1955 Tris Speaker Signed Letter in Framed Display

Sold For:

$450

Year:

1955

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1944

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

One-page handwritten letter, dated March 12, 1955, signed by Hall of Fame outfielder Tris Speaker. Speaker's letter is written along the bottom of a letter sent to him by a gentleman named George Hipp, who wrote to Speaker in request for an autograph on a baseball. As noted in Hipp's letter, his father gave him a ball signed by Cy Young, and he was attempting to have it signed by additional Hall of Famers, including Speaker, Ty Cobb, and Honus Wagner. Speaker response, in full, reads "Will be happy to sign the base ball for you. Would suggest you send it to Cleveland some time after April 10th as I am not sure just how long I will be here. Sincerely, Tris Speaker." (The letter was addressed to Speaker at a Florida address.) Both the text and signature have been scripted in blue ink and grade "9" overall. The letter (8 x 10.75 inches; visible dimensions) one horizontal and two vertical mailing folds, as well as a tiny tear long the top border and a few light surface wrinkles. In apparent Very Good to Excellent condition. Matted and framed together with a black-and-white photo of Speaker (7 x 4.5 inches; modern print). Total dimensions: 12 x 20.5 inches. Pre-certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).