SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Winter Premier Auction 2021

Wed, Mar 17, 2021 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 4, 2021 07:58AM EDT
Lot 63

CIRCA 1950 BUD ABBOTT & LOU COSTELLO SIGNED "WHO'S ON FIRST?" PHOTOGRAPH (AL TAPPER COLLECTION) - PSA/DNA LOA

Unsold

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000

Abbott and Costello’s comedy routines are world renowned, but none stand out as the defining staple of their partnership as much as “Who’s on First?” The premise of the canonical comedy routine revolves around a roster of the most unusually named ball players in the game’s history.  Though this well-known routine was as ubiquitous as fountain shops during the era one would assume that photographs such as the one presented are widely available.  The fact of the matter is that we rarely see these signed photographs of the routine come to the auction block.

The few autographed items relating to this classic battle of wits between a confused prospective ballplayer and the unconventional team’s manager are usually found on  vinyl recordings, though a signed baseball did emerge in the early 2000’s, realizing a price just short of $8,000 at auction. From a display standpoint, this relic has all the others beat. The black fountain pen signatures of each comedian are near perfect, and the 7x10" image is likewise MINT. Accompanied by a Full LOA from PSA/DNA & a Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.

Estimate: $25,000+

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