A complete uniform worn by Hall of Famer Steve Carlton during his finest big league season was one of the major targets in Huggins & Scott's latest catalog auction.
The 1972 Phillies jersey and pants had been virtually untouched in the 38 years since Carlton wore it while winning the National League Cy Young award. It brought a winning bid of $17,000. With the 17.5% buyer's premium added on, the final realized price was $19,975.
In '72, Carlton had one of the best seasons by a pitcher in baseball history, finishing 27-10 with a 1.98 ERA and 310 strikeouts for a Phillies team that finished with a 62-94 record.
Vintage baseball cards are what drive most major auctions, though, and this one was no exception. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded PSA 8, but off-center, matched the Carlton uniform with a final price of $19, 975.
Huggins and Scott continued its run of 1955 Esskay Meats Baltimore Orioles cards with a fresh group of the ultra-scarce regional being offered once again. Several cards topped $1,000 with a complete Bob Alexander box bringing a whopping $18,800 including the buyer's premium. Panels of Don Lenhardt and Jimmie McDonald each brought $9400 while a Harry Brecheen sold for $6463.
Another food issue set--this one much older--has a huge fan base. The 1911 D304 Brunners Bread set always draws a crowd of pre-War vintage card collectors when cards are offered at auction. A Ty Cobb card, graded PSA 3, brought $15,275 for H&S.
Another Cobb rarity, the 1907 Seamless Steel Tubes postcard, the only one graded (SGC 20), found a new home for $14,100.
A group of 1888 N162 Goodwin Champions cards included two keys: an SCG 60 King Kelly brought $6462 while a Cap Anson (SGC 50) sold for $5287.
A large selection of autographed baseballs was offered in this sale and a 1932-35 era Babe Ruth signed Spalding 'Home Run Special' ball topped the lot with a realized price of $8225 after 24 bids were entered. A lesser grade multi-signed ball that included Ruth, Honus Wagner and Walter Johnson brought $6463.
Other items and their final prices included:
- 1955 Felins Franks Whit Wyatt panel $7638
- 1995 All-Star Game Cal Ripken game worn jersey $7638
- 1952 Bowman Large football near set (141/144) $6463
- 1965 Topps football set (Namath PSA 6) $6463
- 2004 Donruss Timeless Treasures Ty Cobb game used bat card $5287
- 1910-11 T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb PSA 2.5 $5288