Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
Just when the vintage enthusiast thinks they have a secure knowledge of basically all the pre-WWI issued cardboard rarities, another obscurity surfaces. Such is the case for this miraculous “circa 1910” real photo postcard of the immortal Honus Wagner that has been encapsulated in an SGC 20/1.5 holder! First and foremost, as you most likely have already guessed, this virtually unique offering is the ONLY recorded copy by any grading company on the planet. Furthermore, its picturesque sepia toned Wagner image provides an unparalleled vintage luster of the iconic Pirates shortstop typically reserved foe crème of the crop museums such as the Louvre in Paris, France!
Any vintage card of the incomparable Pirates Hall of Fame shortstop can make even the avid enthusiast “skip a beat”. Due to the hype and value associated with the iconic T206 Wagner, just the mention of his hallowed name throughout the industry draws unparalleled attention reserved for only a handful of baseball legends. It bewilders one to imagine the potential level of interest for one of his cardboard relics that just happens to be the ONLY one circulating in a graded holder! This example’s aesthetics outdistance its technical assessment, especially the critical obverse side that portrays qualities associated with a solid mid-grade card. Most likely issued between 1910 and 1915, a classic sepia-toned Wagner “sitting” image provides a splendid portrait pose concept with the 3-3/8” x 3-3/4” real photo encompassing a majority of the entire 3-3/8” x 5-3/8” perimeter. An absolutely breathtaking stoic Wagner facial expression “steals the show” as he appears to have relaxed for a single moment to provide the photographer with an opportunity to take this practically “one of a kind” photo. As with many “dead-ball” era pictures, you can almost feel the hard times experienced by a myriad of early 20th century ballplayers via Wagner’s strained appearance that personifies the times. Likewise, the depth perception of his Pirates uniform is virtually “bone-chilling”, providing an almost “3-D” effect predominately near the top of his un-buttoned jersey. Fine edging, mild/evenly worn corners that provide a super eye pleasing uniformity and no obtrusive surface blemishes are additional positive features of this incredible offering. While the postcard is unused, it appears that the reverse postcard back is the sole reason for the somewhat harsh technical assessment due to some mild staining and/or foxing. Regardless of ANY associated grade, the key concept for this offering is that it currently stands as the ONLY recorded copy in existence, and represents one of the card hobby’s most prestigious players. As is the case with many hobby obscurities, other non-graded copies might exist, safely tucked away in advanced collections. However, this is the first example of this ultra-scarce Wagner “real photo” postcard we have ever encountered, justifying why it might be your FINAL opportunity to claim ownership of one of the “Flying Dutchman’s” rarest cardboard artifacts justified by its “one of one” population report status for ANY grading company!
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