This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/4/2014
Presented is one of the more eclectic and assuredly rare display items we have ever handled. As the Boston Braves were being toasted in every town in New England, both Joe Lannin and Bill Carrigan were determined to not only regain their status as the top team in Boston, but also in the American League. Despite winning 91 games and playing solid ball in 1914, the Sox were well behind the 99-win Philadelphia Athletics, but not many changes seemed necessary to have a chance at the title in 1915. Talk that spring centered around the "million dollar" pitching staff. Babe Ruth, Ray Collins, Ernie Shore, Rube Foster, Dutch Leonard, former 20 game winner Vean Gregg, rookie Carl Mays and Joe Wood all vied for spots. Things didn't look good for Joe Wood. In an innovative attempt to lure fans at Fenway Park, Joe Lannin undertook one of the first media campaigns in sports history. During spring training he hired George Murray to take photographs and motion pictures. The movies were screened for free across New England. Newspaper accounts lauded Lannin for his innovation, and for the unprecedented inside look at the workings of a major league baseball club. The featured collectible is the same image as the exceptionally scarce 1915 Boston Red Sox leather premium display piece featuring the team image of the 1915 World Champion Boston Red Sox. Surrounding the team photo are (4) oval vignettes which differs from the presentation on the leather, included are Speaker, Hooper, Carrigan, and Lewis. Interestingly Babe Ruth is not featured on this exceptionally rare item as the team image was most likely captured either early in the year or at a time when Ruth wasn't with the team. Although issued utilizing the same team image as the previously noted 1915 Leather, I have never seen the ornate silk pillowcase offered in any auction at at a show in my long tenured time in the hobby. As well I have discussed this item with other well respected members of our hobby and none of them have ever encountered an item like this (that's not to say that another example doesn't exist because I surely believe that it does, I'm simply stating that I haven't personally been aware of another copy)The item as relayed to me was found in the original mailing box in a warehouse in San Francisco in the 1980's and remains in nearly the same condition as it was manufactured in. Although not the most colorful of presentations it does have an immense amount of charisma and grab to it with a antique opaque white interior that houses the team picture as well as the four vignette images, surrounded by a brownish golden fringe that encompasses the entire exterior. The item is stunningly captured and held within a tremendous frame that creates a feast for the senses. One of the more impressive display items I have ever encountered and one that should be included in the finest of collections!