Lot # 29: 1939 Baseball Hall of Fame Grand Opening Induction Wristwatch Presented to Eddie Collins

A fantastic historic treasure electrifies the auction scene, with the presentation of this 1939 Baseball Hall of Fame grand-opening induction ceremony wristwatch, which was presented to Eddie Collins. Baseball's Centennial Anniversary was being celebrated in 1939, and Cooperstown, New York was considered the birthplace of baseball. Hall of Fame selections began in 1936, and with the grand opening of the Hall of Fame Museum in 1939, the Classes of 1936, 1937, 1938 and 1939 were inducted on the same day, June 12, 1939. While more than two dozen individuals were inducted that day, the number of living legends on hand to receive one of these watches was 11, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Walter Johnson, Connie Mack, Cy Young, Nap Lajoie, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, George Sisler and 1939 Class member Eddie Collins. More than a decade ago, Sisler's watch sold for $44,000+ with a replacement metal wristband, and Johnson's sold for $57,000. Wagner's watch was offered at a considerably high price point more recently, and those that sold long ago should command much higher prices now. Made by Gruen, the offered watch is a Curvex model marked "14K Gold Filled" on the back, which is engraved with "Presented to Edward Trowbridge Collins Member of the Hall of Fame Baseball's Centennial 1839-1939." The crystal and bezel present in excellent condition, with minor wear, and the watch has been wound and found to be working properly. The black leather band is supple, with minimal wear. Stamped on the back of the band is "Camille Fournet Paris," a leather company that reportedly was founded in 1945, indicating the band is a vintage replacement. Collins earned six World Series rings and an MVP award. During his playing days with the Philadelphia Athletics and Chicago White Sox, he batted .333 lifetime, with 3,315 hits, 1,300 RBI, and 745 stolen bases, making him a lock for Hall of Fame induction.