(LOT 38)
Extremely Rare Ty Cobb 1912 S81 Helmar Silk (SGC EX+ 5.5) – One of Only 3 Encapsulated Examples!
Super rare and highly coveted are the S81 Helmar Silks, distributed in 1912 by the Helmar Tobacco Co. as premiums for their Turkish Trophy cigarettes. Measuring approximately 6-3/4" x 8-3/4", these silk scarcities included brilliant pictures for 25 of the game's top players with most of the images taken from the T3 Turkey Red cards distributed in 1911. The most common silk continues to be the legendary Christy Mathewson due to the "New England find" several years ago where a stack of Mathewson silks was disclosed. That said, one of the rarest and most valuable of all the S81 Silks is the most prominent subject, the immortal Tyrus Raymond Cobb. Seldom surfacing for the taking, it is an extraordinary circumstance to find this ultra-scarce Ty Cobb memento in any condition. With that in mind, presented here just happens to be Ty Cobb's S81 Silk in a superb SGC EX+ 5.5 holder, one of only three encapsulated copies, with the prestigious PSA Company not encapsulating any S81 Silks.

Only a few years ago, the SGC Grading Company commenced grading these super condition sensitive silks, with this "Georgia Peach" offering one of only 3 Cobb's currently listed on their prestigious Census Report. While the more common T3 Turkey Red cabinets and oversized S110 silks include this absolutely classic Ty Cobb batting image, the much scarcer S81 Cobb subjects virtually never appear in public auctions. It easily resides one of Cobb's most elusive pre-WWI heirlooms, and many elite enthusiasts literally "skip a beat" when one becomes available. Ty Cobb's status as one of the game's greatest players ever has elevated his hobby status to a pinnacle level, and his myriad of batting achievements including a record .366 lifetime average and 12 batting titles (of which 9 were realized in consecutive fashion from 1907 thru 1915) has rightfully earned him iconic stature. Whenever a remote collectible of the "Georgia Peach" appears, advanced collectors immediately take notice, and only a few could possibly surpass the utmost paucity level of this remarkable S81 Silk. Cobb's majestic batting stance literally prompts a ghostly chill as the fiery outfielder patiently awaits to stroke another one of his 4,189 safeties.

Incredibly, the vast array of gray hues still retain their original robust color, the bold "COBB DETROIT" lower situated text is completely intact, and no obtrusive flaws are evident on either side. Atypical for S81's, three of the borders reflect uncompromised straight edging, with only the upper edge exhibiting some modest fraying. For full disclosure, accounting for the assessment is a somewhat moderate horizontal fold/wrinkle situated beneath Cobb's belt, a negligible flaw sustained by the typical "folding" of these fragile silks over the course of time. To reiterate, this is unquestionably one of Ty Cobb's most elusive early 20th century keepsakes, and you will be hard pressed to find another example, let alone one that has achieved a solid mid-grade assessment. In light of its undisputed rarity, breathtaking aesthetics and the immortal "Georgia Peach" image, this truly stands as a titanic opportunity to claim ownership of one of Cobb's exalted mementos that is truly worthy of the highest hobby accolades!

MIN BID $2,000
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