This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2016
Based on comparisons to other nearly identical professional model right handed D&M 1st baseman’s mitts worn by Gehrig in the 1920’s and the attribution from the consignor and it's previous owner, we are able to present a strongly based attribution as to the offered glove having been worn and used by Lou Gehrig. Original and accurate manufacturing, incredible signs of Game Use, style matched to original photography and solid provenance. This Draper & Maynard professional model #652 right handed 1st Base Mitt has been examined by Infinite Auctions and our expert vintage memorabilia consultants. After an extensive evaluation, it is our opinion that the glove is authentic as described and is attributed to being used by Lou Gehrig.
This incredibly unique right hand Draper & Maynard (D&M) Joe Judge Signature Model #652 glove was fitting for Lou Gehrig during his earliest years as a Yankee. More importantly, Gehrig was yet to sign his own endorsement deal with a glove manufacturer. Later in Gehrig’s career he endorsed 1st base mitts including the Ken-Wel Zipper back Model #632 Mitt in 1928 and then the J.A. Dubow Sporting Goods Model #663 Mitt in 1935. In late 1934 the Joe Judge D&M Model #652 Mitt became the Bill Sweeny Model due to Joe Judge retiring from baseball.
This D&M professional Model #625 1st base mitt has attribution to Lou Gehrig during the start of his career with the New York Yankees. An extremely similar if not identical style of d&M 1st Base Mitt can be seen being used by Lou Gehrig during the 1923 baseball season (Getty Image #515129298), which was his rookie campaign with the Yankees. A photo style match for an item of this significance is rarely seen and tremendously adds to the authenticity of the glove. This vintage 1st base mitt appears to be original and of proper size and weight according to Draper & Maynard Catalogues and examples from the era. This vintage Draper & Maynard 1st base mitt displays evidence of significant use. There is wear that is apparent on the body of the glove as well as the pocket. The glove has a steer hide back and fingers while the laces are made of leather. This Draper & Maynard Model #652 glove shows great wear but is in very good condition considering its’ age as the wrist strap and buckle along with the manufacturers tagging are all still intact.
A Lou Gehrig First Base Mitt sold for $387,500 and then in the summer of 2014 at a memorabilia sports auction a signed Lou Gehrig Game Used First Base Mitt sold for over $250,000. Please note that this is the 1st and only Lou Gehrig rookie era D&M 1st Baseman Mitt to enter the collectible arena.
This item is being sold at public auction on an as-is basis. This item has been extensively evaluated by our vintage baseball authentication team. No disputes or differing opinions from any and all outside authenticators will warrant any type of refund or dispute. In our expert opinion, the extensive amount of provided authentication research including accurate manufacturing, excellent style matching to Gehrig in a 1923 original photo, fair provenance along with appropriate signs of use and age give us every reason to bring this amazing relic to the hobby with the utmost confidence.