This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
Even if his famed T206 baseball card never existed, Honus Wagner would still be considered the best all-around ballplayer of the Deadball Era. Wagner practically invented how the position of shortstop is played and his eight batting titles are second only to Ty Cobb. Wagner played in the very first World Series in 1903 and was elected to the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown’s inaugural induction ceremony in ‘39. Even after he retired the old shortstop’s knowledge was mined by his beloved Pittsburgh rates organization, and he served the team as both its batting instructor and “old pro” through the 1950’s.
According to the Wagner family, the legendary shortstop carried this 1920’s made Illinois watch for several decades until he passed away in 1955. After his death Wagner’s widow proudly displayed the watch under a glass dome in the family living room. The heirloom would later pass on to Wagner’s granddaughter, Leslie Blair, who continued the family tradition of displaying it. Eventually Ms. Blair decided to part with the watch, and her signed letter accompanies the piece. The watch comes in fine working condition and shows ample wear, looking every bit like a favorite timepiece. There are the expected surface abrasions and dings and light toning to the clock face. To top off this museum quality artifact, the back of the case is engraved with a wonderfully oversized medieval German Fraktur “W.” A remarkable keepsake from one of baseball’s most iconic players complete with impeccable family provenance.
Includes letter signed by Wagner's granddaughter with other ancillary documents that further attest to its authenticity.