(LOT 98)
1911 Jim Thorpe's Carlisle Football Team PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Hensel Studio Photo – Measures Approx. 9-1/4" x 7"
TYPE 1 THORPE!!!... The great James Francis Thorpe will forever reside as one of the greatest all-around athletes in world history, with this Native American excelling in various Olympic track and field events as well as professional baseball and football. In 1950, the Associated Press named Thorpe the world's greatest athlete and placed him third in their 1999 all-century vote. Thorpe won gold medals for both the pentathlon and decathlon events in the 1912 Olympics and played major league baseball from 1913–1919 for John McGraw's Giants, Cincinnati and Boston. He ended his MLB career in 1919 with the Braves, posting a stellar .327 batting average before moving on in 1920 to play professional football with the Canton Bulldogs.

His gifted athletic ability would first be put on the grand stage in 1907, when for Carlisle College, he dominated in various track & field events, such to the point that legendary coach Pop Warner was tentative on allowing Thorpe to throw his hat into the injury-laden gridiron ring. Thorpe quickly convinced Warner he had no reason to worry after running through the defense virtually untouched in numerous practices, flipping Warner the football while confidently stating, "Nobody is going to tackle Jim!" Ultimately becoming a first-team All-American running back, placekicker and punter in 1911 and 1912, Thorpe led Carlisle to an 11-1 record in 1911. The 1912 campaign would see Thorpe score 27 touchdowns and 224 points, leading Carlisle to a national championship. As a grand testament to Thorpe's sensational collegiate career, presented here is an extremely rare and significant 1911 Carlisle football team PSA Type 1 photo issued by Hensel Studio. Boasting awe-inspiring aesthetics, Thorpe is situated in the front row on the far left, donning his Carlisle football attire.

Breathtaking contrast and clarity steal the show, with this 9-1/4" x 7" masterpiece eluding any obtrusive obverse side surface flaws over the past 113 years. For full disclosure, notable imperfections include some typical manual edge trimming and numerous black remnants situated along the verso's perimeter due to scrapbook removal. As a final exclamation point, a critical "HENSEL – ‘11" white caption is situated near the lower right quadrant, with this museum-worthy marvel turning back the clock to an era when the immortal Jim Thorpe was embarking on an athletic career for the ages! - All 12 players are listed as follows: BACK ROW: Powell; Deitz; Wheelock; Bergie – MIDDLE ROW: Roberts; Newashe; Bird; Welch; Busch – FRONT ROW: Thorpe; Arcasa; Jordan.

MIN BID $1,500
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