(LOT 967)
Joe DiMaggio Signed George Burke R312 Rookie Card Image - PSA/DNA Encapsulated "Mint 9" Autograph
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 in early 1936. Presented here is one of those superb 4" x 6" Joe DiMaggio George Burke images used for "Joltin Joe's" iconic R312 Rookie Card, and most significantly, boldly signed by the great Yankee Clipper! Indeed, the imposing blue fine-sharpie "Joe DiMaggio" script positioned across his period-style pantaloons has been appropriately deemed a "Mint 9" autograph by the illustrious PSA/DNA Authentication team. This "Joe D." image stands as one of his most renowned illustrations, and while it is a shutter or two off from the 1940/1941 Play Ball card images, it stands as a dead-on" match for his inaugural 1936 R312 subject. The extremely well-centered illustration reveals no obtrusive surface flaws, with DiMaggio's hallowed batting pose defying "Father Time".

The final compliment is the verso's critical "GEO. BURKE – 847 BELMONT AVE. – CHICAGO" credit stamp, with the image originally struck by the iconic Burke. It would make perfect sense that Burke latched himself to the immortal DiMaggio at the start of the 1936 season. Ultimately, this new-born star was in the midst of leading the Yankees to four consecutive World Series titles, and 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 DiMaggio signed images you will ever come across; it would make an outstanding addition to any advanced autograph collection! – PSA/DNA Encapsulated "Mint 9" Autograph

MIN BID $0
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