Lot # 12: Magnificent 1936 Lou Gehrig Signed PSA Type I Encapsulated Photo Image Taken from the Famous 1936 Mid-Week Pictorial Photo Shoot - Measures Approx. 8” x 10” – PSA/DNA

Category: Autographs

Starting Bid: $2,000.00

Bids: 12 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "20th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 9/18/2020 4:30 PM to
10/10/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 12)
Magnificent 1936 Lou Gehrig Signed PSA Type I Encapsulated Photo - Wide World Photos Studio – Image Taken from the Famous 1936 Mid-Week Pictorial Photo Shoot - Measures Approx. 8" x 10" – PSA/DNA 8 Auto Grade

Presented is a collectible that far exceeds the expectations of any elite enthusiast, an extraordinary 1936 Lou Gehrig 8" x 10" glossy PSA Type I portrait photo signed by the immortal New York Yankee 1st baseman Lou Gehrig! Scripted in bold black fountain pen, even more significant is that while the autograph has been rewarded a rather harsh PSA NM/MT 8 assessment, it is clearly obvious that the complete salutation presents itself in Mint 9 strength. It is no secret that Lou Gehrig's tranquil personality led to many of his signatures being extremely light, which is certainly not the case with this museum worthy masterpiece. The entire inscription boldly reads as follows: "To Jerry – May our secrets never be divulged – Cordially Lou Gehrig", and while we unfortunately cannot provide any details as to who "Jerry" actually was, based on the obvious personal content of Lou's notation, he must have been a friend of the immortal "Iron Horse".

Any signed Gehrig image is highly coveted by the hobby's most esteemed enthusiasts, let alone one that has been deemed an original 8" x 10" PSA Type 1 photo issued from the illustrious Wide World Photos Studio (at the time, a photo division of the New York Times) As a final "superlative", this captivating keepsake was taken during the renowned 1936 studio photo shoot for Lou Gehrig's front cover appearance on the prestigious "Mid-Week Pictorial" magazine (subscriber to the N.Y. Times), for which a classic batting pose was eventually selected. While not utilized for the magazine, one of the images taken during that photo shoot just happened to be this imposing sepia-toned Lou Gehrig portrait illustration that depicts the immortal Yankees captain with a gentle "lips-closed" smile as he dons his period-style white collared shirt. The overall presentation of this exalted offering is nothing short of breathtaking as Gehrig's striking pose and accompanying bold black jet ink inscription simply dominate the show. Well-centered between four relatively clean borders, the glossy surface has miraculously eluded any obtrusive flaws, surviving the past 84-years with only a few stray wrinkles that do not even remotely impede the enthralling central image.

As hobbyists are well aware of, Henry Louis Gehrig's incredible career was tragically cut short by the deadly "ALS" disease (more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) which took his life at the young age of 37. Yet, with all of his "on the field" accomplishments including 493 round trippers, a .340 lifetime batting average, almost 2000 RBI's and a staggering 13 consecutive seasons in which he "knocked in" over 100 runs, he will always be best remembered for his 2,130 consecutive game streak, accounting for his sacred "Iron Horse" nickname. Furthermore, his incomparable farewell "Luckiest Man on The Face of The Earth" speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 will forever stand as our National Pastime's Gettysburg Address. He was the quiet hero, simply going about his business with a steadfast purpose that the mention of his hallowed name inspires a still tranquility amongst his vast following.

It was Gehrig's gentleness and consummate professionalism that makes him one of baseball's greatest heroes ever, justifying why advanced autograph and photo collectors actively seek his obscure signature and prominent Type 1 photos. Unfortunately, due to his untimely death, there simply aren't enough autographs to accommodate the prolific collecting community. Moreover, a significant number of existing Gehrig signatures are rather "faint", a direct reflection of his "laid back" personality that is certainly NOT the case with this ultra-bold Gehrig script that has been affixed to a genuine PSA Type 1 photo. In closing, this signed Gehrig photo represents a baseball immortal that even some 80 years after his tragic death, is still the recipient of a Nation's unconditional love and admiration. The unique combination of his superior batting achievements and, more significantly, Gehrig defining the ultimate embodiment of courage, have earned him unparalleled stature among the hobby's elite collectors. Need we say more for the "Iron Horse" truly left an indelible mark on the game itself, and his heroism will forever place him amongst Cooperstown's most prominent inductees!

MIN BID $2,000
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