Albersheim's 2016 May Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/14/2016
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.
Offered is a signature cut from a typed letter while Carr was heading up the National Football League. The signature has been mounted to a 3x5 card. There’s a fold, a result of the original letter being mailed, which goes through the C in Carr but is barely noticeable. Carr is considered amongst the Top 4 rarest Pro Football Hall of Fame autographs along with Hugh Shorty Ray, Charles Bidwill, and Tim Mara.
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim and encapsulated authentic by PSA/DNA.