Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXVIII
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
7/30/2010
The prestigious T206 Tobacco set issued during years 1909 thru 1911 is first renowned for the 4 high end cards to obtain including Wagner, Plank, the Magee error (Magie) and Doyle variation. While other desirable variations exist after these renowned “big four”, there are a myriad of collecting angles actively pursued by T206 enthusiasts. For the absolute “purists”, not only will players be assembled with different advertisement backs, but the obscure “subjects” and “factory” types will be relentlessly sought after. One of the scarcest T206 variations is, undeniably, the “Factory 42” variation virtually never seen on any T206 example, and locating any example is difficult enough, let alone one of an immortal Hall of Famer. The paucity of this variation cannot be over emphasized, justifying why this miraculous Piedmont Cigarette “Factory 42” representation of the iconic Ty Cobb residing in a stratospheric PSA 7 holder is one of the most incredible T206 cards we have ever come across! While all of the major grading companies population reports do not distinguish “Factory” or “Subject” variations in their counts, we can practically assure you that only a handful of copies depicting the legendary “Georgia Peach” are circulating throughout the hobby. Consider that of the total 65 designated “Piedmont Cigarette” Cobb’s residing on their illustrious “Pop” Chart, only a sole copy is listed at the prestigious “Near Mint 7” tier with a meager 2 examples graded higher. Furthermore, of the total 440 copies listed in the “unknown category”, only 8% carry a “Near Mint” or higher grade, including ALL possible cigarette advertisement backs! Conceivably, based on the aforementioned population data, this ultra sparse offering ranks as one of the finest, if not THE FINEST, Ty Cobb Piedmont “Factory 42” cards in existence!
There is a long line of avid enthusiasts actively seeking the rarest artifacts of the legendary Tyrus Raymond Cobb and why not? Cobb’s sheer playing brilliance outdistances virtually every other player in baseball history. A “five tool” superstar, Cobb is one of baseball’s 1936 Hall of Fame charter members, and won a staggering 12 batting titles including 9 consecutive seasons! The outstanding brilliance of this offering is a perfect testament to Cobb’s virtually unparalleled batting skill set, with the card emitting spectacular technical qualities. Coming across another one of these masterpieces in near mint condition is as rare as one of Cobb’s piers exceeding his baseball diamond exploits.
This breathtaking card radiates with perfection, including a near immaculate image of the “Georgia Peach” with his fiery gleam and period style bat ready to wreck havoc on another helpless pitcher. The classic “hands apart” batting stance is well projected by an outstanding array of bright background blue, yellow and green colored hues with the image “dead-on” 50/50 centered, a rarity for any “Bat off Shoulder” T206 Cobb. Dazzling white borders end at razor sharp edging and super square corners, and had it not been for some faint touching near the upper left corner tip, this museum worthy masterpiece just might be sitting in a “NM-MT 8” holder! The critical “350-460 Subjects Piedmont Factory 42” reverse side baby blue print reflects vivid focus, set against an ultra-clean white surface, completing one of the rarest Ty Cobb gems in the hobby. Ultimately, the best term summing up the paucity level of this high grade “Factory 42” Cobb offering is “virtually one of a kind”, substantiating why any meticulous T206 enthusiast or elite Ty Cobb collector should take full advantage of what might be their final opportunity to seize this esteemed cardboard treasure!
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