Lot # 527: 1910-11 M116 Sporting Life Cy Young Pastel “Black Back” Version SGC 6 EX-NM - POP 1 – Only 2 SGC “Black Backs” Graded Higher!

Category: 1900-1920

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 13 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring '23 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 4/13/2023 9:00 AM to
5/6/2023 7:00 PM




(LOT 527)
1911 M116 Sporting Life Cy Young Pastel "Black Back" Version SGC 6 EX-NM - "POP 1 – Only 2 SGC "Black Backs" Graded Higher!

SPORTING LIFE CY!!!... The M116 Sporting Life cards are amongst the most aesthetically brilliant cards ever manufactured via their stunning palette of pastel colors. These 112-year-old gems were offered to subscribers of the Sporting Life periodical in 24 separate series of 12 cards each. A majority of the portrait images gracing the obverse sides are the classic Carl Horner photographs, with one its most prestigious subjects being the immortal Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher Cy Young. Presented here is a stellar SGC 6 EX-NM Young revealing a "Black Back" advertisement (as opposed to the "Blue Back" version), with SGC's census report listing this grand offering as the SOLE "Black Back" EX-NM example, and a mere two "Black Back" assessed higher! Synonymous with this POP 1 marvel is the legacy of the iconic Denton "Cy" Young, justified by his miraculous 511-win total that will forever stand as the unattainable benchmark for all MLB pitchers.

It comes as little surprise that his name is affixed to the annual award depicting the premier pitcher in each league, and a myriad of enthusiasts actively seek his superior cardboard artifacts. The exalted Cy Young portrait pose originally struck by Carl Horner is set against a tranquil/unblemished pastel background, and the illustration is extremely well-centered between four bright white borders. No glaring surface blemishes are apparent on either side, with minimal wear to the somewhat square corners most likely responsible for the assessment. The final enduring quality is a bold black SPORTING LIFE ad back, and many would agree this revered offering portrays near-mint aesthetics. One of Cy Young's more obscure issues, its breathtaking eye appeal and formidable grade are tantamount with the sheer excellence of the pitcher it represents!

MIN BID $1,000
_

Views: 161