(LOT 46)
1888 Old Judge N173 Cabinet Mickey Welch - "486-2; Pitch, R/Hand at R/Thigh" (SGC 4 VG/EX) - "1 of 2"; Only 3 Graded Higher on the Combined SGC & PSA "Pop" Charts!
Presented here is an outstanding N173 Old Judge cabinet, an SGC VG/EX 4 offering that stands as one of Welch's few "486-2" specimens extant. Meticulous Old Judge enthusiasts meticulously seek the finest eye pleasing image photography, and this breathtaking 1888 Welch N173 (486-2 Pitch, R/Hand at R/Thigh pose as presented in the renowned "Photographic Cards of Goodwin & Company" Periodical) unquestionably resides as one of the finest Old Judge illustrations we have seen. Hall of Fame pitcher Mickey Welch won 307 games in his illustrious 19th century career, and along with New York teammate Tim Keefe, formed one of the greatest "one-two" pitching punches in baseball history. Combining a tantalizing array of "off-speed" pitches including the curveball, screwball and change-up, he kept hitters well off-balanced, leading to his outstanding 2.71 lifetime E.R.A. and seven consecutive 20+ win seasons (including a 44-win campaign in 1885)! Synonymous with Welch's uncanny success from the pitching rubber is this splendid mid-grade marvel that atypically reveals a well contrasted image of the legendary twirler. One of the four known Welch images, minimal aging is apparent, save for some minor spotting and surface wear. The verso does reflect a bleed-through of the "OLD JUDGE" stamp across the bottom, possibly preventing a higher appraisal. One of the finest cabinets known capturing "Smiling Mickey's" immortal image, it merits serious attention from any advanced 19th century collector!

MIN BID $1,000
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