Auction Item Details
Lot 304
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 304
Description: Scarce 1946 Honus Wagner Pittsburgh Pirates home jersey. Unlike any player of the early 1900s, Johannes Peter "Honus" Wagner transformed the game of baseball at the professional level. Although Ty Cobb is regarded by many historians to have been the finest player of the period, Cobb himself stated, "....Wagner was maybe the greatest star ever to take the diamond." Wagner's batting prowess is well documented having led the National League in batting a record (8) times with a career average of .327 and a total of 3,415 hits. Additionally, Wagner ranks as one of the finest all around shortstops in Major League history. His excellent fielding and base stealing abilities were nothing short of astounding especially given his husky stature and pronounced 'bow-legged' gate. After the completion of his illustrious playing career, Wagner remained as a hitting instructor for the Pirates from 1933-52. During this period he was credited with aiding the development of such star players as Ralph Kiner, Pie Traynor, Arky Vaughan, and KiKi Cuyler. Presented is Honus Wagner's 1946 Pittsburgh Pirates home jersey. Beautiful light cream color shirt retains its original "Pirates" team name across the front with original #33 on the reverse. Goldsmith tagging remains affixed within the collar together with size "48" flag tag along with "Wagner" chain stitched onto a strip tag underneath. The shirt exhibits evident, appropriate use incl. light age toning and a minute hole on one side mentioned for accuracy only. The jersey was recently uncovered from a Pittsburgh area collection and is being offered for the first time at public auction. Given the extraordinary rarity of playing career era Wagner jerseys (approx. 2-3 known) the offered example represents a remarkably unique opportunity to acquire a game worn Honus Wagner jersey. Includes March 31, 1947 issue of Life magazine picturing Wagner wearing either the offered jersey or an identical example. Includes LOA's from Hunt Auctions, Inc and MEARS Authentication: EX-EX/MT
Estimated Price: ($50,000.00-$75,000.00)
