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Lot # 597: 1917 Honus Wagner Signed Bank Check (PSA)

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 15 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Fall Classic",
which ran from 10/29/2023 7:00 PM to
11/18/2023 10:00 PM



The displayed bank check has the name of "John H. Wagner" machine printed on the side, but don't let that official, formal name fool you; this is a check from a baseball immortal, popularly known as Honus Wagner, an Inaugural Inductee to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Wagner broke into the Major Leagues in 1897 with the National League's Louisville team, and then he played the next 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wagner was popular with everyone: fans, baseball officials and opposing players. He was a wonderful batter who led the NL in batting average eight times, with his league leading averages always between .334 and .381. He was a superb fielder at his shortstop position, often picking up infield dirt and pebbles along with the baseball and letting fly with it all as he threw to first base. Wagner played 1,887 games at shortstop, but he was extremely versatile, playing every position except catcher, and he played 374 games as an outfielder, 248 contests at first base, and 210 games at third base. He batted .328 lifetime, with 729 stolen bases, and he led the Pirates to a 1909 World Championship. The offered check, dated May 19, 1917, was written during Wagner's final season as a player. He was then 43 years old, and he played in 74 games, hitting .265. The offered check measures 2.75x6.3", and the check is drawn on the "First National Bank of Carnegie [Pennsylvania]". Carnegie, just outside of Pittsburgh, was Wagner's hometown. The check is written by Wagner in blue ink from a fountain pen, and it is in the amount of $24.00. The check is made out to "Al Wagner," the older brother of Honus Wagner. This brother, Albert "Butts" Wagner, who played briefly in the Major Leagues, was at first considered the real ballplayer in the family, and he helped to get Honus a tryout that led to his signing a professional contract. The check is signed "J. Honus Wagner." There are some cancellation marks right at the signature, but the writing and signature are 7.5/10. The check has been encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified as AUTHENTIC AUTO.

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