(LOT 36)
Scarce 1904 Honus Wagner Pittsburgh Leader Celluloid Schedule – EX/MT Condition
One of Honus Wagner's rarest collectibles is his 1904 Pittsburgh Leader Celluloid Schedule presented here in outstanding "EX/MT" condition. Miraculous as it may seem, this is the EXACT celluloid once owned by Honus Wagner himself, with a signed letter of provenance from Wagner's grand-daughter Leslie Wagner Blair (on hobby icon Alan Rosen's letterhead) attesting to its amazing origin. Measuring 3-3/8" x 1-3/4", this celluloid pocket schedule was issued by the Pittsburg Leader periodical with a classic Honus Wagner portrait image gracing the front and the Pittsburgh Pirates' home schedule listed on the verso. Extremely rare, there currently resides only 4 encapsulated SGC examples, with this magnificent offering possibly exhibiting the finest aesthetics of all the 1904 Wagner celluloids we have seen.

Interesting is the fact that it immensely appeals to both cardboard enthusiasts (since it presents itself as a card-sized subject) as well as button collectors (due to its celluloid make-up). The seemingly timeless black & white Wagner portrait image is the exact pose utilized on the ultra-scarce "Our Protection Against Loss" Insurance Co. pinback likewise dating to 1904, with Wagner listed as "The King of Ball Players" above his iconic image. Most likely issued as a promotional tool for the popular Pittsburgh newspaper, synonymous with the iconic 1914 Baltimore News set it is a schedule, but unlike the same Baltimore News series it resides as a celluloid and stands as the SOLE subject released by the Pittsburgh Leader News.

Further enhancing its desirability is its prominent existence as one of Wagner's earliest 20th century collectibles (along with Wagner's various W600 cabinets, Fan Craze issue and several pinbacks). Of significant note is the "jaw-dropping" condition of this 113-year old relic that has eluded any obtrusive flaws, with its rounded corners the ORIGINAL FACTORY ISSUED formations. It should be noted that one of the four SGC encapsulated copies recently sold for a staggering $26,000, sheer justification of its incredible desirability and esteemed stature among the hobby's most advanced collectors. We will now let you, the sophisticated enthusiast, ultimately decide the true value of arguably the finest preserved examples you will ever come across that was originally Honus Wagner's own personal copy... WOW!

MIN BID $2,500
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