Lot # 106: Spectacular c.1930’s Original Type I George Burke Lou Gehrig Photo – Measures 8” x 10” - PSA Type I LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Sizzling Summer Rarities Auction 2019",
which ran from 7/24/2019 11:00 AM to
8/10/2019 7:00 PM




(LOT 106)
Spectacular c.1930's Original Type I George Burke Lou Gehrig Photo – Measures 8" x 10" - PSA Type I LOA

Presented here is an extraordinary 1930's Lou Gehrig 8 x 10 George Burke Type I photo that stands as one of the finest preserved Burke photos extant! category. To clearly understand the magnitude of this museum worthy masterpiece, we feel it necessary to offer some general information with respect to the stature of George Burke and the history of some of baseball's renowned photographers. Baseball's iconic turn of the century photographer was, undoubtedly, the famous Carl Horner whose myriad of player portrait photos helped paved the way for a seemingly infinite number of cardboard images issued during baseball's dead-ball era. Following in his footsteps were elite photographers such as Charles Conlon, Paul Thompson and George Grantham Bain, with their popular photos fetching in the neighborhood of five figures plus, in some instances. In the 1920's, a new flamboyant photographer by the name of George Burke began to "steal the show", and through the 1930's it was Burke who established himself as baseball's premier photographer.

Photo enthusiasts scramble to seize Burke's most popular images, including classic poses of legends such as Ruth, Gehrig, Hornsby, Foxx, Grove, etc. Like Carl Horner, whose portrait images of Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Christy Mathewson (just to name a few) are forever embellished in the minds of avid fans and card enthusiasts, there are a number of Burke photos so sanctified, they literally transcend time. One of those iconic Burke images photos is this classic Lou Gehrig "portrait/bust" matte finish photo depicting the immortal Yankee legend with a soft, graceful smile as he leans "left arm over right". Normally, most Burke photos range from approximately 3" x 5" to 5" x 7", with even 6" x 8" examples seldom seen, let alone an 8" x 10" masterpiece such as this grand offering that depicts the classic portrait pose of the legendary "Iron Horse".

The technical condition of this classic photo is Near Mint+, with the overall aesthetics bordering on mint-like quality. The crystal-clear focus and contrast border on perfection, projecting Gehrig's archetypal smile with "real life" radiance, and the flawless-like matte finish provides a pristine quality equal to its original production date some 80/85 years ago. The clear white borders are super clean, no major surface blemishes are evident, and the fine perimeter edging includes four near-immaculate curved corners. The reverse side blank back boldly depicts the critical George Burke purple ink stamp reading "GEO. BURKE 847 BELMONT AVE. CHICAGO" with only some moderate toning/soiling situated near the upper edge. The legacy of Henry Louis Gehrig is un-paralleled in baseball history. Tragically, his incredible career was cut short by the deadly "ALS" disease that claimed his life at the tender young age of 37.

Yet, with all of his "on the field" accomplishments, he will always be best remembered for his 2,130-consecutive game streak, accounting for his sanctified "Iron Horse" nickname. Furthermore, his incomparable "Luckiest Man On The Face Of The Earth" farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 will forever reside as our National Pastime's Gettysburg Address. Unquestionably, Lou Gehrig's story personifies him as the ultimate embodiment of courage, leaving an indelible mark on the game itself that will stand the test of time. It is for all these reasons that elite enthusiasts painstakingly pursue his hallowed collectibles, with this original George Burke 8' x 10" museum worthy masterpiece a magnificent candidate as the centerpiece attraction for any world-class Lou Gehrig gathering! - Full PSA/DNA Type I LOA

MIN BID $1,000
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