Auction Item Details
Lot 4
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Lot 4
Description: Late 1920s Notre Dame scrapbook incl. Knute Rockne signed letter with outstanding football content (full JSA LOA) (Overall EX) Hardcover string bound scrapbook as kept by former football player Thomas Murphy with "University of Notre Dame" crest on the cover containing a variety of period materials as relates mostly to the school with majority covering the football program. Includes July 23, 1929 typed letter on University Athletic Program stationery which has been signed in fountain pen, "K.K. Rockne." Signature rates 8/9 out of 10 and letter has fold lines from mailing, touch of wear at lower edge, and is mounted to page. Content is outstanding and fitting given the Rockne legend. We have transcribed a large portion which can be found at the end of this listing after condition grade. Other material present includes real photo postcard identified at lower right "Western Champs 1927" and including Rockne; additional real photo postcard below showing a (32) man football team (small numbers written over each player) which we can not confirm to be a Notre Dame team; 1928 Notre Dame football team signed die-cut in shape of Rockne's head. Total of (12) signatures; ticket stub from December 2, 1933 Army vs. Notre Dame game played at Yankee Stadium; pair of heavy stock postcard sized cards which appear to have been intended to record game scores including (1) which pictures Moon Mullins and another which pictures Big Tim Moynihan; several snapshot/candid photographs with a few related to football/games; football team photograph housed in heavy stock 8"x9" mount which has unused 1915 dated calendar pages at lower corner; (2) trimmed telegrams to Murphy from Hunk Anderson; a Knute Rockne memorial program (not affixed to album); 1925 Notre Dame Freshman Squad photo (not affixed to album); and an assortment of cutout publication images and text. Light general wear throughout; please note that all pieces mentioned which are affixed to book are firmly affixed and display varying degrees of wear. Includes full LOA from JSA for Rockne letter; Overall EX - Content of letter reads in part: "Just got home from my last coaching school...There is only one thing Tom, preventing you from being one of the greatest end in the game and that is you are not tough enough. You are big and powerful enough to handle any tackle in the country but you just aren't like old Tim. If you were as tough as Tim you would chase any tackle in the country off the field...You are a fine young man and I think your father is going to be proud of you but don't forget a man is known by the company he keeps." Regarding the Notre Dame football program he relates "I believe the spirit and moral this fall is going to be better than it has been for years. In fact, I am feeling better and more optimistic that I have since 1924...tell your father that he get stuck for some real good seats sometime to call on me personally..." ($2,000-$3,000)Final Bid: $2,479.00
Current EST: 12/18/25 6:57:10 PM