Auction Item Details
Lot 171
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Lot Number: 171
Description: Important Lou Gehrig 1933 MLB All-Star Game presentational pendant (Inaugural MLB All-Star Game). The Great Depression of the 1930s severely damaged elements of American culture, including the game of baseball, which experienced dwindling crowds and enormous financial challenge. In an effort to spur interest in the national pastime, the sports editor for the Chicago Tribune, Arch Ward, approached officials of the American and National Leagues. Ward's idea was pit the best of both leagues against each other in an All-Star game to be played in Chicago in conjunction with the "Century of Progress Exhibition". Set for Comiskey Park on July 6, 1933, before a huge crowd of 49,200, the game featured the finest players of the period including Gehrig, Gomez, Foxx, Klein, Simmons, Grove, Cronin, Terry, Frisch, and Babe Ruth. The American League captured the victory behind a two run home run by none other than Babe Ruth who was greeted at home plate by his Yankees teammate Lou Gehrig. In commemoration of the momentous game, players and select other participants were presented with gold pendants. Scant few examples of these cherished award pieces have surfaced related to back up players or cursory figures from the game. To the best of our knowledge, these were awarded to American League players only as indicated by titling on the pendant and known examples from AL recipients. We are honored to present Lou Gehrig's personal charm as bestowed to him for his participation in the inaugural Midsummer Classic. 14k gold baseball shaped pendant measures 7/8" tall having engraved titling on front and back with inlaid blue enamelwork. Front panel reads, "All Star Game Chicago 1933 Won By American League" with back having "Lou Gehrig". Engraving remains in fine original condition with some of the enamelwork missing from the front panel titling primarily in the "Chicago" lettering. Marked 14k on the eyelet area with the surface of the pendant exhibiting some typical light scratching. While the precise surviving number of these rare All-Star Game award pieces is unknown there is no question that Lou Gehrig's example is the most significant to have been offered publicly. It was originally purchased in 1992 at Leland's live auction in New York City and other than Babe Ruth's would be the most coveted of the elite number of these pendants as originally produced. Incredible rarity and one of the most significant Lou Gehrig award pieces to have been offered at auction: EX-EX/MTEstimated Price Range: ($50,000-$100,000)
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