What is the most rare vintage baseball autograph?

[Chuck9788]

is there any vintage players that did not or rarely signed autographs? Which is the most difficult autographs to find?

[trdcrdkid]

Originally Posted by Chuck9788

is there any vintage players that did not or rarely signed autographs? Which is the most difficult autographs to find?

Guys who died early are tougher to find autographs of, and the longer ago they lived, the rarer they tend to be. I'm not an autograph guy, but I understand that Addie Joss is very tough, with only a couple of autographs known. 19th century HOFers are going to be tough too, especially those who died young such as Kelly and Radbourn.

[Jersey City Giants]

somewhere out there are a few items I signed as batboy and one ball I signed for a little girl in college! Now those would be rare! LOL

[barrysloate]

HOFer George Stacey Davis is extremely rare.

[the-illini]

Not an autograph guy but King Kelly, Addie Joss, Rube Waddell, Ed Delahanty, Ross Youngs all would have to be at or near the top of the list in terms of difficult signatures to find an authentic example of - that doesn't factor in Negro league members, many of whom I am sure are almost impossible to find.

[edjs]

I think your question would be very tough to answer. I would suppose there are numerous guys that played ball that didn't get asked for their autograph all that often. I have a Charlie Deal card being authenticated right now, I wouldn't think there are many of those floating about. I also have a Claude Berry auto, again, I wouldn't expect to see many of those. I also posted a T4 Obak (well, part of one anyway) that has Doc Moskiman written on the front, I have asked around, but no one has anything to compare it to for me to see if he wrote it or not. So there could be a ton of guys that just didn't get asked or were not that great and their auto wasn't kept, and would therefore be rare.

[Jobu]

Lots of good names mentioned thus far. I think Joe Jackson makes the list of difficult signatures.

I am not really an autograph collector, but my toughest is Carl Lundgren (died 1934), which is posted in another thread.

[OldOriole]

In terms of rare autographs on baseball cards, I am aware of a Hugh Duffy signed N300 Mayo. I was the underbidder to an N54 board member a number of years ago. I can't imagine there's many of those floating around.

[slipk1068]

I always thought Rube Foster was tough. Addie Joss too although I am not an autograph guy.

[pokerplyr80]

Originally Posted by Jobu

Lots of good names mentioned thus far. I think Joe Jackson makes the list of difficult signatures.

I am not really an autograph collector, but my toughest is Carl Lundgren (died 1934), which is posted in another thread.

That is the name that came to mind when I saw the title. I'm sure there are plenty of others but I think he's the biggest name who's almost impossible to find. I heard it was because he was illiterate and didn't want or really even know how to sign.

[CMIZ5290]

Originally Posted by pokerplyr80

That is the name that came to mind when I saw the title. I'm sure there are plenty of others but I think he's the biggest name who's almost impossible to find. I heard it was because he was illiterate and didn't want or really even know how to sign.

Joss and Waddell....

[btcarfagno]

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of guys who played in the majors for whom there is not a single known example. Guys who played in the 1800's. Died in the 1800's. Played before 1920 in 10 games or less and died young.

If the OP could narrow the question down a bit in terms of HOF or by decade or whatever it would elicit more specific responses.

Tom C

[Bored5000]

Originally Posted by Chuck9788

is there any vintage players that did not or rarely signed autographs?

Nope. They all signed for Coach's Corner.

[r0ck8ott0m]

I’m assuming the question would allude to well known, “popular” or HOF guys. The most expensive and hardest to find is a Josh Gibson. He too was illiterate and I am not sure there are more than 5 examples out there lol. He died at the age of 35 but the only examples are contracts from his career in Cuba.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by Bored5000

Nope. They all signed for Coach's Corner.

On the same ball even.

[drcy]

Off topic but of interest:

"The three most valuable autographs in the world are Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare and Button Gwinnett. 'Button Gwinnett?,' you say. An obscure Representative from the US State of Georgia, Gwinnett signed the 1776 American Declaration of Independence. The complete 'set' of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence is the most coveted in the autograph hobby, and Gwinnett's is by far of the rarest of the signatures with only ten in private hands. The complete set-- which includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson-- is valued at around US$1.5-2 million, with Gwinnett's signature making up more than half the value."

[Republicaninmass]

"The one of whom may not exist"

[vintagerookies51]

Definitely Joe Jackson considering he was illiterate... Heritage had one on display at the National and it was incredible

[oldjudge]

It’s amazing how many Joe Jackson autographs have popped up in the last five years. It’s almost as if Joe is still signing.

[mybuddyinc]

Originally Posted by drcy

Off topic but of interest:

"The three most valuable autographs in the world are Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare and Button Gwinnett. 'Button Gwinnett?,' you say. An obscure Representative from the US State of Georgia, Gwinnett signed the 1776 American Declaration of Independence. The complete 'set' of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence is the most coveted in the autograph hobby, and Gwinnett's is by far of the rarest of the signatures with only ten in private hands. The complete set-- which includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson-- is valued at around US$1.5-2 million, with Gwinnett's signature making up more than half the value."

............... darn ......... you beat me. I was going to ask if Button Gwinnett ever played baseball.

He was shot dead in duel on May 16, 1777 (thus only living well less than a year after signing Declaration of Independence). His adversary was Lachlan McIntosh. You can look up more if interested, but basically, they were long time military and political foes that didn't like each other to much.

Both have streets named after them in Savannah .

.............. carry on

[rats60]

Originally Posted by mybuddyinc

............... darn ......... you beat me. I was going to ask if Button Gwinnett ever played baseball.

He was shot dead in duel on May 16, 1777 (thus only living well less than a year after signing Declaration of Independence). His adversary was Lachlan McIntosh. You can look up more if interested, but basically, they were long time military and political foes that didn't like each other to much.

Both have streets named after them in Savannah .

.............. carry on

His supply wouldn't even land him in the top 10 of Baseball Hofers. At least he will never be forgotten due to one of the most populous counties in Georgia being named for him.

Not counting those with no known signatures, thus being impossible, it would have to be Buck Ewing. The only known signature is on his will.

[Yoda]

Are there any true specimens of Moses "Fleetwood" Walker known? If so, they must be few and far between.

[Buckeyebo]

Wow so many! I am an HOF autograph guy. Pardon the spelling errors but here you go....19th century and Negro league with a few exceptions will be where the buck stops. Delahanty, Cummings, Hulbert, Ewing, Kelly(King not George), Radbourne, and others Selee, McGinnity. Really any 19th century autograph has my utmost respect. Negro league Josh Gibson, and Rube Foster ....yet they are common compared to some near impossible signs.! Ross Youngs is rare yet he is common compared to Addie Joss! I have had all but 2 I just listed currently own 4 listed. Not fond of cuts but letters documents are great. Bottom line is they do not come around often maybe 1 or 2 Real a decade.....or less! If you are serious about collecting buckle up it can get very expensive! Fortunately I am at the point where I don’t see something I need ortruly desire often, so when I do I am well rested, and ready to play ! Good Luck i5 is a fun and Great hobby!

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by mybuddyinc

............... darn ......... you beat me. I was going to ask if Button Gwinnett ever played baseball.

He was shot dead in duel on May 16, 1777 (thus only living well less than a year after signing Declaration of Independence). His adversary was Lachlan McIntosh. You can look up more if interested, but basically, they were long time military and political foes that didn't like each other to much.

Both have streets named after them in Savannah .

.............. carry on

I have read that Thomas Lynch Jr is the rarest of the DOI signers. Apparently there are less than 14 copies of his sig known, whereas there are 47 of Gwinnett.

But some of the rarest Baseball include Joss and Jose Mendez. Somewhere in Net54 is a Jim Stinson post about how he went to cuba to find a Mendez and apparently no one knows of one or something like that. I am sure there are others where no know example exists. Anyone ever heard of a Jim Creighton autograph?

[tazdmb]

Originally Posted by Buckeyebo

I have had all but 2 I just listed currently own 4 listed.

First, welcome to the boards! We have a few collectors here-myself included-that are going for them all with BB Hofers. The toughest I own are probably Thompson and Wilkinson. PS-we love pictures and hope you will share. The owner of the only verified Joss is on here and will post from time to time.

[Duluth Eskimo]

Originally Posted by tazdmb

First, welcome to the boards! We have a few collectors here-myself included-that are going for them all with BB Hofers. The toughest I own are probably Thompson and Wilkinson. PS-we love pictures and hope you will share. The owner of the only verified Joss is on here and will post from time to time.

You are very polite.

[packs]

Good luck finding a Steve Dalkowski signed rookie. They exist of course but it took me FOREVER to track one down.

[chalupacollects]

Originally Posted by Bored5000

Nope. They all signed for Coach's Corner.

Some just this week!

[theshleps]

would love to see Lipman Pike first Jewish player

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by theshleps

would love to see Lipman Pike first Jewish player

Is he the guy with the "autograph sale" that took place for big money and then the sale fell apart for a reason I do not remember?

[theshleps]

here is his wiki page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lip_Pike

[bigtrain]

Originally Posted by drcy

Off topic but of interest:

"The three most valuable autographs in the world are Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare and Button Gwinnett. 'Button Gwinnett?,' you say. An obscure Representative from the US State of Georgia, Gwinnett signed the 1776 American Declaration of Independence. The complete 'set' of all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence is the most coveted in the autograph hobby, and Gwinnett's is by far of the rarest of the signatures with only ten in private hands. The complete set-- which includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson-- is valued at around US$1.5-2 million, with Gwinnett's signature making up more than half the value."

Just to be clear, General Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence as he was busy with the Continental Army defending New York at the time. However, having thrown a silver dollar across the Potomac, he probably would have made a heck of a pitcher. He was a southpaw.

[JoeDfan]

My dream signature would be Sockalexis...but I have only heard of two in very private collections.

[FenwayDave1918]

I have been searching everywhere but cannot find the following:

Jake Stahl
Heinie Wagner
Clyde Engle
Hick Cady
Jack Bushelman
Chester Thomas
Les Nunamaker
Olaf Hendricksen

Any leads would be appreciated!

[Case12]

Originally Posted by btcarfagno

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of guys who played in the majors for whom there is not a single known example. Guys who played in the 1800's. Died in the 1800's. Played before 1920 in 10 games or less and died young.

If the OP could narrow the question down a bit in terms of HOF or by decade or whatever it would elicit more specific responses.

Tom C

And ironically for some, only one. They are inexpensive on index/post cards. Often $5. I pick them up all the time, and most I can't find anywhere else (except in SABR).
So, need more context around what "rare" means.

[MJKnightJr]

1955 Topps Harry Agganis!!

[etsmith]

How about James "Swat" McCabe, I've got a possible autograph but can't find any exemplars anywhere.

[Topnotchsy]

Among Negro League greats there are quite a few for whom there are no known examples. Kevin Keating, in his Negro League Autograph Guide has a section that lists a whole bunch of names. I believe over time a couple from the list may have been found, but there are certainly some major names from Negro League history that haven't been found yet.

[jakebeckleyoldeagleeye]

Our hometown boy HOF'er Jake Beckley is a tough one. I think in 35 years I've seen 3 up for auction and they were all pencil cut return addresses.
Of course there was an autographed baseball on Ebay this year and people actually bid on it.

[mrmopar]

As some have said already, there are probably many lesser known players that only a team collector might covet. Those guys who maybe played 1 game, or played and died long before collecting autographs was popular or never signed anything for whatever reason. Without a strong demand for them though, who knows.

I'm sure that there are plenty of turn of the century Brooklyn players that I would never find if I tried to complete that run. I won't, because I don't have the patience, expertise or funds to do it, but I do enjoy the story of Clancy Smyres. I learned of him from this site. He appeared in 5 games for the 1944 Dodgers and lived to the ripe age of 86, dying in 2007, yet good luck finding his autograph.

[mrmopar]

I just started another thread yesterday asking about a specific card signed and if it existed. The player never played in the majors, but he did have a card. Dennis Daboll, who is 1 of 4 rookies on the 1965 Topps Dodgers rookie card. I would love to know of and especially see a signed copy of this card, if any exist.

[JRS123490]

If we are talking HOF'er's, Franklin Grant. Has to be, right?