This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2013
A tobacco firm stationed in Rochester, New York, the S. F. Hess company produced real photo insert cards with the same general look as the more widely known Old Judge brand but in far fewer numbers. In fact, 125 years have passed and collectors are still unsure of exactly how many subjects make up the complete N332 "Athletes and Celebrities" set. However, the consensus agrees that the key known card to exist is boxer John L. Sullivan, and the offered specimen is as good as it gets, one of 2 graded SGC 50 VG/EX 4 with none graded higher. Since SGC has only graded 6 specimens total and PSA has graded none, any serious collector has to wonder if the number in existence even breaks into double digits. Using primitive production methods by today's standards, the card appears to have lettering from the next card on the sheet in the lower right quadrant although the centering is very accurate. Each corner exhibits typical wear and enamel loss under magnification but is more in line with EX or even EX/MT specifications. There is a raised point directly below Sullivan's extended left fist that lowers the technical evaluation but it's relatively mild and doesn't seriously detract from the fantastic sepia image, which has a glossy overlay. An incredibly rare find at the very height of condition for all known specimens, of which there are few!