Walter Johnson Estate Items, signed Bob Parker original artwork

[Hankphenom]

1) $425. Walter Johnson/Gen. John J. Pershing lot of (3). For sports/militariana crossover collectors out there, you get:
a) The legendary Gen. Pershing signed letter of July 16, 1927, on "General of the Armies" stationery to "General Anton Stephan, Walter Johnson Twentieth Anniversary Testimonial Committee, Washington D.C." "My dear General Stephan: With reference to your letter of July 15, regarding the testimonial to Walter Johnson, please consider me available for service in any capacity you may think best. It is very likely, however, that I shall be absent from the city at that time. Nevertheless I would like to add my mite to the testimonial to one of the finest characters in the baseball world, our own Walter Johnson. Yours very sincerely, John J. Pershing." LOA from JSA.
b) 8"x10" group photo including Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Gen. Pershing, Hughie Jennings, Bucky Harris, and several others. No information on this photo, but I think it might have been taken in Florida c. 1924 or 1925.
c) 3"x5" snapshot of Gen. Pershing just before he threw out the opening pitch at Griffith Stadium in 1921. Washington owner Clark Griffith and manager George McBride are also visible in the photo.
Letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas, Johnson's grandson and biographer.

2) $325. Lot of (2) items relating to Walter Johnson's 20th Anniversary Day at Griffith Stadium on August 2, 1927. Johnson is the only pitcher to have had a 20th anniversary with the same team.
a) Letter to Walter Johnson signed by American League President Ban B. Johnson on American League stationery: "I am glad "Johnson Day" at the Capital was such a happy success, and you are to be congratulated. In my long service in the game you rank first among the players, in character and sterling honesty". (Signed "B B Johnson"). Sadly, this historic letter has been cut, trimmed, and pasted together before being placed in the Johnson scrapbooks, for whatever reason is anybody's conjecture. Among other things, the top of the loop in the signee's "h" was lost in the process. As the saying goes, "it is what it is." LOA from JSA.
b) Type I 8"x10" photo capturing part of the ceremonies at Griffith Stadium on Johnson's 20th anniversary day, with Johnson shaking hands with HOF umpire Billy Evans, who was behind the plate for Johnson's first game in 1907 and for this game 20 years later. A number of players on the Detroit Tigers, Johnson's opponent for both of those historic games, look on as Johnson is presented with gifts. Stamped "Pacific and Atlantic Photos" on the back. Letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas.

3) $150. Type I 5"x7" photo of golfer Johnny Farrell in action and signed "With best wishes for a successful season to Walter Johnson. Johnny Farrell, March 1925." LOA from JSA. Letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas.

4) $150. Cool Type I 5"x7" photo of jockey Alfred Johnson winning the 1922 Kentucky Derby aboard "Morvich." Signed "Kind wishes to Walter Johnson 10-10-22 from Alfred Johnson." Sizable chip off the left bottom, otherwise in good condition with scrapbook residue on the reverse. Letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas.

5) $375. Wonderful original pen and ink drawing by sports artist Bob Parker for card #62 in his 1977-1981 set of 103 Hall of Famers and other greats. Signed "My favorite, Carl, Bob Parker." As explained in the eBay listing from which this was acquired several years ago: "My father was a friend and obtained many pieces from Mr. Parker. The artist always personalized his pieces for my dad. The piece is penned on sturdy white paper in black ink. Pencil lines (for the borders) can be seen at all corners and sides. The back has some ink residue from the artist's table." It measures 7&3/4"x11&1/2."

6) $225. Original pen and ink drawing by noted editorial cartoonist Clifford Berryman commemorating Johnson's 20th anniversary with Washington. This artwork, unfortunately, was considerably trimmed before finding a home in the Johnson scrapbooks, as compared to the original as it appears in a newspaper clipping also taken from the scrapbooks. Nonetheless, it still presents on its own as an interesting and historical artifact from Johnson's career. Measuring 8&1/2"x11" in good condition with moderate staining and dirt evident throughout as well as two places of minor tape repair. Letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas

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