This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/4/2014
Remembered for his late season 9th inning homer in 1938 to put the Chicago Cubs in first place over the Pittsburgh Pirates, catcher Charles "Gabby" Hartnett was selected for Cooperstown in 1955. Before his induction, Hartnett's bat and catcher's mask were the first two artifacts to be sent to the Hall of Fame when it opened its doors in 1938. Offered here is a dazzling 1933 Goudey specimen depicting Hartnett in a remarkably well-centered image, with stunning clarity and vivid color schematics. The reverse shows bold green ink with a hint of a wet sheet transfer. A tiny bit of wear to the lower right corner prevents a higher grade, but overall visual appeal is tremendous and to date, just four examples have graded higher.