1950s Yogi Berra Yoo-Hoo Advertising Display Complete in its Original Frame

Sold For:

$840

Year:

1955

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

1959

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Classic 1950s Yogi Berra advertising display, complete in its original cardboard frame, issued in promotion of Yoo-Hoo, "The Drink of Champions." This striking store display was provided by Yoo-Hoo to be hung in retail establishments selling the popular chocolate drink. Yogi Berra's long-standing promotion of Yoo-Hoo is one of the most famous and successful of all player product endorsements. Beginning in the 1950s and continuing over the next two decades, Berra was the company's chief spokesperson. The offered piece dates to the start of this relationship and pictures the Hall of Fame catcher, in uniform, sitting at his locker with a refreshing bottle of Yoo-Hoo in his hand. The vintage display (21 x 26 inches) is one of only a few examples we have ever seen complete with its original cardboard frame and just the second we have ever handled. The central illustrated display has a nail hole along the top edge, as well as a few minor surface blemishes. The cardboard frame is loose along the joints and has a few minor tears. Although the piece is in Very Good to Excellent condition overall, it displays at a much higher level than that suggested by its technically accurate grade and is perfect for display, as intended. It should also be noted that this is one of the finest complete examples in the hobby, as all of the others we have seen display moderate-to-severe condition problems inherent to their fragile nature. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be a shipping charge for this lot (which will vary depending upon where it is being shipped). Reserve $300. Estimate (open).