This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2021
On August 2, 1907, a young man later described by Frank Graham as “beyond doubt, the greatest pitcher that ever scuffed a rubber with his spikes” made his big-league debut for the Washington Senators, losing a 3-2 decision to the pennant-bound Detroit Tigers. The great Ty Cobb admitted his fastball “made me flinch” and “hissed with danger.” By the time he hung up his spikes 20 years later, Walter Johnson had recorded statistics which seem beyond belief — 417 wins and 279 losses, 3,509 strikeouts, 110 shutouts, 12 20-win seasons, 11 seasons with an earned run average below 2.00, and what seems almost incomprehensible a century later, 531 complete games in 666 starts. But, as superlative as his pitching record was, in Shirley Povich’s words, “Walter Johnson, more than any other ballplayer, probably more than any other athlete, professional or amateur, became the symbol of gentlemanly conduct in the heat of battle. Tuxedo Tobacco advertising signs have always been revered by collectors for their majestic display value, extraordinary rarity, and for the great stars they feature. Each of the three full-color advertising signs in this series is universally recognized as among the most spectacular and desirable of all 1910-era baseball advertising displays. Even the most advanced collections have rarely included more than one of these three Tuxedo baseball advertising signs. To the best of our knowledge, only one other complete set of all three signs has ever been assembled. While all three Tuxedos are extremely rare, the Walter Johnson sign is particularly rare, with only three or four examples known to exist. The full-color display measures 21" wide by 11" tall and proudly sports a wonderful rendering of "the Big Train" in his prime, along with a testimonial from Johnson stating, "it is the best tobacco I have ever smoked," just above a facsimile signature. The featured collectible does benefit from a tremendously well done job of professional restoration namely along the edges as well as some in-painting that allows the item to project stunningly well. A rare chance to add this exceptionally difficult piece to any advanced collection.