This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/29/2015
Offered here is an extremely rare original Lou Gehrig signed black & white photograph measuring around 7" x 9". The photo has near perfect clarity and registration, picturing Gehrig in his full New York Yankees uniform with his signature model bat resting at his side. Pristinely signed across his legs "Best Wishes, Lou Gehrig". This photo has some of the strongest provenance/history of any vintage baseball signature we have sold, dating back to the origination of the photo and signing. The photo comes from the estate of Sportswriter Jeffrey Lyons, who is pictured here next to Gehrig in 1938. It is custom framed with the original 5" x 7" B & W negative of the photo. Mr. Lyons details his two encounters he had with the Yankee legend in a September 7, 1995 newspaper article as a columnist for the New Jersey Herald. The newspaper article includes a photo of this exact signed Gehrig image. Tragically, Gehrig was forced to retire early from baseball within a year of signing the photo, then succumbing to ALS (now known as Lou Gehrig's disease) in 1941, at only 37 years old. The Gehrig signature and inscription is in steel tip fountain pen and pristine, with no smudges. The photo registration is strong and clean. The photo itself is crease free but does have some surface wear along the edges, not affecting the central characters of the image at all. The photo includes a small sticker on the reverse edge with Mr. Lyon's home address. Custom wood framed and matted with the original negative photo. Original photos of Lou Gehrig in full Yankees uniform, highlighted by a pristine signature and rock solid provenance, are quite rare (and much harder to obtain than his famous teammate, Babe Ruth). Includes a laminated copy of the New Jersey Herald, Sports Section, Page 1, September 7, 1995 newspaper article. Written by Jeffrey Lyons, he details his inspiring encounter with Gehrig in 1938. The Yankees were in town for a Spring Exhibition game and Mr. Lyons, being a young writer for the Morning Sun, was on assignment. He met Gehrig and had him pose for a photo. Later that year, Gehrig came around again for an Exhibition game in Binghamton, New York. As Lyons puts it, "I stuck the picture under his nose and politely asked if he'd mind autographing it. He graciously complied, said something like, 'Good picture,' and left the dugout for his turn in the batter's cage." Also includes full Letters of Authenticity from both PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication (JSA). A strong museum quality investiment piece that will make a great addition to your Yankees or baseball collection.