Lot # 746: Ultra-Rare 1916 M101-5 #186 Bobby Wallace “Short Print” – Blank Back (SGC EX/MT 6) – “1 of 1”; Highest Graded SGC example!

Category: 1900-1920

Starting Bid: $2,500.00

Bids: 33 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Holy Grail Rarities Auction",
which ran from 11/19/2018 6:15 PM to
12/15/2018 7:00 PM




(LOT 746)
Ultra-Rare 1916 M101-5 #186 Bobby Wallace “Short Print” – Blank Back (SGC EX/MT 6) – “1 of 1”; Highest Graded SGC example!

The illustrious baseball card hobby was built upon the fascination for many of its desirable cardboard rarities such as the T206 “Magie” error and Doyle variations, 1933 Goudey Lajoie, 1914 Baltimore News Ruth, T206 Plank and “Holy Grail” T206 Wagner.   Of all these rarities, the Doyle variation and 1914 Baltimore News Ruth reflect the least known quantities with a mere 9/10 known examples for each.  Though not as celebrated, there is in fact another extremely obscure cardboard issue that actually exceeds the rarity level of all the aforementioned specimens, the ultra-scarce 1916 M101-5 Bobby Wallace #186 subject.  Indeed, the COMBINED SGC and PSA population reports currently list a mere 6 examples of this remarkable “short print” obscurity that was quickly replaced by Zach Wheat as the #186 subject in the prestigious M101-5 set.  With that in mind, presented here is a spectacular M101-5 blank back Bobby Wallace “short print” of the highly underrated Hall of Fame shortstop Bobby Wallace in an SGC “EX/MT” 6 holder.  Its paucity level is justified by the previously mentioned “6” count with this magnificent offering currently standing as the SOLE and HIGHEST GRADED SGC encapsulated copy!   For informational purposes, M101-5 set collectors have always been faced with the excruciating stumbling block of obtaining three major “short-prints” to complete their world-class M101-5 compilations.  Those three subjects include checklist #’s 12 (Beals Becker), 23 (Forrest Cady) and 186 (Bobby Wallace), with any of these three scarcities seldom surfacing for the taking.  The highly coveted #186 Bobby Wallace significant value was substantiated nearly three years ago when this same example achieved a $10,000+ price tag in a major auction.  Since then it has been buried in an elite collection until now, with our esteemed consignor ultimately deciding to part ways with this ever-elusive memento and provide an exciting opportunity for another M101 set builder.  Regarding Hall of Famer Bobby Wallace, he played an amazing 25 years in the Major Leagues, with few people realizing this defensive “standout” was the 1st American League shortstop enshrined in Cooperstown, besting Joe Cronin by three years.  Over a century old, it is no simple task locating any “EX/MT” card of a Cooperstown inductee, let alone one that stands as one of the hobby’s foremost scarcities.  Portraying eye appeal beyond its technical assessment, most would agree this by-gone keepsake emanates aesthetics at the near-mint level, with only the Wallace throwing image’s favoritism towards the right edge preventing a higher grade.  Brilliant contrast and crystal-clear clarity dominate the illustration that resides between four super clean borders.  Strong right-angled corners, a gleaming obverse side surface and clean blank back complete this 102-year old rarity that represents a near-impossible piece of the celebrated M101 set puzzle! 

MIN BID $2500
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