Auction Item Details
Lot 501
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Lot Number: 501
Description: Significant and Possibly Unique Baseball Card Proof Uncut Sheet c.1913. Important discovery originates from a hobbyist who acquired the piece in the Brooklyn area over 40 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 including 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. It can be dated c.1913 as Harry Davis played for Cleveland In 1912 and Otis Crandall is wearing a 1912 Giants uniform. The sheet itself measures 6”x10 3/8” with bold color and clearly visible proof hash marks at the four border points for each card. Cards themselves appear to have been intended to measure approx.. 1.75”x2.25”. Very sharp condition with a few minute surface wrinkles and one tiny edge tear at top border. Blank back has six small adhesive residue spots along the sides which are approx. 1” in diameter each. The production quality and image artwork are 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 an uncut proof sheet which stands as the only to have surfaced to date. The initial discovery of the sheet almost ten years ago prompted significant interest among veteran hobbyists but as of the writing of this catalogue no new information as to its origins can be confirmed. Several theories 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 Cracker 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 unique treasure that is sure to spawn spirited debate as to its’ origins. Lab tests regarding both the ink and paper on which it was printed were carried out by Joseph G. Barabe and Frank J. Romano (both highly respected experts in the field of analyzing historical objects and print, respectively). The Romano findings conclude with production between c.1910-1915 while Barabe concludes the possibility that it could have been produced between 1913-20. Due to current sizing constraints for SGC holder we are unable to have the piece encapsulated however it was examined by SGC President Dave Forman in 2016 who states that the no sees “no physical evidence that contradicts the finding of the Barabe And Associates Lab Report.” A significant card related piece and one of the more interesting which we have offered. Printed copies of both lab reports and the Dave Forman letter will be included and are available electronically upon request: GD with far greater display valueEstimated Price Range: ($40,000-$60,000)