1946 Walter Johnson Funeral Guestbook and Walter Briggs Sympathy Telegram - Direct Johnson Family Provenance!

Sold For:

$810

Year:

1946

Auction:

2023 Fall

Lot #:

2722

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Presented is the guestbook issued for the funeral of legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson, held at Pumphrey Funeral Home in Rockville, Maryland, on December 12, 1946. This book originates directly from the Johnson family and has remained in the family's possession for decades. The soft-cover guestbook was used to collect the signatures of the funeral visitors, including the wives of Clark Griffith and Nick Altrock. The multi-page guestbook (5.5 x 8.5 inches) is lightly toned and in Very Good to Excellent condition. The lot also includes a Western Union telegram from Walter Briggs, owner of the Detroit Tigers, expressing his sympathy. The telegram (8 x 5.5 inches) has a number of fold lines and is accompanied by the original envelope. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Total: 3 items (guestbook, telegram, and envelope). Opening Bid $300.