This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/5/2020
This 1909 Roger Bresnahan Presentational Loving Cup Trophy is without a doubt one of the most beautiful baseball trophies extant. When resting atop it’s hefty wooden block foundation adorned with attached metal and enamel ornaments including the detailed figure of a catcher, the silver finish trophy with the ornate baseball themed separate lid on top with much of the trophy’s original patina since polished away representing more than 100 years of care at the hands of the Bresnahan family, measures a formidable 34” tall. The width measured from the immense loving cup handles, measures 12” across and the block base 9 X 9 X 8. Lettering and artwork etched surrounding the voluminous center of the cup pictures Bresnahan with the words detailing the presentation “To our pal, Roger Bresnahan, from his New York admirers, Polo Grounds, May 24, 1909.” Having begun his playing career as a pitcher in 1897, Bresnahan became a sturdy catcher around which the New York Giants built their dynasty upon during the first decade of the 20th Century culminating with their winning the 1905 World Series Championship, before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals a few years later to begin the 1909 season. It was during the Cardinals first visit to the Polo Grounds in 1909 on May 24, that Bresnahan’s large allegiance of fans presented him this impressive trophy in a pre-game ceremony memorialized with an on-field display of flowers and pomp befitting this future Hall of Famer. Once cited as “the most beautiful piece…” in a collection referred to by Fobes.com, this trophy would become the centerpiece of even the most impressive collection extant. Very good condition. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.