(LOT 191)
Honus Wagner "Throwing" 1909 E92 Croft's Candy "Blue Ad-Back" (SGC Good 2) - Scarce "Blue Back" Versio
The 1909 campaign would see the Pittsburgh Pirates capture their first World Series title, led by their perennial All-Star shortstop Honus Wagner who legendary manager John McGraw labeled the greatest ballplayer he ever saw. Indeed, Wagner's rise to stardom during the first decade of the 20th-century also led to a myriad of candy manufacturers utilizing his image on their baseball cards to promote their brand. One of those companies was the Philadelphia based Croft & Allen Co. who issued their baseball cards with three colored ad backs (red, blue and black). Croft's Candy issued 50 different players, with Cobb and Wagner being the most sought-after subjects. While red is the rarest and black the most common, blue backed cards are seldom seen, with collectors actively seeking examples carrying this rare advertisement. Wagner was issued in two poses; both a "batting" and "throwing" image with the "throwing" the scarcer of the two.

Presented here just happens to be an extremely scarce Croft's Candy Honus Wagner "throwing" specimen including the likewise obscure "blue back" advertisement. Although SGC and PSA don't provide a breakdown of the Wagner Croft's Candy colored backs, what we do know is there are only a meager 5 Honus Wagner "throwing" examples currently listed on SGC's prestigious census report, representing all three colored ad backs! Incredibly, Wagner's timeless illustration has eluded any serious flaws, still portraying a a majority of its original factory issues qualities some 112 years ago. Sparkling blue, yellow, orange and green hues, crystal-clear clarity, no obtrusive surface flaws and a bold blue CROFTS CANDY ad back complete this sensational heirloom that has been awarded the "2" assessment due to rounded corners that include some additional layering. Regardless, the overall stellar aesthetics and remarkable rarity both combine to elevate this "Flying Dutchman" marvel to a world-class level!

MIN BID $500
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