465. Rare 1888 Conly Studios John Clarkson (HOF) Photo From League Schedule Card
The Conly Studios league schedule cards are extremely rare 1888 National League schedules that feature an actual photo of Hall of Famer John Clarkson, the lettering underneath the image identical to that of the N338-2 Hess “Big League” issue, to the point that some feel the Hess issue may have been produced by Conly, or by the Boston print shop responsible for producing the schedule, Alfred Mudge & Son. The Conly pieces are extraordinarily rare, with only a handful of examples known to exist, all featuring Clarkson, each image affixed to a printed schedule. Some cases exist where the photographic portion of the schedule has been trimmed away, leaving an image to resemble a card. Such is the case here, with Clarkson in a pose as if preparing to deliver a pitch. Clarkson’s name is typeset within the photograph area, significantly askew to the point of being almost vertical. The only copyright information appears in the border area below the photo. The photo quality remains excellent, with some minor creasing, chipping and staining evident here and there. It should be noted that the majority of the Conly schedule cards - all but one, in fact, feature a portrait of the Hall of Famer. This auction also includes the only known example of a second pose of Clarkson. This pose represents a third pose, one we have never seen before, extremely rare and desirable despite being trimmed from the schedule. An extraordinary piece, the only known example featuring Clarkson in this pose.
MINIMUM BID: $500
466. 1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinets #86-6 Charles Comiskey (HOF)
467. 1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinets #478-5 John Ward (HOF)
One of the most popular players of his day, and possibly the most influential player of the 19th Century, John Montgomery Ward led the formation of the first player’s union, and also orchestrated the establishment of the Players’ League. Originally a pitcher, Ward threw the second perfect game in NL history, but moved to shortstop after throwing his arm out. There, he made himself into a Hall of Famer, twice leading the league in stolen bases and batting .275 over a
Highly coveted N173 Old Judge baseball cabinet featuring Hall of Famer Charles Comiskey, pictured while still a young ballplayer with St. Louis. One of the most important figures in the history of the game, Comiskey was known during his playing career as a great leader who was captain of the Browns for four pennant- winning seasons between 1885 and 1888. He is, of course, best known as the owner of the Chicago White Sox, his reputation for frugality often
17-year career. Ward married actress Helen Dauvray, who donated the game’s first Championship trophy, named the Dauvray Cup. Corresponding with card #478-5 in the N172 Old Judge set, this example features Ward posed as if to throw a ball. The quality of the image is extremely strong, with outstanding contrast, enabling the viewer to clearly see rich detail. The reverse exhibits some mild soiling, with some light pencil writing at the upper right. The cabinet has been trimmed, not obstructing the photo itself with the exception of the top edge. Some mild surface wear is evident. A strong example despite the condition issues, a difficult cabinet of one of the era’s most popular players.
cited as the impetus for the 1919 Black Sox scandal. The club’s ballpark carried his name for decades, until the days of corporate naming rights made such folksy traditions a thing of the past. Pictured here with his arms folded, pose #86-6 in the Old Judge set, with bold image detail and excellent clarity. Some moderate soiling is evident on the front, with heavy scrapbook damage on the reverse. The cabinet has been trimmed from its original size, the image appearing high on the mount and trimmed at the top edge. For this reason, the cabinet will not grade, but this should not deter advanced collectors who understand the rarity of this card.
MINIMUM BID: $1,500
MINIMUM BID: $1,500
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