Lot # 2212: Twice-Signed 1953-1955 Artvue (Type 1) Black-and-White Hall of Fame Postcard Tom Connolly PSA/DNA NM 7

Black-and-white (Artvue Type 1) Hall of Fame postcard of umpire Thomas Connolly signed twice by him in blue ink. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the card and graded the signature NM 7. Connolly has scripted his name "Thomas H. Connolly" on the front. The reverse is inscribed "With all good wishes - Thomas H. Connolly." Connolly was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953, one of the first two umpires (the NL's Bill Klem was the other) so honored. Connolly is one of the rarest of all signed black-and-white Hall of Fame postcards. This is probably due in part because collectors were not as motivated to acquire the signature of an umpire. Black-and-white Hall of Fame postcards were issued only between the years 1944 and 1963. Because Connolly was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1953 and died in 1961, there was a relatively small window of opportunity for signing. Black-and-white postcards signed by him are exceedingly scarce. The card (3.5 x 5.5 inches) displays a number of light creases. In Fair to Good condition overall. This is an outstanding example of one of signed Hall of Fame postcard collecting's most elusive rarities.