Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXVIII
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
7/30/2010
In 1912, the Helmar Tobacco Co. issued one of the most obscure and valuable artifacts currently existing in the memorabilia circuit. Horsehide shaped leathers measuring approximately 9-7/8” x 11-1/2” and portraying black sketched baseball images were issued as a premium with the company’s Turkish Trophies cigarette brand. The available players numbered 25, with the images EXACTLY the same as the poses utilized on the popular S81 silks also released that season. Both the L1 Leather and S81 silk images also resembled the distinguished Turkey Red (T3) cards, with 5 of their subjects omitted from the T3 set including: Grover Alexander, Rube Marquard, Marty O’Toole, Rube Benton and Russ Ford. To obtain these obscure collectibles, 50 Helmar coupons needed to be exchanges for a single “L1 Leather”. The actual complete checklist numbered 100 with the 75 additional subjects including actresses, generals, Indian chiefs, etc.).
Amazingly, 16 of the 25 baseball players are Hall of Famers including the extremely rare Rube Marquard “L1 Leather”, presented here in aesthetically pleasing condition. As previously mentioned, the Rube Marquard L1 subjects just happens to be one of the five “Leathers” NOT included in the Turkey Red set, leaving only the S81 silk and this eclectic type offering as your two options to capture his classic pitching pose illustration. While Rube Marquard will never be confused with teammate Christy Mathewson, he still managed to win over 200 games in a Hall of Fame career. More impressively, from 1911 – 1913, Marquard won 73 games, assisting Mathewson in leading the Giants to 3 consecutive National League pennants. He just may be one of the most underrated Cooperstown hurlers, and likewise, his astonishing representation on this sterling offering just might qualify as one of the most under rated collectibles in the hobby! A majority of the images on most “Leathers” are extremely worn and/or faded, yet Marquard’s black print contrast and registration still provides a significant portion of its original state. True, the contrast isn’t perfectly bold, but is has managed to outlast virtually a century of potential wear, portraying only a moderately faded effect. The leather surface does depict areas of mild scuffing with some diminutive “cracking” near the upper left area, and the checklist#111 near the lower edge is fully legible. The reverse side reflects scattered areas with slight soiling, and a series of light wrinkles running through the center portion of the “Leather”. The major blemish is, unquestionably, the six pin holes situated at the outermost peaks most likely due to this offering being posted to the wall of one of its original owner’s. Fortunately, the holes are unobtrusive with the fine centrally located Marquard sketching stealing the show. Seldom does the opportunity come along to own any Helmar Leather, let alone one that represents one of the five players inexplicably excluded from the renowned T3 Turkey Red set. . These scarce representations serve as a direct link between the tobacco world and our National Pastime’s glorified past. If you are seeking the most eclectic “turn of the century” memorabilia, search no longer since this ultra obscure Marquard Helmar Leather suffices as one of the most extraordinary collectibles in the hobby!
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