Awesome looking trio of Hall of Famers from the beautiful 1887 N28 Allen & Ginter tobacco issue. All appear NM or better from the front, due to being glued into an old album for over 120 years. All are super clean on the fronts due to there placement in an album all these many years. All have recently been removed by an archival specialist. The evidence of removal is visible on all 3, with varying degree. The Ward and Kelly have only about 5% of paper loss to the printing with light back damage while the Clarkson has about 60% of paper loss to the total back of the card. Incredible value in eye appeal for the price. The players are:
Mike Kelly - After Anson the biggest star of the 19th Century. Played mainly for Chicago and Boston in the National League. Had the nickname $10,000 Kelly for being sold from Chicago to Boston after the 1886 season. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1945.
John Ward - Began as a pitcher, throwing a perfect game in 1880, but later became a shortstop for many years with the New York Giants. Elected to the hall of Fame in 1964.
John Clarkson - Won 326 games in only 12 years with 53, 49, 38, 35, 33 (22) win seasons. Spent most of his career with Chicago and Boston of the National League. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1963.
Once again, incredible value in eye appeal!