Auction Item Details
Lot 577
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Lot Number: 577
Description: Philadelphia Athletics "Golden Ball" cigar labels c.1874. Spectacular lithographed inner and outer baseball cigar box labels printed by Geo. Harris & Sons, Phila. The "Golden Ball" cigar labels are considered by many to be the finest of the artful 19th century baseball labels and the offered examples, of which approxiamately five are known, are very possibly the finest known. In 1868 Frank Queen of the NY Clipper offered a prize to the national baseball champions. The prize-a "golden ball"- was the first attempt to clarify the arbitrary processes of deciding the national baseball championship. The Golden Ball became synonymous with the best and became a natural brand as commercialism in baseball began to emerge in the early 1870's. The Philadelphia Athletics were the favorites to win the first golden ball and remained an important team through 1874, when they participated in the Tour of England. The players pictured are Athletics captain and pitcher Dick McBride on the left and second baseman Joe Battin on the right. The poses, as well as the American flag, belt, bat, and cap motifs, are all based on a July 1874 engraving from the Daily Graphic. Very clean overall with only minor toning on right border: NM
Estimated Price: ($2,500.00-$3,500.00)
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