What is the most rare vintage baseball autograph?

[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

[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.

[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!

[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.