Auction Item Details
Lot 68
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Lot Number: 68
Description: October 27, 1918 Christy Mathewson "Special Order" to report to Chemical Warfare Offense Gas School. October 27, 1918 dated typewritten letter issued by "Headquarters Hanlon Field, Chemical Warfare Service" as "Special Order No. 125." Content reads, "The following named officers are relieved of further duty at the Chemical Warfare Service, Officer's Training School, and will report to the Commandant, Chemical Warfare Service Offense Gas School, for the course of instruction." Among the list of names below is "Capt. C. Mathewson." It would prove to be a fateful order for Mathewson who was with fellow Hall of Famer Ty Cobb (whom had also enlisted in the war effort) when he was accidentally exposed to chemical weapons gas during a training exercise. He subsequently developed tuberculosis which more easily infects lungs that had been previously damaged and it would ultimately lead to his early death in 1925. There are a pair of Army applied stamps and the name "Capt. Mathewson" is written at upper right in unknown hand. Mild general handling wear including a few creases/wrinkles and some very minor chips on edges. A significant piece who directly relates to the ill fated events which ultimately lead to the early passing of one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. Includes Mathewson Collection certificate of provenance: VGEstimated Price Range: ($2,000-$3,000)
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