Raynors HCA 2020-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2020
Sporting Times Cigar trade card featuring the 1888 Champion New York Giants. The Sporting Times New York Giants Cigar card is noted for its tremendous quality and design, as well as the importance of the team. All nineteen players are identified along the bottom border. The production of this unique "one-card set" was based on a photograph by renowned nineteenth-century photographer Joseph Hall. Included are Tim Keefe, John Ward, Mickey Welch, manager Jim Mutrie, Buck Ewing, Roger Connor, and Jim O'Rourke. It is possible that this issue was actually intended to be a cigar-box label. Approximately thirty or forty examples of this card are known, and all originate from a single find many years ago by legendary Americana dealer Rex Stark. All known examples have financial ledger notes on the reverse, water staining, and in most cases chipping in one or more corners. Card is 7-1/2" x 4-1/2", upper left card loss from water damage, small margin piece upper right. Still scarce and in fine condition sells +/- $1500. The 1888 New York Giants played 131 games during the regular season, won 84 games, lost 47 games, and finished in first position. They played their home games at the Polo Grounds (Park Factors: 99/96) where 305,455 fans witnessed their 1888 Giants finish the season with a .641 winning percentage.
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