This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Born of German immigrant parents and the only child of four to survive, the late, great Lou Gehrig would go on to become an American icon during his all too short life. After replacing the infamous Wally Pipp, the "Iron Horse" went on to play in 2,130 consecutive games for the Yankees, a record that would stand for over 50 years. Succumbing to the disease that would later bear his name, Gehrig died in 1941 a few weeks shy of his 38th birthday. The legend he left behind after 17 Major League seasons was astounding: a lifetime batting average of .340; a .361 post season batting average; 493 home runs; an average of 147 RBI's per season; two MVPs and a Triple Crown, and numerous other accomplishments. There will never be another player like him. This 8" x 10" circa 1938 photo pictures Lou Gehrig, Yankees manager Joe McCarthy, Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and one other (possibly Joseph Belicer). Gehrig is on a horse and all are wearing cowboy hats, placing this picture at the time of Lou Gehrig's only film "Rawhide" (1938). Ostensibly, this shot was taken on the set, between takes, as Gehrig's outfit matches the one he can be seen wearing on film. Matted and framed to 16 1/2" x 18 1/2", the photo is signed in fountain pen by Lou Gehrig, who added the inscription "To Joseph J. Belicer, With my sincerest and best always." Also signed in black fountain pen by Joe McCarthy and Jacob Ruppert, who added "Best Wishes." Photo appears to be in NRMT condition with a small crease on the lower left corner, signatures and inscriptions grade an 8-9 with the Gehrig grading a 9. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication. A great Gehrig photo and piece of Yankee history.