Significant Hall of Fame Negro-League Autograph Collection in Framed Display - Paige, Leonard, and Wells

Sold For:

$480

Year:

1980

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

1691

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Framed display featuring the signatures of three prominent Negro-League Hall of Fame players: Satchel Paige, Buck Leonard, and Willie Wells, who is represented twice. The black-ink signature of Paige (grading "8") and the blue-ink signature of Leonard ("9") appear along the top border of their respective gold Hall of Fame plaque postcards. Below that is a handwritten letter from Wells, as well as the cut section of his return address taken from the mailing envelope. The letter, written in blue ink on a plain white sheet of paper (7.25 x 3.25 inches) reads "Friend John. Wish you the best thanks for everything also wish you and family a happy healthy xmas and new year. Always glad to hear from you. All ways a friend mine in sport Willie Wells." Both the text and signature grade "10." Matted below the letter is Well's handwritten return address (2.5 x 1.25 inches) in black ink (grading "9"): "1705 Newton St./Austin Texas 78704/Willie Wells." The two Hall of Fame postcards are in apparent Near Mint condition. The letter displays a horizontal and vertical fold and is in apparent Excellent condition, as is the return address. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 13.5 x 17.5 inches. Total: 4 items in a framed display (two postcards, letter, and return address). Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Pre certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication. Please note: This item is being auctioned again due to a non-paying bidder (Charles Capone of Massachusetts) in our Spring 2017 auction. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).