Ralph Kiner Autograph and an Editor’s Personal Note to Famous Photographer George Brace.
Lot 18. Ralph Kiner Autograph and an Editor’s Personal Note to Famous Photographer George Brace. Kiner signed a 6” x 8.5” mimeographed agreement that provides permission to use his photograph in the 1960 issue, Book 1, Volume 1, of “Baseball Confidential,” a publication featuring photos and career statistics of “Baseball’s Greatest Sluggers.” Kiner’s signature is mint 9 to gem mint 10 on the agreement, dated 9-30-1960. His photo is on Page 36 of the “Confidential.” Morton Lowy, editor of the publication, also signed the document. In addition, his signature is inside the front cover of the “Confidential” – at the conclusion of a personal note to Brace, widely known and respected for his baseball photography. From 1929 to 1994, Brace took thousands of photos at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park. His compilation of baseball photos, considered to be among the best ever assembled, was used in numerous publications. At his passing in 2002, Brace’s daughter noted that “Lou Gehrig loved his photos so much, he'd order hundreds of them.” In Lowy’s note to Brace, he wrote: “To a Grand Guy: George Brace. Dear George: This book could never have been published without you and your photos! Please accept this book with my deepest gratitude and very soon you and I will begin work on book II Baseball’s Greatest Pitchers! Thanks for everything. Your Pal, Mort.” The paperback “Confidential” has a g cover and ex pages. Winning Bid $50.