This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/7/2009
"This is one of a series of pictures of famous Ball Players and Managers in the American, National and Federal Leagues, given Free with Cracker Jack, The Famous Popcorn Confection." Walter Johnson, "The Big Train," proudly offered in here in scintillating NM/MT 8 condition from PSA, is also 1 of the 5 most coveted keys from the entire 176-card 1915 Cracker Jack set, easily the most famous of the non-tobacco pre-war sets in existence. Exceptionally high-end for the grade, the presented specimen features incisive NM/MT+ to MINT right corners with marginally NM/MT left corners between impeccable NM/MT+ to MINT edges that positively defy the opined assessment. Perfect pitch black print dominates the stain-free reverse, while the front surface boasts an incredibly vibrant blood red backdrop silhouetting a sublime impression of the 1913 AL MVP award winner that succinctly showcases "Barney's" infectious smile. Importantly, less accurate applications of the color tints to the issue often produce skewed appearances in the countenances of players who are pictured in full body poses, but the features throughout the Johnson master work offered here are nothing short of pristine, particularly in the details of his face. The contrast throughout his image is also noteworthy, and there are absolutely no areas throughout his pose were the blazing red backdrop bleeds into the image. Likewise, there are no prominent areas of the cream-colored borders where the red print has exceeded its boundaries, which is one of the primary concerns with the issue. Some minor print can be observed on the bold NM/MT surface primarily concentrated in and between Johnson's open legs. Another infamous concern with the issue, however, is its centering, which scores high marks on the offered example, showing just the subtlest imaginable tilt in favor of the top right corner but still unquestionably strong enough for significantly higher consideration. A profoundly bold and noticeably stalwart specimen in the NM/MT class that must be considered among the very finest of the scant 15 total copies in its category at PSA.