Auction Item Details
Lot 897
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Lot Number: 897
Description: Rare professional model baseball glove attributed to Joe DiMaggio c.1943. Wilson RHT model glove retains the majority of its original stampings (although some are faint) and its original Wilson metal button on the backstrap. The glove exhibits heavy usage including interior surface wear, surface flaking to the interior of the back padding, and is missing its top piece of webbing. The backstrap has a period ink notation of Robert Decker and his address. Glove was originally presented to Captain Robert S. Decker who was Joe DiMaggio's coach at the Army base in Santa Ana, CA. DiMaggio was stationed at Santa Ana as a Physical Education instructor for fear that if he were placed on the front lines and killed, U.S. morale would be devastated given his immense popularity. The glove was presented to Capt. Decker by DiMaggio during his service at Santa Ana. Based on the heavy usage and the fact that DiMaggio was first stationed at Santa Ana during his 31 month military service, it is very probable that the glove was not only used by DiMaggio in the service, but also with the New York Yankees prior to entering the service. Included with the glove is a cache of correspondence from 1982 in which Robert Decker's daughter, Duane, asks DiMaggio if he will sign the glove. After several letters are sent from Marie DiMaggio (Joe's sister), who commented in one that Joe "knew your Dad real well", it is decided that Joe will sign the glove. The glove was then signed on the interior, "To Duane Best Wishes Joe DiMaggio" in blue sharpie. Signature remains quite strong rating 8 out of 10. Documented game used baseball gloves from Hall of Fame players are exceedingly rare with the offered example ranking among the finest of its type to enter the marketplace. Includes letter of provenance from Duane Decker, LOA from James Spence Authentication (signature), and various copies of the supporting paperwork including a photo of DiMaggio with Decker (in uniform) at Santa Ana and copies of the correspondence from Marie DiMaggio and Duane Decker: EX
Estimated Price: ($30,000.00-$40,000.00)
