(LOT 81)
Extraordinary c.1957 Jim Brown Rookie Card PSA Type l Encapsulated Image Used for His Iconic 1958 Topps #62 Rookie Subject - Henry M. Barr Studios – Measures Approx. 8" x 10" - PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
The past several years has seen the photo market literally "explode" with regard to the desirability and value of some of the hobby's most hallowed images. Synonymous with the lucrative card industry, it certainly appears that the most sought-after photos are those that portray the EXACT image utilized for that player's legendary rookie card. Several blockbuster rookie card photo sales serve as an irrefutable testament for this philosophy with images of the iconic 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle ($72K) and 1965 Joe Namath ($66K) inaugural cards fetching extraordinary price tags! Indeed, the floodgates have opened for iconic photos, and it is Memory Lane's distinct pleasure to now offer one of those remarkable rookie card photos, an absolutely miraculous c.1957 Jim Brown 8" x 10" illustration that was the exact image used for his renowned 1958 Topps rookie card.

Recently encapsulated by the prestigious PSA Company, it has been deemed an ironclad Type 1 photo, and to the best of our knowledge, stands as the first Jim Brown original rookie photo offered at a public auction in quite some time. The incomparable "hype" over any Hall of Fame rookie card runs ramped throughout the hobby, for it is any HOF player's inaugural card that is a "must-have" for any serious enthusiast. Fortunately for card collectors, there are typically an abundance of these cards to choose from during the post-WWII era, with the COMNINED PSA and SGC population reports listing a lofty 4,400+ 1958 Topps #62 Jim Brown examples. However, regarding Brown's existing rookie card photos, this just happens to be the only one we have ever come across, and while there may certainly be a few others residing in private collections, at the present time this world-class offering possibly suffices as a "one of a kind" masterpiece.

The remarkable mystique behind any superior Jim Brown rookie-ear collectible stems from his unparalleled prowess in carrying a pigskin as he rumbled thru opposing defenses. If you surveyed a myriad of football historians, most would concede that legendary Cleveland Brown superstar Jim Brown was the greatest running back in NFL history. Red Grange, Bronco Nagurski, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, etc.; name them all and virtually all enthusiasts would concur, NONE were as good as the immortal Jim Brown. The finest at his position, Brown was virtually unstoppable, even with the best defenses keying on him for 60 minutes every Sunday afternoon. It is for this reason that avid grid-iron hobbyists actively pursue his most coveted artifacts, with nearly none more desirable than this incredible 1958 Topps rookie card Type 1 photo.

This Jim Brown marvel depicts a spine-tingling black & white central image that collectors are so familiar with from Brown's 1958 Topps #62 rookie subject. Emanating near-immaculate aesthetics, the well-centered illustration reflects crystal-clear clarity and sensational contrast, with Brown donning his legendary #32 jersey as he gracefully carries the football in his right arm/hand. A number of scattered creases/wrinkles are extremely light, situated along several of the borders, the top-center of the image (from the border to the top of Brown's head) and in the upper left quadrant. Additionally, for full disclosure, there are several black notations on the right and upper borders, as well as a faint soiling spot situated above Brown's right shoulder pad. The final exclamation point is the critical HENRY M. BARR Studios credit stamp affixed to the flipside that also includes several stray notations and a partly torn newspaper caption.

To reiterate, while anyone can easily locate a copy of Jim Brown's exalted 1958 Topps rookie card, finding the exact image used for that hallowed #62 subject is a near-impossible task. You can therefore understand the sheer excitement we felt when our esteemed consignor presented us with this Jim Brown photo that had been buried "behind closed doors" for a seemingly infinite amount of time. Similar to Brown's pinnacle stature as pro-football's finest all-time running back, it now amazingly surfaces for the taking as one of the hobby's premier photos, a simple final bid away from being the centerpiece of your elite collection. Regarding a realistic value projection, due to its paucity level possibly standing at a "unique" plateau, we cannot even begin to estimate a number and will gracefully defer to you, the sophisticated collector, to ultimately determine its true worth! - PSA Type I Encapsulation

MIN BID $7,500
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