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Finest Known 1939 Cooperstown Hall of Fame Induction Class Complete Signed First Day Cover
Newly discovered, fresh to the market, and from the family of the original recipient, this is the finest known specimen of the few authentic 1939 Hall of Fame Induction FDCs known. A stunning example signed by the entire induction class including Walter Johnson, J. Honus Wagner, Clark Griffith, Tris Speaker, Cy Young, Larry Lajoie, Connie Mack, George Sisler, Eddie Collins, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Postmaster General James A. Farley, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Graded by PSA/DNA as a "MINT 9," it is postmarked from the first day of issue June 12, 1939, at 9am in the local post office in "Cooperstown, New York." Stamps are a four plate block with no silly cartouche to cloud the issue. The key to this piece actually, is the envelope itself. Oversized at 7.5" x 4.75", it sports the raised blindstamp return address reading, "The Postmaster General United States Official Business." Wow! Non-officially, this envelope is the ultimate receptacle for these classic signatures. Here the original signers have room to spare to show off their immortal signatures and as such, unconsciously, they have signed just a tad larger than normal. The interaction of the signatures is a dance, fitted in boldest blue and black fountain pen inks. The enigmatic Walter Johnson lies dominantly at the top, as perhaps the greatest pitcher of all-time despite the hampering of lackluster support. The loopy "Y's" and "L's" of Young and Lajoie harmonize in a song of pure greatness. Finally, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. The first inductee Cobb sits atop Ruth as king of the hill in furious defiance, while the mighty Ruth is nonplussed to be last, supremely confident that history will be as kind. They have signed in such a way that the recipient was special, an insider. Provenance: This piece was recently consigned by the family of John A. Brennan, Assistant Postmaster General. He was given the envelope by Postmaster General James A. Farley in June of 1939. It was then passed to his daughter Madeline Brennan Shea, who gave it to her child (the consignor) 30 years ago. Included is notarized letter from the consignor. Comes with rare first generation vintage photo of the classic 1939 induction class missing Ty Cobb who came late. Measuring 5.5" x 4.5," it comes with three-page typed list of players and their bios. Both came in the envelope, all courtesy of Farley. Quite simply, the finest signed piece we have offered in years.
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