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 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 New York Giant’s 1st baseman Dan McGann, presented here in an outstanding SGC 50/4 holder. How rare is this cabinet card? This McGann offering currently stands as the SOLE Car Horner cabinet encapsulated by any grading company!
McGann was John McGraw’s 1st baseman on both his 1904 and 1905 Giant’s championship teams, and while he will never be enshrined in Cooperstown, his legacy will forever live on via this unparalleled masterpiece. His bat over shoulders full body photograph retains a majority of its original pristine state, depicting sharp contrast and vivid registration, with some non-obtrusive toning apparent on the white background. The ultra-light pink mount, likewise, has defied “father time”, outlasting a century of potential wear via its relatively clean surface, mildly touched corners and fine edging. The Carl Horner scripted name and studio address (“11 WINTER ST. BOSTON”) gold typography beneath the classic image is completely intact, and the blank back reveals some moderate toning and foxing. It is staggering to think that an oversized cardboard artifact that has passed its 100th birthday could possibly exist in mid-grade fashion. Yet, this miraculous McGann cabinet has disregarded the “rules of nature” via its spectacular eye pleasing qualities, and we applaud the individuals that somehow managed to minimize its wear. We proudly alert all early 20th century advanced enthusiasts to take careful notice of this incredible un-cataloged Carl Horner cabinet that currently stands as the only recorded McGann copy in the
universe!
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