1910 Tuxedo Tobacco Advertising Sign Complete Set (3)

Sold For:

$52,200

Year:

1910

Auction:

2005 Spring

Lot #:

864

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Complete set of all three circa 1910 Tuxedo Tobacco cardboard advertising signs featuring Christy Mathewson, John McGraw, and Walter Johnson, respectively. This is the first time all three Tuxedo Tobacco signs have ever been offered at auction at the same time in the entire history of the hobby, let alone as a complete set. The Tuxedo Tobacco advertising signs have always been revered by collectors for their majestic display value, extraordinary rarity, and for the great stars they feature. Each of the three full-color advertising signs in this series is universally recognized as among the most spectacular and desirable of all 1910-era baseball advertising displays. Even the most advanced collections have rarely included more than one of these three Tuxedo baseball advertising signs. To the best of our knowledge, only one other complete set of all three signs has ever been assembled. While all three Tuxedos are extremely rare, the Walter Johnson sign is particularly rare, with only three or four examples known to exist. (Note: Years ago a few Tuxedo advertising signs were "discovered" featuring Ty Cobb's portrait and endorsement, allegedly representing a fourth sign to the set, but these Ty Cobb signs were not authentic. They were not "reproductions," technically, as no original exists; rather, they were computer-generated "fantasy" pieces, apparently produced with the intent to defraud collectors). Each of the three Tuxedo Tobacco advertising signs is a stunning example with vibrant colors. These signs are rarely found in high-grade. Two of the three Tuxedo signs (McGraw and Johnson) have benefitted from professional restoration. 1) McGraw has had a very small abrasion on his left cheek professionally restored. The repair is so well executed it is undetectable, even upon close inspection, and it can only be located under a black light. Aside from some minor shading, the McGraw sign is otherwise in Excellent condition. 2) The Walter Johnson was in Good condition with various flaws before being beautifully restored to its current Excellent appearance. This sign was originally in a condition similar to the few other examples we have seen (good condition) prior to its expert restoration. The degree of restoration to the Johnson is moderate (as opposed to an extremely minor degree of restoration to the McGraw Tuxedo); however, we believe that each of the few Johnson Tuxedos that are known share similar condition problems, and therefore a similar degree of restoration would be necessary and desired to achieve a similar overall Excellent appearance. 3) The Christy Mathewson has some very light foxing, of little consequence with reference to its stunning overall appearance, some minor edge wear and some shading as is often the case with these signs, otherwise in overall Excellent condition. Each of these three signs individually is a rare and highly prized treasure. Together, the complete set of all three signs represents one of collecting's most elusive and impressive sets of baseball advertising rarities from any era. Dimensions: Each 11 x 21 inches. Total 3 items. Reserve $10,000. Estimate $20,000/$40,000. SOLD FOR $52,200.00