Autographed copies of some famous photographs, including some that will ring a bell with sports card collectors, have hit the market in the newly launched Heritage Icons Photography Auction.
Basketball card collectors will recognize a 1948 photo of basketball’s pioneering big man, George Mikan. While it’s not the first time a photo just like the one seen on his 1948 Bowman rookie card has been offered, the 8×10 Type 1 shot of Mikan dribbling offered by Heritage carries Mikan’s autograph in blue ink pen. It’s expected to sell for $20,000 or more.
Signed vintage photos are a theme in the auction. There’s one from the late 1940s featuring Cleveland Browns legend Otto Graham that’s not only signed but is the same photo you’ll find on his 1950 Bowman Football rookie card.
Another autographed photo features Jackie Robinson. Inscribed to “Jeff,” the Type I photo shows Robinson receiving his Silver Bat and certificate for winning the 1949 batting title with a .342 average. Robinson was also named the National League’s MVP that year.
Another Type I photo of Robinson shows him clearing out his locker at Ebbets Field in 1957 as he retired from baseball. His Dodgers cap and home jersey, fielder’s glove, cleats, equipment bag and two bats (one of which is Gil Hodges’) are shown in the background. That one is expected to bring $10,000 or more.
Card collectors will also see a photo that became Willie Mays’ 1952 Topps card with Mays’ signature on the front. The photo printing and autograph are believed to date to the 1990s.
In all, the online catalog includes over 150 vintage images, some dating back more than 100 years. The starting pitchers for Game One of the tainted 1919 World Series are shown shaking hands before the battle at Redland Field in Cincinnati. The International Film Service photo of Black Sox pitcher Eddie Cicotte and Reds’ starter Dutch Reuther still has the original paper caption and stamps on the back. It carries a pre-sale image of $8,000 and up.
There are also rookie photos of Hank Aaron (1954), Jack Nicklaus (1962) and Pete Maravich (1970) as well as multiple photos of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other pre-War sports icons.
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