(LOT 105)
1912 S81 Silks #108 Christy Mathewson SGC 5 EX - POP 1
MATTY SILK!!! Distributed in 1912 by the Helmar Tobacco Co. as premiums for their Turkish Trophy cigarettes, S81 Silks are among the most brilliant early 20th century collectibles. Measuring approximately 6-3/4" x 8-3/4", these silk scarcities included brilliant pictures of 25 of the game's top players with most of the images taken from the iconic 1911 T3 Turkey Red cards. Presented here just happens to be the highly coveted Christy Mathewson S81 Silk in an SGC 5 EX holder, the sole example at this plateau with a meager seven specimens graded higher! Portraying Matty in his classic Carl Horner hands at chest pose, collectors are well aware that this is the exalted image used for Mathewson's iconic T206 subject. Matty's remarkable three shutouts in the 1905 World Series stands as one of the Fall Classic's unmatchable records, and his revered hero stature will echo for eternity. Likewise, the jaw-dropping aesthetics of this brilliant offering place it as one of Matty's finest S81 silks. The gray hues have retained their original robust color, the bold "MATHEWSON N.Y. NAT'L" text is completely intact and no glaring surface flaws and/or wrinkles are evident on either side. Atypical for S81s, there is no obtrusive fraying along the edges (other than a few stray strands along the upper edge), with a snow-white background to Matty's sparkling "hands at chest" image stealing the show. One of the Christian Gentleman's most elaborate early 20th century collectibles, this S81 marvel's amazing eye appeal and sheer existence is synonymous with Matty's incomparable pitching prowess!

MIN BID $750
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