When Mastro Auctions sold the following Lou Gehrig new-service photograph in May 2008, they described it as being from the 1930s.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.postwarcards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MastroGehrigNewsWirePhoto-1.png?resize=578%2C800&ssl=1)
They described it as a 6-1/2″ x 9-1/8″ photo of the Yankee great in pinstripes with a look of “fierce determination” and described the card as the model for cards #’s 92 and 160 in the vaunted 1933 Goudey set; here are a pair of examples from Robert Edward Auctions.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.postwarcards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1933GoudeyGehrigs-1.jpg?resize=766%2C650&ssl=1)
Mastro Auctions wrote that the image was in EX condition with good image clarity and contrast. They mentioned, but didn’t show, that the reverse had handwritten editorial notations accompanying a copyright stamp for the esteemed Underwood & Underwood photography studio.
I found some more information from Heritage Auctions’ sale of the following Gehrig Original Photo.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.postwarcards.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HA1927GehrigPhoto-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C647&ssl=1)
They titled the lot a “1927 Lou Gehrig Original Photograph by Charles Conlon” and wrote that it’s a “Splendid and important image from Gehrig’s 1927 MVP and championship season was used for the Iron Horse’s 1933 Goudey cards #92 and #160. Taken by legendary baseball photographer Charles Conlon for Underwood & Underwood. Measures 7×9.” It sold for $60k in May 2017.
The image dating to 1927 doesn’t mean the Mastro copy isn’t from the 1930s; I believe Underwood & Underwood operated through the 1940s and likely reproduced many of their images. But please let me know if this is an incorrect assumption.
During the auction, Heritage provided this update: “Please note that this is a photo that came directly from the Underwood & Underwood archives and therefore has the original embossed “Do Not Remove, File Copy” raised blindstamp, which can be seen on the front of the photo in two locations.”