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Lot # 989: 1909 Max Carey College Graduation Photograph with Full Name Autograph

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



Original college-graduation photograph of Hall of Fame outfielder Max Carey featuring his rare full-name signature. The studio photograph pictures the nineteen-year old Carey in formal attire upon the occasion of his graduation from Concordia College (Fort Wayne, Indiana) in 1919. The photo is housed in its original thin-cardboard docket that bears the Concordia emblem and year ("09") in the bottom right corner of the photo page. The photographer's credit ("F. Schang") appears in print at the base of the photo page. Sometime later, Carey signed the piece directly below his photo in blue ink, providing both his full name "Max George Carnarius" and his playing name, "Max Carey." Both signatures are boldly scripted and grade 9/10. Carey began his professional career immediately following his graduation from Concordia in 1909. He adopted the name "Max Carey" at the time to preserve his amateur status. Carey's parents hoped he would become a Lutheran Minister, but Carey's love of baseball led him in a different direction and he made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1910. The photo (3.75x5.25") remains in Mint condition. The fold-over docket displays partial separation along the spine and is otherwise in Excellent condition.

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