Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXVIII
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
7/30/2010
One of the rarest baseball card issues ever produced is the 1887 Kalamazoo Bats cigarette cards distributed by the Philadelphia cigarette manufacturer Charles Gross & Co. Highly coveted by advanced enthusiasts, these ultra scarce artifacts seldom surface in any condition. Any example, regardless of the player and related technical grade, is worthy of a place in the most elite 19th century collections. With that in mind, we are proud to offer the 1887 N690 Kalamazoo Bat cigarette card of Philadelphia outfielder George Wood in an eye pleasing SGC 30/2 grade. Only 7 other Wood examples have currently been encapsulated by SGC with NONE graded by PSA!
While George Wood will never be enshrined in Cooperstown, he did manage to hit a very respectable .273 over a 13 year career with Worcester, Detroit and Philadelphia, including a lifetime 68 round trippers. Renowned for his powerful right arm, few runners would try and advance an extra base on Wood. His most memorable moment came in an 18 inning 1-0 affair when in the 16th inning, the immortal Harry Wright drove a ball over his head through the horse gate of the outfield fence. Remarkably, Wood retrieved the ball and still managed to throw out Wright at home plate. Unfortunately, Providence would eventually best Detroit in the 18th inning. Fortunately for Wood, his legacy will live on forever via this breathtaking 123 year old masterpiece since ANY sole Kalamazoo Bat type card merits Hall of Fame cardboard status. “World Class” 19th century collections must include at least one of these seldom seen specimens, and we are sure this George Wood keepsake will find its way into one of the hobby’s superior collections. This SGC 30/2 example portrays a sepia toned left handed Wood batting stance depicting a lightly contrasted image with fine registration. Adding to this card’s vintage luster is the period style stadium stands, serving as a perfect background compliment to this 123 year old rarity. The “Smoke Kalamazoo Bats” ad reflects bold and clear typography, with strong print characteristics as well for Wood’s name and “Phila” team name. Rounded corners certainly have been hindered by over a century of handling, and staining is evident near the central left border. While both sides exhibit areas of soiling, no obtrusive creases are evident and the George Wood image is well centered. Certainly the technical assessment is consistent with the card’s visual appeal; however, regardless of any assigned grade, the sheer right to own a copy far surpasses the grading significance for any obscurity such as this esteemed offering.
It is critical to keep in mind that there are a handful of type cards in the card collecting circuit that are considered “sanctified”, so scarce and desirable that the mere mention of their availability immediately arouses the interest of any high end enthusiast. The 1887 Kalamazoo Bats issue easily falls in this category, with any example highly coveted by most 19th century purists. This Wood offering, therefore, not only serves as a strong link to the origin of our National Pastime, but more significantly, as an artifact that supports the foundation of our illustrious hobby.
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