This incredible compilation of autographed photos of the legendary 1929 World Series Champion Philadelphia Athletics is certainly one of the more desirable and museum-worthy photograph collections that we've had the pleasure of representing at auction. Presented solely to team members and important dignitaries involved with Athletics baseball at the end of the Roaring Twenties, the professionally bound album is the work of one H. Madonna Wagner, whose masterful photography bears a striking resemblance to the great George Burke of the early 20th century.
The cover of the album is embossed with gold lettering that reads “Snapshots - The World’s Champions - Baseball Club of 1929 - To My Friends - H. Madonna Wagner." Inside are a total of, fitting, 29 divine photographs each measuring 5" by 8” photos and each one beautifully signed by the respective subject in bold blue or black fountain pen. Highlights include the six Hall of Famers from this '29 squad: Al Simmons (9/10), Jimmie Foxx (8/10), Lefty Grove (8/10), Eddie Collins (8/10), Mickey Cochrane (9/10), and skipper Connie Mack (9/10). But perhaps the most coveted autographs are the elusive Thomas Shibe (9/10) -- son of original team owner Ben Shibe (of whom Philly's Shibe Park was named after) -- who ran the club as President from 1922 until his death in 1936, and Kid Gleason (7/10), who coached under Mack following his controversial tenure as manager of the 1919 Black Sox.
Others include Dykes, Earnshaw, Quinn, Walberg, Bing Miller, Earle Mack (coach), Boley, Ehmke, Burns, Haas, Bishop, Rommel, Summa, French, Yerkes, Perkins, Hale, LeBourveau, Pfleger (coach) and Jim Cronin. Even longtime A's trainer "Doc" Edward E. Ebling signed his photo, with a personalized "to Bill" inscription. The Yankees dynasty led by Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and company are more certainly more recognized in MLB history, but this Philadelphia ballclub was arguably the most dominant team of its era. The A's won three straight A.L. pennants from 1929-31, winning over 100 games each year, and took back-to-back World Series in 1929 and '30.
All photos are neatly matted against a solid black background page, making them stand out beautifully. Some show evidence of human touch on the edges but overall the collection has aged wonderfully and presents in remarkable NM condition. Signatures average 8/10 overall, with a few of the less prestigious names falling below that level. The presentation within the well-preserved Athletics-themed olive green album. Each of the 29 signed photos comes with its own full LOA from PSA/DNA.