Lot 186. Roy Pitts’ Autograph and Ephemera File with Hundreds of Signatures in All Fields! UPDATE: There are approximately 200 autographs in this collection. The autograph of Hank Ketcham shown in our photo is printed on; it is not an acutal autograph.
Veteran collectors are familiar with Pitts’ name. He was a pioneer collector who began writing to personalities in multiple fields in the 1930s. He continued his pursuits until his death in 1998. During that time, he claimed that he acquired more than 1 million autographs through various means, but mostly through the mail. While Pitts often traded duplicates to other collectors, he was also one of the first collector-dealers. By the time of his death, most of his collection had been long dispersed by sales and trades. Offered here is a random box of “stuff” from the final Pitts hoard. Most of the items are signed and include representations from baseball, hockey, boxing, basketball, figure-skating, and football, as well as politics, entertainment and such miscellaneous categories as writers, cartoonists, religious leaders, historians, sociologists, physicists, musicians and others. Though far from comprehensive, here is a representative cross-section of the overall group: 1. Sports Autographs: Baseball, Joe Oeschger vintage photo, Bruce Connatser TLS, Garland Braxton 1936 ALS, Johnny Moore, Davey Lopes, Rip Sewell ANS, Whitey Ford photo, Ray Collins ALS, Lee MacPhail, Bill (Wamby) Wambsgnass on a “1920 World Series Scrap Book” published in 1953. Boxing, Jack Sharkey photo, Frankie Garcia photo, Clarence Snell ALS. Basketball, Sean Elliott photo, Willis Reed photo, Al Cervi photo, J. Dallas Shirley photo. Football, Fran Tarkenton photo, Tom Hamilton TLS, Rodney Peete photo. 2. Miscellaneous Autographs: William Buckley photo, Art Buchwald photo, Ring Lardner Jr. 3x5, Betty Crocker photo, Eve Queler handwritten music sheet, F. R. Pemberton 1912 document, Clarence Allen published original 9” x 11” political cartoon art, artist Carmello Cappello signed book of works, book titled Hallerlooga, The Story of a Little Arkansas Negro Boy Who Took a Ride With Santa Claus by Bernie Babcock, seven more misc. books/booklets, and intriguing documents or letters dating 1861, 1894, 1899, 1913 and 1924, A.G. Spalding Bros. letterhead dated 1890. 3. Political Autographs: Dean Rusk photo, Alexander Hamilton Rice 1884 ALS with mailing envelope, Bob Kerry photo and TLS, Chris Dodd TLS and photo, George Wallace photos (2), Hale Boggs TLS, Robert McNamara photo, Barry Goldwater, Al D’Amato photo, three unsigned Christmas cards with an original photo of Dean and Alice Acheson (signed by Alice Acheson only), 1965 facsimile signed White House Christmas card (LBJ and Ladybird), etc. 4. Entertainment Autographs: Joanne Woodward photo and four index cards, Nina Foch photo, Raquel Welch photo, Ruth Dunning TLS, Walter Brennan Jr., Fess Parker and more. 5. Unsigned Items: Multiple uncatalogued files, notes, and printed material, brochures, booklets, photos, etc., including Chicago Cubs 1941 Players’ History and Record Book, 1947 book The Rose Bowl, 1949 Putnam book The Cleveland Indians, 1982 World’s Fair guide book, a near set of Pure Oil Co. Atlanta Braves and various media guides. Important Note: We have done our best to pull and identify any secretarial or autopen examples; nevertheless, a few may remain. The group is un-researched, presenting the winner with a good possibility of some significant “sleeper” items! A fun-time lot for collectors with excellent potential break-up value for dealers. Autographs authenticated by Kevin Keating
Winning Bid $763.
Lot 187. 1916-17 Hillerich & Bradsby “Crawford” Bat Linked to Hans Lobert, D. J. Crawford. This 35” bat bears the 1916-17 Hillerich & Bradsby Co. logo, has lathe marks on the end of the knob and says “Crawford” on the barrel. Whether it is a model representing Hall of Fame Detroit outfielder Sam Crawford is unclear. What is certain, according to a Mears Letter of Opinion, is that it is a “side-written” or “side-signed” bat returned to Louisville Slugger by on May 18, 1919 by one-time major leaguer J. B. (John Bernard or “Hans”) Lobert. For 14 seasons, Lobert played primarily third base for the Pirates, Cubs, Reds, Phils and Giants. Retiring after the 1917 season, he then coached baseball at West Point through 1925. If the bat has no direct connection to Sam Crawford, then according to Mears, “It is possible and likely that the Crawford that is stamped into the barrel was one of the player’s (sic) on his (Lobert’s) Army team.” This speculation is supported by the presence of David James Crawford on the Army baseball team. Frequently referred to as “D. J.,” Crawford entered the U.S. Military Academy in 1918 and played baseball in his plebe (freshman) season and apparently in subsequent years as well. Like Lobert, he was a fast runner. In fact, he led the drive to establish a track team and Army. He became the captain of the first team and led the Cadets to two undefeated seasons. After graduation, he served in the 83rd Field Artillery. During World War II, he was ordnance officer of the Allied Forces Headquarters in the Mediterranean theater in 1943-44. He died in 1959. Engravings on the bat are strong except for the logo in the upper left. Mears has given the bat a grade of A4.5, including a base grade of 5 and a use grade of 3, with this description: “The bat exhibits heavy use with deadwood present on the back of the barrel. Eight vintage nails have been applied to the deadwood. The knob…appears to be chipped on one side. Remnants of the original shipping label to Louisville Slugger appear between the centerbrand and the barrel signature. The side writing appears very crisp and legible for the most part.” Made of professional grade ash with a natural finish, the 35.1 ounce bat displays nicely. What’s more, it is historically interesting because of its link to an early major leaguer and a West Point star athlete and a possible link to a HoF outfielder.
Winning Bid $240.
Lot 188. 29 AP 1966 Wire Photos Loaded with Stars – Koufax, Mays, Ford, Gibson, Etc. These Type 1 glossy photos range from 7” x 9” to 8” x 10”; 17 are 8 x 10s. Twenty-two have the caption printed below or next to the photo; the others have a paper copy of the caption attached. They average ex to ex-m; there generally are creases where the paper caption is adhered. Six photos feature Hall of Fame pitchers: Sandy Koufax portrait (along with a Denny McLain portrait) as starting pitchers for the All-Star Game; Juan Marichal, two images on one photo; Marichal and Gaylord Perry; Bob Gibson, and Whitey Ford (two different). Six more photos show managers or players arguing with umpires: Frank Robinson, who either is arguing with the ump or doing the Chicken Dance; Tim McCarver, in a photo with Red Schoendienst and Frank Secory; Gil Hodges being ejected from a game (by Al Salerno) for the first time in his career; Lou Johnson of the Dodgers; Tommy Harper, and Maury Wills with Secory. Hall of Famers are the subjects of three other photos: Willie Mays slugging his 512th home run, Rod Carew, and Warren Giles. Other photos picture Jim Kaat after winning his 21st game (very nice close-up); Ray Sadecki and Tito Fuentes; Ed Kasko’s son; Johnny Callison; Hal Lanier (four images); Clete Boyer (four images), Bobby Wine (three images); Joe Cardenal; Bob Raudman (Cubs); Jack Lamabe wedding photo; Fred Valentine and Dick Egan; All-Star Game managers Walt Alston and Sam Mele with baseball commissioner William D. Eckert, and Eckert with various team executives.
Winning Bid $390.
Lot 190. Boston Red Sox 2004 “World Series Champions” Watch Presented to Pitcher Bob Stanley. The men’s watch, which is mint and in excellent working order, has the Red Sox logo on the face with “World Series Champions” at the top and “2004” at the bottom. It has an unused dark-blue leather band. Accompanying the watch is a handwritten letter from Stanley saying that he received the watch at the 2006 Red Sox Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Red Sox established their own Hall of Fame in 1995, and Stanley was inducted in 2000. Stanley spent his entire 13-season career with Boston, posting a 115-97 record and 132 saves. Kevin Keating authenticated Stanley’s signature on the handwritten letter. The watch and letter will make an attractive addition to a Red Sox collection.
Winning Bid $92.
Lot 191. Connie Mack Original 16” x 20” Charcoal by Washington, D.C. Artist Armando. Mack led the Philadelphia Athletics to nine pennants as manager, and he was enshrined at Cooperstown in 1937. Armando’s charcoal portrait eclipses the photo it is based on; the photo was used for Mack’s 1983 Big League Collectibles Original All-Stars card. A Connie Mack autograph would be a perfect complement to this original work of art, which is framed.
Minimum Bid $75.
Lot 192. Louisville Slugger Bat Commemorating the 1955 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction. Cooperstown’s Class of 1955 comprised Joe DiMaggio, Gabby Hartnett, Ted Lyons, Ray Schalk, Dazzy Vance and Frank Baker. The names of these stars are inscribed in gold on a 34” Hillerich & Bradsby bat with a chestnut-like finish. The bat is #357 from a limited edition of 500. Nm-m beauty!
Winning Bid $110.
Lot 193. Collection of 5 1950s-Early 1960s Baseball Dolls – Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, Braves. These soft dolls all are 12”-13” tall and wear vinyl, hooded jump suits. The fronts of four of them are stamped with the name of a major league baseball team – Brooklyn Dodgers World Champions, Dodger, Red Sox and New York with the Yankees’ logo. The fifth has a “Y” on the front, and “Braves” has been added. All of the jump suits are white trimmed in blue, except for the Red Sox doll, which is trimmed in white and blue. The faces of the Red Sox, New York and Dodgers dolls are the same. The Braves doll has hair that is better defined, and the Brooklyn Dodgers World Champions doll has a face that is different from the others. The Red Sox doll shows relatively heavy soiling, and the others, light to moderate soiling. On the New York doll, and owner wrote “Yankee Stadium, 1962, Oct. 7” and “New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants.” On Oct. 7, 1961, the Yankees defeated the Giants, 3-1, in Game 3 of the World Series. Unusual.
Winning Bid $92.
Lot 194. Cincinnati Reds Autograph and Memorabilia Hoard – 200+ Individual Items. Twenty-eight signatures are on the cover of the Reds’ 1984 yearbook, which grades ex. The signatures are mint 9s and gem mint 10s, a few atop artwork on the cover: Dann Bilardello, Bruce Berenyi, Marty Brennaman (broadcaster), Tom Browning, Cesar Cedeno, Dave Concepcion, Dan Driessen, Nick Esasky, Tom Foley, Paul Householder, Tom Hume, Wayne Krenchicki, Brad Lesley, Paul O’Neill (pictured inside as among the Reds “Big League Bound”), Tony Perez, Ted Power, Charlie Puleo, Vern Rapp, Gary E Redus, Jeff Russell, George Scherger (coach), Bill Scherrer, Mike Smith, Joe Sparks, Freddie Tolivar, Alex Trevino, Stan Williams (coach) and Carl Willis. Pete Rose’s signature, a 10, is on the cover of a 1985 scorebook. In addition, there are signatures of Ron Oester and Gary Redus on the cover of a 1983 scorebook, Joe Oliver and Chris Sabo on a 1990 World Series program, Oliver on an 8” x 10” color photo and two signatures of Donn Bilardello, one on an index card. These signatures are 9s and 10s. One of the interesting other items is a July 15, 1979 game-used baseball. In this game, the Reds defeated the Cubs, 9-5, as Dave Concepcion went 2-4 with a home run and 4 RBI, and Tom Sever pitched a five-hitter through eight innings. The ball comes with a certificate from the Reds. Other items include: A 1942 Spring Training Roster (vg-ex) and media guides for 1977, 1979, 1984, 1988 and 1991 (ex-m). Magazines with Reds covers: Pete Rose, Aug. 19, 1985 Time, Aug. 7, 1978 and Aug. 19, 1985 Sports Illustrated and Jan. 1976 Baseball Digest, and Tom Seaver, March 5, 1979 SI. Average ex. The Official Pete Rose Scrapbook, 1978 softcover, first printing. Photos: Rose (2 different), Seaver, Manny Sarmiento, Reds teams: 1983 with attached Johnny Bench photo, 1984 (4), 1985 (4), 1986, 1987, 1988 (8), 1989 (8) and 1990 (7). Ex-m. Brochures (60+): All promote ticket sales and have the home schedules. Most are nm-m. 1968 (2), 1970 (3), 1971, 1972 (2), 1973 (6), 1974 (2), 1975 (3), 1976 (3), 1977 (3), 1978 (5), 1979, 1980 (12), 1981 (4), 1982 (4), 1983 (6), 1984 (7). Also, a brochure for a 1984 Tony Perez roast. Schedules (75+): Most have not been folded and are nm and better. 1974 (4), 1976 (7), 1977 (2), 1978, 1979, 1980 (5), 1981 (2), 1982 (16), 1983 (6), 1984 (14) and 1985 (12). Also, Spring Training schedules for 1982 (4) and 1983 (2). 1987 and 1988 Surf books from Topps, nm. Spring Training programs, some with autographs: 1982 (3), all scored, autographs by Clint Hurdle, Candy Maldonado, Bill Russell, Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Jim Wright; 1983 (2), 1984 (4), 1985 (3), one scored; 1986 (2), 1987 (6) and 1990. Also, a Reds roster page from a 1982 program has signatures of Johnny Bench, Cesar Cedeno, Nick Esasky, Tom Foley, Bill Fischer, Gary Redus, Brad Lesley, Duane Walker, Joe Amalfitano, Ron Plaza, Joe Edelen and Joe Nuxhall. Also, New Year’s 1940 News of the Reds, 16 pages, 1939 coverage, 1940 roster, players names written on photos on the back, ex. Autographs authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $152.
Lot 195. Harmon Killebrew 1960s Photo Pennant, Autograph and Other Memorabilia. Excellent collection for fans of the Hall of Fame slugger from Payette, ID. The key to the collection is a 19 ½” pennant with a 3 ½” x 5 ½” color photo of Killebrew with the Minnesota Twins. Produced by Asco of Winona, MN, the pennant is vg+ to ex with the tip slightly clipped and light soiling on the white stripe at the left. It is free of pin or tack holes. Also: 2. 1964 Topps card #177 autographed by Killebrew: nm card with a gem mint 10 autograph. 3. 6 ¾” Twins-Pepsi statue by Alexander Global Promotions (AGP), mint in the original box, which pictures Killebrew and provides career information. 4. 2005 Killebrew bobble head from AGP marking the 40th anniversary of the Twins’ 1965 A.L. championship. Mint in the box. 5-6. Two Killebrew 16” mini bats, one brown, one green, both nm-m. 7. Official Player Logo Ball commemorating Killebrew’s 1984 Hall of Fame induction, mint. 8. 1966-67 Bazooka card #11, ex+ as trimmed (slightly short). 9. 2005 Upper Deck Wingfield Collection card showing Killebrew with President Eisenhower, ex-m+. Autograph authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $92.
Lot 196. 1950s “PREMIERE Gum and Card Vendor” Tabletop Vending Machine. This vintage machine dispensed gumballs and cards in the 1950s. The two glass panels displaying the cards are intact. The 1961 baseball cards pictured are included. Text one the glass center panel says “Premiere Ball Gum and Card, INSERT 2 PENNIES, TURN HANDLE.” This vending machine is original and in good working order; a key provides access to the interior. While short of pristine, it is a well above average example. More than 95% of the original paint is present. There is paint loss on the front immediately above the base and various small chips and inoffensive points of wear. One perfunctory bolt is missing from the front. This vintage vendor will be a pleasant addition to a family room, eating place or collectibles store.
Winning Bid $433.
Lot 197. 1950s Baseball Card Vending Machine by Calex Manufacturing. This scarce vending machine, which is in exceptionally nice condition, measures 23” x 11 ¼” x 6”. It is original and in good working order. A key provides access to the machine’s interior. The front is striking. Six 1957 Topps baseball cards, which are included, grace the colorful front panel display. They are Robin Roberts, Bob Turley, Gene Woodling, Gus Triandos, Walt Dropo and the Red Sox team. Text on the panel reads “Buy the Entire Series, 6 for 5 cents, Use Nickel Only, Educational – Entertaining.” And awesome!
Winning Bid $429.
Lot 198. 1950s Exhibit Card Vending Machine by Calex Manufacturing. This scarce vending machine, which is original, is in nice condition and good working order. It measures 17 ¾” x 9 1/8” x 10 ¼”. A key provides access to the machine’s interior. The front is striking. Two 1947-66 exhibits cards, Willie Mays and Stan Musial, on the front panel display are included. Text on the panel reads “Buy the Entire Series, 2 for 5 cents, Use Nickel Only.” A desirable period vendor fit to display the likes of Stan the Man and The Say Hey Kid!
Winning Bid $429.
Lot 199. Impressive 1970s “Sports Card Center” Vendor. For a quarter, this red and white vendor dispenses 4-5 sports cards from one of three slots. It stands 21” tall and is 13 ½” wide and 8 ¼” deep. This tabletop machine has large letters on each side that say “Sport Card Center,” and there are images of a hockey stick, a football, a basketball and a baseball. A Plexiglas panel on the front provides for the display of sample cards and announces the price. It appears that the manufacturer of the vendor, possibly Monarch Product Sales of Covington, KY, expected that display cards would be taped in. With some creativity, cards can be displayed without damaging them. This is the case with the six cards shown - 1975 Brooks Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Phil Niekro, Steve Garvey, Jim Palmer and Johnny Bench. They are included with the vendor, which works and is ex-m with some minor abrasions and a couple of tiny dents. A special key provides access to the interior.
Winning Bid $291.
Lot 200. Hartland Original 1958-63 Hank Aaron Statue. Nm+, slightly off-white, several tiny or minor rub marks including one on the bill of the hat. Extremely nice statue.
Winning Bid $291.
