Joe DiMaggio Signed Original Willard Mullin Artwork

Sold For:

$510

Year:

1939

Auction:

2020 Summer

Lot #:

1633

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Original Willard Mullin cartoon artwork (mixed media on coquille board) of former New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert. Signed by the artist in the lower right corner. The cartoon, which dates to the late 1930s, makes light of Ruppert's predicament regarding the ever increasing salary demands of his stars, including DiMaggio and Gehrig. This is an especially significant Mullin artwork given its two special provenances. This artwork was originally presented to Ruppert by Mullin as a gift, which is evidenced by Mullin's inscription in the lower left corner that reads "With Sincere Best Wishes to Col. Ruppert from Willard Mullin.' After residing in Ruppert's personal collection for many years, it eventually found its way into the famed Barry Halper Collection. Halper was close friends with Joe DiMaggio, and had Joe sign the piece in blue Sharpie (grading "10"), with DiMaggio commenting on how tight Ruppert was when it came to player salaries: "And he wasn't free with it - Joe DiMaggio." Willard Mullin was one of America's best-loved sports cartoonists, not to mention one of the most prolific (he worked for the New York World-Telegram from 1934 to 1966). Today, he is best remembered today as the creator of the "Brooklyn Bum," one of the most iconic images in the field.  The artwork (17.25 x 15.5 inches; visible dimensions) displays light staining and is in apparent Good to Very Good condition. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 21.75 x 19.75 inches. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).