(LOT 38)
"Fresh to the Hobby" 1952 Red Man Tobacco #16 Stan Musial w/Tab (PSA Mint 9) – "1 of 3" & The HIGHEST GRADED Example!
NONE BETTER!!! Presented here is a "fresh to the hobby" and recently graded PSA Mint 9 1952 Red Man Tobacco #16 Stan Musial w/Tab that along with two other examples, shares the spotlight as the finest of its kind! Indeed, recently encapsulated by PSA, this "Mint 9" marvel stands tall as one of the supreme "Stan the Man" specimens. Red Man Tobacco sets were the first tobacco sets issued since the early part of the century. J. G. Taylor Spink of the Sporting News selected the players for each Red Man set which were issued from 1952-1955, with a total of 52 subjects including 25 players and a single manager from each league. The colorful cards were extremely condition sensitive because of the manner in which they were packaged, with many surviving examples missing the 1/2" perforated tab at the bottom of each card that could be redeemed for a free baseball cap.

The unparalleled technical attributes of this museum worthy masterpiece are synonymous with Musial's legendary playing career. Unquestionably, Hall of Famer Musial is the most under rated hitter in baseball history with his seemingly infinite list of superlatives including a .331 lifetime average, 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, nearly 2,000 RBI's, 7 batting titles, 3 MVP's and a staggering 24 All Star game appearances. Based on these esteemed statistical highlights, it is mind boggling as to why his name doesn't stand next to Ruth, Cobb, Williams, Aaron, Mays, Mantle, etc. Fortunately, his playing excellence hasn't eluded card enthusiasts who actively seek his most precious cardboard gems, and most would agree no Musial subject could possibly boast the world-class eye appeal of this Mint 9 offering.

Musial's classic half body color pose is as pristine as the original factory issued date some 66 years ago, with his classic image boldly projected by the brilliant powder blue background. Immaculate to say the least, the combination of the flawless blue background and central image's crystal-clear clarity virtually transcend the illustration to "3-D" like status. Add in the pinpoint corner tips, impeccable surfaces and razor- sharp perimeter including the lower tab's edge, and even the most meticulous enthusiast would agree with PSA's pinnacle assessment. A miraculous cardboard offering to say the least, its supreme grade is the perfect testament to Musial's remarkable batting legacy, with both concepts surely destined to "echo for eternity"!

MIN BID $750
_