(LOT 34)
1911 M116 Sporting Life Christy Mathewson (Pastel Background) PSA 8 NM-MT -With all the original packaging!
The M116 Sporting Life cards were offered to subscribers of the Sporting Life periodical in 24 separate series of 12 cards each. One of its majestic subjects, the immortal Christy Mathewson is presented here in a spectacular PSA 8 holder. Of the nearly 90 PSA encapsulated M116 pastel specimens, this astounding high-grade Matty has only been joined by ten other examples with a paltry 3 copies graded higher! What could be more rewarding than a century-old card of Christy Mathewson that has defied father-time by retaining most of its original technical attributes. A breathtaking combination to say the least, this esteemed offering reveals a hallowed Carl Horner image of the iconic Matty affixed to his ultra-popular M116 keepsake. The mere mention of Christy Mathewson's sanctified name can make even the most novice collector "skip a beat". Matty's 373 lifetime wins is tied with Grover Alexander as the most in National League history, and he won 30 or more games four times in his illustrious career. It is no surprise that he is one of the five Hall of Fame charter members, and his 3 shutouts against the mighty Philadelphia Athletics in the 1905 World Series is a record that will most likely stand forever. The classic portrait image is set against a nearly flawless pastel background, accompanied by brilliant white borders and four pinpoint corners. The "Christian Gentleman's" image is absolutely stunning, highlighted by an awesome array of pastel oriented colored hues including deep rosy cheeks and bold gray hues within the period style uniform. The well-centered illustration only reveals a slight partiality towards the upper edge, all four edges exhibit razor sharp quality, both surfaces are super clean, and the verso exhibits a bold blue "300 Subjects" Sporting Life advertisement. Only a handful of pre-war cards could possibly boast the magnificent aesthetics emanating from this superior offering that has been bested by only three meager specimens. A wonderful addition for any elite collection, this "Big Six" memento provides a rare opportunity to seize a 111-year-old Mathewson baseball card reflecting a well-deserved technical assessment synonymous with most pack-fresh cards!
MIN BID $1,500
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