(LOT 62)
Incredible 1902/'03 "Type 2" Ed Delahanty W600 Sporting Life Cabinet w/Original Glassine Envelope (PSA EX/MT 6) - "1 of 1"; One of Only 6 Examples on the COMBINED PSA & SGC "Pop" Charts!
One of the most coveted and valuable W600 Sporting Life Cabinet Cooperstown Inductees is the immortal "Big" Ed Delahanty, and it is his breathtaking 1902 "Type 2" subject that is presented here in an unfathomable PSA EX/MT 6 holder. The sole PSA copy at this lofty plateau, only 5 additional examples exist on the combined PSA and SGC "Pop" Charts! The prestigious "turn of the century" W600 Sporting Life Cabinet Prototypes were issued from 1902 thru 1911 by the Sporting Life weekly newspaper, measuring approximately 5" x 7-1/2". These spectacular premiums were originally issued in transparent/glassine like envelopes for three 2 cent stamps and a coupon from the illustrious 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 period like uniforms.

A majority of these cabinets are considered extremely scarce, especially some of the renowned Hall of Famers with the seldom surfacing Type 1 or Type 2 designations, such as this world-class Delahanty Type 2 offering that was issued either near year-end 1902 or early 1903. This inaugural 20th century cardboard representation of Delahanty (E107's were issued in the Spring 1903) would be an imposing centerpiece attraction in any esteemed gathering, considering Delahanty resides as one of the hobby's most sort after 19th century Hall of Famers. In 15 seasons, "Big Ed" accumulated nearly 2,600 hits, batted over .400 three times and finished his career with an incredible .346 lifetime batting average. He also owns the rare distinction of winning a batting title in both the National (Phillies) and American (Senators) leagues. Unfortunately, his career ended in tragedy when in 1903 after drinking too much, he allegedly stumbled off a train crossing over Niagara Falls and plunged to his untimely death. The eye appeal of this astonishing offering is simply spectacular, commencing with a near-pristine Carl Horner portrait image of "Big Ed".

Crystal clear clarity and near-perfect contrast elevate Delahanty's classic pose to stratospheric heights, as he dons his dapper-like formal attire. Near the lower border is a boldly registered "SPORTING LIFE PHILADELPHIA" text including a vivid crossed bats and baseball design. Strong perimeter edging, no obtrusive surface blemishes and strong square corners exhibiting marginal wear are additional superlatives supporting the EX/MT grade. As an added bonus, the original glassine envelope is also included, miraculously surviving the past 118/119 years. Considering that Delahanty lost a number of years off an already brilliant major league career, collectors have been deprived of additional "Big Ed" issues, painstakingly left to seek out the few Delahanty cardboard remnants seldom surfacing in the hobby. Unquestionably, none of them could possibly provide a more distinguished look than this aesthetically brilliant Delahanty museum worthy masterpiece that effectively transcends us back to the "dead-ball" era!

MIN BID $5,000
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