Yankees Plaque w/ Ruth, Gehrig, McCarthy

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Posted By: Brock G.

Just recieved this plaque this morning and was wondering if anyone has ever seen another like it. Its chalkware and measures 8"x6". Has images of McCarthy, Ruth, and Gehrig in raised relief. This is the kind of thing I'm always on the lookout for and I've never really seen anything quite like it.

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Posted By: Mark

Brock:

That's a nice piece. I have seen perhaps 7 - 8 of these over the years. They have sold for between $250 - $500, depending on condition (which has ranged from "poor" to "VG"). Usually they are cracked and/or chipped. And usually they are lighter in color (more like raw plaster).

Yours appears to be treated in some manner, as is lots darker in color. It also appears to be in phenomenal condition (especially for such a fragile piece). I would guess that yours is worth $700 - $750, based on these factors. Since this item was made fpr display, condition is everything.

Was this an ebay purchase? If not, may I ask where you found it? I have always wanted a nice one of these, but could never find a decent one. Congrats!

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Posted By: Brock G.

Honestly Mark, you never cease to amaze me. Your knowledge of this stuff is incredible. This indeed was an ebay pickup and a helluva bargain at that. Its actually even a little darker than it appears in the photo. Kind of looks like an old penny. The condition is excellent. It has a few minor imperfections but looks as if they came from the manufacturing process.

What time period would you say this is from?
Thanks for information Mark.

PS- See the water droplets on it. Thankfully the seller did not ruin it by cleaining it with water. Whew!

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Posted By: Mark

Brock....

You are right... water application would kill the condition of that piece. You did REALLY well, and I must say that your darker copper-toned version is much more attractive than the others I've seen. The others almost look "unfinished".

There is no reason to think this piece is not of the time period portrayed - I do believe it's from the '30s. I saw one in a Ron Oser Auction many years ago (before he merged with Mastro) and I seem to recall his description stating it was from the 1930s as well. There are not many figural pieces available from the great Yankees' dynasty years, so this one is pretty special (and undervalued IMHO).

Perhaps others can chime in as well... I know that David A. specializes in vintage Yankees stuff just like this, and even owns one of the original letters that spelled out "Yankee Stadium".

Between Dan's Tris Speaker Bat, Keith's Federal League Terrapins Pennant, and now this... there have been some amazing Net 54 "finds" as of late!

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Posted By: Brock G.

Mark,
Here is one Hunts sold a few years back. Is this how all the others you have seen looked?

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Posted By: Mark

Brock...

Of the 7-8 examples I have seen over the years, that Hunt's one ranks a strong #2. Ususally they have pronounced cracks and/or chips out of the plaster. Yours and the Hunt's example might be the only two I've seen with the corners still intact, and not chipped away (perhaps one other as well...)

The Hunts one you posted is more in line with the typical color, but still sports a nicer finish than most others. Yours is the only dark copper-toned one I've seen. Just curious.... how much did that Hunt's example end up selling for?

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Posted By: David Atkatz

<<Perhaps others can chime in as well... I know that David A. specializes in vintage Yankees stuff just like this, and even owns one of the original letters that spelled out "Yankee Stadium".>>

I'd love to be able to help, but I know less than nothing about this plaque.

(My interest lies in articles with a more "direct" connection to the team; e.g., scorecards, uniforms, stadium artifacts, vintage signed balls, ticket stubs, contracts, etc., rather than mass produced items.)

It's a lovely piece, though.

Is it my imagination, or does Brock's plaque look to be in higher relief than the "plain plaster" one?

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Posted By: Brock G.

Mark,
The one pictured from Hunts sold for $450 in 2004.

David,
It does appear that the one I have may be a little more of the three dimensional look than the Hunt's example. It could just be showing up better on the darker colored background. The washed out look of the other doesn't make the details stand out quite as much.

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Posted By: David Atkatz

At first I thought that, too, Brock. But it seems there are differences. Ruth's mouth, for example. Much more of a downturn at the end in the "PP" example. Your Ruth looks more like Ruth, while the PP looks more like Gehrig.

Of course, I could just be nuts.

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Posted By: Brock G.

The first picture I posted was from the auction page and did not really capture the true color or details. Here is a much better picture-

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Posted By: Mark Steinberg

WOW... even nicer looking than before! Much nicer in fact... great acquisition, Brock.

Now that you apparently have the nicest one on the planet, please let me know if you see another of these on ebay or otherwise. I would love to add one of these to my collection (even if not nearly as nice as yours...) Thanks!

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Posted By: Brock G.

Will do Mark.
Thanks again for all the help.