Lot # 516: Scarce 1888-1889 Old Judge N173 Cabinet – Thomas Brown Boston “44-2 Bat in R/Hand at Side” Pose SGC AUTH -The Only 44-2 Encapsulated Copy on the COMBINED SGC & PSA “POP” Charts!

Category: Pre-1900

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 7 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring '23 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 4/13/2023 9:00 AM to
5/6/2023 7:00 PM




(LOT 516)
Scarce 1888-1889 Old Judge N173 Cabinet – Thomas Brown Boston "44-2 Bat in R/Hand at Side" Pose SGC AUTH -The Only 44-2 Encapsulated Copy on the COMBINED SGC & PSA "POP" Charts! AT SGC FOR REHOLDER

RARE OLD JUDGE CABINET!!!... Due to the immense popularity of the 1887 Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarette baseball cards, beginning in 1988 Goodwin & Company augmented their promotional concept by encouraging tobacco users to send in 25 boxes or Old Judge slips included in the cigarette packs to receive an oversized sepia toned photograph affixed to a 4-1/4" x 6-1/2" mount. Categorized as N173s, known examples for 26 of the 27 Cooperstown inductees currently exist (there is no known Comiskey cabinet), with most of the extremely scarce cabinets belong to non-Hall of Famers. This scenario is a result of the tobacco smoking community having their choice of cabinet cards to choose from, obviously selecting the greatest players of the day, and bypassing many of the lesser-known subjects.

Justifying this notion are the population reports for the popular Boston Beaneaters' centerfielder Thomas Brown, with this extremely rare SGC Authentic offering the sole "44-2" example listed on the combined SGC and PSA census reports! Indeed, this 19th century marvel reveals the "44-2 Bat in R/Hand at Side" Brown pose as portrayed in the renowned "Photographic Baseball Cards of Goodwin & Company (1886-1890)" publication that stands as the bible of 19th century Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cards. The classic Brown central image sepia-toned depicts superior contrast and clarity, with the "Authentic" assessment due to a lower border trim. The white typography affixed directly to the right of his pantaloons/stockings clearly reads: "Copyright 1888 Goodwin & Co.", and the likewise legible "BROWN C.F. BOSTON" caption is situated beneath his spikes. No glaring surface flaws are apparent on the obverse side, with the verso reflecting an area of scrapbook residue near the lower edge. One of Thomas Brown's most captivating cardboard issues, it stands as a fine testament for his celebrated 17-year career.

MIN BID $300
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