(LOT 18)
1910 PC796 Sepia Postcard – Ty Cobb & Honus Wagner (SGC 1)
One of the highly coveted pre-war postcard issues is the exalted PC 796 Sepia Postcards that were produced by an unknown manufacturer in 1910. Its super strong stature stems from the fact that many of our National Pastime's "early 20th century" iconic Hall of Famers are comprised in the set including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Nap Lajoie and so many more grand players. Measuring the standard postcard size of 3 ½ x 5 ½", these rarities likewise include player images previously utilized by the popular 1909 Novelty Cutlery postcards, with the typical postcard markings on the verso. The set's most popular card arguably may be the subject portraying not one but TWO players, with the Ty Cobb shaking Honus Wagner's hand subject one of the most desirable vintage cards on the planet (the same image is likewise seen on the 1909 Novelty Cutlery PC & 1911 M101-2 Supplement)! That said, presented here is a fine eye pleasing SGC 1 PC796 offering of the "Flying Dutchman" shaking hands with the Georgia Peach" before the opening game of the 1909 Fall Classic.

Indeed, the 1909 season would finally see Ty Cobb's Detroit Tigers pitted against Wagner's Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series. Up to that point, it was a general consensus that these two immortals were the finest players in their respective Leagues. Including the 1909 season, Wagner had already captured 7 National League Batting Titles (including the last 4 consecutive titles) with Cobb claiming 3 consecutive batting championships from 1907-1909. Thus, their coupled existence begged the ultimate question: "Who's king of the hill?" Fans anxiously awaited this fierce battle that would eventually be won by Wagner and his Pirates in a tightly contested 7 games. More significantly, Wagner totally dominated Cobb, batting a robust .333 (vs. Cobb's paltry .231) and stealing 6 bases (vs. Cobb's 2). The "Flying Dutchman" would also score and knock in more runs than Cobb, easily besting him on baseball's grandest stage.

Issued in 1910, this exalted image of baseball's two greatest stars from that era stands as the perfect testament for what their sheer existence truly meant to the grand old game. It effectively "turns back the clock", serving as a steadfast reminder of why baseball is unquestionably noted as America's Pastime, making any collector feel young again. While the card itself certainly depicts a number of condition issues including many horizontal/diagonal creases, corner layering, scattered soiling and some pencil notations on the postcard verso, most notably is the excellent sepia central image portraying these baseball "gods" shaking hands directly before the commencement of the 1909 Fall Classic. Furthermore, it serves as the perfect example of a century+ old card whose technical assessment is rendered virtually irrelevant due to both its eye pleasing central image aesthetics and iconic illustration depicting both the immortal Cobb and Wagner. A bona-fide "keeper" for sure, we highly advise you not to let the PSA assessment discourage you from relentlessly pursuing this absolutely "spine-tingling" memento!

MIN BID $1,000
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