This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Featured in this lot is a striking, early single-signed example of World War II hero J.H. Doolittle's gorgeous autograph on an Official American League Baseball (Harridge). "Jimmy" Doolittle was one of the planners behind the first retaliatory air strikes against Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His top secret plan saw him lead the attack of sixteen B25 medium bombers from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Targets included Tokyo, Kobe, Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka.
Doolittle's 8-9/10 black fountain pen autograph takes up an entire panel on the incredibly well-preserved baseball. The ball in fact dates to the mid-1940s based on its Reach manufacturer stamps, which means Doolittle likely signed it shortly after his heroic WWII tours of duty, adding even greater fervor to this already important item. His flawless autograph is a true beauty and would be quite a presentation in any display. The ball still has a lovely cream-white glow with an even dusting of toning and presents in 8/10 in our opinion, creating a wonderful dual-grade opportunity for the buyer. This rare specimen came to us from the collection of the son of former big leaguer and Dodgers staffer, George ("Sam") Vico. Accompanied by a full LOA from Beckett (A25822).