Lot # 113: c.1920s Knute Rockne Original Type I Photo w/All-American Significance – Christy Walsh Syndicate – Measures 11" x 14" - Full PSA LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $200.00

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Item was in Auction "Sizzling Summer Rarities Auction 2019",
which ran from 7/24/2019 11:00 AM to
8/10/2019 7:00 PM




(LOT 113)
c.1920s Knute Rockne Original Type I Photo w/All-American Significance – Christy Walsh Syndicate – Measures 11" x 14" - Full PSA LOA

The renowned pre-war sports agent Christy Walsh's three most notable clients included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Knute Rockne. Noted for his ingenious promotional schemes, his popularity was capitalized by representing these three legends that were included on various highly sought after photos from the iconic Christy Walsh Syndicate. One of Walsh's advertisement tools included the creation of All-American Baseball and Football Boards whereby standout athletes were awarded certificates for their respective sport. While Babe Ruth was named chairman of the baseball board, it is with little surprise that Walsh chose the legendary Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne as the football board chairman.

Presented here is a virtually "unique" oversized 11" x 14" original PSA Type I photo of the hallowed Knute Rockne flanked by various All-American board members and an imposing "All-American Board of Football" banner. Unfortunately for Rockne, he appears to be somewhat "under the weather" lying in bed directly in front of the striking rectangular shaped All-American flag. Emanating crystal clear clarity, this astonishing oversized image only reveals some stray wrinkles barely visible to the naked eye, particularly near the upper and lower right quadrants. As most enthusiasts realize, Rockne's coaching legacy is linked to the evolution of various offensive plays and/or formations; two of which being the revolutionizing of the forward pass and creation of the iconic backfield "shift".

These innovative formations were ultra-successful with Rockne winning 105 games for the powerhouse Notre Dame "Fighting Irish" from 1918 thru 1930, including a staggering 6 National Championships! Along that glorious path, he coached the "Four Horsemen", and George "The Gipper" Gipp, and his iconic "fight, fight, fight" locker room speech encouraging his players to elevate their game performance before taking the field will forever be considered football's 'Gettysburg Address". In closing, this significant and rare Christy Walsh image suffices as a direct link to Walsh's brilliant promotional efforts that via the All-American player angle further enhanced the spotlight of both Ruth and Rockne in the public's eyes. Featured in the photo are WA Alexander, Glen Pop Warner, and Tad Jones. – Full PSA Type I LOA and a letter from the Walsh family.


MIN BID $200
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