Circa 1920s New York Yankees Locker-Room Chair

Sold For:

$1,080

Year:

1920

Auction:

2015 Fall

Lot #:

1000

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

This wooden folding chair originates from the locker-room of the original Yankee Stadium and is one of the oldest artifacts we have ever seen from the fabled "House That Ruth Built." Dating from approximately the 1920s, this chair is one of many that would have been used by the players as they sat in front of their lockers to change before and after each game. Like many of the original Yankee Stadium pieces in the hobby today, this example was obtained during the 1973 renovation and bears the familiar New York Yankees 50th anniversary plaque affixed to the front of the back rest. Locker-room chairs are much rarer than the larger outdoor seats from Yankee Stadium, and this is only the fourth example we have ever offered. (The first appeared as Lot 1133 in our May 2009 auction, where it sold for $1,998.) The chair, which is fully functional, displays modest wear commensurate with its age and former use, including a few minor chips. The chair has been recently repainted, but evidence of earlier coats of both green and blue paint are evident on the underside and in between the seat slats. The initials "A. W." are carved into one side of the chair (meaning unknown). In Excellent to Mint condition overall. Like freestanding stadium seats, the functionality of this chair makes it especially desirable for display in either home or office, where it would certainly be an eye-catching as well as extremely historic conversation piece. Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 30.5 inches (when fully open).  Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000+.