(LOT 265)
c.1913-'15 Tillie Walker PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Charles M. Conlon Photo – Image Used for Tillie Walker's Iconic 1915 Cracker Jack #173 Subject - Measures Approx. 5" x 7"
Presented here is an extremely significant PSA Type 1 Charles M. Conlon photo of journeyman outfielder Tillie Walker who played for four teams during his rather distinguished 13-year MLB career (Senators, Browns, Red Sox & Athletics). What makes this photo so special is that it was the exact image utilized for Walker's 1915 Cracker Jack #173 subject! Indeed, of the additional 32 checklist numbers added to the 1915 Cracker Jack set (the 1914 CJ set has 144 subjects vs. 176 for the 1915 set), the prestigious candy corn confectionery company chose Tillie Walker as their #173 subject, with this exalted Charles M. Conlon illustration ultimately utilized as the image for Walker's hallowed Cracker Jack issue.

We don't need to remind photo enthusiasts of the surging collecting niche of locating original photos utilized for that player's particular baseball card, and these same hobbyists are well aware that finding original Cracker Jack related images is a near-impossible task. The 5" x 7" offering portrays a crystal-clear Walker portrait pose as the by-gone outfielder dons his classic St. Louis Browns uniform. The glossy surface has eluded any serious flaws with a few faint wrinkles and an upper right corner chip rendered virtually negligible since they do not impede the critical central image. The final superlatives are the flipside's sanctified "CHARLES M. CONLON - Evening Telegram – New York" credit stamp as well as the "C. WALKER (St. Louis Am.)" pencil scripted notations all in Conlon's hand. A remarkable offering to say the least, it proudly stands as the foundation for Tillie Walker's 1915 Cracker Jack subject, possibly residing as the one and only Cracker Jack #173 Walker Type 1 image!

MIN BID $300
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