This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/20/2011
Although there had been a great number of major tobacco card issues manufactured during the decades leading up to WWI, the T204 Ramly series is often considered the most scarce, with the card of Walter Johnson leading the way. Since no other cards dedicated to Johnson pre-date the T204 with any certainty, his Ramly issue is considered to be his premier appearance on pasteboard, and thus carries with it the reputation for being one of the most elusive rookie cards ever produced. The presented example, graded SGC 50 VG/EX 4, offers an actual black and white photo image of "The Big Train," very sharp and well-focused given the technological challenges of the era, and is surrounded by an ornate gold border that is primarily intact save for some expected chipping at corners and at various places along the edge. Each corner is grade-appropriate or better, with the two right side corners appearing to be slightly stronger than the SGC assessment, while both surfaces are impressive and without any major encumbrances. This is an extremely solid example of an early 20th Century classic that will leap to the forefront of any vintage collection.