Lot # 27: 1889 Old Judge N172 Mickey Welch “486-2 Pitch, R/Hand at R/Thigh” Pose (PSA NM/MT 8) - “1 of 1”; Highest Graded PSA Example

Category: Pre-1900

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "20th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 9/18/2020 4:30 PM to
10/10/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 27)
"Unique for the Grade" 1889 Old Judge N172 Mickey Welch "486-2 Pitch, R/Hand at R/Thigh" Pose (PSA NM/MT 8) - "1 of 1"; Highest Graded PSA Example for ALL 5 Mickey Welch N172 Subjects!

Presented here is one of the most extraordinary Old Judge subjects on the planet, a PSA NM/MT 8 Mickey Welch 1889 "R/Hand at R/Thigh" marvel that stands as the SOLE and HIGHEST GRADED Welch example for ALL FIVE of his revered poses! Indeed, at the time this was written, PSA had encapsulated 36 Mickey Welch cards for all five of his N172 subjects with this miraculous offering the only one achieving the hallowed "NM/MT 8" assessment. Meticulous Old Judge hobbyists forever seek the finest aesthetically pleasing image photography, and this breathtaking Welch N172 (486-2 Pitch, R/Hand at R/Thigh pose as presented in the renowned "Photographic Cards of Goodwin & Company" Periodical) unquestionably resides as one of the finest Old Judge illustrations we have seen on any of the 500+ subjects in this iconic set.

Hall of Fame pitcher Mickey Welch won 307 games in his illustrious 19th century career, and along with New York teammate Tim Keefe, formed one of the greatest "one-two" pitching punches in baseball history. Combining a tantalizing array of "off-speed" pitches including the curveball, screwball and change-up, he kept hitters well off-balanced, leading to his outstanding 2.71 lifetime E.R.A. and seven consecutive 20+ win seasons (including a 44-win campaign in 1885)!

Synonymous with Welch's uncanny success from the pitching rubber is this "best of the rest" offering that stands at the top of the PSA "Pop" Charts via its "1 of 1" NM/MT 8 grade. Of utmost significance is the absolutely sparking image that reveals vivid resolution and arguably the finest imaginable contrast exhibited on any N172 subject. Simply stated, words cannot define the awe-inspiring eye appeal of this rarely surfacing cardboard masterpiece that has somehow retained virtually all of its factory issued attributes over the past 131 years, with Welch's image literally "jumping" off the card. Fine centering, razor sharp edging including four pinpoint corners, and immaculate-like surfaces all combine to support the pinnacle assessment.

As a final exclamation point, the lower caption boldly reads: "WELSH, P., New Yorks – Copyright by GOODWIN & CO., 1888 - OLD JUDGE – CIGARETTE FACTORY, GOODWIN & CO., New York.", and it should be noted that the "1888 Copyright" relates to the year the actual image was originally taken, with this cardboard heirloom released in the 1889 calendar year. Seldom is the advanced 19th century collector provided an ample opportunity to purchase the "single" highest graded subject for all of the player's N172 poses that also reflects premier image quality, with this "finest of its kind" Mickey Welch gem proudly standing tall as one of the most exalted Old Judge specimens extant!

MIN BID $5,000
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