Sports Memorabilia, Trading Cards, and Americana May 16'26
Lot 53:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! A Collection of Seven Autographed Negro League Baseball Photographs
This lot comprises seven autographed photographs and snapshots of prominent Negro League baseball players. The collection features a black and white portrait of Kansas City Monarchs legend Buck O Neil, signed in blue ink and bearing a Major League Baseball Genuine Merchandise hologram with serial number 08428780830. A black and white action photograph depicts Ted Double Duty Radcliffe in a Homestead Grays uniform, containing multiple inscriptions and signatures including To Nick Double Duty and Ted Double Duty Radcliffe. Also included is an action photograph of Max Manning in a Newark Eagles uniform, signed Max Manning in blue ink. A portrait of Lester Lockett shows the player with a bat and includes the printed identification Lester Lockett Negro League All-Star, signed in blue ink across the center. A candid snapshot of Jim Zapp in a Birmingham Broncs uniform is inscribed To Aimee, Best Wishes, Jim Zapp. The group is completed by a photograph of a player in a Kansas City Monarchs uniform in a catcher’s crouch, inscribed and signed in blue ink, and an action photograph of a play at home plate, inscribed To Nick Thanks and signed in blue ink.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
The photographs are in good condition, showing light wear to the edges and corners typical of age and handling. The signatures and inscriptions remain bold and clearly legible. No additional authentication documents are present beyond the MLB hologram on the Buck O Neil photograph.
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