Title: Framed Display Featuring Cut Signatures of Alexander J. Cartwright & Abner Doubleday with JSA Full Letter of Authenticity

Description:
Presented is a historically compelling framed display featuring the cut signatures of two prominent 19th-century figures associated with the origins of baseball: Alexander Joy Cartwright and Abner Doubleday.

Over the past two decades, RR Auction—one of the leading auction houses for historical autographs—has sold only four authentic Alexander J. Cartwright signatures, underscoring just how rare his handwriting is in the collector’s market. Cartwright, whose historical importance was largely recognized posthumously, left behind relatively few signed documents, most of which remain in institutional collections. Abner Doubleday’s signature is also considered rare, especially examples that include his full military title, as seen here. While Doubleday's name is widely known due to the enduring baseball myth, genuine autographs are not commonly available. The appearance of both Cartwright and Doubleday signatures in a single, authenticated display is extraordinarily rare—an exceptional convergence of two of the most storied names linked to the origins of baseball.

This professionally matted arrangement includes:

1. Alexander J. Cartwright Document: A handwritten promissory note dated April 15, 1889, authored and signed by Alexander Joy Cartwright. The document, executed in Honolulu, Hawaii, records a financial transaction involving Manual Paiko, a local cattle merchant. The text, penned entirely in Cartwright’s hand, includes his initials “AJC” in the left margin. The note reads:
“$500.00
Honolulu, April 15th, 1889
Two years after date, for value received I promise to pay to the order of Charles Rumi(?) the sum of Five thousand Dollars with interest thereon from date until paid at the rate of Eight and three fourths per cent (8¾%) per annum. Interest payable semi-annually or...
M. Paiko”


   Along the left margin, Cartwright adds:

   “Mr. Paiko pays the Government Tax on the Real Estate – AJC”

   The document (visible dimensions: 7.75 x 5.75 in.) shows light toning and a horizontal fold, in apparent Very Good condition.

2. Abner Doubleday Cut Signature: A crisp, bold cut signature reading “A. Doubleday / Major Genl. Vol.” in black fountain pen. This autograph appears on a slip of unlined paper (visible dimensions: 5 x 2 in.) and is in apparent Excellent condition.

Both documents are presented alongside reprint photographs of Cartwright and Doubleday, flanking a centered plaque that reads: “Who Invented Baseball?” The entire display is elegantly framed to overall dimensions of 19.25 x 16.25 inches.

Historical Context:
Alexander J. Cartwright (1820–1892), a founding member of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York, is widely credited with codifying the modern rules of baseball in 1845, establishing fundamentals such as the diamond-shaped field and three-strike rule. After joining the 1849 Gold Rush, he settled in Honolulu where he became a successful businessman and civic leader. He introduced baseball to Hawaii and played a pivotal role in its early growth.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Includes a Full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA), confirming the authenticity of both the Cartwright and Doubleday autographs.

Closing Appeal:
This framed dual-signature display offers collectors a rare juxtaposition of two legendary figures from baseball’s formative mythos—Cartwright, the true architect of the modern game, and Doubleday, whose posthumous legend helped shape its popular narrative. A superb conversation piece that bridges myth and fact, perfect for historians and collectors of early baseball Americana.