Spring Premier Auction 2016

More than a century ago the 16 subjects of the 1912 Boston Garter series were featured posing in their skivvies on single-player cards, as well as a small number of double-player window signs such as this one. Among the approximately ten or so examples thought to still exist are copies that feature either Eddie Collins and Hal Chase (see previous lot), Hughie Jennings and Johnny Kling, or, as seen here, Fred Clarke and Frank Chance. Both revered Hall of Famers are shown in the nifty garters while in the process of changing into their uniforms, Clarke's Pittsburgh Pirate threads hanging behind him and Chance's Chicago Cubs jersey top already donned. Lush, watercolor-like baseball action scenes play out in the background. Front and center resides an illustration of the "velvet grip" padded garter ("Holds your Sock"; "Smooth as your Skin") that was available in a basic 25-cent lisle version or the elite 50-cent silk variety. A fine-print credit line at bottom center reads, "American Lithographic Co. N.Y." Measuring 21 by 11 inches, the sign presents a Near Mint appearance with minimal surface foxing and extremely light perimeter wear that requires close examination and has no bearing on the stunning aesthetic appeal or phenomenal overall preservation. Of the three Boston Garter sign types, the Clarke/Chance is widely considered superior, not only because of its heightened rarity, but also due to Clarke and Chance's greater combined stature. The perennial rivals' immense on-field talent was exceeded only by their acumen in the dugout. Both captured four National League pennants (wresting them from each other, essentially), and Chance bested Clarke with two championships to his foil's one. Ultimately, they were enshrined at Cooperstown just one year apart, Clarke in '45 and Chance in '46.