(LOT 134)
Circa 1910's Honus Wagner Type 1 Photograph 6 1/2x4 1/2 PSA/DNA LOA
Presented here is a remarkable c.1910's Honus Wagner black & white with the immortal Pirates shortstop leaning slightly forward and holding his colossal lumber in his right hand. Taken by the renowned Keystone View Co. and measuring approximately 4-1/2" x 6-1/2", this extremely rare original image is accompanied by a full PSA Type I LOA. Wagner's immense popularity in the memorabilia circuit stems from his unparalleled T206 subject that continues to reside as the hobby's "Holy Grail". The legendary stature of this tobacco card marvel has escalated the desirability and value of his other vintage artifacts including autographs and photos.
Due to the aforementioned prestige of his T206 subject, Wagner's "on the field" exploits are sometimes overlooked, with the raw-boned shortstop capturing an amazing eight N.L. batting titles to the tune of a .325 lifetime batting average. In 17 seasons, he compiled 3,420 hits and 723 stolen bases, with his career highlight the 1909 World Series when his Pirates bested Ty Cobb's Tigers in seven games; the only time these two baseball giants would ever meet as foes on a baseball diamond. Pre-1920 images of this 1936 Hall of Fame charter member are highly coveted by the hobby's most esteemed collectors and this museum worthy marvel certainly falls in that elite category. Wagner's possibly "unique" pose is an image we have never seen before as the "Flying Dutchman" slightly leans forward holding his period style bat.
Emanating crystal clear clarity, you can see his avid fan base in the background as well as a small section of the grandstands in the upper right quadrant. The only noteworthy flaw is an extremely diminutive 1/8" tear along the right edge, with a majority of this "timeless" photo eluding any glaring blemishes and the verso revealing the critical "Keystone View Co." stamp. Truly residing as one of Wagner's rarest poses, it represents a player who definitively stands as baseball's all-time shortstop, effectively transcending time back to a by-gone era when Honus Wagner was the National League's irrefutable foremost player! - Full PSA Type I LOA
MIN BID $500