Mastro Auctions’ February Sale Kicks off New Year of Collecting Excitement

Classic Collector brings ongoing opportunity for collectors to obtain high-quality Sports and Americana items

Mastro Auctions, the world’s leading Sports and Americana auction house will begin yet another year of providing the most anticipated auction events in the industry. The auction powerhouse will initiate its 2008 auction calendar with a massive selection of high-end Sports and Americana items. According to Doug Allen, the spring Classic Collector event will set the stage for the rest of the Mastro Auctions’ events in 2008. “It has been evident that our Classic Collector auctions have become something the hobby counts on,” said Allen. “Throughout 2008, we will continue to focus on both the needs and wants of our expanding customer base. But, we know that great material is just one part of that equation. That’s why in addition to the best items on earth, Mastro Auctions will continue to bring the highest degree of service, expertise and knowledge that is available in the industry directly to the collecting public.”

Over 1,300 lots in the February Classic Collector auction will open with a minimum bid of $100. Bidding, conducted entirely over the Internet, will begin on February 11 and conclude on February 28. Specific highlights include:

SPORTS MEMORABILIA

SINGLE SIGNED BASEBALLS

Tris Speaker Single Signed and Inscribed Ball – Dated 1955
This OAL (Harridge) ball features the notation “May 1, 1955 Boston at Cleveland.” On the opposing panel is splendidly scribed the Tris Speaker signature. The quality of the Speaker signatureis uncommonly strong—”9-10″.

Babe Ruth Single Signed Ball
While the medium is an unofficial sphere, the autograph that decorates the sweet spot is superbly distinctive. The black ink signature of Yankee Stadium legend Babe Ruth is amazing. In sizable characters, Ruth’s penning projects “7-8” strength and clarity.

Roberto Clemente Signed Ball
A splendid “7-8” black ink signature is nicely situated on a side panel of this white ONL (Giles) sphere. Clemente “singles” of this quality are quite desirable and rarely offered.

MULTIPLE SIGNED BASEBALLS

1935 New York Yankees Team Signed Ball (24 Signatures) Including Ruth and Gehrig
The autographs placed on this baseball distill to the Yankees of about 1935. The medium is an OAL (Harridge) though the stampings are thoroughly faded. The ball features the signings of Babe Ruth (“4,” sweet spot) and Blondy Ryan. Ruth was released in February of 1935 and Ryan arrived in August of that year. For the most part, these are weak signatures averaging about “4” in strength. Includes: Johnny Allen, John Broaca, Walter [Jumbo] Brown, Ben Chapman, Earle Combs, Frank Crosetti, Bill Dickey, Lou Gehrig (“3,” opposing sweet spot), Lefty Gomez, Myril Hoag, Art Jorgens, Tony Lazzeri, Pat Malone, Johnny Murphy, Red Ruffing, George Selkirk, and Joe Sewell.

Circa 1927 Babe Ruth and Umpire Bill Dineen Multi Signed Ball
In 1927, Babe Ruth and umpire Bill Dineen penned this OAL (Johnson or Barnard) baseball, which is mildly toned. The Ruth autograph is embellished with quotation marks on “Babe,” a practice that he abandoned about 1928. The quality of Ruth’s signature is about “5”. On the west panel, Bill Dineen penned his identity, a weak but legible autograph about “3” in strength.

1961 New York Yankees World Champions Team Signed Ball (26 Signatures) Including Mantle and Maris
Paramount in the Yankee collector’s shopping list is a team signed ball from that renowned 1961 New York club. There are 26 different autographs on the surface of this OAL (Cronin) baseball. All the principals comprising that extraordinarily able team are included. The ball has uniformly aged somewhat, but not to impair any of the signatures. On the stamped sweet spot there appears a hand-notated identification, “1961 Yankees.” On the sweet spot are the signings of Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle (“5”).

1936 A.L. and N.L. All-Stars Multi Signed Ball (21 Signatures) Including Gehrig, Dean and Foxx!
This Reach Official American League baseball was penned by twenty-one 1936 A.L. and N.L. All-Stars. The black fountain pen scripts decorate each panel of the OAL (Harridge) sphere (averaging “4” strength), and the ball’s original stampings remain visible. Showcased on the sweet spot are the signatures of Dizzy Dean and Lefty Grove, and the north panel boasts the penmanship of Rip Coleman, Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman and Lon Warneke. Mel Ott penned his name atop the reverse sweet spot stamping.

2005 Chicago White Sox World Champions Team Signed Balls (72 Balls, Each With 26 Sigs.) – A Complete Case of Six Dozen Official W.S. Balls!
Featured on all 72 balls are the scriptings of Brian Anderson, Geoff Blum, Mark Buehrle, Don Cooper (coach), Neal Cotts, Joe Crede, Jermaine Dye, Freddie Garcia, Jon Garland, Ozzie Guillen (Mgr), Willie Harris, Dustin Hermanson, Tadahito Iguchi, Bobby Jenks, Paul Konerko, Damaso Marte, Pablo Ozuna, Timo Perez, A.J. Pierzynski, Scott Podsednik, Cliff Politte, Aaron Rowand, Frank Thomas, Juan Uribe, Luis Vizcaino and Greg Walker (coach).

Extraordinary Multi Signed Vintage Ball – Including Ruth, Cobb, Williams and Young
The medium appears to be a pre-1933 Official National League ball. It features high-profile baseball autographs, and apparently served duty in that capacity over a number of years. There are 19 or 20 total signatures on the surface, but only about half of them can be conclusively identified. For the most part, these signatures are about “2-3” in strength. Pennings on this ball include Ty Cobb, Earle Combs, Connie Mack, Rabbit Maranville, Babe Ruth, George Sisler, Enos Slaughter, Casey Stengel, Ted Williams, and Cy Young.

BASEBALL CARDS

1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle -Â PSA NM 7
The attractive and sought-after collectible, presenting the prized image of “The Mick” with admirable clarity, retains relatively sharp corners. The red caption block on the cardfront’s lower left is wonderfully bright.

1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays – PSA EX-MT 6
This is an extremely fresh 1952 Topps number 261, the classic depiction of Willie Mays. The piece has been well shielded against time’s effects, and continues to deliver superior aesthetic quality.

1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth – PSA EX 5
Number 144 is adored in the hobby as the “action pose” in the ’33 Goudey set’s quartet of prized Ruth pieces. Vivid yellow, green and red hues dominate the design of this universally admired baseball card. The item’s clean, slightly toned white borders frame a delectable image. This is the classic Babe Ruth baseball card, recognized and appreciated even by those unfamiliar with the organized collecting hobby.

1952 Bowman #196 Stan Musial – PSA NM-MT 8
This commendable example of Musial’s first true-color Bowman card sparkles with luscious hues. Its red and blue shades are deep and rich, and the tans of skin and bat are superb in their intensity. Clean white borders highlight the piece’s lovely, painted illustration.

1917-20 M101-6 Sporting News/Felix Mendelsohn Babe Ruth, Yankees – SGC 30 GD 2
The M101-6 set was issued by The Sporting News over a period of several years (approximately 1916 through 1920). This card of Babe Ruth is significant not just as the key component of the set, but also as the first card to feature Babe Ruth as a member of the New York Yankees. Earlier versions of this card identify Ruth as a member of the Red Sox.

1916 D350-1 Standard Biscuit #87 Joe Jackson – GAI GD 2
The M101-4/5 Sporting News cards were also issued by a variety of other companies who placed their respective advertisements on the backs of the cards. One of these other issuers was a West Coast regional firm, the Standard Biscuit Company of San Francisco; the Standard Biscuit cards were given their own American Card Catalog number, D350-1. The offered card of Jackson reveals credible print quality in its illustration and reverse-side advertisement.

1915 Cracker Jack #33 Amos Strunk – SGC 88 NM/MT 8
This is one of just four copies validated by the company at this level. None has been graded higher. It is a bright, nicely centered depiction.

1933 R306 Butter Cream Mickey Cochrane – SGC 60 EX 5
Here’s an aesthetically pleasing Hall of Fame example from the seldom-encountered Butter Cream Confectionery release. The card’s unusual dimensions effectively showcase its subject’s full-length throwing posture, and the reverse carries the series’ invitation to estimate the featured player’s end-of-season batting average.

1966 Topps #510 Hoyt Wilhelm – PSA GEM MT 10 “1 of 2!”
A total of 181 examples of this Hall of Fame subject have been holdered by PSA. This card is one of just two specimens placed at the GEM MT 10 tier.

1934 Goudey #76 Hal Trosky – SGC 88 NM/MT 8
This is one of just two copies at its tier with only two examples placed at higher tiers by the company. The specimen boasts sharp corners at each aspect, precise centering, and solid print quality.

1909-11 T206 White Border Walter Johnson, Portrait – PSA EX 5
Here’s an attractive, cherished likeness of the Senators’ Hall of Famer. The offered card features a clean “Sweet Caporal – 150 Subjects” reverse.

1909-11 T206 White Border Fred “Nodgrass” Error Card – SGC 30 GD 2
This legendary rarity, the likely result of a quickly resolved break or obstruction in a printing plate, is absent from many of the hobby’s most advanced T206 collections. The card displays bright color and sharp focus in its batting-pose image of “Nodgrass,” resulting in a crisp overall aesthetic. The cardback’s “Sweet Caporal – 350 Subjects,” advertisement is clear and unblemished.

1910-12 Spaulding & Merrick “Plow Boy Tobacco” Johnny Kling – SGC 30 GD 2
The Cubs backstop is revealed in a thrilling pose on this unquestionably rare collectible. The enviable piece displays an unmarked and bold, black-inked “Plow Boy Tobacco” card back.

BASEBALL CARDS SETS, NEAR SETS, PARTIAL SETS

1955 Topps Complete Set (206) Including #210 Duke Snider Signed Card
Twelve cards have been graded by SGC. Includes: Graded Cards – Graded SGC 84 NM 7: 1 card; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card; SGC 60 EX 5: 4 cards; SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 4 cards; and SGC 40 VG 3: 2 cards.

1964 Topps Complete Set (587)
In total, 26 examples have been graded by SGC. Includes: Graded Cards – Graded SGC 96 MINT 9: 7 cards; SGC 92 NM/MT+ 8.5: 5 cards; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 3 cards; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 2 cards; SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards; and SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 3 cards.

1976-1999 Topps Standard and Traded Complete Sets (37)
Found among the over 18,000 individual collectibles is a huge selection of rookies cards, all-stars, Hall of Famers and potential future Hall of Famers. The collection includes:

1976 Topps (704) – Complete set of 660 cards plus 44-card traded set. Highlights include: w/#’s 19 Brett, 98 Eckersley, 160 Winfield, 316 Yount and 330 Ryan; 1977 Topps (660) – Complete set of 660 cards. Highlights include: #’s 473 Dawson and 650 Ryan; 1978 Topps (726) – Complete set of 726 cards. Highlights include: #’s 36 Murray, 400 Ryan and 707 Molitor; 1979 Topps (726) – Complete set of 726 cards. Highlights include: #116 Smith; 1980 Topps (726) – Complete set of 726 cards. Highlights include: #482 Henderson; 1981 Topps (858) – Complete set of 726 cards plus 132-card traded set. 1982 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set. Highlights include: w/#’s 21 Ripken, Jr., 98T Ripken, Jr. and 109T Smith; 1983 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set. Highlights include: #’s 83 Sandburg, 482 Gwynn and 498 Boggs; 1984 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set. Highlights include: #8 Mattingly; 1985 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set. Highlights include: #’s 181 Clemens, 401 McGwire and 536 Puckett; 1986 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set. Highlights include: #11T Bonds; 1987 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set; 1988 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set; 1989 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set; 1990 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set; 1991 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card traded set; 1992 Topps (924) – Complete set of 792 cards plus 132-card factory traded set. Highlights include: #39T Garciaparra; 1993 Topps (825) – Complete set of 825 cards; 1994 Topps (792) – Complete set of 792 cards; 1995 Topps (677) – Complete factory set of 677 cards; 1996 Topps (440) – Complete set of 440 cards; 1997 Topps (495) – Complete factory set of 495 cards; 1998 Topps (503) – Complete set of 503 cards; 1999 Topps (462) – Complete factory set of 462 cards.

1934 R309-1 Goudey Premiums Near Set (3/4) Plus the Original Envelopes!
In a creative and ambitious 1934 promotion, Goudey Gum Co. offered a selection of four delectable premiums that were available only by mail in exchange for Goudey baseball wrappers. Presented is a near set of three of the four classic, premiums, which features team cards of the American and National League All-Star teams for 1933 (with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig) and a full-length, “action” pose of Ruth.

BASEBALL GAME GEAR

Roger Maris 1960-1966 New York Yankees Game Worn Cap
Roger Maris wore this New York Yankees cap during his tenure (1960-1966) with the game’s most dominant franchise. This blue wool head wear features “NY” embroidered to the front center in white. Lined with green canvas-like material, the bill’s underside is home to a vintage black marker inscription of Maris’ since-retired number “9.” Heavy wear is evident.

David Ortiz 2007 Boston Red Sox Game Worn Home Jersey
This Boston Red Sox home jersey was donned by “Big Papi” during the BoSox’ 2007 World Championship campaign. This white knit button-down garment features “RED SOX” arched across the chest and “34” sewn to the back.

Joe DiMaggio 1968 Oakland A’s Game Worn Coach’s Road Jersey
Hired by eccentric owner Charlie Finely in 1968 as a coach and executive vice president, Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio eagerly accepted his new position(s)—and with it a return to the game in which he so thoroughly excelled. In the dugout that year, DiMaggio wore this gold-colored flannel button-down vest with “OAKLAND” arched across the chest.

Unique Lou Gehrig Signed Painter’s Cap
The bill of this brown-colored painter’s cap was signed, “To Ray Jr- Kindest Regards, Lou Gehrig.” The Hall of Famer’s cursive script was penned in black ink and the signature projects “10” strength.

BASEBALL PHOTOGRAPHS

Walter Johnson 1925 News Service Photograph
The on-the-mound sensation is captured in his familiar Washington Senators uniform as he follows through on a toss. The 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ photo presents minimally at the EX condition. The reverse carries a Pacific & Atlantic Photos stamping.

Tony Lazzeri 1927 News Service Photograph
This 6-1/2″ x 8″ news service photo pictures a youthful “Poosh ‘Em Up Tony” following through on a toss. The Italian slugger is captured in his familiar Yankees pinstripes and the black-and-white image retains about EX condition. An “Underwood & Underwood” stamp and handwritten editorial notation (“New York Yankees – Tony Lazzeri – Second Base – 1927”) appears on the reverse.

Babe Ruth 1935 Boston Braves Photographs Archive (30)
This is a virtual photo gallery from the Bambino’s major league swan song. These black-and-white and sepia-toned original news service and wire photographs all hail from Ruth’s 1935 return to Beantown. Ranging in dimensions from 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ to 8″ to 8″ x 10″, most of the photos bear news service stampings and adhered captions on the reverse.

SIGNED BASEBALL ITEMS – INCLUDING CARDS, PHOTOS & PROGRAMS

Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron 1958 Topps #418 “World Series Batting Foes” Dual-Signed Card – PSA/DNA Authenticated
Bold blue Sharpie signatures (“Mickey Mantle” and “Hank Aaron,” have “10”) have been placed beside each Hall of Famer’s respective likeness on this otherwise unmarked, apparent VG/EX collectible’s obverse.

Alexander Cartwright 1876 Signed Payment Voucher
Presented here is a payment voucher signed by the baseball pioneer. Dated “Feb. 22 1876,” the 7-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ document portion references an $825 disbursement made to one “Mr. Paiko” to complete a cattle-business transaction. The item has been endorsed,”A Cartwright,” in the capacity of “Atty in fact.” The offered piece boasts Cartwright’s black ink signature as its most alluring features. Its elegant curves give the scripting (“9-10”) an almost regal quality.

1941 Play Ball #71 Joe DiMaggio Signed Card – PSA/DNA MINT 9
The legend has penned a radiant and sharp, blue marker signature across the obverse of this aesthetically engaging, Art Deco-styled collectible. As a result, an enduring and highly visual reminder of his greatness has been created.

Hugh Duffy Signed Photograph
Hugh Duffy’s final two seasons as manager were spent at the helm of the hapless Red Sox of the post-Ruth era. After this undoubtedly trying ordeal, Duffy went on to coach baseball at Harvard before once again returning to the Red Sox organization as a scout and coach for the team. Presented is a small black-and-white photo, which shows the Hall of Famer in a Chicago White Sox uniform, but was autographed during his tenure in Boston. His black fountain pen scripting of “Hugh Duffy Red Sox / Coach” projects “6” strength.

1947 Brooklyn Dodgers N.L. Champions Team Signed World Series Program (35 Signatures)
In the second of seven October clashes (in 16 seasons) with their cross-borough rivals from the Bronx, the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers came ever-so-close to the first world title in franchise annals—before a bullpen meltdown allowed the Yankees to secure a 5-2 come-from-behind win in Game 7. Offered here is a vivid reminder of that Flatbush installment—a 1947 World Series program signed by 34 members of the National League representative. The program features black-and-white likenesses and brief biographical entries of the series principals. The “Bums” have each signed on the appropriate image. The blue ballpoint pennings show “9-10” strength.

Babe Ruth 1948 Signed and Personalized Photograph
A noticeably frail Babe Ruth enjoys the company of friends in this 8″ x 10″ black-and-white signed photograph. Though throat cancer was draining him of life, the Bambino refused to deny himself his pleasures—as is evident by the lit stogie in his right hand. The New York Yankees icon used black fountain pen to script “To My Pal / Emory Perry / From Babe Ruth / 5-4-48” near the upper right border of the image. His penmanship rates “8” strength. The reverse bears a black credit stamping from Dickinson Photo Service.

1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Team Signed Yearbook (28 Signatures) Including Robinson and Campanella
The publication is a collector’s treasure that holds a total of 28 signatures. All of them are period cuts. The Dodgers’ cut signatures include Walt Alston (“9-10”), Sandy Amoros (secretarial), Joe Black, Roy Campanella (“9-10”), Carl Erskine, Carl Furillo, Jim Gilliam (pencil), Gil Hodges (“9” pencil, and covered by tape), Clem Labine, Cookie Lavagetto (pencil), Billy Loes, Russ Meyer (pencil), Don Newcombe, Jake Pitler, Pee Wee Reese (pencil), Jackie Robinson (“9-10”), George Shuba (personalized), Duke Snider (pencil, and covered by tape), and Karl Spooner.

1955 Boston Sports Lodge Awards Signed Dinner Program (27 Signatures) Including Young, Speaker, Baker and Clarke
In the spring of 1955, the Boston Sports Lodge of B’nai B’rith convened for its third annual Awards Dinner. On hand was a litany of athletic celebrities, many of who penned their identities to the cover of this accessory program. A couple of these are political or social dignitaries. The baseball autographs include: Tris Speaker (“9-10”), Harry Hooper, and Duffy Lewis signed. In turn, we readily discover Joe Cronin, Will Harridge (“9-10”, quite scarce on a social medium), Dom DiMaggio, Fred Clarke (“8-9”), Carl Hubbell, Cy Young (“9-10”), Bill Dickey, Frank Baker (“9-10”), Mickey Cochrane (“9-10”), and Charlie Gehringer.

Willie Mays 1951 Bowman #305 Signed Rookie Card – PSA/DNA-Authenticated
A vintage blue ballpoint signature (“6-7”) has been placed at the left side of this otherwise unmarked, apparent VG/EX collectible’s obverse.

Jimmie Foxx 1950 W576 Callahan Hall of Fame Signed Card – PSA/DNA-Authenticated
A vintage green fountain pen signature (“8-9”) has been placed at the lower edge of this apparent EX/MT collectible’s obverse. Foxx, a 1951 Hall inductee, passed away in 1967.

1953 All-Star Multi Signed Program (20 Signatures) Including Mantle and Williams
The 1953 All-Star Game was played in Cincinnati’s Crosley Field on July 14, 1953 and the National League won 5-1, their fourth straight victory in the Mid-Summer Classic. Offered here is the 1953 All-Star Game Program signed on the cover at a later time by 20 All-Stars. All signatures are in blue ink, many in felt tip, projecting “9-10” strength.

MISCELLANEOUS BASEBALL ITEMS

Don Larsen 1956 World Series Game 5 “Perfect Game” Vintage Scored Program
This program was issued for the historic performance on October 8, 1956 at Yankee Stadium. The 48-page guide features a colorful cover on which likenesses of the rival skippers and their teams’ venues appear. The big story, however, is revealed on the scoring grids on pages 31 and 33. There, neatly composed blue ballpoint notations recount nine successive three-up, three-down frames for the visitors, the masterpiece ending with a “K” by pinch hitter Dale Mitchell.

1958-1962 Hartland Figurines Collection (9)
Includes: Aaron, Aparicio, Berra, Drysdale, Mathews, Mays, Musial, Spahn and Williams. More than half the set!

Extremely Rare 1930s Babe Ruth Carnival Prize Figure
An endearing piece with a smiling expression, soft pastel coloration and clownlike feet, the representation of Babe Ruth was very likely awarded as a carnival prize. The painted figure is holding a bat at its side and is dressed in a grey uniform with “Babe Ruth” lettered across the chest in green.

Extremely Rare 1910 Schmelzer’s Sporting Goods Pinback – Hank Gowdy, Boston – PSA NM-MT 8
No Schmelzer’s pinback—of any subject—has been graded higher. A small but highly detailed black-and-white photo of Boston Braves catcher Hank Gowdy occupies the lower-right aspect of this extraordinarily desirable, 1-1/4″-diameter celluloid souvenir. Its embellished graphics are exquisite. The piece’s delicate “Schmelzer’s” backpaper insert is clean and firmly in place.

Scarce 1911 World Series Program – Philadelphia Athletics at New York Giants
The third version of the classic but quirky Polo Grounds was built in 1890 and partially renovated in 1910 and again in June of 1911 after a fire destroyed the majority of the stadium’s one-year-old wooden bleachers. The Giants wound up playing most of the 1911 season in their newly renovated facility. This offered scorecard/program for the 1911 World Series spotlights the Giants’ renovated home on most of its 12 pages.

1948 “Babe Ruth Day” Stadium Pin with Hanger
In 1948’s final tribute to the great Babe Ruth, patrons at Yankee Stadium could avail this beautiful souvenir pin. Fashioned in the familiar form of PM10 (1-3/4″ in diameter), the black and white image conveys a universally recognized likeness of the Babe. The suspending embellishment—a metallic baseball and the patriotic silk ribbon—is almost certainly original.

1939 All-Star Game Program at Yankee Stadium – The First Hosted by the Yankees!
For the first All-Star Game ever hosted by the Yankees, the patrons of that 1939 gala event could access one of these programs. Simply put, it’s an adaptation of the team’s regular season program, but fitted with a center scorecard bearing the pre-printed rosters of the combatants. The rosters beamed with stars who eventually enjoyed Hall of Fame glory. The program is unscored.

1913 Philadelphia Athletics World Series Program
On the strength of a virtually invincible mound corps, the mighty Philadelphia Athletics returned, after a one-year hiatus, to the World Series in 1913. It was indeed a dynasty, and from that October set against McGraw’s Giants, there survives this program. This publication was available for Shibe Park fans for either Games 2 or 4. It is unscored.

Babe Ruth – Three Strands of Hair
The hair was removed from the sterling silver hairbrush, engraved “GHR,” and sold at auction in 2007 as part of a collection of Ruth’s personal toiletry items. LOA from foremost celebrity-hair authenticator John Reznikoff.

1974 Hall of Fame Induction Bats Collection (5) – Mantle Induction Year!
Offered are five Hillerich & Bradsby limited edition bats commemorating the 1974 Hall of Fame induction class. These 34″ white ash models each feature a rich brown patina and prominent gold-colored stampings. On the barrel, an engraved legend reads “NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME – AUGUST 12, 1974.” Between that detail and the centerbrand, a Hall of Fame logo stamping resides alongside a list of facsimile signatures or block-letter (full name) stampings of that years inductees. Sharpie autographs projects “10” in strength.

FOOTBALL

1917 University of Illinois Panorama – George Halas’ Last Game
During WWI, burgeoning military facilities quickly developed across America. One was Camp Funston, which appended the huge installation, Fort Riley near Manhattan, Kansas. In 1917, Camp Funston fielded a football team from among its thousands of training troops. And on Thanksgiving Day that year, the gridiron eleven from the University of Illinois traveled to play those soldiers. In the course of that meeting, this panorama was created.

1951 Bowman #6 Tom Fears – SGC 96 MINT 9 “1 of 1!”
Here is the lone copy at its outstanding tier with none graded higher by SGC. It presents a fabulous Hall of Fame depiction.

1967-2007 Super Bowl I Through XL Tickets Complete Run (41) – All PSA-Holdered
The novelty of the upstart AFL doing battle with the NFL for annual bragging rights has since become far and away the most anticipated and lucrative endeavor in the sporting world. Includes:

FULL TICKETS (23): PSA MINT 9: 2 tickets w/Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XL; PSA NM-MT 8: 12 tickets w/Super Bowl XIV, Super Bowl XXIV, Super Bowl XXVII, Super Bowl XXXI, Super Bowl XXXII, Super Bowl XXXIII, Super Bowl XXXIV, Super Bowl XXXV, Super Bowl XXXVII, Super Bowl XXXVIII, Super Bowl XXXIX and Super Bowl XLI;
PSA NM 7: 5 tickets w/Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl XV, Super Bowl XVII, Super Bowl XXVI and Super Bowl XXX; PSA EX-MT 6: 2 tickets w/Super Bowl XXVIII and Super Bowl XXIX; PSA EX 5: Super Bowl IV; and PSA Authentic: Super Bowl VIII.

STUBS (18) – PSA NM-MT 8: 1 ticket, Super Bowl XVIII; PSA EX-MT 6: 7 tickets w/Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XVI, Super Bowl XIX, Super Bowl XX, Super Bowl XXII, Super Bowl XXIII and Super Bowl XXV; PSA EX 5: 3 tickets w/Super Bowl XII, Super Bowl XIII and Super Bowl XXI;
PSA VG-EX 4: 2 tickets w/Super Bowl II and Super Bowl V; PSA Authentic: 5 tickets w/Super Bowl I, Super Bowl III, Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl X.

1962 New York Giants Team Signed Football (40 Signatures) – NFL Championship Year!
The “G-Men” faced the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Championship game, but were defeated by a score of 16-7. These autographs were all scripted in blue ballpoint and strength ranges from about “8-9” potency.

1954 Ohio State Buckeyes National Champions Team Signed Football (54 Signatures) Including Coach Woody Hayes and HOFer Jim Parker!
The Ohio State Buckeyes claimed their second national championship with a perfect 10-0 record during the 1954 campaign. This signed pigskin commemorates that historic season. Fifty-four black ink autographs decorate the Rawlings ball, which, on one panel, bears a red-and-white decal that shows the team’s game-by-game record. The signatures project about “7-10” strength.

BASKETBALL

Wilt Chamberlain Signed Official Spalding Basketball
This unused official Spalding basketball commemorates the “Stilt’s” career. The ball proudly displays Chamberlain’s silver paint pen signature (“10”) and accompanying inscription of “H.O.F. -74” across one of the item’s glossy leather panels.

1984 Milwaukee Bucks Program – Michael Jordan’s First Game!
This 124-page guide’s contents detail the home team and its principals, for the most part—although Jordan’s image appears in a “New faces to watch” article. Showing minimally EX/MT quality, the program features unmarked scoring grids and contains a gameday insert detailing that evening’s festivities, as well as two unmarked 1980 NBA All-Star Game ballots.

1961/62 Fleer #34 Bob Pettit – PSA MINT 9
This is one of just nine copies at its tier with none graded higher. It is a true Hall of Fame collectible.

Hakeem Olajuwon 1990-91 NBA Blocked Shots Champion Award
The 9″ x 11″ plaque presentation shows a raised image of Olajuwon with lettering below the portrait display reading, “HAKEEM OLAJUWON – HOUSTON ROCKETS – NBA BLOCKED SHOTS CHAMPION – 1990-91.” “The Dream” finished his Hall of Fame career with 3,830 total blocked shots, an all-time NBA record.

1970/71 Hawthorne Milk Chicago Bulls Jerry Sloan
Here is a rare 1970/71 Chicago Bulls basketball card that was distributed with Hawthorne Milk. This is the Jerry Sloan/Grey Image entry from one of the toughest basketball-themed issues of the 1970s or any other era. The collectible is defined by a dotted key-line showing where it was removed from the side panel of a milk carton.

1961/62 Fleer #8 Wilt Chamberlain Rookie Card – PSA NM-MT 8
This sought-after collectible, with its first-year portrayal of a superstar, hails from the forever-popular 1961/62 Fleer release. The card’s obverse reflects plenty of original surface gloss and displays a nicely resolved black-and-white image of its subject.

BOXING

1910 E75 American Caramel “Prize Fighter Caramels” Complete Master Set (22)
This complete master set of E75 “Prize Fighter Caramels” was produced by American Caramel around 1910. In total, 3 cards have been graded by a third-party service. Includes: Attell/Ketchell Error (SGC Authentic), Ketchell/Attell Error (SGC Authentic) and Walcott (PSA VG 3).

Jack Dempsey 1919 Signed Willard-Dempsey Fight Ticket
On July 4, 1919, Jack Dempsey won the heavyweight championship of the world in an affair, which was not a battle, but a slaughter. Never in the history of the American ring had a heavyweight champion offered such a spectacle in defense of his title. Offered here is a ticket to that historic fight. With four standard punch-cancellation holes, it is a complete $15 ticket. Signed “Jack Dempsey” (“10”) in black ink.

1890s-1940s Boxing and Entertainment Photos Collection (201 Items) – Including Jim Corbett Signed Cabinet!
This expansive collection of 201 vintage, mostly boxing-related photos celebrates the early days of the pugilistic pastime and is highlighted by a rare Jim Corbett period cabinet card. The Corbett relic reveals the fighter’s formally dressed, celebrity persona, and has been signed and inscribed on the reverse by its subject (blue fountain pen, “10”). The remaining well-handled, 4″ x 5″ to 8″ x 10″ pieces picture prizefighters, announcers, and managers of the era, as well as a several other entertainment stars. The images showcase these individuals posing or “in action.”

HOCKEY

1912/13 C57 Hockey Series Graded Partial Set (31/50)
This partial set is from the highly desirable C57 hockey issue, which was produced for the 1912/13 season. Each of these black-and-white photo collectibles display a player’s image, with name and team designation, on the front and the back design features a “Hockey Series” title banner, card number and a short bio. This edition is by far the rarest of the three 1910-era hockey issues. Includes: Graded SGC 50 VG/EX 4: 2 cards; PSA VG 3: 1 card; SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards; PSA GD 2: 2 cards; SGC 30 GD 2: 4 cards; SGC 20 FR 1.5: 4 cards; PSA 1 PR-FR 1: 3 cards; SGC 10 PR 1: 7 cards; SGC Authentic: 1 card, #47.

1960/61 Parkhurst #20 Gordie Howe – PSA MINT 9
This is one of just nine copies at its tier with none graded higher. No collectible from the entire 1960/61 Parkhurst production has received a superior PSA assessment.

1962/63 Parkhurst #31 Gordie Howe – PSA MINT 9
Just a single example of this card has been graded higher. It is sparkling Howe collectible.
AMERICANA HIGHLIGHTS
POLITICAL/PRESIDENTIAL

1860s-1880s Presidential Campaign Ballots Collection (9 Different) Including Lincoln/Johnson and Garfield/Arthur!
Printed on delicate paper, these 2-3/4″ x 5″ to 4-3/4″ x 12-3/8″ ballots have survived remarkably well. Featured are ballots promoting the campaigns of Lincoln/Johnson (4 different), Garfield/Arthur, Harrison/Morton, McClellan/Pendleton (2 different), and Clay/Frelinghuysen.

1940 “Forward with Roosevelt” Campaign Posters Collection (12)
This dozen of matching posters—used during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1940 presidential re-election campaign—boasts wonderful eye appeal and exemplary preservation. The posters utilize the same poignant portrait of FDR that graced a 1942 calendar commemorating Pearl Harbor. The ensemble was part of a “find” uncovered in the mid-2000s.

1860 Lincoln/Hamlin Campaign Ferrotype and Extremely Rare Lincoln Portrait Laminated Campaign Ribbon (2 Items)

1860 Lincoln/Hamlin Campaign Ferrotype – A captivating, 1″-diameter campaign relic from the presidential campaign that helped to shape America’s destiny. Abraham Lincoln appears on the obverse and his running mate, Hannibal Hamlin, adorns the back.

1860 Lincoln Portrait Laminated Campaign Ribbon – An intriguing and rare campaign ribbon—constructed of extremely thin, fragile fabric and depicting Abraham Lincoln—from the 1860 election. The ribbon bears the full names of the principals on the Lincoln/Hamlin ticket, as well as their state affiliations.

Abraham Lincoln 1850s Signed Legal Pleading
The document showcases Lincoln’s black ink penmanship with an attractive “Lincoln” signature at bottom right (“10”). This document is a response pleading by the future President of the United States, and in it Lincoln says that his client, the defendant, should be afforded a non-suit in the plaintiff’s action of replevin (“claim and delivery”).

Ulysses S. Grant 1871 Signed Pardon Document
This partially printed and handwritten document, dated January 18, 1871, is an official presidential pardon for Jesse Grogan. Grant’s signature has been boldly penned in black ink and projects “9-10” strength.

John F. Kennedy 1955 Signed Letter on U.S. Senate Stationery
This folio style stationery carries the imprint of the United States Senate upon its facing page. More importantly, it also carries the typed message and black ink signature of the man who would become the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy (1917-1963). The brief letter is dated January 18, 1955, a time close to Kennedy’s experimental back surgery, which almost killed him. He was in the early stages of his nine-month recovery period at the time this was written, a time during which he authored his most famous work, Profiles in Courage. The letter is written to his friend, Howard T. Sniffin. Sniffin’s name and address are typed below the Senator’s abbreviated black ink signature, “John” (assesses at the “9” level for strength and completeness).

HISTORICAL VALUE

Robert Todd Lincoln 1889 Handwritten Letter
Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1929), Abraham Lincoln’s oldest son, penned the words on this 4-3/8″ x 7″ sheet of imprinted folio stationery during the first year of his ambassadorship to the United Kingdom. The imprint contains the ambassador’s London address of “5. CADOGAN SQUARE. S. W.” on the facing page, which is where Lincoln wrote the missive in black ink, using a steel quill pen. Lincoln’s signature assesses at the “8” level.

November 3, 1948 Chicago Daily Tribune “Dewey Defeats Truman” Full Newspaper
The Tribune’s blunder (based on early election night returns favoring Dewey) is arguably the most famous headline in the history of American journalism, and has since become a boon for collectors. That issue is now the most highly prized newspaper in the collecting world. Offered is a complete, original copy of the Chicago Daily Tribune from that fateful day.

ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS

Harry Houdini 1923 Signed and Personalized Photograph
The sepia image presented here bears a blue fountain pen personalization and signature of the greatest escape artist the world has ever known—Harry Houdini (1874-1926). Houdini’s autograph (signed “Houdini”) projects about “7” strength (but is very light at the first two characters). He has added the date “April 27, 1923,” as well.

19th Century Lillian Russell Collection (20 Different)
Born Helen Louise Leonard, this Iowa native went on to become the most recognized star of the world’s stage. After her 1879 debut in the chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan’s first production of H.M.S. Pinafore, she adopted the stage name of Lillian Russell (1860-1922). This collection provides 20 different specimens for a tobacco card “type” collection. Two cards have been graded by PSA.

NON-SPORTS CARDS

1962 Topps “Mars Attacks” Complete Set (55)
The Topps Company’s tribute to our collective fear of invasion, the Mars Attacks trading card set came hot on the heels of America’s 1950s anti-communist paranoia. The scarce and always sought-after set features the finest artwork in post-war non-sports, with graphic depictions by legendary artist Norm Saunders.

Scarce 1965 Topps “Battle” Full Uncut Sheet (132 Cards) Including Two Complete Sets!
In many respects a modernized version of the 1930s classic, Horrors of War, Topps’ Battle issue of 1965 brought fascinating and bloody, wartime action into view for a new generation’s consumption. Like its predecessors, Battle featured a highly stylized, artistic rendering on each cardfront. An amazing discovery, the offered piece is an almost impossibly rare uncut Battle press sheet. This fully printed sheet holds 132 finished Battle cards, comprising two complete sets.

1924 Godfrey Phillips “Cinema Stars – Circular” Complete Set (25) – #1 on the PSA Set Registry!
These sublime, approximately 2-1/4″-diameter collectibles are wondrously eye-catching mementoes of great movie performers from the “Roaring 20s” era. The items—each of which displays a beautifully presented, black-and-white photo of its subject—include: Graded PSA MINT 9: 6 cards; PSA NM-MT 8: 14 cards; PSA NM 7: 3 cards; and PSA EX 5: 2 cards.

1966 Topps “Funny Rings” Complete Set (24)
It is ironic that a secondary component of the 1966 Topps Football release are arguably some of the most sought-after non-sports related items of the 1960s. While the items in the production aren’t “football” cards, their only method of distribution were as inserts into wax packs and the checklist for this insert release was part of the standard football card series. The delicate cards’ non-sports theme from a football world makes them difficult to find, and their inherent fragility has guaranteed a low rate of long-term survival.

1955 Barbers Tea “Cinema and Television Stars” Complete Set (25) – #1 on the SGC Set Registry!
Similar in style and dimension to American tobacco cards of the early 20th Century, these exceptionally fresh cards showcase talented and famous entertainers from the mid-1950’s; including the highly desirable Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe examples! Includes: Graded Cards – Graded SGC 96 MINT 9: 5 cards; SGC 92 NM/MT + 8.5: 6 cards; SGC 88 NM/MT 8: 6 cards; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 1 card; SGC 84 NM 7: 3 cards; SGC 80 EX/NM 6: 1 card; and SGC 50
VG/EX 4: 3 cards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
To register for Mastro Auctions’ February Classic Collector auction or to get more information, go to www.mastroauctions.com. Bidding begins on February 11 and ends February 28.

About Mastro Auctions, Inc.
Mastro Auctions of Burr Ridge, Ill., is part of the Silkroad Equity family of companies. It is the leading high value collectibles auction company. The company has sold many of the most famous and valuable sports and Americana collectibles ever offered to the public, including the most expensive baseball card in history, the T206 Honus Wagner which sold for nearly $1.3 million, Norman Rockwell’s “The Dugout” for $355,000, Roger Maris’ 1961 jersey he wore when he hit home run #61 for $302,000, the bus Rosa Parks rode on when she refused to stand for segregation for nearly $500,000 and the famous Steve Bartman Cubs foul ball for over $100,000.