This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2015
Once the part of a the country’s largest Chicago White Sox collection, the accompanying provenance states this glove was originally purchased from Eddie Collins' grandson during the fledging stages of the memorabilia boom of the 1970s. This rare Eddie Collins signature model Goldsmith glove presents a very rare opportunity to acquire a truly hobby relic associated with the 1924-25 Chicago White Sox, a Baseball HOFer, and a members of the exclusive 3,000 hit club.
According to his official website, “Luckily for Eddie Collins, stealing in baseball is not a crime. If it were, he would be the fourth one in line to stand trial behind Rickey Henderson, Ty Cobb and Lou Brock, the only three thieves that have stolen more bases than Collins. Long before the "Black Sox" scandal of 1919 surfaced, Eddie "Cocky" Collins lit up the ERAs of opposing pitchers. He played his first full season in 1909 with the Philadelphia Athletics and scorched opponents with a .346 average and 67 stolen bases. In 1910, Collins hit for a team-leading .422 average as the Athletics won the World Series.
When Collins signed with the Chicago White Sox, he had already played in four World Series, won three of them, and been named American League Most Valuable Player in 1914. In 1917, the "Cocky" second baseman hit an astounding .409 in the Chicago’s World Series victory over the New York Giants. Collins returned to his sixth World Series in 1919, but later found out eight of his White Sox teammates were paid off to throw the series. He did not let the incident bring him down as he hit his career best of .369 the following season. Between his playing days with the White Sox and his final span with the Athletics from 1927-1930, Collins had a brief managing stint with Chicago.
Eddie Collins retired after the 1930 season, ranking eighth in career hits and fourth in lifetime steals. Unlike some of his "Black Sox" teammates, Collins was rewarded with his induction to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1939.
Regarding the glove, examination of the manufactures label (Goldsmith), review of the Goldsmith Dealer Catalogs from 1924-25, and review of available provenance allows MEARS to attribute this glove to have been worn during the 1924-25 seasons by Eddie Collins while playing for the Chicago White Sox.
Examination of the design of the Goldsmith label on the wrist strap is consistent with their brand used during the 1920s. The 1” web was a standard feature found on gloves during the 1920s, and is consistent with the dating of this item. Finally, a period Goldsmith button is found on the back in the area where the strap is fastened. Available images confirm Eddie Collins wearing a similar style glove.
When reviewing the area of the inner palm, the original factory applied Goldsmith stamp is still present. Directly above is an “Eddie Collins” facsimile stamp. Review of available Goldsmith dealer catalogs confirm this model of glove was issued during the 1924-25 seasons. MEARS did not have access to a 1923 catalog, so there is the possibility the glove was introduced once year earlier. According to the 1926 Goldsmith catalog, the glove was discontinued. For full disclosure, the glove may have been worn at any time after the 1925 season, but we can confirm it was made available by Goldsmith during the 1924-25 era.
The condition of the glove is superb. The 1” web remains tightly fastened, the leather piping on the bottom is in excellent condition. All labels and factory stamping remain in excellent condition. The glove exhibits the perfect blend of heavy game wear and maintains a near mint appearance.
The glove was once part of the collection of legendary Chicago White Sox collector Pat Quinn. His accompanying letter reads,
“This fielder’s glove and OAL (Johnson) baseball were used during the 1922 season by Hall of Famer Eddie Collins. I obtained these items from Collin’s grandson at a memorabilia show at New York’s Penta Hotel in 1973, and they have been in my possession ever since. Signed Pat Quinn.” The baseball is not included.
Regarding the dating by Pat Quinn to 1922, it is the opinion of MEARS that 1924 should be the date of issue based on inclusion in the 1924 &1925 Goldsmith dealer catalogs.
Glove collectors know how hard it is to find game worn gloves of their favorite player. This lot offers the unique opportunity to own a signature model glove attributed to have been worn by Eddie Collins during the height of his career with the Chicago White Sox.
LOA Pat Quinn / Troy R. Kinunen, MEARS