1912 Boston Red Sox Players Championship Watch Fob Presented To Larry Gardner

Larry Gardner’s 1912 World Series Championship Watch Fob: A Rare Gem of Baseball History

A Legendary Career and a Historic Season

Larry Gardner, a name etched in the annals of Major League Baseball, enjoyed a distinguished career, highlighted by four World Series victories and a commendable career batting average of .289 over 1,923 games. Gardner’s most illustrious season came in 1912, where he played a pivotal role in the Boston Red Sox’s World Championship triumph. His performance was so impactful that he finished 14th in MVP voting, underscoring his significance to the team.

During the 1912 World Series, Gardner’s contributions were nothing short of heroic. In Game 4, he tripled in the second inning and scored on a wild pitch, setting the stage for Boston’s 3-1 victory. His prowess continued in Game 6 with a home run, and he became the Red Sox hero in Game 8 by driving in the walk-off run that clinched the World Series. This remarkable performance solidified Gardner’s legacy as a key figure in the Red Sox’s storied history.

The Championship Watch Fob: A Symbol of Triumph

Offered here is Gardner’s Championship watch fob from that unforgettable season. Before the advent of championship rings in 1922, pendants and watch fobs were the customary prizes for World Series victors. This exquisite 14K gold medal, adorned with scalloped edges and red enamel trim, features two crossed bats set upon a baseball diamond, proudly displaying the year “1912.”

• Engraved Elegance: The fob is beautifully engraved with Gardner’s name on the reverse, along with the inscription “PRESENTED TO LARRY GARDNER BY BOSTON AMERICAN B.B. CLUB.”
• Artistic Detailing: The circular pattern around the edges reads “BOSTON RED SOX BASEBALL CLUB WORLD’S CHAMPIONS” in gold lettering within the red enamel border.
• Historical Significance: This is one of fewer than five known 1912 World Series fobs, with one residing in the Massachusetts Historical Society.

The fob’s design is completed with a small figural baseball attached at the top, allowing for its attachment to a watch chain. The jeweler’s name, “Frank A. Gendreau,” is engraved below, and the piece is stamped “14KT,” attesting to its authenticity and craftsmanship.

A Rare Piece with Provenance

This extraordinary World Series presentation piece comes with direct family provenance from the Gardners, adding a layer of authenticity and historical value. Although the diamond in the middle has been replaced, the fob remains an incredibly rare artifact, commemorating the first of Boston’s four World Championships during the decade.

For collectors and enthusiasts of baseball memorabilia, this watch fob represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. It stands as a testament to Larry Gardner’s enduring legacy and the Boston Red Sox’s triumphant era. If you are interested in exploring more sports memorabilia or wish to consign your own treasures, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in the world of sports memorabilia auctions.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.