(LOT 37)
c.1910 Mordecai Brown Cigar Box Inside Label – Ex-Halper Collection/Near Mint Condition
This magnificent Mordecai Brown Cigar Box Cigar Box Lable/Cover includes an imposing and colorful pitching pose of the legendary hurler. "Three Finger" Brown endorsed a brand of cigar brands in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, with this brand issued by the Cook, Black & Hoffman manufacturer in the circa 1910 era. Measuring approximately 10" x 6.5", one of its key aspects is the missing right index finger on his throwing hand. One of the dead-ball eras legendary Hall of Famers, Brown achieved his iconic nickname when as a young farm-boy he accidently stuck his hand in a corn shredder, severely cutting off a majority of his index finger and paralyzing his pinky.

Fortunately for Brown, his deformed hand eventually seemed to be the primary reason for the uncanny movement on his pitches, leading him to 239 career wins and a spectacular 2.06 lifetime E.R.A. that ranks as the 3rd best lifetime figure behind Ed Walsh and Addie Joss (and surprisingly better than Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson!). He was as good if not better than all "dead-ball" era pitchers, explaining why advanced enthusiasts scramble to obtain his rarest artifacts. Only a handful could be considered scarcer than this majestic offering that has stubbornly defied "father time" to retain a majority of its original attributes. Its eye pleasing near-mint stature is headlined by the aforementioned brilliant Brown pitching image ably assisted by a super eye pleasing powder blue and tranquil green setting.

His hallowed "MORDECAI BROWN" name is affixed both above and below his classic pose, with the bold red text outlined in elaborate gold ink. Facsimile "Yours Truly" and "Mordecai Brown" scripts are situated to the left and right of the immortal twirler, the Cook, Black & Hoffman and Terre Haute, Ind. verbiage are listed near the lower edge, and the snow-white background is miraculously clean. Formerly an artifact from the Barry Halper collection, now is a golden opportunity to emulate the immortal "Three Finger" Brown by capturing this museum worthy masterpiece as a victory of your own!



MIN BID $900
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