Auction Item Details
Lot 751
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Lot 751
Description: Significant and Possibly Unique Baseball Card Proof uncut sheet c.1913 (EX) Incredible discovery recently consigned from a hobbyist who acquired the piece in the Brooklyn area over 30 years ago. Thin to medium stock paper uncut sheet (slightly thicker than 1914/1915 Cracker Jack card issues) depicting (12) Major League players in full color rendering. Players include: Ty Cobb, Bill Schardt, Chief Bender, Roy Otis (actually Otis Crandall), Hughie Jennings, Ira Thomas, Vean Gregg, Harry Davis, Hub Perdue, Rube Marquard, Joe Jackson, and Frank Baker. Based on several dating specificities as they relate to the player+s careers we can date the sheet to 1913 (Harry Davis played for Clev. In 1912, Otis Crandall wearing 1912 Giants uniform) and certainly could not be 1911 or 1914 based on several other player/team conflicts. The sheet itself measures 6+x10 3/8+ displaying beautiful original pastel coloration with clearly visible proof -has+ marks at the four border points for each player card. Cards themselves appear to have been intended to measure 1 _+x2 _+ based on sizing between has points. Condition is remarkably clean with a few minute surface wrinkles and one tiny edge tear at top border. Blank back has six small adhesion residue spots at the perimeter measuring approx. 1+ in diameter each. While unclear as to the original issue of origin for this sheet the production quality and image artwork is without question equivalent to the more respected sets of the period such as Cracker Jack and American Caramel issues. In addition to obvious scarcity the sheet possesses several highly desirable qualities not the least of which is the appearance of both Ty Cobb and Joe Jackson on a singular card uncut proof sheet which of course would be the only such example known of any type or issue. To date, this unique discovery has prompted significant interest among veteran hobbyists but as of the writing of this catalogue no specific information as to its issue origins could be confirmed. Several theories as to the origins have surfaced to include the possibility it was a pre proof for the Cracker Jack series of 1914 and 1915 (sheet was also found in Brooklyn area where Cr. Jack cards were produced). Another belief was that it may well have been a proof for the prolific American Caramel (and similar candy issues) of the 1910-15 era. In any case, the offered sheet embodies the very essence of the Hobby as a newly discovered treasure which is sure to spawn spirited debate as to its original origins. Due to current sizing contraints for SGC and PSA holders we were not able to have the piece encapsulated but fully guarantee its authenticity as well as the fact that it would be deemed authentic by either grading company should said holders become available: EX ($10,000+)Final Bid: $36,634.00
Current EST: 05/01/24 10:50:32 PM