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Lot # 777: 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates "Cornerstone"

Category: Stadium Artifacts

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2019 Winter Classic",
which ran from 1/4/2019 9:00 AM to
2/1/2019 10:00 PM



Impressive artifact in the old paint emanates from the facade of Forbes Field since its inauguration in 1909. In solid concrete, this was one of the few pieces besides stadium seats saved from the annihilation of this old friend in 1971 to make way to the tawdry, dated inelegance of Three Rivers Stadium. This piece was rescued because of its obvious aesthetic beauty and historical importance. There were a number of these "cornerstones" (the accepted hobby term) around the stadium simply for detail. The stadiums of the day, such as Ebbets Field, Fenway Park, and Comiskey Park, were more like hallowed churches rather than mere ballparks. They were also extremely "of the era" dating them in the confluence of time. Brilliantly reads, "PAC", standing for the "Pittsburgh Athletic Club" in Romanic style lettering. Poured in concrete, it weighs 81 pounds and measures 29x24x5.75". Spectacular design mirrors a Grecian look of civilized culture as if created by the gods versus mere mortals. It mirrors the look of controversial architect Stanford White and the cultural wonders he did for New York City earlier in the century. Ironically, this would be in Pittsburgh, the home of his nemesis, Harry Thaw. Pieces such as these are among the most desired of all, such as the gorgeous Yankee Stadium "cornerstones" that have much in common with this piece. Only a few of these known to exist and the last one we known of sold privately in the $50,000 range. The first one we sold brought about 25k over 25 years ago. This one we shall see.

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