This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
King Kelly was arguably the most popular player among fans during the 1880's with his fame further enhanced when he was sold from the Chicago White Stockings to the Boston Beaneaters for the unheard of sum of $10,000 after the 1986 National League season. In 1888 Kelly was the first player ever to have an autobiography published. He tragically died in 1894 at the young age of 37. The offered gem is the “Fielding, Hands Chest High” pose version of Kelly’s incredibly rare 1887 N175 Gypsy Queen cigarettes issue. Dark, clear photographic image is presented with outstanding detail. The very clean front is crease free with about VG-EX or better corners. The main problem accounting for the low technical grade assigned by SGC can be seen on the blank back. The whole back seems to be covered in a light glue residue with about a 1 1/2" by 3/8" area of paper loss at the right side. As most 19th Century collectors value the appearance of card fronts above all, this beauty should inspire awe, in spite of its technical rating by either SGC or PSA standards. As SGC does not breakdown by pose, the offered card is definitely one of, if not the best of this pose, as there are only 3 better listed from SGC(one of these is a portrait), with a VG-EX 50 being the tops, and no others having been graded by PSA (This was the PSA 1 before being crossed to SGC).