(LOT 41)
"Unique for the Grade" Frank Baker 1912 S81 Helmar Silk (SGC NM 7) – "1 of 1"; The SOLE HIGHEST GRADED Example!
Hall of Famer Frank "Homerun" Baker will forever be linked to two momentous legacies. First and foremost, the superstar third sacker was an integral part of the Philadelphia Athletics $100,000 infield that included Jack Barry, Eddie Collins, and Stuffy McInnis. Secondly, his home runs off of the New York Giants aces Christy Mathewson and Rube Marquard in the 1911 World Series earned him the nickname "Homerun" Baker by the avid Philadelphia A's fans, ably assisting Connie Mack's Athletics in winning the 1911 World Championship. Synonymous with his exalted "on the field" achievements is this ultra-rare S81 Helmar Silk that has been deemed an SGC NM 7, proudly standing tall as the finest of its kind! One of only two encapsulated Frank Baker silks, the remaining specimen resides in a low-grade "Fair 1.5" holder, with this immense "5+" technical assessment disparity seldom seen in the hobby.

Issued in 1912 by the Helmar Tobacco Co. as premiums for their Turkish Trophy Cigarettes, S81 Silks measure approximately 6-3/4" x 8-3/4" and include imposing images for 25 of baseball's top players, with most of the photos taken from the 1911 T3 Turkey Red Cabinets. Interestingly enough, it was Jack Barry's batting image that was inadvertently affixed on Frank Baker's T3 subject, "dropping the ball" on placing the classic Helmar Tobacco Co. S81 Frank Baker swinging pose on his Turkey Red subject. Baker's sparkling image exhibits ultra-rich midnight blue hues on his period-style sweater that includes the classic Athletics Elephant under his left armpit. Both surfaces are nearly immaculate, only a few stray threads are seen across the top edge, and the remaining three borders/edges portray sharp edging and no fraying whatsoever. One of "Home Run" Baker's scarcest relics, its extremely "low pop" stature, awe-inspiring eye appeal and undisputed "1 of 1" NM 7 supreme assessment all combine to place it as one of Baker's most significant collectibles extant!

MIN BID $750
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