1915 SCHMELZER'S SPORTING GOODS (KANSAS CITY) "TY COBB (HOF)/RIGHT FIELD" BUTTON.
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Winning Bid:
$17,276.38 (Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
12
Bidding Ended:
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:00:00 PM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #230 Part I
Value Code:
N - $10,000 to $20,000 Help Icon
Item Description
Rare 1.25" with Schmelzer's Sporting Goods (of Kansas City, MO) logo and advertising on back paper while below in small type is the name of maker, Whitehead & Hoag. This locally issued 1915 button set is notable for both its rarity and being the first set of baseball buttons to combine a photo of the player with full color lithographic artwork. There are 10 different known in the set, all are rare with few examples existing of any (see following seven buttons). These rarely come up for sale individually, let alone eight different at one time, like we present to you this auction. These are among the most sought after of any baseball buttons and their rarity far exceeds that of any card issue of the era. Ty Cobb is the most noteworthy ballplayer included in this set. The few that have come to auction have exceeded $10,000. Cobb was one of the original group of five Hall of Fame electees in 1936, who were later inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame when it opened in Cooperstown, NY in 1939. Finishing with a Major League record of 12 batting titles over his 24 year MLB career, Ty would conclude his playing days with a lifetime batting average of .366, also an all-time MLB record. Playing almost his entire career with the American League's Detroit Tigers beginning in 1905, Cobb would also lead the American League numerous times in runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, RBI's and stolen bases. Cobb was one of the earliest recognized MVP's of his league, taking home that honor in 1911. Although Cobb's Tigers went to the World Series three straight years from 1907-09, Detroit came up short each time and prevented Cobb from winning a World's Championship. Back paper has two small age marks. The celluloid, seen only in reflected light, has a 1/32" tiny scratch above the player's belt. There are a half dozen of the very slightest raised bumps on the celluloid. Overall high gloss and Exc. Paul Muchinsky Collection.
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