This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2022
In the 1950s the PF Flyers and Converse Chuck Taylor brands battled it out to win the title of the most popular sneaker on the playground. Though Converse eventually won, PF Flyer’s gave Chuck Taylor’s a run for their money. This outstanding piece of advertising art – the only one in existence – shows the amount of work PF put in to win the battle of the sneaker. Produced sometime between 1953 and 1957, this die-cut masterpiece advertises PF’s sponsorship of the Big League Stars on TV program and features all the top stars of the day including Hall of Famers Al Kaline, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, Robin Roberts, Pee Wee Reese, and Nellie Fox. The show was hosted by NY Giants play-by-play man Russ Hodges whose call of Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard Round the World” in the 1951 playoffs remains one of the most iconic moments in sports broadcasting. Due to the intricate and delicate die cuts present on this piece, it is clear why few examples have survived the ravages of time. The display shows toning throughout along with the expected edge wear. Professionally matted and framed, this is an incredibly rare piece of 1950s baseball advertising art. This rare blend of star players around a television set virtually pops out of the frame in brilliant near mint colors. We have never seen another of these signs, besided this one, offered at auction and so far as our consigner and we are aware, this is the only known example still in existence. The piece has been professionally matted and framed in protective UV glass.