(LOT 40)
Extremely Scarce 1910 PC796 Honus Wagner Postcard (SGC VG 3)
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. Like most pre WW1 issues, one of the set's most popular subjects is the immortal Honus Wagner, presented here in a super eye pleasing SGC VG 3 holder.

Its unquestionable scarcity is substantiated by the COMBINED SGC and PSA population reports that list a meager 15 examples, with only for graded higher than this vintage marvel! Issued the year after the Pirates bested Ty Cobb's Detroit Tigers in a tightly contested 7-game Fall Classic, it conjures up fond memories of how the 1909 season would cumulate with Ty Cobb's Detroit Tigers finally pitted against Wagner's Pittsburgh Pirates. Up to that point, it was a general consensus that these two immortals were the finest players in their respective Leagues, begging 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 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 greatest all-time shortstop portrays the Pirates superstar in a classic batting pose. 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. You can literally feel Wagner's intensity as he firmly holds the bat with his characteristic "choke-up" grip, with the mesmerizing illustration revealing near-perfect contrast, brilliant resolution and a fine array of sepia hues. The technical assessment is due to a few stray diagonal wrinkles in the upper and lower right quadrants as well as even corner wear. The final "thumbs up" is an unused postcard back with this super imposing Wagner offering certainly residing as one of his most obscure and highly coveted cardboard keepsakes from his incomparable playing days in the "Steel City!"

MIN BID $1,000
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