Lot # 1292: 1960 Baltimore Orioles Phantom World Series Press Pin - Extremely Rare

Bag a rare bauble, with this 1960 Baltimore Orioles phantom World Series press pin. Excitement was in the Baltimore air, as they found themselves tied for first place in the American League with the super-talented New York Yankees on September 14th. The Yankees won out, with a fantastic winning streak over the final two weeks of the season, while the Orioles went a mediocre 6-7, to finish 8 games back. Part of the postseason anticipation manifested in this very tough pin. Hallmarked by maker Balfour on the back, this seldom seen adornment features a gleeful, crowned "Bird" mascot, with the legend "Baltimore Orioles First World Series" over a Memorial Stadium background. Fans would have to wait another six years before the Orioles made good on this promise, with a win in the 1966 World Series. While a couple of small divots in the black enamel at the two o'clock position are noted, this extremely rare phantom remains impressive, with strong paint, nice luster, and a smoothly functioning screw post and fastening disc on the back.