This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
The work of renowned baseball photographer George Burke is so special, and this incredible photo of the great Lou Gehrig is no exception. Burke was able to work his photography magic with nothing more than the mechanics of a rather rudimentary camera and a special understanding of the balance between light and shadow. He truly brought his subject to life in this shot, as Gehrig appears very prominently in full focus. Gehrig's good looks made Burke's job easier too, and his slight smile speaks to the run of success Gehrig and his Yankees were in the midst of when this photo was captured, a run of four World Series titles and an American League MVP nod in the 1930s.
The image of the Iron Horse is already stunning, but the piece gets even better when one views the bottom right corner. There, Gehrig has inscribed a note to his friend, teammate, and fellow Baseball Hall of Famer Earle Combs: "To Earle—May I always prove myself worthy of your friendship. Sincerely Lou Gehrig." The piece has withstood the test of time remarkably well, and now permanently resides in PSA encapsulation. PSA deemed the 7 1/2" X 9 1/2" original photograph Type 1 and graded Gehrig's signature a sparkling Mint 9. The image is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the Earle Combs Family too, to add even more provenance to such a historic piece.