Lot # 121: c.1910’s Christy Mathewson Type 1 Paul Thompson Photo - Possibly Used as the Framework for the 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson Original Artwork & the ONLY ONE KNOWN TO EXIST - - Full PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $10,000.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Holy Grail Rarities Auction",
which ran from 11/19/2018 6:15 PM to
12/15/2018 7:00 PM




(LOT 121)
c.1910's Christy Mathewson Type 1 Paul Thompson Photo - Possibly Used as the Framework for the 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson Original Artwork & the ONLY ONE KNOWN TO EXIST - Full PSA Type 1 LOA

Every so often we at Memory Lane are presented with a collectible that takes our breath away. Such is the case for this absolutely remarkable and possibly "unique" c.1910's Christy Mathewson PSA Type 1 Paul Thompson photo that just happens to portray a Matty pitching image strikingly similar to Mathewson's iconic 1914 Cracker Jack subject. When our esteemed consignor approached us with this "Big Six" photo, we simply "skipped a beat", knowing full well its potential unlimited value due to the nearly comparable 1914 Cracker Jack Matty pose. It is no secret that scarce images representing renowned cards are achieving record-shattering prices each and every day, with an example of this photo-pricing craze being a Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey card image fetching $72,000! Furthermore, what also escalates this offering's unparalleled stature is the fact that it is a Paul Thompson illustration, with this renowned photographer's images realizing some of the highest price tags in the booming photo market. Unquestionably, the floodgates have opened with respect to this captivating collecting angle, and there seems to be no end in sight for its potential infinite-like pricing surge.

What makes this unfathomable Mathewson image so intriguing is that while the image exhibits such a vast number of visual qualities consistent with the actual 1914 Cracker Jack Matty subject, it also presents subtle differences. This should come as no surprise because in numerous instances, the original photos selected for pre-WW1 cards were selected as only "representations" for that particular card's central image, as opposed to being an "exact" copy. Simply stated, an artist would utilize the photo as the "framework" for the card's illustration, and then "touch up" the image by adding subtle changes based on his ultimate "vision". Unquestionably, one can clearly see the image's overall likeness as Mathewson, front knee bent, reaches straight out to deliver one of his tantalizing pitches. Detailed similarities on the Thompson photo include Matty's glove (on left hand)"facing down" by his left knee; a consistent angle of his left thigh, and an extremely similar ruffled uniform directly above his left buttocks. True, while there are some minor differences including Mathewson's right throwing hand (e.g., Matty is holding a ball on the card, not in the photo), we strongly support the notion that an artist did use this miraculous photo to lay the groundwork for the truly iconic lithographic 1914 Cracker Jack Matty pose. Our opinion is also based on the premise that, to the best of our knowledge, there is no other known image even remotely resembling the 1914 Cracker Jack Matty with this world-class photo conceivably utilized as the visual inspiration of this truly iconic card.

The actual photo measures 5" x 7" and is in superb condition. Depicting super eye pleasing sepia-toned hues, you can literally feel the "Christian Gentleman's" intensity as he has just released another one of his un-hittable pitches. The classic central image has eluded any obtrusive flaws with only a diminutive vertical mark situated on the upper white border above Matty's period style N.Y. Giants cap. The verso reveals the critical Paul Thompson credit stamp and the photo is accompanied by a Full PSA Type 1 LOA. Mathewson's unbridled niche in the hobby has rightfully earned his eclectic keepsakes resounding bragging rights, primarily due to his status as one of our National Pastime's greatest all-time pitchers. Of all his legendary feats, NONE could possibly compare to his 3 shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1905 World Series; virtually single-handedly leading the New York Giants to their first 20th century championship and prompting Athletics manager Connie Mack to eloquently state: "Christy Mathewson is the greatest pitcher I've ever seen. It was a pleasure to watch him pitch when he wasn't pitching against you." Therefore, it comes as little surprise that a "Big Six" museum worthy rarity such as this possible "one of a kind" 1914 Cracker Jack illustration will forever stand as one of the hobby's elusive treasures.

Matty's 373 victories stands tall as the highest National League mark (tied with Grover Alexander), and was famous for his virtually un-hittable fade away pitch (more commonly called the screwball). For 12 consecutive seasons (1903 1914) he won 20+ games (4 of those seasons exceeded 30 wins); ably assisting the New York Giants to 4 pennants and that one aforementioned 1905 world championship when he posted his "unbreakable" record of 3 World Series shutouts. He was the game's first "National Hero" with a super human, god like persona that immensely propelled "dead-ball" era baseball to America's Pastime. This seemingly endless list of incredible superlatives substantiates why his rare memorabilia continues to receive outstanding recognition, with virtually no illustration more desirable than this likely 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson photo. Even more impressive is the fact that the '14 Cracker Jack Matty subject is currently realizing record setting prices each and every day, with PSA 1 and SGC 3 examples recently fetching "off the chart" $50K+ and $78K sales, respectively. Considering there are approximately 45-50 PSA and SGC encapsulated specimens for the collecting community choose from, we cannot even begin to speculate as to the true value of a "one of a kind" image related to this immortal card. To reiterate, this miraculous offering certainly appears to be the "one and only" photo directly linked to the 1914 Cracker Jack Matty, with no other known image surfacing to date as a potential prototype for this hallowed subject!

MIN BID $10,000
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