(LOT 4)
1904 W600 Sporting Life Cabinet Type 4 Mount Mordecai Brown Rookie SGC 1.5 FR
MORDECAI ROOKIE!!! The true rookie card for the great Mordecai Brown is his 1904 W600 Sporting Life Type 4 Mount Cabinet, presented here in a super eye-pleasing SGC 1.5 holder! One of only ten examples listed on the combined SGC and PSA census reports, it seldom surfaces for the taking. The prestigious turn-of-the-century W600 Sporting Life Cabinet Prototypes were issued from 1902 through 1911 by the Sporting Life weekly newspaper, measuring approximately 5" x 7-1/2". These spectacular premiums were originally issued in transparent/glassine envelopes for three 2-cent stamps and a coupon from the Sporting Life periodical. Eventually, the redemption methodology was revised to simply requesting a particular player for 10 cents apiece or 12 for a dollar.

The earliest released cabinets depicted players with Carl Horner's renowned portrait images in formal attire, with later issued subjects portrayed in their uniforms. W600 Sporting Life cabinets were released in Type 1, 2, 3, and 4 Mount formats, with the four different types distinguished by their different lower border designs. This Brown rookie marvel was first issued on October 1, 1904, and for full disclosure, Mordecai's unique 1904 Allegheny Card Co. prototype was also released the same year. Hall of Famer Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown achieved his legendary nickname when as a young farm boy, he accidentally stuck his hand in a corn shredder, severely cutting his index finger and paralyzing his pinky finger. Brown's deformed hand seemed to be the primary reason for the movement on his pitches, leading him to 239 career wins and a spectacular 2.06 lifetime ERA, which is the 3rd best figure lifetime behind Walsh and Joss.

The superb aesthetics far outweigh the technical grade, with Carl Horner's classic Brown portrait pose literally jumping off the card. The assessment is due to some scattered surface abrasions along the lower border (near the lower right and bottom edges), as well as three areas of tape residue on the verso. Of significant note, the scarce Sporting Life violet oval stamp is situated on the back, stating that duplicate prototypes can be obtained for 10 cents each. Stealing the show is the breathtaking Brown image that literally emanates a 3D aura via its impeccable clarity, with this bona fide inaugural Brown heirloom proudly residing as one of the most momentous pre-WWI rookie cards extant!

MIN BID $1,000
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