends regard to Alan from Jackie (Jr.) which further corroborates their friendship as young boys. Professional model baseball gloves used by Hall of Fame members are among the most scarce and difficult equipment items to obtain with special note to the extraordinary authentication challenges presented by the medium. The offered Jackie Robinson professional model glove is without argument the most substantiated and substantive example to have been offered at public auction. Its documentation of similar model use by Robinson through photographic comparison coupled with proper professional stampings and period "42" number identification are exemplary. Perhaps equally significant is the inclusion of numerous vintage supportive evidentiary pieces including the original photographs and signed letter from Robinson himself. As indicated by Jackie Robinson to Alan Colon, and corroborated by the scant existence of Robinson gloves within the marketplace it is proper to place this specimen at the top of the known population. Exceptional rarity with enormous historical import and investment grade value. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions, LOA from PSA/DNA (glove), full LOA from JSA (letter autograph), (13) original 4e square photographs, Original 1957 letter to Alan Colon signed by Jackie Robinson, and letter of provenance from Dr. Alan Colon: VG-EXEstimated Price Range: ($150,000-$300,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register