Mastro to auction off his collection

(This story originally appeared on www.sportscollectorsdaily.com)

Long-time hobby figure Bill Mastro, the former head of Mastro Auctions, will sell his sports memorabilia collection later this year.

Bill MastroLegendary Auctions, which is run by some of Mastro’s former colleagues, announced Sept. 8 that it would put the collection up for auction in December. No mention was made of why Mastro has decided to liquidate.

The collection includes numerous one-of-a-kind and rare pieces.

A few of the noteworthy items being sold from the collection
include:

• A 1927 Babe Ruth Yankees payroll check – cashed the day Ruth
hit his 60th Home Run;

• A signed handprint of Babe Ruth;

• A 1917-1921 Babe Ruth H&B game used bat;

• A 1927 Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig Barnstorming advertising poster;

• A 1915 Champion Boston Red Sox panoramic team photo featuring Babe
Ruth;

• A 1910s “Turkish Trophies” display (in original frame)
with Ty Cobb L-1 Leather;

• A 1909 “Colgan’s Chips” Honus Wagner advertising
sign;

• A 1910 Addie Joss Day panorama;

• A 1903 Carl Horner American League team composite.

• An 1894 Temple Cup print;

• An 1884 “Climax Tobacco” composite with original mailing
tube;

• A 1934 “Tour of Japan” team signed ball with original
Tamazawa box;

• A Babe Ruth “Home Run Special” single signed ball;

• A 1942 “War Bond Effort” team signed ball;

• A Babe Ruth signed store model bat;

• A 1954 Wilson Wieners complete set (with backs) uncut sheet on
advertising display;

• A 1928 “Fro Joy” Babe Ruth die-cut counter sign;

• A 1933 Goudey uncut sheet (24 cards) including Babe Ruth;

• A 1926 Champion New York Yankees Cosmo team panoramic photo;

• A 1912 Champion New York Giants oversized team photo featuring
Christy Mathewson;

• A 1925 Colored World Series Kansas City vs. Hillsdale panoramic
photo;

• A circa 1909 “Reach Sporting Goods” metal advertising
sign;

• A circa 1909 Honus Wagner bronze statue – from Wagner’s
estate;

• A 1910s “Ty Cobb Shoes” advertising sign;

• A 1920s Babe Ruth “Sporting News” die-cut advertising
sign.

“Everyone recognizes the fact that Bill Mastro has been a major force in the hobby for decades, and it’s universally acknowledged that his contributions have been significant,” said Doug Allen, president, Legendary Auctions.

“Quality items in pristine condition always attract considerable attention at auction,” said Allen. “Bill’s collection has always been one of the most meticulous in terms of condition and attention to detail. Collectors will pay a premium for items in exemplary grades of preservation such as this. The collection’s across-the-board, unparalleled quality truly makes every item one-of-a-kind.”

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