Is This The Ultimate Signed Pre-War Card (Lajoie 33 Goudey)?
 

For the past decade or so, my mother always gets me the Cooperstown Calendar (among other things) as a Christmas present. Imagine my shock and awe when I looked at March and saw an autographed 1933 Goudey Lajoie in the display. This has got to be the ultimate autographed pre-war auto -- beatable only by a signed T206 Wagner or T206 Plank. Obviously, it is hidden away from all collectors -- totally unobtainable -- and I would bet there is not another. How many collections are incomplete without this one? Autographed pre-war card collections? Signed HOF card collections? Lajoie collections? Simply an amazing card.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CZ4BpvSN6pRQtPdDJ_geCYRT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/TR_VEURnNNI/AAAAAAAAI00/LJndR0VBLKw/s800/image0-14.jpg" height="800" width="581" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PHN3jLL6FgE0Tdtq0DABWoRT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/TR_VFOg1MWI/AAAAAAAAI04/sldeXxG455s/s800/Lajoie_33Goudey.JPG" height="308" width="250" /></a>

I seem to remember a signed version of that card coming to auction in the past 10 years.

That's what I envision DeWolf's living room looks like.

WOW - I'd love the details on that one.

A little Googling reveals that a signed Goudey Lajoie was sold in the Barry Halper auction in 1999. I don't have access to my catalog set to confirm - maybe someone else can have a look.

Ive been after that card since I first saw it in 1988 on the Barry Halper collection video. It sold for about 28 g's.

Lot 922- The Lajoie card sold for $28,750.

Best, Andy

From the Sotheby's Catalog.

So...
 

...the card is in private hands? But photographed by the Hall of Fame for its Cooperstown Collection calendar? Or am I missing something?

How about a signed Baltimore News Ruth if one existed?

paul m
 

'tis a beauty indeed.
are you thinking of parting with your Plank for this one?!

all the best,
barry

REA auction 7/15/2000.

Barry told me..
 

Barry told me when he showed me the card [approximately 19 years ago.] that he traded it straight up for a minty-fresh Lajoie card that was in his collection. Obviously this was before professional grading, but Barry was super proud of the signed Lajoie, and he thought it was a huge huge score to trade his nice-conditioned example for this autographed one. Given that it was dated, as well, it seemed extra special to him.

M

sure would look good filling in my missing spot

Attachment 30154

I would love to have a signed OJ. I wouldn't even care who the player was.

I agree, especially if it was a Cap Anson or Mike Kelly :D

Steve

Hah - No. I would make that trade in an instant, of course, but it is not likely one that I would ever be offered. Given the increase in interest in signed pre-war cards over the past decade, I think the Lajoie is worth $50K-$75K now, if not more...

Steve-The only signed Old Judge I know of is a signed Connie Mack (on the back). It has a large fountain pen signature which has been authenticated.

This is the Mack
 

Sold in the Oser auction in 2002:

http://legendaryauctions.com/LotDeta...x?lotid=28075#

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9fEdct3Z2JsQDjOPFuFx6IRT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/TSIXmyX_eOI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/rbdEqxGxilk/s800/ConnieMackOJft2.jpeg" height="414" width="800" /></a>

I don't even collect autographs but that Mack is sweet
Nice image on the front too

Wow only sold for $2000. Would probably go for close to that without the signature.

I found this thread in the archive...

WOW i love this Lajoie card, it is the first time i see it.... verry nice card. Anybody know where is this card now ? In wich collection is this card ?


Anyway amazing card !

The autographed Lajoie is in the Hall of Fame's collection. Barry Halper always thought the Hall of Fame should have this so when it went up for auction again in 2000 he bought it and gave it to them.

thx a lot for the info ! it is an amazing card !

Looks like this signed Cy Young cabinet with the same image as his Just So card may be the new king of the mountain or at least a strong challenger for the ultimate signed pre-war card. Link

Gary, thanks for the link to that story!!

Awesome looking piece, I'd love to own it!!

Tony

Honestly, as compared with the Lajoie [and assuming I am owning to own rather than to profit] I'd rather own a signed 1933 Goudey Ruth. The Lajoie has hobby appeal but if it wasn't for the back story of the card itself it would be a minimally interesting signed tribute card. Ruth is the idol against whom every other baseball personality is measured, in and out of the hobby.

Imagine what would a signed Ruth rookie would fetch.

Personally I would prefer the Young cab without the handwriting

I know nothing about autographs. Giving Halpers past and all the forgeries that he had is there any doubt that the signature is good on that card? Not questioning it, just asking.

It doesn't appear to have the "flow" and other characteristics matching authenticated Lajoie autographs from the same time period, but perhaps it was signed while Lajoie was riding in a car on cobblestone streets.

Agreed.