Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
In 1914, the Oakland, CA. based Texas Tommy Candy Co. issued 52 different baseball subjects in their candy packs to assist in the sales of their product. Ultra scarce and most commonly found in Northern California, these sepia-toned “Type 1” cards measure approximately 2-3/8” x 3-1/2”, and include a player biography on the reverse side (as opposed to “Type 2” issues that are blank backed). One of the most desirable “Texas Tommy’s” available is the representation of the majestic Christy Mathewson, and it is his incredibly obscure E224 that is presented here in a SGC 20/1.5 holder. How rare is this card? Currently, it is the SOLE Mathewson SGC graded example with PSA also listing a single example on their illustrious “pop” report. That is correct folks…only two recorded Type I Texas Tommy Mathewson’s in existence!
One of five 1936 Hall of Fame charter members, there are still experts who argue that Mathewson is the greatest pitcher in baseball history (with all due respect to Walter Johnson). Winner of 373 games, Mathewson compiled an incredible 2.13 lifetime E.R.A. and won over 30 games four times including 3 successive seasons! Yet, with all of these outstanding achievements, he will always be best remembered for his unparalleled 3 shutouts in 1905 World Series when he completely dominated Connie Mack’s powerful Athletics team. His amazing exploits are the primary reason enthusiasts actively seek his rarest cardboard artifacts and NONE could possibly exceed the paucity of this miraculous offering! Mathewson’s fluid pitching delivery image is brilliantly captured in a spectacular sepia-tone image depicting fine contrast and vivid registration. While the frame is centered towards the right of the card, this tends to be a standard stigma with many of the few Texas Tommy examples we have come across. Some horizontal spider creases do exist through the center of the card, none of which detract from the super eye appeal emanating from this miraculous offering. Rounded corners (including some moderate creasing along the upper right corner), soiling along the left border and a few reverse side stains are additional blemishes contributing to the technical grade. However, the reverse side brief Matty “bio” has still retained a majority of its original typography. That, along with a super Mathewson central image more than offset the aforementioned flaws, making this virtually “one of a kind” masterpiece a “must have” for the ultimate eclectic collector
Bottom line is this card claims stake to the old cliché’ “the right to own any seldom seen copy far exceeds any technical assessment”, via its unequivocal paucity, strong aesthetics and the magnitude of the player it represents. All pre-WWI cards of the immortal “Christian Gentleman” are highly sought after by elite enthusiasts, and this scarce, almost impossible to find, “E” card issue certainly ranks high on Mathewson’s list of extraordinary rarities. A card seldom offered depicting one of our National Pastime’s most incomparable legends merits the utmost attention, especially considering that Mathewson’s rarest cards continue to skyrocket in value. With that in mind, don’t wait for the next “Big Six” Texas Tommy offering to come along because this just might be your FINAL opportunity to add this museum worthy masterpiece to your collection!
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