(LOT 613)
"Fresh to the Hobby" 1912 Christy Mathewson Type 1 International News Service Photo – Strikingly Similar to the 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson Pose – Measures Approx. 6" x 6-3/4" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
This "Fresh to the Hobby" and possibly "unique" 1912 Christy Mathewson PSA Type 1 photo just happens to portray a Matty pitching image strikingly similar to Mathewson's iconic 1914 Cracker Jack subject. When our esteemed consignor approached us with this "Big Six" photo, we simply "skipped a beat", knowing full well its incredible stature and sizeable potential price tag value due to its close resemblance to the 1914 Cracker Jack Matty pose. It is no secret that scarce images representing renowned cards are achieving record-shattering prices each and every day, with an example of this photo-pricing craze being a Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey card image fetching $72,000!

Unquestionably, the floodgates have opened with respect to this captivating collecting angle, and there seems to be no end in sight for its potential infinite-like pricing surge. What makes this unfathomable Mathewson image so intriguing is that while the image exhibits a number of visual qualities consistent with the 1914 Cracker Jack Matty subject, it also presents subtle differences. This should come as no surprise because in numerous instances, the original photos selected for pre-WW1 cards were selected as only "representations" for that particular card's central image, as opposed to being an exact copy. Simply stated, an artist would utilize the photo as the "framework" for the card's illustration, and then touch up the image by adding subtle changes based on his ultimate vision. Unquestionably, one can clearly see the image's immense similarity with the 14 Cracker Jack as Mathewson, front knee bent, reaches straight out to deliver one of his tantalizing pitches.

Some photo similarities include Matty's glove (on left-hand) "facing down" by his left knee; the somewhat consistent angles of his left thigh as well as his back, and the pivot angle of his lower right foot off of the pitching rubber. Modest disparities include Mathewson's right throwing hand (e.g., Matty is holding a ball on the card, not in the photo); Matty's "trunk" that has rotated slightly more in the photo; and the glove hand NOT protruding past the front knee in the photo (as is the case with the '14 CJ) due to the aforementioned additional hip rotation that tends to pull a pitcher's glove hand further towards the back. While PSA has not designated this a 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson photo (due to their strict policy that a photo must be an EXACT match to the card's image), we strongly support the notion that an artist possibly used this miraculous photo to lay the groundwork for the truly iconic lithographic 1914 Cracker Jack Matty pose. Our opinion is also based on the premise that, to the best of our knowledge, there only exists a single other image even remotely resembling the 1914 Cracker Jack Matty (likewise not an exact match), with either of these two regal-like photos conceivably utilized as the visual inspiration for this legendary card.

The photo itself measures approximately 6" x 6-3/4" and portrays breathtaking aesthetics, headlined by near-perfect contrast and crystal-clear clarity. Depicting super eye pleasing sepia-toned hues, you can literally feel the "Christian Gentleman's" intensity as he has just released another one of his un-hittable pitches. The classic central image has eluded any obtrusive flaws with the modest perimeter/edge trims rendered virtually irrelevant since they have zero impact on the captivating Matty pose. Likewise, two microscopic like pinholes situated near the left corner tips as well as a few stray wrinkles do not impede on the classic "Big-Six' pitching illustration that can literally send chills down anyone's spine. As a final exclamation point, the verso reveals the critical violet-hued 1912 International News Service credit stamp as well as a scripted "Christy Mathewson" pencil notation.

Mathewson's virtual unparalleled niche in the hobby has rightfully earned his momentous keepsakes resounding bragging rights, primarily due to his status as one of our National Pastime's greatest all-time pitchers. Of all his legendary feats, NONE could possibly compare to his 3 shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1905 World Series; virtually single-handedly leading the New York Giants to their first 20th century championship and prompting Athletics manager Connie Mack to eloquently state: "Christy Mathewson is the greatest pitcher I've ever seen. It was a pleasure to watch him pitch when he wasn't pitching against you." Matty's 373 victories stands tall as the highest National League mark (tied with Grover Alexander), and he was famous for his virtually un-hittable fade away pitch (more commonly called the screwball). For 12 consecutive seasons (1903 – 1914) he won 20+ games (4 of those seasons exceeded 30 wins); ably assisting the New York Giants to 4 pennants and the previously mentioned 1905 World Championship via his 3 Fall Classic shutouts.

This seemingly infinite list of superlatives substantiates why his rare memorabilia continues to receive outstanding recognition, with arguably no illustration more desirable than this exalted offering that is strikingly similar to his 1914 Cracker Jack issue. Even more impressive is the fact that the '14 Cracker Jack Matty subject is currently realizing record setting prices each and every day, with PSA 1 and SGC 3 examples recently fetching "off the chart" $50K+ and $78K sales, respectively. Considering there are approximately 45-50 PSA and SGC encapsulated 1914 Cracker Jack Matty's to choose from, we cannot even begin to speculate as to the true value of an ultra-rare image conceivably linked to this immortal card. As with any "fresh to the hobby" rarity, we will defer to you, the sophisticated collector, to ultimately determine its true worth!

MIN BID $2,000
_