For multiple generations of sports fans, the first thing one would see upon approaching the nation’s premier stadium was the 4-foot tall golden letters proclaiming “YANKEE STADIUM”. Since it’s opening in 1923, these simple but stately dimensional letters stood silent watch over many of the greatest sporting events of the 20th century that took place inside its walls: 26 World Series championships, the Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling fight, and the greatest NFL game ever played - the 1958 Championship Game. The letter forms were designed to mimic the hand-carved typeface used on the architectural inscriptions found in ancient Rome - namely the famous Colosseum.

     In the years since it’s opening in 1923, Yankee Stadium has come to represent the American version of this ancient sports venue, making the original choice of letterforms all the more appropriate. These letters became so iconic that when the new Yankee Stadium was built in 2009, the designers brought in paid homage to the original by installing exact replicas above the entry to the new stadium. This incredible architectural drawing details that iconic lettering. Measuring 11 ½ x 39 inches, the drawing is rendered in ink, graphite and blue pencil on thin architectural paper. Dated “7/28/27”, the rendering specifies the exact spacing for the 4’ tall letters which replaced slightly smaller original ones installed in 1923. The lower left corner has written "Detail for Spacing Only" in Roman lettering, while the lower right corner has written "From office of Hadlow, Hughes, Hick & Conrad". That this drawing was executed during 1927 - the season of “Murderer’s Row” - makes it all the more desirable. The drawing shows several vertical creases from storage and light toning from age. To display this historical document properly, it has been professionally mounted, matted and framed in a graceful golden colored frame, measuring a majestic 24 x 54 ½ inches. A small repair has been made to the upper left corner of the frame and there are several small abrasions from display. Acquired by our consignor as part of the Osborne Engineering auction. A true collector’s dream from the most identifiable part of the greatest sports venue ever built in the United States.

Auction Notepad