(LOT 226)
Extremely Scarce Lou Gehrig Signed Portrait Bust Artwork – PSA 10 GEM MINT Autograph Grade!
GEM MINT GEHRIG AUTO!!!... Presented here is an ultra-rare Lou Gehrig signed artwork that has been encapsulated by the illustrious PSA Company and awarded the pinnacle PSA 10 GEM MINT assessment. The classic Lou Gehrig portrait illustration has been drawn in what appears to be graphite pencil. In his typical goodwill nature, the Iron Horse has included a personal salutation, scripting: "With Kindest Regards – Lou Gehrig" in bold black fountain pen within the lower right quadrant, and an "8/16/34" date resides beneath the hallowed autograph. The stoic portrait pose literally "stops traffic", fixating any of its viewers to a player that solidified the unparalleled combination of skill, leadership and courage. In the lower left quadrant, a very accurate caption has been written in pencil, reading "The BEST FIRST BASEMAN THAT EVER LIVED – LOU GEHRIG", and no truer words were ever spoken since Gehrig easily stands as our National Pastime's finest all-time first sacker. Interestingly enough, the verso's lower region reveals a pencil written request for Gehrig to sign this esteemed artwork, reading as follows: "Dear Mr. Gehrig, If you'll autograph this immediately above the lettering that I have on the drawing, I'll appreciate your thoughtfulness, Thanks – Gil McInerny".

Gil has also penciled his name in the upper right quadrant on the obverse side, adding "Manhattan College – New Y." For full disclosure, condition-related issues include a tack hole at the upper center, some edge chipping along the lower right and left corner, and a rather faint horizontal fold that runs directly beneath the Yankees insignia on Gehrig's period style cap. Ironically, the year this image was originally drawn would be the campaign that Gehrig would capture the 1934 American League Triple Crown. Due to the ill effects of the deadly ALS disease that tragically claimed his life on June 2, 1941 at the tender age of 37, as well as his rather light writing style, signed Gehrig artifacts sporting a "10 GEM MINT" grade are near-impossible to find, further substantiating this offering's world class stature. The Iron Horse's immortal place in baseball history will forever be defined by his sanctified "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech before a packed Yankee Stadium house on July 4, 1939; standing tall as our National Pastime's true "Gettysburg Address". That, coupled with Gehrig's remarkable diamond achievements, places this uniquely scripted "10" Gehrig artwork as a collectable worthy of a final resting place in the finest autograph collection!

MIN BID $1,500
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