Auction Item Details
Lot 33
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 33
Description: Scarce 1908 Boston Red Sox presentational pocketwatch-Possible Cy Young attribution. Exceptional quality 14K gold men's pocketwatch as presented in recognition of the 1908 Bost Red Sox American League season. Fine quality watch with interior works displaying Illinois Watch Co. hallmark having Ben Landis signature on dial façade. The back panel of the watch is engraved, "Compliments of 1908 Boston American Base Ball Team". Back panel opens to reveal beautifully engraved last names of Red Sox players including Cy Young, Tris Speaker, Joe Wood, Gavvy Cravath, Bill Carrigan, and Jake Stahl. Condition is excellent with a bit of typical light cracking to painted dial and tiny area of wear to edge of player name panel due to opening over the years. While the precise origins of the watch are unknown it is very interesting to note the possibility that it may have been presented to Cy Young on the occasion of his final season with Boston in 1908. As inscribed, the watch was presented by the Boston team so that essentially eliminates the possibility that Young gave the watches to his teammates. The Red Sox finished in fifth place for the 1908 season which of course eliminates any championship related presentation. Young's name is inscribed at the top panel of the back plate as well. Finally, we have not been able to document the existence of another such watch which perhaps is indicative of presentation to a single player. In any event, the watch is a notably scarce presentational piece with relation to one of the great franchises of the early 1900s. At a minimum, it presents as a scarce and important presentational award related to the final Boston season for the game's winningest pitcher: EX-MTEstimated Price Range: ($20,000-$40,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register