1912 christy mathewson

[todeen]

Originally Posted by bgar3

Nice books, Pitching in a Pinch is still a good read. Both books are reprint editions, however. Still good, but not first editions. The Matty books were mostly ghost written, according to Mrs. Mathewson, by Ralph Henry Barbour. (Letter in collection of a collector”. Both the books you show were issued with dust jackets.

Can you explain how you identify them as reprint editions?

[Wildfireschulte]

I always thought that Christy Walsh ghost wrote the series for Matty - interesting to learn otherwise. Here is a shot of my set. I think that the wider books with Dodd, Mead & Company at the base of the binding are frequently first additions - in this case Second Base Sloan and Pitcher Pollock. The Grosset & Dunlaps are assumed to be later printings. I think that Deacon Scott "wrote" Third Base Thatcher after Matty had died, so the publisher/ghost writer needed a different author. Book experts can feel free to correct.

[bgar3]

As noted above Grosset and Dunlop are almost always reprints. In this instance they are. Pitching in a Pinch was first published by Putnam, in a nice burgundy binding. The Matty books Firsts were Dodd Mead, except for the first one, Won in the Ninth, which was by Bodmer. The bindings are different and dust jackets frequently different. In general, the quality was also different as it is in these books. I believe the content is identical however, although I have not compared illustrations.

[Wildfireschulte]

I've seen two different versions of "autographed" books from the Matty juvenile series. I assume this one is autopen, but some fairly knowledgeable collectors have suggested that I should test JSA. Has anyone seen signed Matty books?

[StraightRaceCards]

Wow, those are amazing!

Now you got me wanting to get a first edition on these.

Looks like first editions of those are going around $400 these days?

[bgar3]

I think you can find a nice copy for 4-500 now from a used/rare book dealer.
Often, if you call and order from them directly you can get some benefit ranging from free shipping to 10 or even 20% off.

[gonefishin]

Originally Posted by Wildfireschulte

I've seen two different versions of "autographed" books from the Matty juvenile series. I assume this one is autopen, but some fairly knowledgeable collectors have suggested that I should test JSA. Has anyone seen signed Matty books?

I'm in no way an autograph expert, but I would seriously doubt that your book is signed with an autopen. I can't tell by the picture, but it appears to be in pencil. Regardless, the risk vs reward is a no brainer - if you have done a basic review of the autograph and it appears real - send it in!

Great item.