Lot # 1192: 1913 Baltimore Terrapins Federal League Document Collection Related to the Team's Formation Including By-Laws with JSA LOA

Collection of original documents relating to the formation of the Federal Base Ball Club of Baltimore, Inc. Baltimore was one of the founding members of the Federal League, which was a third Major League that began play in 1914. Although the league was successful in "stealing" many top stars from both the American and National Leagues, the Federal League lasted only two seasons. Because of its brief existence, any items relating to the Federal League are rare, especially original team documents such as these. The most significant document in the collection is the minutes from the first stockholder's meeting held on October 28, 1913. The 13-page document, which features the black-ink signatures of all eight original shareholders, as well as the board secretary, includes the corporation's by-laws and an acceptance by the board to purchase the franchise rights to Baltimore's entry in the newly formed Federal League from Harry Goldman. Following the sale, Carroll W. Rasin, whose signature appears here as one of the original shareholders, became team president. Each page of the document (approximately 7.5 x 13 inches) displays an uneven trim along the left border (the pages were almost certainly cut out of a ledger) and are otherwise in Excellent condition overall. The remaining two documents in the collection are as follows: 1) One-page "Subscription to Common Stock" document, undated, featuring the signatures of the eight original share holders and the number of shares owned by each. The document (7.5 x 13 inches) displays an uneven trim along the left border and is otherwise in Excellent condition (most likely removed from the same ledger as the previously listed documents). 2) Official Maryland Treasury Department certificate, dated October 28, 193 and numbered "453," issued in receipt of $375 from the Federal Base Ball Club of Baltimore, Inc. The amount paid to the state was calculated to be "one-eighth of one percentum on $300,000, being amount of capital stock which said company is authorized to have, as per Chapter 114, of 1894. Bonus on Corporations." The certificate (10 x 7 inches) displays a horizontal and vertical fold, and a rough bottom border. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Total: 3 items with one Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.