(LOT 222)
1912 S81 Silks # 95 Frank Baker SGC NM 7 – HIGHEST GRADED!
Frank "Home Run" Baker manned third base for the heralded $100,000 Philadelphia Athletics infield that also included Jack Barry, Eddie Collins and Stuffy McGinnis. One of the most feared hitters of his time, "dubbed the original home run king" after clouting 42 from 1911-1914. Had he not played during the dead ball era, he surely would have mirrored many of the later great power hitters for home runs. Presented is an exceedingly rare and outstanding S81 Helmar Silk (SGC NM 7), one of the two highest graded specimens of its kind. Released in 1912, the Helmar Tobacco Co. offered the 6-3/4" x 8-3/4" fragile textiles of 25 ballplayers.

Each representative mirrored the infinitely more common and distinct Turkey Red T3 cabinet card images. But, adding to the heightened desirability of a silk of Baker, the T3 image is actually of Jack Barry, which was later corrected for the silk and leather premium. This crisp, clear likeness, highlighted by his deep blue sweater, white Athletics Elephant on his left breast and his soiled knickers, displays little-to-no aging. The spotless image appears virtually untouched, but for a couple loose threads at the top and otherwise sharp edges; arguably as good as the day it was made a near-mint grade seems conservative. This extremely rare "low pop" example from an equally rare issuance garners the highest appraisal from either grading service, with only one other as its equal. The most valuable and desirable of all Home Run Baker baseball issues!

MIN BID $1,000
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