(LOT 296)
1936 Joe DiMaggio Rookie PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Original George Burke Photo – "Image Used for DiMaggio's 1936 R312 Rookie Card" - Measures Approx. 4" x 6"
JOLTIN' JOE R312 ROOKIE PHOTO!!!... One of the most classic Joe DiMaggio images ever issued was the 1936 batting pose of the Yankee Clipper, portraying this baseball icon completing his mighty right-handed swing. The architect of this world-class photo was George Burke, and it is our distinct pleasure to now offer this hallowed George Burge silver gelatin photo of Joe D. Measuring approximately, 4" x 6", this is the exact image used for Joe DiMaggio's legendary 1936 R312 rookie card, and it is no secret as to the staggering pricing points being realized for original Type 1 rookie card images for our National Pastime's greatest players. It was the exact same Burke photo shoot that produced additional images for DiMaggio's 1940 and 1941 Play ball cards, with those likewise classic batting poses only depicting the slightest shutter disparity from Joe D.'s R312 rookie issue.

Indeed, the batting photo's unparalleled popularity certainly swayed the manufacturers of these iconic cards, and this seldom surfacing gem stands high on most elite collector's want lists. The imposing DiMaggio batting pose graces the obverse side, emanating stellar contrast and brilliant clarity as Joltin' Joe dons his Yankee-road flannels. The black background portrays traces of the photo's silver gelatin surface, especially in the upper right and left quadrants, and the extremely well-centered image has eluded any glaring surface flaws. The verso reflects the critical "GEO. BURKE – 847 BELMONT AVE. – CHICAGO" credit stamp near the lower right edge, with Joe DiMaggio's hallowed name affixed typed near the upper edge. For full disclosure, there are four areas of modest scrapbook removal in each of the upper and lower quadrants, none of which compromise the integrity of this hallowed illustration. A truly captivating heirloom from the Yankee Clipper's 1936 rookie year, it stands as a monumental testament to a player that stands as one of the finest centerfielders in baseball history.

In 1969, sportswriters voted DiMaggio the greatest living ballplayer; with that being no small feat considering Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams and Stan Musial were all alive when that renowned vote was cast. We cannot imagine any player who commanded the unparalleled respect of this baseball great who, via his incredible baseball prowess and marriage to Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe, will forever stand as a true embodiment of a National hero. In the past several years, several esteemed rookie card images have realized momentous pricing points including a 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson Type 1 photo fetching an extraordinary $360,000 in February 2021. With that in mind, what could be more rewarding than this awe-inspiring Burke keepsake from DiMaggio's 1936 rookie campaign, ultimately selected as the image to place on the Yankee Clipper's exalted R312 rookie keepsake!

MIN BID $2,000
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