1927 New York Yankees Original Photo Signed by Entire Team - Ruth, Gehrig (Graded PSA 8)
Able devotees of the game's heritage generally agree that the mightiest team ever rostered was the 1927 Yankees. Even if we acknowledge arguments advanced on the merits of the '75 Reds, 1961 Yankees or any of several champion nines engineered by Connie Mack, the standard by which all are measured is this squad of 1927 Pinstripers. In the course of that watershed season, their entirety posed for the lens to yield this 8" x 10" glossy rendering. It's an original photograph which has endured well over these many decades, however, we must detail its several qualifications. Early on, the photograph was permanently applied to a reinforcing board - presumably to accomodate secure display. And with time, the dynamics of conflicting expansion and contraction of the photo (in relation to the mounting support) have induced minorly perceptible deformities in the photograph's surface - evident as a series of uneven anomalies along the bottom border. And finally in this regard, we report the presence of a 1/4"-diameter black dot situated adjacent to the left leg of Ben Paschal (seated in the front row, third from the left). The lineage of this masterpiece traces to the estate of contemporary Yankee hurler, George Pipgras. Such is affirmed by the inclusion of a letter furnished by his daughter, Ms. LeMorn Pipgras Simpson. Thus is explained the accomplishment of capturing all of these signatures, which simply wouldn't have been available on a whim (even in 1927). The magnitude of this signed composite can't be overstated. PSA has granted an aggregate evaluation of NM-MT 8 to its signatures, and their principal authority in determining veracity, Steve Grad, has recently remarked that this one is the finest of its kind that he's ever reviewed. Certainly PSA's assessment is welcomed. However, this remarkable photograph similarly transcends all subjective requisites. Aside from the immediately legible quality of each signature, there looms the challenge in sheer accessibility in attaining these autographs. Elements on any baseball team are constantly in motion, and the '27 Yankees were no exception. Players and staff simply weren't idling time in front of their lockers, queued to provide their identities upon request. For that matter, roster modifications shortly took their toll on this team as well. And so, by his dogged tenacity, George Pipgras secured all these signatures. Placed in fountain pen, not a one of them is remotely defiled by damp ink, or any other disappointment. In their glorious detailing, these itemize - Dutch Ruether, Joe Dugan, Ben Paschal, Benny Bengough, Myles Thomas, Mike Gazella, Ray Morehart, Eddie Bennett (batboy/mascot), Bob Shawkey, Joe Giard, John Grabowski, Charlie O'Leary (coach), Miller Huggins, Art Fletcher, Herb Pennock, Julie Wera, Pat Collins, Doc Woods (trainer), Lou Gehrig, Bob Meusel, Babe Ruth, Wilcy Moore (signed "W Moore), George Pipgras, Earle Combs, Don Miller, Waite Hoyt, Tony Lazzeri, Mark Koenig, Urban Shocker and Cedric Durst. A few summary thoughts are in order here. Though the photograph is uncaptioned, it's clearly from 1927 by virtue of its featuring one-year Yankees Morehart, Giard and Julie Wera. Further, the appearance (and autograph) of "Don Miller" is a bit mysterious. Miller wasn't a coach, nor did he ever record any major league experience. Most of these players continued to enjoy a full life, but of course, all are now committed to eternity. Certainly, there were tragedies in pre-mature demises though. Quite obviously, Gehrig and Miller Huggins are the most notable. However, several other signatures in this composite are virtually extinct - especially as Yankees. Among these are Charlie O'Leary, Art Fletcher, Johnny Grabowski, and the intensely rare Urban Shocker, and that of the handicapped mascot, Eddie Bennett. Finally, we must emphasize the Gehrig autograph. By inadvertent fortuity, he posed for this photograph standing at the far left, thus affording an absolutely uncorrupted expanse for his bold and familiarly flowing signature.
Authenticators
PSA/DNA Auction House Letter (Read Details)
James Spence Authentication
George Pipgras' Estate Letter
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