This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/13/2021
Just eight months before Mathewson would succumb to the lung damage suffered as a member of the United States Army's Chemical Warfare division during World War I, he delivered the presented contract to Braves infielder Ernie Padgett in his role as President of the Boston National League club. This is Padgett's personal copy of the contract, retained for decades by his family, and signed only by Big Six (not by Padgett) at the close, a bold "C. Mathewson" offering. The document, indicating a $3,000 salary for the forthcoming 1925 season, exhibits original storage folds and light handling wear but no damage of note. Christy Mathewson's supreme baseball relevance and tragic early death have served to catalyze a vast gap between demand and supply, and this flawlessly rendered and provenanced example ranks high among the slim population of available exemplars. The historical positioning of an autograph dating to the final months of Matty's sadly abridged life only further enhances the considerable appeal. A very rare opportunity to buy a contract signed by Christy Mathewson. Professionally framed to measure 17 x 21. Very good condition. Comes with a James Spence Authentication (JSA) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.