October 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, October 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2022
Lot of three very rare autograph letters signed by Yankee legend Lou Gehrig. Gehrig writes to Fred Lichtenwalter, a grape grower who supplied grapes to Gehrig and his friends, including Babe Ruth. Letters are undated but circa 1930 as Gehrig lists the address of his New Rochelle home on one, where he lived from 1928-1933. Each letter is signed ''Lou Gehrig'' and penned in fountain pen.
First letter reads in full, ''Dear Mr. Lichtenwalter: - Enclosed please find $10 for the grapes you shipped my mother. They sure were wonderful and arrived in the very best condition - / I sure want to thank you once more and tell you how much we appreciated them - Cordially / Lou Gehrig.'' Single page letter on bifolium stationery measures 5'' x 6.5''. Folds, with small closed tear starting at edge of horizontal fold. Some toning and discoloration, overall very good condition.
In Gehrig's second letter, he makes mention of ''Babe'' wanting grapes as well. He writes, ''Dear friend Fred: - Have been wanting to drop you a line for several weeks now, and hope it's not too late. I would like to have 2500 lbs of those same grapes this year if it doesn't inconvenience you - Babe wants half of these, but ship them all to me, and also the bill and I'll straighten it all out with you - As I told you in Glen.[?], those grapes last year were marvelous, and I hope this years crop is just as good - / Please drop a line to me in Washington (Wardman Park Hotel) on Thurs. Fri. or Sat - whether you received this letter O.K. and if you can ship the grapes, and about what time we should expect them - / Many thanks again, Fred, I appreciate this ever so much / Cordially / Lou Gehrig / 9 Meadow Lane / New Rochelle, N.Y-''. Two page letter on stationery from Boston's Brunswick Hotel, each measuring 6'' x 9.5''. Folds, some mousing along edges, toning and light shadowing to writing from being folded. Very good condition.
In Gehrig's last letter, he smooths over a misunderstanding with his grape grower. Letter reads in full, ''Dear Fred: - Sorry you misinterpreted my last note - Was not questioning price or any thing. We were wondering whether we had paid you or not - Haven't a complaint in the world, except thanks for your courtesies - While I'm at it please send 60 baskets this fall - Best Wishes / Lou Gehrig.'' Single page letter measures 6.75'' x 10''. Folds, mousing along bottom edge, toning and some shadowing to writing from being folded. Very good condition.
Rare Lot of 3 Lou Gehrig Autograph Letters Signed -- ''...Babe wants half of these...''
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