This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2011
Long treasured within the hobby as some of the scarcest and most desirable items to hail from the dead ball era, the 1913 T200 Fatima Premium Team Cards measure a whopping 21" by 13" and are an absolute marvel to behold in person. Issued in 1913 by the Ligget & Myers Tobacco Company, the larger T200 Premiums were super-sized versions of the standard T200 Fatima Team Cards, which measured 2-5/8" by 4-3/4" and were composed of actual glossy photographs, making them among the most infamously condition sensitive tobacco issues ever produced (for example, only 10 copies have ever graded above EX/MT 6 at PSA). Like their smaller counterparts, the enlarged premiums are profoundly condition sensitive and virtually never found in an original and unaltered state above Excellent condition, a 5 on a 10-point scale. The attractive premiums were available via a redemption program advertised on card backs as follows: "On receipt of 40 FATIMA Cigarette coupons, we will send you an enlarged copy (size 13x21) of this picture (without advertising) or of any other picture in this series (National League and American League Teams). This picture is mounted and ready for framing. Write plainly your name and address, stating picture desired." Offered here is one of the key issues from the set, the Pittsburgh Nationals, winners of the first ever World Series just a few years earlier in 1909. Featuring the greatest shortstop of all-time, legendary baseball man John Honus "Hans" Wagner, the presented piece is believed to be one of approximately only 6 to 8 copies known to exist in original and unaltered mounted form (neither trimmed nor deceptively remounted). Both the original mount and the photo itself have some obvious condition issues, with damage to the periphery of the mount as well as a puncture over Butler's feet (bottom left). Despite these challenges, however, the photograph itself has maintained an overwhelming dose of its original, over-sized splendor, boldly showcasing not only Wagner (middle row, second from right) but fellow future Hall of Famers Fred Clarke (right of Wagner) and Max Carey (top middle) as well as long-time teammates Mike Simon, Dots Miller, Bobby Byrne, Chief Wilson, Ham Hyatt, and Howie Camnitz, all of whom also played on the first ever World Series Championship team of 1909. While technically rating in the expected VG range overall, the powerful contrast and remarkable focus of the photograph itself, along with its self-evident condition issues, combine to create an almost palpable aura that emanates from this rarely encountered treasure, hypnotizing its lucky admirers with the look and feel of something truly as old and as rare as it portends. Worthy of your strongest consideration, this century old antique cabinet photograph will make a significant highlight in almost any collection.