1929 Chicago Cubs Team Signed Album 23 Sigs w Hornsby Wilson T206 +++ - UPDATE

[btcarfagno]

A little research tells me that the album is most likely one that was given out to players and executives in 1929 by Radium Studios of Chicago. There is nothing printed on the photos or on the book, but I have found a similar example, without the autographs, that was given to Cliff Heathcote in 1930 which was done by Radium, which is George Burke.

The album has worn leather front and back bindings that have been laced together with individual album pages by a black string which is tied in a knot. Each individual album page has a 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 photo affixed to its center, and each photo is autographed underneath. The pages are black and the autographs are thick pencil, so a few are slightly light, but most are actually very bold.

It was signed in 1929 by the team, and not in a later reunion. I know this because of the inclusion of Hal Carlson, who died in 1930 thus eliminating the possibility of it being signed at a reunion, as well as Ken Penner, who was only with the Cubs for a short time, and only in 1929. The Cubs had their version of "Murderers Row" in 1929, winning the NL pennant before losing in the World Series to the juggernaut that was the 1929 Philadelphia A's.

Below is a list of players that have signed under their photo on an individual page:

Clyde Beck (died 1988)
Clarence Blair (Footsie) (died 1982)
Fred Blake (Sheriff) (died 1982)
Jimmy Burke (died 1942) Very tough T206 player. Not as bold as some but still clear.
Guy Bush (died 1985) - SOLD
Hal Carlson (died 1930) Super tough obviously.
Woody English (died 1997) slightly light
Mike Gonzalez (died 1977) The only autograph that is deamaged - half of "Mike" has chipped off.
Henry Grampp (died 1986)
Charlie Grimm (died 1983) - SOLD
Gabby Hartnett (HOF - died 1972) -SOLD
Cliff Heathcote (died 1939) - Very tough to find
Berly Horne (died 1986)
Rogers Hornsby (HOF - died 1963) May be boldest signature in the group. SOLD
Grover Land (died 1958) Not easy
Andy Lotshaw (died 1953) Former minor leaguer and team trainer for Cubs and Bears - how many of these are out there?
Perce "Pat" Malone (Signed that way) (died 1943) Tough Yankee from 1935-1937
Joe McCarthy (HOF - died 1978) Super bold
Norman McMillan (died 1969)
Johnny Moore (died 1991) - SOLD
Art Nehf (died 1960) Fairly tough - SOLD
Ken Penner (died 1959) Obscure plyer with 1916 Indians and 1929 Cubs 25 innings total
Charlie Root (died 1970) - Ruth HR
John Schulte (died 1978)
Riggs Stephenson (died 1975)
Mike Cvengros (died 1970) Member of 1927 Pirates - SOLD
Zack Taylor (died 1974)
Hal Totten (died 1985) Tough first Cubs radio announcer
Hack Wilson (HOF - died 1948) Uh...yeah SOLD
Tom Langtry (batboy) - Possibly unique
Hal Totten - again
Kiki Cuyler (HOF - died 1950) Very faint and creased photo - SOLD

I am not sure if it will be better for me to keep it together or piece it out, so I want to gauge interest in it in both respects.







Tom C

[btcarfagno]

Hornsby and Hack have sold. Taking offers on other individual items as I am now definitely breaking the album up.

Tom C

[btcarfagno]

Also, I have verified beyond much of any doubt that this album was given out by the team to players (and presumably coaches/staff/etc) at the end of the 1929 season, and that this was done by George Burke.

I have now seen two different 1930 examples of the album, and both are EXACTLY like this one in terms of the leather cover held together by a black string, the use of the black construction paper (ish) media to hold the photos, and the thing is the exact same size. The differences are that the 1930 version was monogramed on the front cover and (presumably) the photos had the stamp of Burke or his Radium Studios on them. 1929 being his first year as Cubs team photographer, this album seems to have been his first run. He improved upon it in 1930.

So all of the photos that are in this lot are Burke Type 1 originals.

Tom C

[btcarfagno]

Several more sold but many nice ones still available. Am accepting offers on any or all.

Tom C

[yanks12025]

I don't understand why people cut up items when there's only acouple out there.

[packs]

Can you post a scan of the Charlie Root? I tried sending you a PM but it said your mailbox is full.

Thanks a lot!