(LOT 9)
Unique 1908 Chicago Cubs World Series 14K & Diamond Pendant
RARE PENDANT!!! By the beginning of the 20th century, the Chicago Cubs had already captured seven National League pennants including the first ever NL title in 1876. That season Chicago pitcher Al Spalding posted an unprecedented 47-12 record as the hitters, led by Cap Anson (.356), Ross Barnes (.429) and John Peters (.351), compiled a .337 team batting average over their 66-game schedule. The Chicago White Stockings (the original name of the Chicago cubs) were one of eight charter teams to represent the NL along with teams from Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, New York, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville. But Chicago ruled the roost capturing NL pennants in 1880, 1881, 1882, 1885 & 1886.

They were the team to beat! Upon the establishments of the American League and the World Series in 1901 and 1903, respectively, the Cubs continued their dominance and captured the 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1910 NL pennants and two World Series titles in '07 & '08. Led by the double-play making machine of Frank Chance, Johnny Evers and Joe Tinker and the superior pitching of Orval Overall (23-7) and Mordecai Brown (20-6), the Cubs dispatched the Ty Cobb-led Detroit Tigers in 1907 four games to one to win their first World Series title. In 1908, they repeated as champions topping the Tigers for a second straight year four games to one. Sadly, that would be the last Chicago Cubs championship of the 20th century and they would not quash the "curse" until 2016. But Cubs fans never gave up with the eternal hopes of "wait 'til next year".

Presented is a virtual one-of-a-kind charm pendant/locket celebrating the Chicago Cubs' 1908 championship season. This ultra-unique bauble, measuring approximately 1-3/8" in diameter, features the Northsiders beloved mascot, "Cubbie Bear", with two gleaming reddish/pink gemstones for eyes as he grasps a circular European cut (.3 carat) diamond between his paws below. This antique diamond was common during the Art Deco period and the predecessor to the modern round brilliant cut diamond. (Appraisal included from the Manny Gordon Trading L.L.C. testifying to clarity and white color of the central diamond.) Quite unlike the opulent and garish championship rings and jewelry commonplace in today's professional sports jewelry, this understated 14K gold pendant/locket simple states, around the perimeter, "World's Champions" with "1908" underneath the smiling bear. Considering our research has yet to locate any EXACT examples, we surmise that this is likely a piece that a player had produced for his wife or sweetheart, thus accounting for the uniqueness of modeling, construction and design, though we cannot specifically track its origin. We believe this period adornment was produced for a particular someone, but was not a "team-issued" gem given the scarcity of similar examples and the fact that the tradition of "earning a ring" did not emerge until years later.

This amazing 14K charm displays minimal wear on the face, with light touches at the periphery in the form of tiny nicks and abrasions, as expected from more than of century of display. Most likely originally produced as a pendant, the reverse has a locket compartment that was possibly added as an additional feature. The back of the pendant itself displays some scratches as if a child attempted to carve his/her initials into the gold and the hinged locket door also presents similar marks. The locket door (when closed) shows signs of moderate pocket wear. Whether or not the ultimate winner of this exceptionally rare 1908 Chicago Cubs World Championship chooses to remove the locket back and restore the pendant to its original form, this one-of-a-kind, handmade charm pendant deserves the utmost attention and a place in the finest of jewelry collections. Cubs fan or not, this is an historic artifact from one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball history. Early 20th century bling rarely surfaces in the hobby, especially handcrafted keepsakes, so don't "wait 'til next year". This wonderfully attractive piece honoring the Cubs history is worthy of a spot in Cooperstown. Certificate of Appraisal provided by Manny Gordon Trading, L.L.C. certifying the precious metals and gemstone.

MIN BID $2,500
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