(LOT 39)
1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Christy Mathewson PSA 6 EX-MT
"BIG SIX" CANDY TREAT!!!... In 1909, the Philadelphia Caramel Co. produced a 25-card set including a myriad of Hall of Famers. Along with Cobb and Wagner, one of this set's most prominent subjects is the majestic Christy Mathewson, and it's his ultra-popular E95 specimen that we are offering here in a spectacular PSA 6 EX-MT holder. One of only six such examples at this extremely scarce plateau, only two PSA specimens have managed to achieve a higher grade, an incredible achievement considering the ultra-condition sensitivity of pre-war candy cards. Any card of the immortal Giant's right-hander is actively pursued by most enthusiasts, let alone one that carries a near-impossible to find EX-MT assessment.
Fresh off the heels of his incredible 37 wins in 1908, a National League record that has only been surpassed by AL hurlers Jack Chesbro (41) and Ed Walsh (40), Mathewson entered the 1909 campaign as baseball's undisputed greatest hurler. By the end of his amazing 17-year career, he claimed 373 wins (tied with Grover Alexander for the top NL mark), and posted an unfathomable 2.13 lifetime ERA. It's his 1905 World Championship when the Christian Gentleman, as he was commonly called, raised his game to a god-like level. Pitching against Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's, Mathewson tossed three shutout World Series victories - 27 innings, zero runs!
Likewise, this scarce for the grade PSA 6 offering emulates championship visual appeal via its classic "hands at chest" Matty pose that appears nearly 3D due to the brilliant yellow background. Near-perfect centering only exhibits an ever so slight tilt towards the upper left corner, and slight/even corner wear accounts for the grade. Relatively clean front and back surfaces complete this sensational Big Six heirloom that has miraculously defied father time, only bested by two meager PSA examples and like Matty's superior pitching performances, providing its viewers with world-class aesthetics!
MIN BID $2,500
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