Only a handful of these incredible programs are known to exist in any condition. Yet this impressive survivor not only distinguishes itself in mid to high-grade condition, but also delivers strong and bold signatures of franchise player Walter Johnson, 1924 World Series hero Muddy Ruel and 1925 AL MVP Roger Peckinpaugh. Dated the night after Washington's final home game and just a week before Game 1 of the Fall Classic, the 7 x 10-inch program features a cover caricature of player/manager Bucky Harris standing atop a battered, bandaged elephant (mascot of the second-place Philadelphia Athletics) and declaring, "Bring on th' Pirates for Dessert." Inside, the opening pages are devoted to the memory of Gus Buchholz, late proprietor of the Hotel Occidental—a.k.a., banquet host venue and informal Nats home base. Next comes the prominent headlining page for MVP winner Peckinpaugh, whose splendid pencil signature appears below. Likewise, Johnson's fountain-pen signature (slightly lighter "W") anchors his portrait on the following page, where Ruel's pencil signature is inscribed in a vertical orientation. (Incidentally, Johnson's caption bestows a wonderful honorific: "The Old Master.")

The menu page follows, along with a Nationals team photo. Then, opposite a listing of the full team roster, there's a wide-angle picture from the previous year's celebration gala, with Johnson immediately recognizable among the hundred or so attendees in the foreground. A two-page guest list and acknowledgements page (signed by one of the dinner's committee members, Roland Robbins) rounds out the ribbon-adorned, staple-bound dinner program, which bears only negligible corner wear and some small spots of light discoloration. The banquet's counterpart trifold "Seating List" (3 ½ x 10 inches) is also included. This comes with a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A55452). Also included is a LOA from a previous consignor who obtained these items directly from the Walter Johnson family.

Please Note: Although this item was indeed obtained from a Johnson family member, it was not part of Walter's personal estate.

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