(LOT 80)
Unique 1920 Holsum Bread Ty Cobb with Boston Store "Bat on Shoulder" Pose – Incl. a "C.F. Detroit Americans" Caption SGC Poor 1 – "Pop 1"/The Only Known Example!
You may need to do a "double-take" after viewing this Ty Cobb SGC 1 offering because it is NOT a 1917 Boston Store or Collins McCarthy subject. Indeed, that is correct, because this renowned "bat over shoulder" Cobb image typically seen on those renowned issues actually represents an extraordinary 1920 Holsum Bread subject issued by the H. Weil Baking Company of New Orleans. Part of an amazing Holsum Bread find some seven years ago, not a single Cobb Holsum Bread subject was previously known, with this "unique" Georgia Peach offering unquestionably standing as the SOLE Ty Cobb "batting pose" Holsum Bread example on the planet! The list of superlatives for this 1920 Holsum Bread Cobb is extensive, with its unfathomable Boston Store/Collins McCarthy batting pose only thought to previously exist on those hallowed 1917 issues.

Simply stated, this remarkable find introduced an additional Cobb batting issue that was never utilized on the formerly known 1921 and 1922 Caramel/Bread issues. As an additional feature, this card reflects a "C.F. – Detroit Americans" caption beneath his hallowed image, as opposed to the standard 1921 E121 caramel/bread card "Manager – Detroit Americans" caption. Yet, its immense significance goes far beyond its undisputed "one of a kind" stature, for all of the 1920 Holsum Bread subjects stand as a transient link from the 1910s candy/bread cards to the new regime of 1920s "E" and "D" cards. At one time, Holsum Bread cards were thought to be only issued in 1921, but due to the bona fide case tying many subjects to 1920, they are now categorized as both 1920 and 1921 issues. Distinguishing the two issue years is the verso's "H. WEIL BAKING COMPANY" verbiage that is extended from "border-to-border" on the 1920 issues (such as this Cobb offering), as opposed to a shorter spaced caption on the 1921 subjects. As a side note, joining this incredible Cobb issue as additional 1920 subjects are some of the legendary "Black Sox" players such as Joe Jackson, Happy Felsch, Ed Cicotte, and Lefty Williams who were banned from baseball by Judge Landis directly after the 1920 season.

Ty Cobb's unparalleled batting exploits easily earned him a 1936 Charter Membership to baseball's illustrious Hall of Fame with his unfathomable 12 batting titles in 13 seasons ultimately resulting in a record .366 lifetime average. That said, we cannot imagine a more formidable collectible than one that currently represents the only one of its kind. Cobb's black & white central image is imposing to say the least as he dons his period style Tigers uniform in preparation of wreaking havoc on another overmatched hurler. Crystal clear focus and fine contrast dominate the central image that is atypically well-centered between four somewhat soiled borders, and the aforementioned rare "C.F. Detroit Americans" caption is boldly situated beneath Cobb's immortal pose. Standard corner wear includes some modest layering at the lower two corners, and no obtrusive surface flaws are evident on the obverse side. Accounting for the grade are various areas of paper loss along the verso's right edge, none of which impede the extremely bold "Holsum Bread" advertisement. To reiterate, the 'H. WEIL BAKING COMPANY" verbiage extends across the entire lower region, providing irrefutable proof this iconic Cobb subject was issued in 1920. Obviously, this is a case where the stellar image aesthetics coupled with the unparalleled "one of a kind" rarity more than offset the somewhat irrelevant technical assessment, justifying why it merits a final resting place in the most esteemed Georgia Peach or type card gathering!

MIN BID $2,500
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