(LOT 1046)
c.1930 Lou Gehrig Signed Original Type 1 Thorne Studios Photo w/Gordan "Dusty" Rhodes & Waite Hoyt Measures Approx. 8" x 10" - Full PSA/DNA LOA
This sensational Thorne original Type 1 photo just happens to have been signed by the Yankees immortal Hall of Fame first sacker Lou Gehrig! Neatly inscribed in purple ink across his warmup "three-quarter" sleeve shirt and portraying 5/6 strength, it appears the image was taken at a March Spring Training event. Gehrig is standing on the left side, hands on hips, next to teammates Gordan "Dusty" Rhodes and Hall of Fame twirler Waite Hoyt. While barely invisible to the naked eye, a second Lou Gehrig signature is affixed beneath his aforementioned 5/6 strength purple ink script as well as a similar extremely light Dusty Rhodes autograph situated by the journeyman hurler. For ironclad authenticity, a full PSA/DNA LOA accompanies the photo, clearly stating the image includes 2 Gehrig autographs as well as the Rhodes signature.

Since Rhodes only played with the Yankees from 1929 thru early 1932 (he was traded to the Red Sox in early 1932 after winning only one game for the Yankees), it only leaves a 3-year window for its original production date. One of the renowned 1920's/30's photographers (along with Conlon, Thompson, Bain and Burke), Thorne studios was utilized by the New York Yankees in the later 20's and early 30's to capture some of the finest images of this world-class team. Many of Thorne's photos included Ruth and Gehrig, and similar to this classic offering, measured 8" x 10". The image itself depicts breathtaking contrast and crystal-clear clarity as the three Yankees take a "breather" during spring training. Most significantly, Gehrig is donning his classic Yankee pinstriped pantaloons and workout shirt, with his period style glove affixed to his right hand. The aforementioned purple script is clearly legible and other than some negligible toning/soiling alone the lower edge, no glaring flaws are evident. The final compliment is the critical Thorne credit stamp affixed to the verso that irrefutably places this as a Type 1 photo. True, while the image emanates spectacular aesthetics, it is the neat Lou Gehrig script that steals the show.

Due to his tragic ALS illness that led to his untimely death at the tender age of 37, Gehrig signed Type 1 photos are few and far between, especially during the late 20's/early 30's. When one surfaces such as this museum worthy masterpiece, enthusiasts "jump" at the opportunity to seize them due to Gehrig's unparalleled legacy. His "farewell address" on July 4, 1939 before a Yankee Stadium "packed house" will forever be considered our National Pastime's "Gettysburg Address", and his uncanny hitting prowess that led to 493 round-trippers and a lifetime .340 batting average place him as one of the top five sluggers in baseball history. A fitting tribute to Gehrig's immortal standing, it resides as one of the "Iron Horse's" grandeur keepsakes, rekindling thoughts of how this "giant of a man" terrorized pitchers for 13 seasons to the tune of 2,130 consecutive games! - Full PSA/DNA LOA

MIN BID $1,000
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