 Mastro Auctions sent forklifts far and wide to deposit the company's Premier Catalogs on front porches coast to coast. The auction won't end for a couple of weeks but bids have already topped $2 million. A 1960s Bill Russell game-used jersey is one of the items up for bid in the mammoth sale. Current bid is over $42,000.
700+ pages spread over two catalogues...and that's just for the sports-related items. Mastro Auctions kept its photographers, writers and printer busy with the company's final 2006 sale.
Among the highlights of the Premier Auction are some vintage Hall of Famer Boston Celtics jerseys, a 1952 Mantle in PSA 8 grade, and a 1933 Goudey Lajoie. Mastro recently increased it's buyer's premium to 20% which, when combined with some of the items offered, should make for a busy day for the accountants as well.
Here's a sampling:
Bill Russell Early-1960's Boston Celtics Game Worn Home Jersey
Bill Russell wore this jersey during the years that Celtics championship banners were added and displayed perennially. This cream-colored dureen pullover apparel flaunts the Hall of Famer's since-retired number "6" sewn to the front and back and "CELTICS" arched atop the number on the front. Phenomenal game use is evident on this Boston Garden treasure. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS and Lou Lampson. Minimum bid $20,000.
Bob Cousy Late-1950's Boston Celtics Game Worn Road Jersey
This Boston Celtics road jersey was worn by Bob Cousy, the ultimate point guard, as he helped form the most formidable dynasty in the history of American sport. While the offered garment's wearer makes it enticing, indeed, the fact that it hails from Bill Russell's personal collection gives it all the more appeal. Russell saved jerseys from two players only: himself and Cousy. Cousy wore this green dureen pullover jersey during the late 1950s. The apparel boasts the Hall of Famer's since-retired number "14" sewn to the front and back. In block characters, "BOSTON" is arched atop the number on the front. Solid wear is evident. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS and Lou Lampson. Minimum bid $5,000.
Dave Cowens Mid-1970's Boston Celtics Game Worn Road Jersey
Dave Cowens brought intangibles to the floor that made him one of the game's most complete performers. Cowens wore this Boston Celtics road jersey during his 10-season tenure with the fabled franchise. This green knit pullover garment hails from the middle portion of the Hall of Famer's career (1970-1980) with the Celtics, who were powered to NBA titles in both 1974 and 1976. The jersey features the All-Star's since-retired number "18" sewn to the front and back with "CELTICS" and "COWENS." Solid wear is evident. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS and Lou Lampson. Minimum bid $2,500.
John Havlicek Mid-1970's Boston Celtics Game Worn Home Jersey
The first man in league history to score 1,000-plus points in 16 straight seasons, Havlicek donned this cream-colored knit pullover garment en route to doing so. Promptly hung in the Garden's rafters after his 1978 retirement, "Hondo's" number "17" is sewn to the front and back with "CELTICS" arched atop the front number and "HAVLICEK" applied in similar fashion on the back. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS and Lou Lampson. Minimum bid $2,500.
Wilt Chamberlain 1968 Philadelphia 76ers Home Jersey
Wilt Chamberlain wore this Philadelphia 76ers home jersey during the 1967/68 season. The white dureen pullover jersey boasts Chamberlain's since-retired number "13" sewn to the front and back and "PHILA" arched above the number on the front. The style and tagging date the jersey (which matches earlier 1960's Chamberlain specifications) to the '67/'68 season. The item reveals evidence of moderate wear, with no signs of repair or alteration. LOA from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS and Lou Lampson. Minimum bid $5,000.
George Mikan's NBA 50 Greatest Players Signed Lithograph
Produced in conjunction with the NBA's 50th Anniversary in 1996, this awe-inspiring lithograph was one of an extremely limited number signed during that season's All-Star Game festivities. The majestic 25" x 39" piece displays the likenesses of all 50 NBA legends and, remarkably, 49 of the 50 signatures (Pete Maravich, deceased at the time of printing, is the only missing autograph). The lithograph was limited to just 250 pieces, of which 50 numbered "Field of Dreams" editions were offered to the public.
Originally presented to legend George Mikan (the first man pictured in the fraternity of 50), the Near Mint example ("1/1") was produced on the finest acid-free paper and signed in pencil to preserve its quality. Each hardwood icon signed his own image (with signatures showing "9-10" overall strength). The legends include: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, Rick Barry, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Dave Cowens, Bob Cousy, Bill Cunningham, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, George Gervin, Hal Greer, John Havlicek, Magic Johnson, Sam Jones, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Moses Malone, Kevin McHale, George Mikan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Bill Russell, Isiah Thomas, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Bill Walton, Jerry West, and James Worthy. On the lower right corner, the piece is signed by NBA Commissioner David Stern, as well. LOA from James Spence & Steve Grad/PSA DNA. Minimum bid $5,000.
1948 Bowman #69 George Mikan – PSA MINT 9
Today, 1948 Bowman basketball cards are cherished as early mementos of immortal Hall of Fame players, and important but now-defunct teams. Nowhere is '48 Bowman's mystique more visible and appreciated than in the high-profile rookie card of George Mikan. Just one card like it has ever been graded higher. Minimum bid $5,000.
1969/70 Topps PSA-Graded Complete Set (99) - #3 on PSA Set Registry
Each card has been graded by PSA with a minimum grade of NM-MT 8 and all key cards, including Chamberlain and Alcindor grade MINT 9! With an amazing 8.89 GPA, this blazing representation is in the #3 position on the "Current-Finest" and "All-Time Finest" lists on the PSA Set Registry. Topps rebounded from a 12-year lapse in basketball card production with their 1969/70 basketball issue that is now considered a milestone in the hobby. Graded PSA MINT 9: 83 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 16 cards. Minimum bid $5,000.
1961/62 Fleer PSA-Graded Complete Set (66) - #3 on PSA Set Registry
Presented is a beautifully symmetrical complete 66-card representation of Fleer's 1961/62 Basketball release. With two NM-MT 8 exceptions, each card is either at PSA MINT 9 or GEM MT 10 tiers. Minimum bid $5,000.
George "Ice Man" Gervin 2003 San Antonio Spurs Championship Ring
George Gervin retired having never won an NBA title. So to honor his legacy, the San Antonio Spurs awarded the hoops legend with his very own championship ring upon winning the 2003 NBA Finals. An amazing 93 diamonds glimmer at the top of this impressive heirloom. Raised relief-bordering reads "WORLD" and "CHAMPIONS." On the sides, one shank displays "2003 SPURS" and the opposing shank exhibits "GERVIN" and "ICE" with the club's record of "60-22" at center. Minimum bid $2,500.
1957/58 Topps PSA-Graded Complete Set (80) - #2 on PSA Set Registry
This scarce 1957/58 Topps basketball series, the company's first attempt to showcase the sport in a major trading card issue, is filled with rookies, future Hall of Famers and scarce short-print numbers. Some of the basketball card hobby's most desirable items are featured in this assembly, including the set's widely sought-after key card, the rookie card of Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell. Minimum bid $2,500.
1961 Fleer #43 Jerry West - PSA GEM MT 10
The offered rookie card of Los Angeles Laker Jerry West is absolutely perfect in every way. It excels on every front. It is perfectly centered. Its colors are intensely bright and West's image is well focused. Its four borders are unbelievably white. The reverse follows suit and exhibits no faults. Minimum bid $1,500.
1917-1924 Ty Cobb Game Used Bat
One of the last, great “dead ball” era baseball players, Cobb was less than impressed with the phenomena of the home run and its newly appointed king, Babe Ruth. Cobb made no secret of his disdain for both. Focusing on what he considered pure base hitting and fielding, Cobb wielded this bat to make his point. The rich brown, uncracked bat features a strong dash-dot-dash centerbrand, barrel stampings and Cobb’s facsimile signature. The bat displays phenomenal game use. LOA from John Taube/PSA DNA, graded 8. The minimum bid is $10,000.
George “Babe” Ruth 1921-1931 Game Used Bat
The 35”, 36 oz. bat hails from the 1921-1931 labeling period but bat factory records reveal that examples with these dimensions were shipped to Ruth between 1924 and 1928. The bat displays medium game use. LOA from John Taube/PSA DNA, graded 7.5. The minimum bid is $10,000.
 Jackie Robinson game-used bat
Jackie Robinson Game Used Bat
The bat available in the auction is symbolic of his personality and is the highest graded Robinson bat in existence. The 35”, 34 ½ oz. uncracked Hillerich & Bradsby “S100” signature bat is strong and solid. It dates to the 1943-1949 labeling period, but factory records reveal it is was only ordered once during 1949. As a result, it can be definitively placed in Robinson’s hands during his VIP season. LOAs from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS, graded A 8.5.The minimum bid is $10,000.
1932 Babe Ruth Game Used Bat - "Called Shot Era"
The ball and stitch marks are telltale indications that this white ash lumber was in Ruth's own hands. Vintage photographs confirm Ruth's habit of swinging with the centerbrand facing downward. Hence, the ball marks on the left side of the barrel on this particular treasure. Additionally, the uncracked item bears cleat marks and scoring upon the handle. The latter feature yet another "Ruth-esque" detail was done to enhance the grip. Ruth handed former Yankee Stadium grounds keeper Isador DeAngelis the bat. A notarized LOA signed by DeAngelis' son accompanies. LOAs from Dave Bushing & Troy Kinunen/MEARS, graded MEARS-A 9.5. Minimum bid $10,000.
Ted Williams Professional Model Bat
Employed as his BoSox stayed in contention until the waning weeks of the campaign, the offered weapon measures 35" and weighs 32 ounces. Its use in Williams' 1947 Triple Crown conquest is an alluring trait verified by H&B factory records. Boasting a prominent centerbrand and barrel stampings, this white ash treasure shows phenomenal game use. Additionally, a penciled notation of the bat's weight ("33") appears on the knob. LOA from John Taube/PSA DNA, graded 10. Minimum bid $5,000.
1961 Mickey Mantle World Series Bat
This Hillerich & Bradsby signature model bat was turned for Mantle's specific use in the 1961 Fall Classic. In addition to marking the 11th of 13 seasons (a stretch that was to extend to 14 of 16) in which the Yankees secured the American League flag, the '61 campaign was absolutely magical for another reason: a run at Babe Ruth's single-season home run record that saw Mantle and Maris wow crowds on a daily basis. The 36", 33-1/2-oz. white ash war club features a pronounced centerbrand. Mantle's facsimile signature is flanked above and below, respectively, by block-letter engravings of "WORLD SERIES 1961" and "NEW YORK YANKEES." The item shows heavy use. LOA from John Taube/PSA DNA. Minimum bid $5,000.
Graded Single Cards and Sets
1933 Goudey #106 Napoleon Lajoie – PSA NM-MT 8
Minimum bid $10,000.
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle - PSA NM-MT 8
Minimum bid $10,000.
1941 Play Ball #14 Ted Williams - PSA MINT 9
Minimum bid $5,000.
1968 Topps 3-D Bob Clemente – PSA GEM MT 10
One of the very few cards considered to be a modern classic, the 1968 Topps "3-D" Roberto Clemente stands on its own with the most significant and noteworthy cards from all eras. The cards were produced in scant numbers as part of a test issue, and their only known public distribution took place in a few Brooklyn candy stores close to the Topps Company headquarters. Minimum bid $5,000.
1933 Goudey #106 Napoleon Lajoie - PSA EX-MT 6
One of the great chapters in the lore of baseball card production and collecting is the tale of 1933 Goudey's card #106. A numbered few hobbyists of that Depression period grumbled to the issue's maker -- their sets couldn't be finalized for want of #106. Goudey's "customer complaint department" dutifully returned to press in '34 to tender this image of the widely heralded Nap Lajoie. Minimum bid $5,000.
1933 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig - SGC 96 MINT 9
This #92 rendering of the great Lou Gehrig, as he was illustrated in Goudey's premier issue of 1933, exceeds virtually all others. Minimum bid $5,000.
1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle - PSA NM 7
This #311 Mickey Mantle from the acclaimed '52 Topps issue gets a standing ovation. Minimum bid $5,000.
1934 Goudey #62 Hank Greenberg - PSA GEM MT 10
This is the highest graded example of this card in existence, with no others graded at this tier. The first of baseball's Hammerin' Hanks, Henry Greenberg emerged in the 1930s as the game's fiercest slugger. He was assigned permanence in Detroit's lineup in '33, and with his demonstrated stardom, he enjoyed acknowledgement in two baseball card issues in 1934 — National Chicle's Batter-Up, and in this showcased element from the acclaimed Goudey production. . Minimum bid $5,000.
1933 Goudey Sport Kings #2 Babe Ruth - GAI NM-MT 8.5
Goudey honored Babe Ruth on two occasions in 1933. The first instance, familiar to all who love the hobby, is represented by the great player's quartet of cards among the company's "regular" series of baseball cards. The other, much scarcer portrayal had its origin at the conception of Sport Kings. Minimum bid $5,000.
1933 Goudey Sport Kings #2 Babe Ruth Baseball - PSA NM-MT 8
Sport Kings showcased champions from a panorama of sporting disciplines. The issue included only three prominent baseball stars. One of these is this Babe Ruth #2 card.. Minimum bid $5,000.
1956 Topps PSA-Graded Complete Set (340) Plus Checklists and Variations
With a GPA of 8.01, this presentation rests in the #12 position on the "Current Finest" list of 1956 Topps—Basic sets on the PSA Set Registry. Includes: Graded PSA MINT 9: 2 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 339 cards; PSA NM 7: 2 cards. Minimum bid $5,000.
1952 Topps Graded Near Set (399/407)
In 1952, the Topps Company, plotting a frontal assault on Bowman, the card-establishment monolith, conceived a set of baseball cards that would capture the market, once and for all. Highlights include: Graded - SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 1 card; PSA NM-MT 8: 23 cards; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 7 cards; GAI NM-MT 8: 2 cards; SCD 8 NM/MT: 3 cards; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 11 cards; GAI NM+ 7.5: 2 cards; SCD 7.5 NM+: 3 cards; PSA NM 7: 12 cards; SGC 84 NM 7: 31 cards; GAI NM 7: 18 cards; SCD 7 NM: 16 cards; GAI EX-MT+ 6.5: 3 cards; SCD 6.5 EX/NM+: 13 cards; PSA EX-MT 6: 37 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 47 cards; GAI EX-MT 6: 9 cards; SCD 6 EX/NM: 36 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 32 cards; GAI EX+ 5.5: 3 cards; SCD 5.5 EX+: 2 cards; PSA EX 5: 15 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 31 cards; GAI EX 5: 19 cards; SCD 5 EX: 15 cards; GAI VG-EX+ 4.5: 1 card; PSA VG-EX 4: 2 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards; SCD 4 VG/EX: 1 card; SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card. Minimum bid $5,000.
1911 T205 Gold Border Complete Set (208)
A total of 123 cards have been graded by PSA including many of the issue's biggest stars including high-grade examples of Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb, Cy Young and Walter Johnson. Includes: Graded Cards - Graded PSA NM 7: 3 cards; PSA EX-MT 6: 34 cards; PSA EX 5: 76 cards; PSA VG-EX 4: 9 cards; PSA VG 3: 1 card. Minimum bid $5,000.
Autographed Baseballs
Ted Williams Personal Signed Ball from Babe Ruth – PSA/DNA EX/MT + 6.5
Babe Ruth signed this OAL (Harridge) baseball and presented it to Ted Williams. The stampings date this clean and creamy sphere to 1940-1945, while Williams' tenure in the U.S. armed forces likely eliminates the latter three years of that span. Ruth penned a side panel "To My Pal Ted Williams - From Babe Ruth." The blue ink scripting bears Ruth trademarks— specifically, his sizable and curvaceous upper-case characters. LOA from Steve Grad/PSA DNA and LOA from James Spence Authentication. Minimum bid $5,000.
The Only Known Cap Anson Single Signed Ball – PSA/DNA VG 3
This extraordinary red-and-blue stitched baseball, circa 1900, bears the awe-inspiring signature of "AC Anson" slightly to the left of the sweet spot. Beneath this supreme black fountain pen signature, also in Anson's own hand, is the neatly printed notation, "Mgr. Chicago B.B.C." Cap Anson (1852-1922) towered over the entire history of 19th Century baseball, and is generally regarded as its foremost player. Minimum bid $2,500.
 Frank Chance autographed baseball
On this darkly toned Spalding ONL (Pulliam) ball Chance has written the details of a July 10, 1908 contest between his victorious Cubs and the rival New York Giants. The sweet spot bears the outstanding signature, "Frank L. Chance" (grading apparent "8"). The year that this ball was scripted by Chance, the Cubs were defending World Champions. The team, under the inspirational leadership of player-manager Chance, retained its title. LOA from Steve Grad/PSA DNA and LOA from James Spence Authentication. Minimum bid $2,500.
Baseball Press Pins
Complete Run of 1929 -1991 World Series Press Pins (126 different)
Most hobbyists know that many species of press pins routinely remain in optimal condition by virtue of their sturdy engineering. These include the '52 Brooklyn, '35 Detroit or '76 Cincinnati. Minimum bid $10,000.
Baseball Autographs
Alex Cartwright Check – PSA/DNA MINT 9
This personal check is signed by the legendary baseball pioneer. Dated "Sept. 11, 1880," the document is made out to one "M. Paiko" in the amount of "$100." Drawn from "BISHOP & CO., BANKERS," the check boasts Cartwright's black ink signature as its most alluring feature, its elegant curves giving it an almost regal quality. Minimum bid $2,500.
Spectacular Ty Cobb Correspondence Collection
Ty Cobb (1886-1961) is considered by many to be baseball's greatest player. This collection of correspondence from Ty Cobb to Evan "Doc" Morris, window clerk at the Menlo Park, California, Post Office, includes: 1) Bust Photograph of Cobb wearing a Detroit cap, 8" x 10", inscribed in Cobb's familiar green ink in a light area: "To Evan Morris/From His Friend/Ty Cobb/11-26-55" ("7"); and 2) Five page handwritten letter on "Tyrus R. Cobb/Glenbrook, Douglas County/Nevada" stationery, signed "Ty" but with "Cobb" in the text. LOA from Steve Grad/PSA DNA and LOA from James Spence Authentication. Minimum bid $2,500.
Football Collectibles
1952 Bowman Large Football Graded Complete Set (144) - #2 on PSA Set Registry
Rare football card set has earned a 7.24 GPA and resides in the #2 position on the "Current Finest" and #4 position on the "All-Time Finest" lists on the PSA Set Registry. Includes: Graded PSA MINT 9: 7 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 90 cards; PSA NM 7: 33 cards; PSA EX-MT 6: 12 cards; PSA EX 5: 1 card; PSA VG-EX 4: 1 card. Minimum bid $10,000.
Ray Nitschke 1961 Green Bay Packers Ring
This ring celebrates Ray Nitschke's first of five titles—and what was Green Bay's first since 1944. In reward for Nitschke's efforts, the league commissioned the famed Josten jeweler in casting this size 13-1/2, 14-karat gold ring. Highlighting the decorative piece, the facing flaunts a football-shaped green gem, which is accented with a genuine diamond. Surrounding this display, a raised-letter legend reveals "GREEN BAY PACKERS - 1961 - WORLD CHAMPIONS." The ornately designed shanks respectively read "GREEN BAY 37 NEW YORK 0 - NFL" and "NITSCHKE." Minimum bid $5,000.
1894 N302 Mayo Cut Plug Football Complete Set (35)
This is without question one of the most significant football card offerings to emerge in recent memory, and it will be an addition of almost indescribable magnitude to any collection in the specialty. The excruciatingly rare N302 Mayo 19th Century sepia-photo football cards are the true foundation pieces of that sport's collecting hobby. Includes: Graded SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 3 cards; SGC 70 EX+ 5.5: 2 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 9 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 10 cards; SGC 40 VG 3: 3 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 2 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 4 cards; and SGC "A" (authentic): 2 cards. Minimum bid $5,000.
Results from the last major Mastro event.
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