(LOT 933)
Pre-1940 Joe DiMaggio Signed Photo Issued From an Original 1930's George Burke Image - Originally Part of the Joe DiMaggio Collection - Full PSA/DNA LOA
One of the most prestigious pre-war baseball photographers was George Burke, who did the famous batting photoshoot for Joe DiMaggio's 1940/'41 Play Ball cards as well as his highly popular R312 1936 Rookie card. While not the exact image from either of those three aforementioned cards, presented here is an extraordinary 5" x 7" Joe DiMaggio pre-1940 vintage silver gelatin batting image from that 1930's "Joltin Joe" photoshoot and signed by the Yankee Clipper prior to 1940! Indeed, the "bold black fountain pen "Best Wishes – J. DiMaggio" script vertically inscribed on his period-style uniform is an obvious late 1930's script, depicting "8/9" strength.

This "Joe D." image stands as one of his most renowned illustrations, and the fact that his pre-1940 signature is boldly affixed to this timeless masterpiece places it as a world-class memento for any elite enthusiast. For full disclosure, it should be noted that the photo is not a Type 1 image since it is a silver gelatin image issued from one of George Burke's original die-cut photos (by PSA standards, technically speaking a Type 3 image). However, there is no doubt the photo is period issued via the legendary script of Joe DiMaggio that virtually never appears on any of his 1930's illustrations. While a number of stray wrinkles are evident, the blank back image has managed to retain outstanding eye appeal, with DiMaggio's hallowed batting pose defying "Father Time".

Taken during the period when the new-born star was in the midst of leading the Yankees to four consecutive World Series titles, you can literally feel the intensity of DiMaggio's powerful swing that prompted both Willie Mays and Ted Williams to state: "I have never seen someone swing so hard so consistently without missing the baseball!" Their assessment was certainly accurate for DiMaggio only fanned 369 times in 13 seasons for a measly average of 28 strikeouts per season, with his immortal 1941 season only producing a microscopic like 13 strikeouts! One of the finest 1930's DiMaggio signed images extant, it would make a fine addition to any advanced autograph collection! – Full PSA/DNA LOA

MIN BID $300

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