NEWSLETTER
One day I’ll be stop being surprised by one of the stories we write up around here. But today is not that day.
On Friday afternoon, after a total of 12 online bids, SCP Auctions sold Lot #253 for $18,840. And what was lot #253? Well, Ty Cobb’s “well preserved and personally used dentures,” of course. Because why not.
After Cobb’s death in 1961, the false teeth were held by Cobb’s biographer, Al Stump, who eventually sold them to Karen Shemonsky in 1999 for $7,475. The new owner has chosen not to reveal his name.
I just … what even are we doing anymore?
Here’s part of the lot explanation:
Offered here is one of the most unique pieces of sports memorabilia you will find in the hobby: The Georgia Peach’s personally used dentures. The upper and lower dentures come with Cobb’s original plaster denture holder and brass opening device. Originally sourced from the collection of Cobb’s biographer Al Stump, our consignor acquired them in the famous Barry Halper sale back in 1999 and has owned them ever since. At one point, Cobb’s famous jaws were loaned to the Baseball Hall of Fame where they were displayed in the museum in Cooperstown, NY. This incredible, one-of-a-kind artifact has been preserved in immaculate condition since Cobb’s death in 1961.
These dentures have been featured on The History Channel’s ‘Lost and Found’, ESPN’s ‘Most Valuable Whatever’, as well as featured in USA Today, Associated Press, and many other major media outlets. Includes loan documentation from the Baseball Hall of Fame and other provenance documents.
I don’t know what’s weirder, the fact that 12 people bid on Cobb’s old, fake teeth (with one of them paying nearly $20K), or the fact that the Baseball Hall of Fame had possession of them in the first place. I mean, is this is really something that people were ever excited to see?
At least it comes with a letter of authenticity from the Hall?
This was a weird one. Happy Monday.
