A 13-page autograph book, mostly carrying signatures of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other players of the 1930s, sold at Bonham’s Tuesday for $6,375.
The cloth-bound book was consigned Susan Palmer, the wife of Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. He stated that she had purchased it about 25 years ago at the urging of her father-in-law.
Jim Palmer, a Yankee fan growing up, told his Twitter followers he didn’t know she owned the book until she decided to put it up for auction, with proceeds to help fund a special needs trust fund for their stepson, Spencer.
The book includes not only Ruth and Gehrig, but Tony Lazzeri, Red Ruffing, Lefty Gomez, Earle Combs, Bill Dickey, Frank Crosetti and about about two dozen other Yankees players and coaches along with autographs from members of other teams including Hank Greenberg (twice) and Rogers Hornsby.
In the 1983, the owner apparently had it signed by Ted Williams, who added his own commentary on the contents.
Collecting baseball cards in the 1930s was vastly different than it became a few decades later. Kids thought nothing of pasting their cards in scrapbooks–even cutting them up if it made sense in a display.
Here’s a little treasure from that time that’s currently up for auction, featuring one youngster’s big league chronicle through 1930s Batter-Up and Goudey cards.
Emmitt Smith continues to sell game-worn gear and other memorabilia from his career via a partnership with eBay and Notable Live.
A 2002 game-worn Cowboys jersey, another gamer from his late career stint with the Arizona Cardinals, game-worn gloves and shoes, three of his 176 career touchdown footballs and his 1993 Sporting News Player of the Year trophy are among the items on the block.
Smith provides details on each item in the descriptions. Winners of game-used items can choose to have them autographs and get an invitation to a virtual chat this weekend.
Thirty-seven items have already been sold since the sales launched at the beginning of the NFL season.
The latest batch of items close over the next several days.
Former big leaguer Fergie Jenkins talks with MLB.com about how he developed his autograph through a chat with Harmon Killebrew–and he also explains why his 1974 Topps card is his least favorite. You can also get a tour of the Hall of Fame’s baseball card exhibit in their latest hobby-related column.
The Industry Summit will return next year, still in Las Vegas but at a new location.
Organizers announced Tuesday that the 2022 event is moving to Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The dates are set for October 2 5.
In addition, The Industry Summit Card Show, an open-to-the public event, will take place at Harrah’s September 30 – October 1, in the hotel convention space.
“We’re moving to the heart of the strip,” stated event director Ted Barker of Beckett Media. “Harrah’s just completed a $200 million dollar renovation. The rooms are beautiful and their convention area is perfect for our summit and card show. As part of Caesar’s Entertainment, Harrah’s was able to secure an additional limited block of rooms at Caesar’s Palace, directly across the street, for attendees as well.”
Registration will open next spring.
