Santa, I would like a Herman Germany Schaefer autograph for Christmas

[HexsHeroes]

A recent thread by member GrayGhost (Scott) in the Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions section titled "My top five dream hobby gifts" got me thinking about what dream item (white whale) I would covet most, and what that item would cost to purchase (if available).

That item would be a autograph/signature of Herman "Germany" Schaefer.

While a couple of "Prince Henry" signed items, and possibly equal number of team signed baseballs with his signature abound in the hobby, those are the only items I am aware of. (PS-I now see both Kevin Keating sold a cut in 2000, and Jim Stinson sold a narrow cut mounted with T205 card on a 3x5, also in 2000). Just wondering what a flat item (letter, document, signature cut) would set me back today, if one were to make itself available ? Are we talking $1000-$2000, or are we talking $5000-$10000 ?

I realize we are not talking about a ballplayer autograph with the universal recognition or demand that Babe Ruth generates, but curious as Germany Schaefer's on and off field antics has spawn fun story telling over the years, and with it some name recognition. Just wondering . . . And wishing (if Santa is monitoring this chat )

[prewarsports]

I would second that with a similar name, Louis Sockalexis. If I could ever find one I would pay "whatever I need too" for that one. Second would be a Roy Castleton for personal reasons. Both in theory should exist, but an example of both men is yet to be confirmed so I may be wishing for a looooooong time!

[J-Yo]

Yea he’s on my list too! Never see anything come up. Same with a Hal Chase signature.


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[J-Yo]

Saw one sold on Ebay for $700+ today


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[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I would certainly like to know if there was any additional information given to Beckett which gave them the confidence to authenticate that Schaefer. As a standalone cut signature coupled with what little exists to compare it to, I would never have been able to authenticate that.

Granted, there are precious few authentic examples known in the hobby, but I don't recall a single one that was signed "Germany". For the most part, none resemble this handwriting, either. There are a couple of letters contained within the signature that do bear a resemblance to two letters found in exactly one of the authentic exemplars. That would be far too little for me to give the go-ahead on. (Before anyone asks, I don't wish to post my Germany Schaefer exemplars to prove my point, nor will they be shared privately. If this is of interest, people can do a little auction archive digging, etc. to generate some examples to look at.). Due to the factors mentioned, I'd be inconclusive at best. That might be rather charitable of me, but it's the right place to be.

[HexsHeroes]

I remember when this same item appeared on eBay years ago, and I passed on it then. And this time around, I passed on it again for some of the reasons Jodi mentioned. Mainly, being a closely cropped cut, and signed as “Germany”. The lack of early interest by other experienced bidders was also noted. Even though I need for my vintage Detroit Tigers autograph collection, this specimen concerned me enough to pass on this opportunity. Hopefully it will pan out for the winning bidder.

[milkit1]

I avoided this as well. I have 4 examples of his autograph and not only did he not sign it "Germany" bit the Schaefer didn't match at all. Also I wanted the Candy Lachance until I realized it looked off as well and the paper looked very close to the Schaefer. This is the same seller that had closely cropped Sherry Magee and a Jake Stahl that seemed off as well. I don't think the seller is intentionally selling fakes but I do believe these closely cropped sigs are fake

[ss]

I agree, the Schaefer was ridiculous. But I thought the LaChance was spot on. Most of this seller’s items are fine, but some - Magee, Daubert, Seymour, Schaefer were not authentic.

[MikeMc]

Tragically was out-bid in that Ebay auction. Would have been the jewel of my Germany Schaefer collection. Though the insights in this thread have made me feel better that I wouldn't have had the full confidence I'd hope for that it was authentic.

[HexsHeroes]

MikeMc,

I would be interested in reading your story on how/why you collect Germany Schaefer ?

Care to share ?

[HexsHeroes]

FYI

Below is a black & white photocopy image of a "Germany" Schaefer signed cut on 3x5 (with attached T207 card) advertised in September 2000 (that Paul/T206Collector referred to),
and snip of the recently sold eBay "Germany" Schaefer signed cut on 3x5 semi-imposed below it for comparison purposes . . .

.

[ss]

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

FYI

Below is a black & white photocopy image of a "Germany" Schaefer signed cut on 3x5 (with attached T207 card) advertised in September 2000 (that Paul/T206Collector referred to),
and snip of the recently sold eBay "Germany" Schaefer signed cut on 3x5 semi-imposed below it for comparison purposes . . .

.

Well that’s interesting and does change things a bit.

[MikeMc]

Originally Posted by HexsHeroes

MikeMc,

I would be interested in reading your story on how/why you collect Germany Schaefer ?

Care to share ?

It's because of all the stories about Germany Schaefer in "Glory of Their Times". I read that book when I was only 12 and it locked in a love of all things old-time baseball. Schaefer was such an amazing character from that era, and collecting his cards was a way to tap into that era. But since he's not a HOFer whose cards are particularly valuable - it's about luck in finding the cards - as opposed to spending an awful lot of money on each one.