This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/30/2005.
With a record of 101-50, the 1915 Boston Red Sox beat the Phillies in five games to win the World Series. Led by HOFer Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper and Herb Pennock, the Sox would win two more championships in the next three years (1916, 1918) before the long drought which ended only last year. This extremely rare large format 22" x 24" leather premium commemorates the Sox' 1915 World Championship and has been framed to 36" x 38". In the center is a large photographic image of the World Series squad, underneath which is printed "Red Sox, World Champions 1915. There are portraits on the corners of Speaker, Hooper, Bill Carrigan and Duffy Lewis. Premiums were issued in exchange for coupons included with tobacco products in the early 20th century, a time when there was much competition between the tobacco companies, and advertising was important in attracting new customers and building brand loyalty. Large leathers such as this one with fringed edges are said to have been used, among other things, as pillow covers. This leather is in fantastic shape for its age. The print side is fully finished, with even overall cracking and rippling throughout which only partially affects a few of the players' faces. There are a few tiny daubs of white paint on the corner portraits, apparently added for contrast. A gorgeous example of early memorabilia!