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Lot 1. Complete run of 562 Baseball Magazines from the first issue in May 1908 to the last in 1965. It’s been over 10 years since a complete run of Baseball Magazine has been offered as one lot at auction, which was in our April 11, 2001 sale. It went for $21,436 and was sold to our current consignor, a major league baseball executive, who upgraded it with what he had. We’re pleased to offer the complete run, from the first issue of 1908 to the last issue of 1965. The original run of the magazine ended in 1957. An ill fated attempt to resurrect the magazine came in November of 1964 and lasted 6 issues to April of 1965.
The very rare first issues from May of 1908 through June of 1909 are in two bound volumes and in excellent-mint condition. Every one of the succeeding issues have the original covers except the October 1909 and January 1923 issues, which are missing the back cover. Two back covers have a piece missing (December, 1916 and Sept. 1922). Four early issues, Nov. 1909, Jan. & Dec. 1910 and Oct. 1913, have loose covers with tape, some later issues, perhaps two dozen, have a loose cover or some tape, but really of little consequence. The early issues are remarkable in that the great majority have the spines with the Baseball Magazine Logo and the date intact, save for minor wear or a small piece of tape. The issues from 1918 to 1933 average very good to excellent and the balance of the collection is in average excellent to mint.
Babe Ruth can be found on eight different covers, DiMaggio was on five, Cobb was on four. Condition is overall very good to excellent. An occasional cover has the year written in pencil on the cover.The 1908 issues are in the original binding by Baseball Magazine and were offered by the magazine as an inducement to new subscribers. Noteworthy, is the inscription on the first page, indicating the volume was owned by John Morrill, the Boston Captain of the 1880's. The inscription was signed by Baseball Magazine President Jacob Morse, grandfather of stage actor Robert Morse ("How to Succeed...."). Also noteworthy is the first two issues of 1915 which contain extremely rare insert color photos of Christy Mathewson and Honus Wagner. These inserts are very rarely ever seen, especially still intact in the books. The collection is obviously quite cumberson and heavy. It is in seven 12" x 10" x 10" boxes and weighs 100-125 pounds and would be shipped via Fed Ex Ground with the winner’s approval. THERE IS A RESERVE ON THIS LOT.
Winning Bid $22,727.
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