(LOT 1240)
Magnificent c.1910s Ty Cobb PSA Type I Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo - Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8"
GEORGIA PEACH!!! The immortal Tyrus Raymond Cobb will forever be considered as one of the greatest all-around players to ever grace a baseball diamond, and this remarkable PSA encapsulated c.1910s Paul Thompson Type 1 "Georgia Peach" portrait photo stands as one of the finest known images of the legendary batsman. Atypical for any Cobb pose, the fiery icon portrays a seldom seen good-natured grin, with most of Cobb's uniform related images depicting a stern expression that more typically defined his fiery temperament.

Taken during the height of Cobb's incomparable career, from the first day Cobb put on his Detroit Tigers uniform in 1905, he displayed an unparalleled thirst for being the "best of the best." In 1906, he batted an impressive .316, the first of an unfathomable 23 consecutive years of exceeding the esteemed .300 benchmark. Throughout his extraordinary 24 seasons, he led the American League in batting average a record 12 years including an incredible nine consecutive years from 1907 through 1915! He also happened to exceed the exalted .400 mark three times, with all of the above totaling to an unimaginable .366 lifetime average that still resides as our National Pastime's finest all-time mark. No wonder the baseball writers selected Cobb as a near unanimous 1936 charter member to the newly formed Hall of Fame, one of only five players to achieve Cooperstown charter member stature.

Aside from the unparalleled iconic image and near-immaculate resolution, what makes this photo extra special is that it originates from the renowned photographer Paul Thompson. Along with Horner, Bain, Van Oyen, Conlon and Burke, Paul Thompson resides as one of baseball's foremost photographers with his original photos realizing extremely high premiums versus inferior Type I News Service pictures. This approximate 6-1/2" x 8" masterpiece is the perfect testament to Thompson's uncanny ability, as he has remarkably captured Cobb in an ultra-rare moment of tranquility and good spirit. Hands on hips, the revered outfielder is donning his period-style Detroit uniform and cap, with the breathtaking black & white central image revealing fine clarity and contrast. For full disclosure, there is a vertical hairline wrinkle that extends from the top to lower edge (to the left of Cobb).

Some additional negligible blemishes include scattered surface abrasions/emulsion in the upper left quadrant that do not impede the breathtaking Tyrus central pose. The flipside reveals the critical "PAUL THOMPSON" credit stamp, as well as some stray marks, including a "1912" pencil notation that leads us to believe Thompson might have taken this world-class image the year Cobb won his sixth straight batting crown via his unfathomable .409 batting average and 226 safeties. Standing tall as one of the more imposing first-generation Ty Cobb illustrations issued early in his legendary career, this museum worthy "Georgia Peach" masterpiece truly merits a final resting place in one of the hobby's most esteemed photo gatherings!

MIN BID $1,000