Heritage Auction Galleries held its latest Sports Collectibles Signature Auction on Saturday, May 6, 2006, in Dallas, Texas for an overall total of $1,972,589, although after-auction sales are still ongoing and could push the total even higher.
"The biggest story of the event was the price of $191,200 realized for the baseball signed by Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe," explained Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions for Heritage. "This represents the highest price ever paid for an autographed baseball, and a record that dwarfs the previous mark of $125,000."
Ivy pointed to another signed baseball that made waves in the auction, a nearly pristine Jim Thorpe autographed ball that realized a price of $28,680. "This figure sets yet another record," noted Ivy, "for the highest price ever paid for an autograph from this legendary athlete."
Highlights of the auction included:
The Finest Known Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe Signed Baseball
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19023&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $191,200
1940's Jim Thorpe Single Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19339&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $28,680
1909-11 T206 White Border Partial Set (422/521).
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19542&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $28,680
"Vintage cards continue to perform magnificently," said Ivy. "Pre-sale estimates were doubled after spirited bidding for this fine assortment of tobacco cards."
1908 Chicago Cubs vs. New York Giants Panoramic Photograph.
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19428&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $23,900
"Vintage baseball photography has never been hotter," explained Ivy. "This fantastic image snapped from the seats behind home plate of Chicago's West Side Grounds offers a thrilling 'fan's eye' view of the early game."
1966 Willie Worsley NCAA Championship Game Worn Texas Western Jersey.
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19210&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $20,315
"This is the only surviving jersey from the historic college basketball game that saw five African-American starters topple perennial hardcourt powerhouse Kentucky to win college basketball's biggest game," said Ivy. "We were very pleased to present this jersey in honor of the fortieth anniversary of this important event, and in the wake of the blockbuster film Glory Road which documented the season."
1950's Jackie Robinson Single Signed Baseball.
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19021&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $17,925
"With Jackie Robinson singles booking in Sports Market Report for $5,000, this mark speaks for itself," stated Ivy. "This ball only furthered the auction's theme of tremendous results for quality autograph lots."
1935 National Chicle Bernie Masterson #36 PSA NM-MT 8.
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19280&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $14,340
"Our high grade offerings from this set outpaced even our highest expectations," noted Ivy. "Even jaded hobby veterans couldn't believe the prices the Chicle cards were realizing. Sports Market Report lists this card at $5,500, so it's no surprise that hobbyists were impressed."
1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinet Mike "King" Kelly.
http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports/common/prlink.php?Sale_No=704&Lot_No=19538&type=prte-pr050806a
PRICE REALIZED: $13,145
"This is the highest price realized for an N173 at auction in recent years," explained Ivy. "Again this price represents a significant increase over listed book values."
Heritage Auction Galleries' Sports division specializes in rare and collectible sports cards, as well as uniforms, equipment, and related vintage sports memorabilia. Consignments for future Signature Sports Auctions are currently being accepted.
For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit our Permanent Auction Archives at www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports
Prospective consignors and sellers of vintage sports memorabilia are invited to visit www.HeritageAuctions.com/Sports and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Chris Ivy at CIvy@HeritageAuctions.com.
To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.
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www.HeritageGalleries.com
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Dallas, TX 75219
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Cathy@HeritageGalleries.com
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CindyB@HeritageGalleries.com
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