2021 FALL PREMIER AUCTION

Believe it or not, Lou Gehrig was still thought of as an up-and-comer in 1927, not yet considered the equal of teammate Babe Ruth. This wonderful closeup of Lou’s eyes was part of a July 1927 photo story about how Gehrig was currently tied with Ruth in home runs at 24 apiece. The caption slug still affixed to the reverse reads, “It is not impossible that Lou may yet become a potential rival to Babe Ruth.” The image itself is composed much the same as Charles Conlon’s better-known closeup series of the Yankees’ 1927 Murderer’s Row – but this one is notably different. In this Type 1 image, the early afternoon sun casts a cool shadow over Lou’s forehead, and the sunlight helps define the soft wool brim of his cap and highlights of his eyes. To say this is one of the more uncommon images ever taken of the Hall of Famer would be an understatement. The back of the photo has the aforementioned caption slug along with newspaper archive stamps and handwritten publication notations. Measuring 13.25” by 10,” the photo shows some edge wear and creasing, most noticeably on the bottom left and some abrasions to the surface around the top and center. A slight discoloration is present on Lou’s right cheek, but these imperfections do not take away from the dynamic composition of this image. A unique photo of one of the game’s most beloved players, the photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 Authentic by PSA/DNA.