Presented here is a classic example of what was a staple for autograph collectors many years ago: the Autograph Book filled with 50 or 60 pages each designed to hold a single autograph of their favorite sports star politician or celebrity. Come to think of it who had a favorite politician in 1957 besides Ike? These are the vehicles that were ultimately chopped up a half-century later to be resold as the ubiquitous autograph cuts that have found their way into so many peripherally made memorabilia products these days. Anyway this 5-by-6-inch beauty has a hardbound cover and back and Autographs across the front in gold. The condition is sensational nudged only by a crack in the hardbound cover at the spine essentially the typical break point for these volumes from repeated use. Even with that there are plenty of pages untouched: there are 15 handsome autographs here all carefully done in ballpoint with a couple with salutations added and a few with tiny dates recorded at the edge of the page presumably by the young man who originally owned it. His name address and phone number appear on the first page inside. No need to wonder about the zip code: hadnt been invented yet. Mantle and Berra are the final two signatures snagged on September 24 1958 as the club warmed up for its ninth trip to the Fall Classic in 10 years. The rest of the lineup isnt too shabby either: Bob Cousy (possibly the only non-baseball guy) famed broadcaster Red Barber George Kell Pete Runnels Ryne Duren Virgil Trucks Murray Dickson Bob Boyd and Hurricane Hazle plus four others. Thats a pretty good squad by any measure even if we have to make Cousy the designated hitter. Oops thats a few years away too.

Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.