(LOT 14)
1911-16 T216 Kotton Honus Wagner Batting, 2B. SGC 3.5 VG+
WAGNER TOBACCO CARD?!!! A tobacco Honus Wagner card…is that possible? Indeed, it is because this SGC 3.5 VG+ T216 Kotton Cigarettes Batting, 2b. Type 1 (1-2-3) POP 2 marvel just happens to be one of the few known tobacco Wagner issues, bested by only SGC specimens reflecting the Batting 2b. variation. Considering Wagner's disapproval of using his image to advertise tobacco products or potentially not being paid enough (or at all) by the American Tobacco Company to print his T206 subject, mainstream Honus Wagner tobacco cards simply don't exist. The People's Tobacco Co. issued these cards from 1911 through 1916 in New Orleans, Louisiana with three different cigarette brands distributed, including Kotton, Mino and Virginia Extra. The Kotton Cigarettes subjects revealing three different ad-back variations, including a Type 1 (1-2-3); Type 2 (Never Go Out – Not In Trust); and Type 3 (Never Go Out).

Four different Wagners were issued for all three cigarette advertisements (Batting S.S.; Batting 2b.; Throwing S.S.; Throwing 2b.), with his glossy Batting 2b. subject boasting a stellar pose of the Flying Dutchman. His batting image is widely recognized on many other candy or bread cards, with the crystal-clear central pose exhibiting fine centering, sparkling hues, and a robust red background. No obtrusive blemishes are apparent; general surface wear on both sides; even corner wear; and what appears to be a minor off- or misprint displays color slightly askew from within the black borders of his image. The lower border depicts the critical "Wagner, 2b., Pittsburgh Nat'l." caption and the significant ad back portrays the scarce KOTTON CIGARETTES Never Go Out – Not in Trust Type 2 back.

MIN BID $2,500
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