This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/7/2009
Mmm, mmm, mmm... A Pop 1 T206 Old Mill ad-backed Christy Mathewson "White Cap" variation. The single highest graded example in the Old Mill specific database at PSA, with doubtful any Old Mill varieties in the extremely limited population of just 10 like it (sort of) in the Unknown back database. Apart from these 11, there exists an additional PSA 8 Mathewson "White Cap" example in the Sweet Caporal specific database, but that's it, just 12 total examples, regardless of ad-back, at the PSA 8 NM/MT level of this relatively scarce "White Cap" variation, with just 2 higher on record. If you don't think ad backs matter much, especially in high-grade, just take a look at the T206 prices we achieved in our last premier catalog auction. A PSA 7 T206 Old Mill Mathewson brought nearly $6,000, and it was the more common "Dark Cap" variety. Further, an Old Mill ad-backed Willie Keeler brought over $3,000, and an Ed Foster brought $3,500. Both were PSA 7s! Clearly, collectors have wakened to the reality of PSA's back-specific population reports. Several years have passed since PSA first began designating backs, the population numbers have piled up, and we know full well from the numbers which of the various combinations (of player, ad-back, and, for an elite few collectors, factory) produce the hobby's scarcest high-grade T206s. This is one of them, a superior specimen with an intensely sharp perimeter and a cleanliness of both stain-free surfaces that could hardly be improved. The registration of the image is accurate, with just a glimmer of brilliant red accurately placed between Christy's lips, and a somewhat powdery effect to the blue and green areas of the background, a wonderfully appealing trait that adds a delightful dose of texture to the card, very much like the powdery look of a nice Cracker Jack, almost producing the visual effect of high summer clouds in the blue sky silhouetting Christy's celebrated pose. Looking to acquire a serious T206 asset? Here's an incredibly stunning Pop 1 T206 Old Mill masterpiece that will forever be a centerpiece in even the world's finest collections.