Albersheim's 2015 November Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2015
Joseph F. Carr (D. 1939) was the president of the National Football League from 1921 until his death in 1939. Carr was born in Columbus, Ohio. As a mechanic for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Columbus, he directed the Columbus Panhandles football team in 1907 until 1922. The "Panhandles" were one of the largest draws in early professional football, starring the Nesser Brothers, and were nearly unbeatable at home in Indianola Park. He helped to reorganize the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in 1921, and moved the offices from Canton to Columbus, Ohio. This league would be renamed the National Football League in 1922, and Carr served as its president from 1921 until his death in 1939. He was elected to the Helms Hall of Fame in 1950 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and is the only non-player in both halls. Carr also served as president of the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1925 to 1928. In 1963, Carr was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of their first induction class.
Every once and awhile something comes up for auction that makes collectors chomp at the bit in order to own such an extraordinary piece, and the staff at Albersheim’s only wishes we could have this in our own collection. This is one of those pieces.
We’re proud to offer a typed letter signed by the man who turned the game of football from being played in the sandlots to the stadiums all over the U.S.A. On National Football League letterhead, the this historic document explains Joe’s stance on adhering to the traditions that had made professional football the fair and honest game that it became under his own guidance. Dated "Aug. 22, 1935" and addressed to one "Mr. Milton R. Jacobs," the document reads, in part, "We have an iron clad rule in the League now that passes going into the various cities where our clubs operate must be requested by the club which operates there. However, I am sure the management of the Eagles will be very glad to take care of you. I would suggest that you communicate with Mr. Bert Bell, President of the Eagles, and have him list your name among those he wants passes for in Philadelphia." At the conclusion, Carr's black ink signature shows "10" strength (graded by PSA). Standard mailing folds, but nonetheless; a gorgeous signature on a killer piece!
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim, Full PSA/DNA LOA, and JSA Auction Letter.