Rare Sandy Koufax "American Male" Promotional Photo

Sold For:

$360

Year:

1965

Auction:

2016 Fall

Lot #:

1774

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Exceedingly rare Sandy Koufax promotional photo for "American Male." The photo pictures Koufax in a pitching pose as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the caption along the base reading "Sandy Koufax/Now pitching for American Male." This is the only example of this photo we have ever seen and it directly relates to another extremely rare Koufax piece: a three-inch pinback of Koufax that is lettered "By The American Male." Little information is known regarding the precise year of origin or distribution method of the pin or this companion photo. We are not even certain if "The American Male" was a retail store, a magazine, or some other commercial entity; however, both this photo and pin were clearly promotional pieces. Based on many factors, we are very confident that this photo dates to Koufax's active playing career in the 1960s and was most likely limited in its distribution. A black-ink inscription on front of the photo reads "Best regards/Sandy Koufax." It should be noted that this photo was originally submitted to JSA by our consignor, at which time it received a COA indicating that the signature was "authentic." However, during its authentication session for REA, JSA reexamined the autograph and reversed its position. As a result, JSA will not issue an auction LOA for this piece, but the original JSA COA still accompanies the photo. The photo (8 x 10 inches) displays a tack hole in each corner, and moderate creasing throughout. In Very Good condition. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).