(LOT 1710)
Incredibly Rare 1886 Philadelphia Quakers Trio Half-Plate Tintype with Charlie Ferguson
In 1886, the Philadelphia Quakers enjoyed their second consecutive winning season with Charlie Ferguson leading the pitching staff and the legendary Hall of Famer Harry Wright at the helm. After adding Ferguson to the squad in 1884, the Quakers went from last place in the National League with a 17-81 record to sixth, adding 22 more victories, then third in the following seasons, respectively. By 1886, Charlie Ferguson had established himself into one of the league's best hurlers with a 30-9 record and an unheard of 1.98 ERA, but also wowed fans in the outfield and at second base. Sadly, following Ferguson's dominant 1887 campaign on the mound where he went 22-10 and at the plate batting .337 with 85 RBI, Charlie contracted typhoid fever prior to the 1888 season and passed away less than two weeks prior to his 25th birthday. While some consider him to be the Babe Ruth of the 19th Century with success on the mound and at the plate, his legacy as one of the greatest players of all-time is bolstered by Hall of Famer Wilbert Robinson including him among the five greatest players he had ever seen.

Offered here is a rarely seen 19th Century tintype featuring Ferguson alongside 1886 teammates Arthur Irwin, seated beside Charlie and Ledell "Cannonball" Titcomb, standing behind. (1886 was the only year all three played together.) This exceptionally rare half-plate size tintype measures 3-1/4" x 4-1/2" and is housed in an ornate period thermoplastic case. This high-grade tintype is in Mint condition with crystal clear imagery as if taken only moments ago. The casing remains in excellent condition with a burgundy velvet pad protecting this super rare glass covered tintype. Given the rarity of baseball themed half-plate tintypes, this is certainly one to own for even the novice collector. The exceptional condition is matched only by the exceptional figures within as one of the greatest and most tragic players in the history of baseball dominates this unique and rare relic.

MIN BID $500
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