This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2022
The Dean brothers may have been nicknamed “Dizzy” and “Daffy,” but the pair were no rubes when it came to marketing their image. In 1934, the year this magnificent piece was produced, The Deans had won a staggering 49 games for the Cardinals and then each won a pair of games against the Tigers to win the World Series. As the greatest pitching combo in the majors, the two Dean’s images were used to sell a multitude of products, but none were as visually appealing as their Beech-Nut Tobacco ads. Beech-Nut employed the Dean’s images in a few different formats and this version is the larger, harder to find die-cut display panel. Measuring approximately 31” x 42” the display features the two Dean’s side by side in their Cardinal’s uniforms, each holding a baseball out towards the view. Behind them is a large glove holding a package of Beech-Nut tobacco. A facsimile signature of each brother completes the piece. From the soft pastel colors to the dynamic composition, this is one of the finest sports advertising pieces of the 1930s. The display shows the expected edge wear from use, most noticeably along the bottom edges. A heavier discoloration is found on the right side of the Beech-Nut package. There is surface wear from age and storage throughout, though none distracts from the eye-catching appeal of this large display. The piece has been professionally matted and framed with protective UV glass. There have been a couple other versions of this sign sold at auction with serious condition flaws, including water damage, heavy restoration work, and paper loss. This exceptional example of one of the largest display signs of any era has none of these flaws and is in the finest condition of this sign we have seen. The image is bold and striking, with the Dean brothers commanding your attention and serving as the focal point of any room in which it is displayed. To read an article about this collection from Sports Collectors Daily, click here.