This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2011
The hallowed status of the 1914 Cracker Jack issue cannot be overstated. With a single card distributed in each Cracker Jack box, these cards were ultra thin and mixed in with the sticky caramel candy popcorn, accounting for the significant condition sensitivity of any 1914 example. Adding to the painstaking task of either completing this set or obtaining the high-end Hall of Famers in high grade condition was the unavailability of obtaining the completed set via mail order, a convenient alternative for the following year’s 1915 issue. This explains why most superior graded cards are 1915 Cracker Jacks. Furthermore, the 1914 set’s most desirable and valuable subject is the ultra-popular Christy Mathewson “sideways pitching” example that depicts a completely different image than the 1915 Mathewson “portrait pose” specimen. With that said, presented here is the iconic 1914 Cracker Jack #88 Christy Mathewson sideways pitching pose example in an outstanding PSA 2 holder. Now you might wonder why anyone would associate the adjective “outstanding” with a PSA 2 specimen, but one look at this remarkable Cracker Jack treat and you will fully understand our mindset. Simply stated, its sheer existence places it as the irrefutable finest technically assessed “PSA 2” you will ever come across. Its remarkable aesthetics are compelling to the point that it easily projects eye appeal consistent with a solid “VG-EX” example, and now is your golden opportunity to seize this cardboard marvel at what may be an affordable price due to its somewhat harsh grade. Over the past several years, rare Mathewson cardboard relics have achieved god like status, similar to the likes of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson with none of his cards more distinguished, valuable and desirable than his 1914 “sideways pose” Cracker Jack. Arguably, it not only suffices as Mathewson’s most revered card, but one of the most prestigious cardboard relics in the hobby. Mathewson’s name commands the respect and admiration reserved for only a handful of our National Pastime’s greatest stars. A 1936 charter member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, winner of 30 games on four different occasions, owner of 373 lifetime wins, and the architect of 3 shutouts in the 1905 World Series against Connie Mack’s Philadelphia club (what may be baseball’s most astounding post season accomplishment), this New York Giants mainstay will forever be one baseball’s immortal figures. Any eclectic artifact of the “Big Six” is highly sought after by the hobby’s top cardboard enthusiasts, and this stellar 1914 “Matty” Cracker Jack meriting the highest hobby accolades. The classic Mathewson pitching pose portrays crystal clear clarity as the “Christian Gentleman” prepares to unleash another one of his virtually un-hittable pitches. Set against a remarkably clean robust red and lithographic field background, the only detectable flaws are a few peripheral diagonal creases situated near the lower right and upper left corners. Atypical for any 1914 Cracker Jack copy, virtually no staining is apparent on either side, with minimal border and surface toning evident. Most impressive are the four relatively square corners depicting nearly mid-grade attributes, with the aforementioned lower right creasing the primary culprit for the PSA 2 assessment. Considering that of the 17 encapsulated PSA examples, only a single other copy exists at this plateau with less than half graded higher, this magnificent offering resides as one of the finest “Matty” 1914 Cracker Jacks in existence. Christy Mathewson was the lord of all early 20th century baseball heroes, and his brilliant representation on this museum worthy masterpiece would immediately augment any 1914 Cracker Jack or “Big Six” gathering to “World Class” status!