Those attending this year’s National Sports Collectors Convention will be able to take a trip back to Lou Gehrig’s time thanks to a jaw-dropping collection of memorabilia that will be on display at the Stephens Convention Center July 31-August 4.
Nearly 50 Hall of Fame-worthy items from Gehrig’s life and Hall of Fame career will be on exhibit at Memory Lane’s booth (#1108, just inside the main entrance). Each day from 10 AM to 12 PM, attendees will have an opportunity to hold a photo-matched Gehrig game model bat from the early 1930s that’s part of the collection.
The wide-ranging items include both the personal and professional. There’s a Yankees payroll check dated that’s endorsed by Gehrig on the back (PSA/DNA 8); his 1934 Tour of Japan uniform including jersey, pants and cap; a presentation poster from the tour signed by 18 participants including Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx; Gehrig’s 1931 All-America Baseball Team certificate and more than a dozen original Type 1 photographs including the famously creative “Gehrig’s Eyes” image captured by Charles Conlon. There are important ticket stubs including one of two known copies from Lou Gehrig Day in 1939 and multiple autographed pieces.
Items of a more personal nature include Gehrig’s signed New York state vehicle registration from the 1920s, a signed, personalized photo Gehrig addressed to Babe Ruth’s sister Mamie; his 1921 pocket watch presented by Commerce High School; a letter from a fan to Gehrig (and his personal, signed response) and even signed Christmas cards, one including the original mailing envelope.
The Gehrig Collection won’t be the only big attraction at Memory Lane’s booth, however.
Memory Lane is also bringing Wilt Chamberlain’s 1959-60 rookie year uniform to the show. The private sale of the “holy grail of basketball uniforms” made headlines in early 2017. A photo in the January 5, 1960 issue of Sports Illustrated shows Chamberlain leaving the court at Madison Square Garden while wearing the white #13 jersey and shorts. He was named Most Valuable Player and NBA Rookie of the Year during that first season.
Collectors will also be able to get a first-hand look at one of the most famous sports photographs ever taken. An original Charles Conlon image showing Ty Cobb sliding into New York Highlanders third baseman Jimmy Austin will also be on display. Sold earlier this year for $250,000, a record price for a Type 1 photograph, the shot was captured at New York’s Hilltop Park circa 1910.
Memory Lane will also have numerous items from its summer auction on display including rare and high-grade cards, historic photos and more. Auction catalogs will be available at no charge.
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