Rare ALS signed “J. Honus Wagner,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Company letterhead, February 10, 1927. Handwritten letter to "My Dear Periforo," in full: "In reply to yours of the 3d I will do my best to land you on some good club when your college work is over. I could land you with some Minor League but they start too early. You sure are kept busy in athletic work it won't hurt you in fact their is nothing like it. Thank you for your letter and write me again a couple of weeks before the close of school." In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some light soiling. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
After retiring from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1917, Wagner floated around in semipro leagues, and incorporated his Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Co. It seemed to make excellent sense to use his name and presence in a sporting goods venture, but he was a better ballplayer than businessman. By 1929, the sporting goods company was in bankruptcy; its assets, and the rights to use Wagner's name and image, were purchased by E. Louis Braunstein. Pre-dating his Hall of Fame induction by nine years and penned on appealing letterhead, this is one of a handful of known Wagner autograph letters.
