Lot # 5: 1941 50th Anniversary of the Hot Dog Testimonial Framed Display with Proclamation Signed by (135) Including Babe Ruth, Ed Barrow & Ford Frick – PSA/DNA LOA

Relish that tasty tubular treat the “Hot Dog” with the conquest of this multi-signed 1941 Golden Jubilee testimonial framed display, which is believed to be a one-of-a-kind piece. Hosted by the New York Baseball writers, a ceremonial dinner in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the hot dog was held at the Hotel Commodore on January 14, 1941. Honored on this occasion were the Stevens boys, Hal, Frank, Joe and Bill. According to legend, the hot dog was invented by concessionaire Harry M. Stevens, who directed his staff to push “red hots” at a 1901 New York Giants home game. Newspaper cartoonist Tad Dorgan commemorated the event in print, calling the concession "hot dogs" in his caption. We take this story with a grain of salt, as the true origin of the hot dog remains as mysterious as the origin of the game of baseball itself. Even counting back from the date of this 50th Anniversary testimonial dinner would put the birth of the hot dog in 1891. In any event, it’s likely that in 1901 Stevens did become the first to sell franks at a ballpark and the grand tradition has kept an untold number of fans fed and happy ever since.

Among the 135 signers of the testimonial proclamation appearing within this framed display, is loyal hot dog consumer Babe Ruth. Joining the larger-than-life Ruth in the extensive roster of signers, are fellow Hall of Famers Ed Barrow, Ford Frick, Frankie Frisch, Joe McCarthy, George Weiss, Bill Klem, and Larry MacPhail, along with notables “Red” Barber, and Paul Krichell. All the neatly applied signatures are readily discernible and favorably, the autographs of the headliners present among the most visually prominent examples. Termed a “Grand Award of Camaraderie,” this multi-signed decree adorned with the “Great Seal of the Baseball Writers,” is housed in a massive frame with overall dimensions of 46 x 36.  Also seen in this display are a program cover from the event and a panoramic photograph credited to Empire Photographers, with Ruth seated at the far-right end of the head table. A unique tribute to the great American traditions of baseball and hot dogs, this unique display and all elements present handsomely. Now somebody please bring on the apple pie.

While we are unable to view the interior of the program in this display, a humorous description of the evening's fare from a long-ago sale of this item has been provided. It reads: "The front cover of the 7” x 9” four page program includes photos of the four Stevens brothers placed at the four corners of a baseball diamond and the 'The Dope Sheet' that constitutes the menu on page three includes: 'Fruit Coupe Lolla' (C’est la vie) and 'Hearts of Celery' and 'Queen Olives' (Daily Double), 'Lentil Soup' (Frankfurters from the ’29 Army-ND game) 'Roast rib of Beef au Jus' 'Potato Lorette' 'Green Peas Etuvee' (Ten bucks a plate in the Saratoga Clubhouse) 'Mixed Green Salad' (Great for Rabbits) 'Pave Galce Fraiselia' and 'Petit Fours' (Glace Courtesy of Bill Terry) and 'Large Coffee' (Why Not? Business is good)."

The proclamation on the scroll reads: "Whereas, there long has been a bond of friendship, sportsmanship and good feeling between the Baseball Writers of New York and the recipients of this Grand Award of Camaraderie, and Whereas: It long has been the desire of the Baseball Writers of New York to make the Stevens Brothers aware of the affectionate regard in which they are held, therefore be it Resolved: The the baseball Writers of New York and their guests here assembled vote to the Stevens Brothers this mark of their Love and Devotion, at the same time making obeisance to that oblong of succulence, the Hot Dog, which for a half century has been the backbone of our Great National Pastime."

Full LOA from PSA/DNA. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.

Frames included with lots: While we make every effort to protect the frames included in these lots during pre-auction storage and post-auction shipping, we are not responsible for any damage to the frames themselves and no refunds will be given due to frame damage.