This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
S81 silks were issued as special premiums by Helmar Turkish Trophy cigarettes in 1911, and the set was part of the very same premium promotion which produced the T3 Turkey Red cabinet card set and the distinctive L1 leathers tobacco issue. The S81 silks, however, are imposing collectibles desired both for their beauty and rarity. One silk could be obtained by mail in exchange for 25 Helmar coupons, which were packed one per package with Helmar Turkish Trophy Cigarettes. Lots of smoking by Dad was going on if a young boy wanted his favorite players. Amongst the 25 ballplayers to choose from were 16 Hall of Famers. Even the nine non-HOFers were impressive and popular players in the day. This example is of Christy Mathewson, one of the most celebrated right handed pitchers of all time. Because of his popularity, Matty was included in virtually every set of the era, and even though a small hoard of Mathewson S81 silks were discovered a few years ago, the Mathewson silk remains one of his more popular items. The silks in that hoard were snapped up so fast, they are all as deeply embedded in permanent collections as an undercover CIA operative is in the Middle East. This delicate example is in excellent condition, has the usual amount of frayed threads and depicts Mathewson in his familiar pitching pose. The brilliant color on this silk has a deep green grass, dark baseball socks and even the pinkish hue of Matty's cheeks. (Sorry, but I could not resist the Seinfeld reference) The details in the image are so startling that the viewer can determine the lacing pattern on the spikes. The item is Mathewson perfection, and one of the nicest examples we have ever offered.