Assessed and Encapsulated by PSA/DNA with Autograph Grade GEM MT 10. Hall of Famer. The Iron Horse has placed an elegantly scripted, blue ink signature ("Lou Gehrig") on the otherwise unmarked obverse of this 1927 Exhibits arcade card collectible. Gehrig, who was enshrined at Cooperstown in 1939, passed away in 1941. This extraordinary piece bears one of the finest Lou Gehrig signatures confirmed in the industry.
The postcard-sized products of Chicago's Exhibit Supply Co. enjoyed nationwide distribution – primarily through free-standing vending machines in arcades and amusement parks – from the early 1920s until the mid-1970s. The cards covered a variety of topics, including actors/actresses, cowboys, pretty girls, comics, numerous novelty themes and baseball players, with the latter being the most popular subjects. Unlike their gum card counterparts, though, arcade cards weren't carefully unpacked from secure, protective wrappers and neatly filed or preserved. Instead, a majority quickly landed in shirt- or pants-pockets immediately upon purchase, and thereafter wound up suffering catastrophic damage as their new owners went on to enjoy roller coasters, pony rides and other amusement park activities. Sadly, many of the items were thrown away. A few, however, did manage to endure the obvious pitfalls, and one such card – a key 1927 Exhibits entry picturing Lou Gehrig – is offered here. That the card transitioned through the decades is nothing less than remarkable, and the fact that the item is adorned with such a splendid, desirable signature reflects the ultimate in favorable circumstances.
A prize from every perspective, this sought-after card – produced at the height of the Yankees' "Murderers' Row" phenomenon – exudes the full magnetism associated with this legendary player and his famous team. The piece captures Gehrig in a photogenic batting pose. Favorable contrast is exhibited throughout with Gehrig's face, physique and surroundings projecting distinctly and with clarity. And, above all, the card carries Gehrig's arrestingly precise, strikingly beautiful signature. This is a singular treasure, and an outstanding piece in all respects!

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