This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
This classic rookie era portrait of a Jackie Robinson in his Brooklyn ballcap would be enough of a gem on its own. That is until young Jack blessed it with his signature and "Best Wishes" inscription in 6/10 ink on the lower right corner. If not for this image having been mounted to a 1/4 cm foam backing, we would know more about who took it and when. By all accounts, it looks to be an original and could very well be one taken by Brooklyn's team photographer Barney Stein. The 6.25" by 8" sepia-toned shot has the glossiness and texture of an original photo as well. The foam backing has preserved it very well over the years, especially it's smooth edges and sharp corners. There are a few surface wrinkles within the body of the image, but they do not detract from its lovely aesthetics. While we can't be certain this shot hails from Jackie's 1947 rookie season he courageously broke baseball's color barrier, his Dodgers cap and youthful face do possess some definite similarities -- only at a different angle -- to a '47 press photo that was ultimately used for his 1948 Leaf rookie card. Either way, amazing photo glorified by an early Jackie signature. Includes Full LOA from PSA/DNA for the autograph.