(LOT 119)
1914 Cracker Jack #93 Del Pratt PSA 2 GOOD
1914 Cracker Jack enthusiast should get in line because presented here just happens to be a super eye pleasing PSA 2 example of the extremely scarce and highly coveted 1914 Del Pratt Cracker Jack that resides as one of only 17 PSA encapsulated examples. It boggles the mind to think that the average at best St. Louis Browns infielder Derrill Pratt could possibly be mentioned in the same sentence with the immortal Christy Mathewson! Yet, impossible as it may seem, such is the case when a comparison is made between their 1914 Cracker Jack specimens with many hobbyists pondering the question: how can the 1914 Derrill Pratt #93 1914 Cracker Jack throwing subject possibly compare to the legendry Christy Mathewson #88 sideways specimen? Simply stated, along with the iconic Christy Mathewson, the 1914 Cracker Jack Pratt resides as one of two 1914 subjects that the Rueckheim Bros. & Eckstein Co. changed images when they reissued their renowned Cracker Jack set in 1915.

Inexplicably, when the 1915 issue was released BOTH the Mathewson and Pratt action poses were changed to portrait images. Why this revision took place has still achieved no resolution with advanced collectors simply left with the conundrum of how these two highly coveted and valuable 1914 subjects exist. While the Mathewson card carries more swagger due to Mattys immortal reverence, sophisticated enthusiasts unquestionably realize the extremely obscure Pratt #93 subject likewise stands tall as a monumental issue, from both a value and desirability perspective. The obverse side aesthetics of this world-class offering easily depict solid VG+ aesthetics, and we simply cannot understand how this card did not receive a higher grade? The imposing Pratt central image is affixed to a near-flawless bold red setting, with the lithographic illustration portraying superb centering.

No obtrusive creasing or staining is evident, and the even corner wear is consistent with any VG+ example. The final exclamation point is a relatively clean verso, and as previously stated, the current 2 assessment certainly appears rather harsh. Yet, as elite collectors realize, the outstanding aesthetics coupled with the sheer right to own a copy concept of this highly coveted 1914 CJ Pratt far surpasses any technical assessment. The Del Pratt 1914 Cracker Jack issue stands alongside other iconic hobby common issues such as the T206 Magie error, T206 Doyle variation, T207 Lowdermilk, T205 Hobliztell no stats, and near-impossible 1932 Lindstrom U.S. Caramel. The fact that only seventeen examples are currently listed on the illustrious PSA Pop chart substantiates why it merits a secure place in any sophisticated 1914 Cracker Jack compilation!

MIN BID $2,500
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