(LOT 39)
Extremely Rare Ty Cobb 1909 Topping & Co. Postcard (PSA 6) - "1 of 1" and the Highest Graded Example!
In the early part of the 20th century, a vast number of manufacturers issued sets to commemorate their cities team championships. From 1907 thru 1909, the Detroit Tigers won three consecutive American League Pennants and companies such as A.C. Dietsche, Wolverine News, and H.M. Taylor all released sets honoring members of the AL Champion Tigers. Undeniably, the rarest of these Detroit Tiger commemorative sets is the 1909 Topping & Company Detroit Tiger postcards that included a somewhat unique black & white portrait image affixed within a white and yellow colored star. Similar to virtually all pre-1910 sets, the most coveted and valuable subject just happens to be Tyrus Raymond Cobb, and it is his extremely scarce Topping & Co. specimen that is presented here in an outstanding PSA 6 holder.

Unique for the grade and one of only 3 PSA encapsulated copies, it proudly stands ALONE at the top of the PSA "Pop" Charts as the highest graded example! Any "1 of 1/highest graded" offering merits the utmost hobby accolades, let alone one representing one of the greatest all around players in baseball history. Cobb's batting prowess is virtually unparalleled, with his 12 batting titles (9 consecutive), and lifetime .366 average uncontested feats that will most likely never be challenged again. His vintage cardboard collectibles are widely sought after by the most sophisticated hobbyists, and what could be more rewarding than capturing one of his rarest issues that reigns supreme as the finest of its kind! Synonymous with Cobb's iconic status is his majestic portrait image situated in the sparkling yellow/white star.

It might be quite some time before another Topping & Co. Cobb subject comes along that can possibly match the breathtaking aesthetics emanating from this postcard's central image, highlighted by the blinding yellow and white colors situated around Cobb's hallowed pose. Bold black typography strongly projects the "Tigers Stars" Old English style print in the upper region, and the lower quadrant's "TY COBB Right Field" text is likewise flawless. Fine corners depict only diminutive wear near the corner tips, and the divided postcard back is completely intact, including the "TOPPING & CO., PUBLISHERS DETROIT" credit line print along the side edge. Ultra-rare and ornate to say the least, this offering easily ranks as one of Cobb's most nebulous cardboard keepsakes with its "best of the rest" stature meriting it a final resting place in any World Class compilation!

MIN BID $2,500
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