This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/11/2006
Extremely difficult and popular 19th Century tobacco issue containing only Philadelphia(Phillies, Athletics) and New York(Giants, Mets) players. Produced by Charles Gross & Company of Philadelphia, the large, 2 1/4" x 4" cards feature actual sepia toned photographs on heavy cardboard. A Kalamazoo Bats cigarette ad appears at the bottom, just below the image. The offered example of Philadelphia Phillies rightfielder Jim Fogarty has a strong, clear image. The photo, a full body batting pose, was taken at the old Baker Bowl, the Phillies home park. For six years, from 1884 thru 1889, Fogarty was a mainstay in the Phillie outfield. Corner wear and the sole crease at top do not effect the image nor the overall appeal of the card. The front is clean and a name has been neatly stamped on the blank back. A true 19th Century rarity.