(LOT 64)
1920 Rogers Hornsby Holsum Bread – "Mislabeled 1921" (PSA VG/EX 4) - "1 of 1"; Highest Graded Example on the PSA "Pop" Chart!
Presented here is an incredibly rare 1920 Holsum Bread Type 1 Rogers Hornsby PSA VG/EX 4 marvel that resides as the SOLE and HIGHEST GRADED PSA example! Indeed, not a single other 1920 Holsum Bread Type 1 Hornsby has been encapsulated by PSA at this mid-grade tier, with this pinnacle masterpiece one of the most significant Hornsby cards on the planet! The entire 1920 Holsum Bread issue stands as a transient link from the 1910's candy/bread cards to the new regime of 1920's "E" and "D" cards. Several years ago, PSA and SGC categorized ALL Holsum Bread cards as 1921, but due to the bona-fide case tying some of them to 1920, "Type I" issues are now appropriately classified as true 1920 issues.

ALL of the Holsum bread cards were previously thought to be one of the many 1921 issues along with the renowned E121 American Caramel's, Bread Cards, etc. However, we offer seemingly irrefutable proof that the "Type I" cards were issued a year EARLIER than the aforementioned brands. First and foremost, "Type I" issues are identified by the wider "H. WEIL BAKING COMPANY" text situated near the verso's lower black frame, as opposed to a more compact text for "Type 2" 1921 issues. Furthermore, all of the 1921 aforementioned issues (with the exception of 1920 Holsum Bread Type 1 subjects) EXCLUDE ALL of the 'Black Sox" players since they were banned from baseball by Judge Landis directly after the 1920 season.

Yet, the current incomplete Holsum Bread checklist has documented Joe Jackson, Ed Cicotte, Hap Felsch and Claude "Lefty" Williams subjects, clearly substantiating why the inaugural Holsum Bread Type 1 cards were first issued in 1920 and placing them as the TRUE landmark 1920's black & white set. As a side note, some of the images affixed to the Type 1 Holsum cards are the exact poses utilized for the 1917 Boston Store/Collins McCarthy/Weil Baking and Standard Biscuit cards (such as this Hornsby throwing pose that was first utilized on his 1917 rookie card), as opposed to many of 1921 Holsum Bread cards that reflect the new poses commonly seen on the aforementioned 1921 black & white "E" card issues (Hornsby's 1921 Holsum Bread issue depicts his E121 "bat over shoulder" pose). Unfortunately, PSA has mislabeled this super obscure "Rajah" issue "1921" vs. its correct 1920 issue date.

Regardless, we know it stands as an irrefutable 1920 issue, representing a player who most baseball experts agree is not only the greatest 2nd baseman ever, but likewise arguably resides as our National Pastime's premier all-time right-handed hitter. Statistically speaking, Hornsby's numbers certainly support that claim with 6 consecutive batting titles, a .358 lifetime average, and most incredibly, averaging .400 over 5 consecutive seasons (1921 – 1925)! Synonymous with his pinnacle batting prowess is this highest graded PSA gem that portrays a superb Hornsby throwing image that is more commonly associated with his majestic 1917 rookie card, atypical near-perfect centering and no glaring surface flaws. Moderate corner wear primarily accounts for a technical assessment that similar to the "Rajah's" unparalleled batting skills, places this undisputed "1920" museum worthy masterpiece as the finest of its kind!

MIN BID $1,250

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