This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
In the 1910 era John J. McGraw a.k.a. "Mugsy" was one of the most recognizable personalities in all of sports. It is no wonder, Tuxedo Tobacco acquired his endorsement for their "Perfect Tobacco." The offered example of the rare McGraw Tuxedo Tobacco trolley car sign features a color lithographic portrait of "Little Napoleon" as well as a quote, "Tuxedo gives to my pipe smoking an enjoyment that I have experienced with no other tobacco. Supreme in mildness and fragrance is Tuxedo." Measuring 13" x 23," it is in splendid original condition, with no restoration whatsoever. Minimal structural damage is limited to some slight chipping at outer edges and two small border tears. A very small, unobtrusive puncture hole appears in the upper right quadrant. Some surface soiling is evident, most notably a 3 inch dust shadow band across the bottom. A professional cleaning is all that’s recommended to elevate the appearance of this supremely magnificent display piece to the EX level or better.
Each of the three full-color advertising signs in the c.1910 Tuxedo series, which are similar in design, are universally recognized as among the most spectacular and desirable of all 1910-era baseball advertising displays. However, because of their scarcity, even the most advanced collections have rarely included more than one of these three Tuxedo baseball advertising signs. While the Walter Johnson example is the rarest of the three, McGraw, like Mathewson, is quite elusive with no more than a few at public auction over the years.