1934 to 1942 St. Louis Cardinals Player's Contract Collection (4) - Each Signed by Branch Rickey

Sold For:

$1,680

Year:

1934

Auction:

2021 Fall

Lot #:

1635

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Collection of four Major League player contracts spanning the years 1934-1942, each signed by Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey. All are standard four-page fold-over National League "Uniform Player's Contracts" (8.5 x 11 inches) and have also been signed by the respective player. 1) Contract, dated February 19, 1934, between the St. Louis Cardinals and J. O. Carleton ("Tex"). Signed in fountain pen by team owner "Sam Breadon" (grading "9"). This contract was later assigned to the Chicago Cubs and has been signed again by "Branch Rickey" in black fountain pen ("9") in confirmation of that transaction. Two signatures of National League President John Heydler appear on the front of the contract; one is stamped and one is secretarial. Excellent condition with two horizontal folds. 2) Contract, dated June 3, 1938, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Ray Harrell. Signed in black fountain pen by "Branch Rickey" (grading "10") and "Ray Harrell" ("8"). This contract was later assigned to the Chicago Cubs and has been signed again by "S. Breadon" in black fountain pen ("7") in confirmation of that transaction. Two signatures of National League President Ford Frick, appear on the front of the contract; one is genuine ("8") and one is secretarial. Very Good to Excellent with two horizontal folds. 3) Contract, dated February 6, 1939, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Kenneth Raffensberger. Signed in black fountain pen by "Branch Rickey" (grading "9") and "Kenneth Raffensberger" ("8/9"). This contract was later assigned to the Chicago Cubs and has been signed again by "S. Breadon" in black fountain pen ("8/9") in confirmation of that transaction. Two signatures of National League President Ford Frick appear on the front of the contract ("10" and "8"). Very Good to Excellent with two horizontal folds. 4) Contract, dated February 10, 1942, between the St. Louis Cardinals and Lon Warneke. Signed in fountain pen by "Branch Rickey" (grading "9") and "Lon Warneke" ("8/9"). This contract was later assigned to the Chicago Cubs and has been signed again by "S. Breadon" in blue fountain pen ("8/9") in confirmation of that transaction. Two signatures of National League President Ford Frick appear on the front of the contract ("10" and "8/9"). Very Good to Excellent with two horizontal folds. This lot originates from the extraordinary collection of a longtime Chicago Cubs executive, Eldred "Salty" Saltwell, which is consigned to this auction by his family. The collection, which includes a remarkable array of contracts, checks, and other related documents and mementos, will be presented over a series of auctions and will offer publicly for the first time many significant items spanning decades of Chicago baseball. Total: 4 contracts. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300.