Lot # 137: Christy Mathewson Signed Canceled Check PSA/DNA 9 MINT

Category: Cancelled Checks

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 16 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Rarities Auction 2020",
which ran from 5/6/2020 12:00 PM to
5/30/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 137)
Christy Mathewson Signed Canceled Check PSA/DNA 9 MINT

It is no secret along advanced hobbyists that Christy Mathewson signed artifacts are few and far between. Mathewson developed tuberculosis from the ill effects of inhaling poisonous gas in World War I and eventually succumbed to the tragic disease at the tender age of 45. This baseball icon's early passing denied a seemingly countless number of admirers of the "Christian Gentleman's" highly desirable autograph, with only a paltry number of signed documents, books, checks, letters and baseballs available to the collecting community. Arguably, his most eloquent scripts were assigned to personal checks, and this awe-inspiring 1922 example stands as one of the finer Matty checks! The majestic Christy Mathewson is on many experts' lists as, arguably, the greatest pitcher who ever toed the rubber. His 373 victories stand as the all-time National League mark (tied with Grover Alexander), and he won 30 games in four different seasons, including three consecutive years!

He was famous for his virtually un-hittable fade away pitch (more commonly called the screwball) and was noted for his pinpoint control. For 12 consecutive seasons (1903 – 1914) he won 20+ games, ably assisting the New York Giants to 4 pennants and one World Championship. It is that 1905 World Championship when "Matty" elevated his game to a stratospheric level. Pitching against Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's, Mathewson threw 3 shutout World Series victories; 27 innings, 0 runs! Never again will our National Pastime witness such a performance on its grandest stage, prompting the legendary Mack to eventually state: "Mathewson was the greatest pitcher I ever saw. It was great to watch him pitch when he wasn't pitching against you"! Yet, with all of his magnificent performances and records, it is Mathewson's wholesome image and beloved nature that places him second to none as a pre-WWI idol, and it is with little surprise he was dubbed the "Christian Gentleman".

He was the game's first "National Hero" with a super human, god like persona that immensely assisted in elevating baseball to our National Pastime. For all of those reasons as well as his tragic early death, the thought of owing this magnificent Mathewson signed check literally boggles the mind. Written entirely in Matty's eloquent hand-writing, this whopping $50.00 check is dated May 20th, , 1922, more than one full year from Matty's tragic death (October 7, 1925). Most significant, the "Christy Mathewson" signature is completed free of any bank stamps or glaring flaws, providing a consistent black fountain pen ink flow that is so critical to highly advanced autograph enthusiasts. Any signed Christy Mathewson item is deemed extremely rare with only a handful of these sanctified treasures in circulation, let alone one that arguably stands as one of the foremost "Big Six" scripted heirlooms! - PSA/DNA Encapsulated.

MIN BID $5,000
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