Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
The premier turn of the century photographer Carl Horner needs no introduction to advanced baseball card collectors for it was his renowned portrait images that graced many of the popular “dead-ball” era cards including the iconic T206 Honus Wagner. From 1905 thru 1909, Horner produced a series of 5” x 7” cabinet cards at his Boston studio(s) that are among the rarest of cardboard treasures in existence. Black & white portrait, half-body and full-body poses were issued between the years 1905 and 1909 with the SCD Standard Baseball Catalog currently listing 24 subjects. However, considering the myriad of photos taken by this iconic photographer, it is an obvious concession that the future will reveal additional player cabinets. One of those newly recognized Carl Horner cabinets just happens to be Boston Braves outfielder Johnny Bates, presented here in a spectacular SGC 40/3 holder. How rare is this cabinet card? This “un-cataloged” offering currently stands as the SOLE Carl Horner cabinet depicting Johnny Bates by any grading company!
Journeyman outfielder Johnny Bates played for four teams throughout his nine year career including the Boston Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. While his best season was 1910 when he batted .305 with the Phillies, undoubtedly, his overall statistics will never be worthy of Cooperstown. Fortunately for Bates, his sheer existence among cardboard enthusiasts will live for eternity via this incredible “one of one” cabinet! His classic “half body” portrait black & white photograph retains a majority of its original state, reflecting perfect contrast and vivid focus as well as astounding facial features. The off-white colored mount has managed to defy a century of major wear, depicting only some moderate wrinkles near the lower left corner and lower right edge. No obtrusive creasing is apparent, and the four mildly rounded corners portray a splendid eye pleasing uniformity. The desirable Carl Horner scripted name and studio address (“WASH’N BLOG. 387 WASHINGTON ST. BOSTON”) silver toned typography beneath the image is completely intact, and the gray toned blank back reveals some mild staining and/or prior moisture towards the upper center and right edge. It is virtually unfathomable that an early 20th century oversized cardboard relic could emanate the outstanding aesthetics this offering provides. No “dead-ball” era photographer was more renowned than the hallowed Carl Horner who epitomized “turn of the century” card collecting via his unparalleled portrait images evident on a seemingly endless number of cardboard issues. We promise you that NONE could be more prestigious than his rarely seen 1905 – 1909 cabinet cards that personify his unequivocal role in the evolution of baseball cards. No esteemed collection could possibly be considered complete without one of Carl Horner’s original cabinet masterpieces, justifying why this sole recorded “un-cataloged” Johnny Bates memento would make the perfect addition to any “World Class” collection!
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