This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/27/2012
Proudly offered is this incredible 20" x 20" Type I - 1st generation original photograph, highlighted by a quartet of all-time greats who, incidentally, are all part of the original 12 members inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame. From left to right are Eddie Collins, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Tris Speaker. The scene appears to be Yankee Stadium in 1928, which happens to be the only year that Collins, Cobb, and Speaker played together as members of Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics. The Yankees and A's finished first and second respectively that year, combining for a whopping 199 total wins between them, with the Yankees ultimately winning the pennant by just 2 1/2 games before going on to their second of back to back Championships. In fact, between 1926 and 1932, one of these two storied franchises represented the American League in the World Series. The offered image, which has been professionally matted and framed to the dimensions of 25" x 25," is captivating beyond normalcy and conjures up thoughts of stories told by my grandfather when I was a child. Even now as I sit in front of my computer in an attempt to describe in detail what is presented before me and I am just as awestruck and dumbfounded as the day I first laid eyes on it. The enormity of the photograph is extraordinary and is trumped only by the 4 subjects so eloquently captured in this extremely significant moment in time. Developed on double-weight matte-finish paper, there are small areas of missing surface stock, most notably at or near all 4 corners and along portions of Ruth's left leg. There is also what appears to be a tiny piece of what looks like caramel, between Ruth and Speaker. These imperfections are mentioned for total accuracy only and seem miniscule in comparison to the overall eye appeal of this Herculean trophy that is destined to be a centerpiece in even the most advanced collection or portfolio. What we are offering is incomparable and rare beyond belief, especially in regards to its physical size and that of the subjects. This is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity that must be taken advantage of. If you're a serious collector, this is the one to own!