Love of the Game Auctions Fall, 2023 Premier Auction

21. 1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinets Cap Anson (HOF) - PSA PR 1(MK)

Likely the most popular and desirable of all the N173 cabinets, this example featuring Hall of Famer Cap Anson depicts the popular player in dapper street clothes in the classic pose that has been reproduced countless times throughout the hobby. Despite the lower grade, this example boasts strong image contrast (the image is often significantly faded), the Chicago captain’s icy gaze fixed off-camera in an intense stare. Owner of a .334 lifetime batting average across an astonishing 27 seasons, Anson hit under .300 just twice in his career, never posting an average below .285. This example has been graded PR 1 (MK) by PSA, primarily due to visible foxing and staining. A pinhole is visible at the top center, common with cabinet photos. Some mild surface edge wear is apparent as well. An attractive, collector-grade example of one of the most popular and highly sought-after of all 19th Century cabinets.

MINIMUM BID: $5,000

22. 1887 N172 Old Judge #11-1 Cap Anson (HOF) - PSA PR 1

23. 1887 N172 Old Judge Cigarettes #78-7 John Clarkson (HOF) - PSA GOOD 2 (MK)

Portrait photo of Hall of Famer “Cap” Anson, boasting a reasonably strong image on a card typically found with considerable fading. Graded PR 1 by PSA due largely to damage on the reverse, the fading here is apparent, as is some visible toning, though the image of Anson is relatively clean and visible. The reverse is victim to some adhesive staining and paper remnants, a result of long- ago scrapbook removal. One of the most desirable cards in the entire N172 Old Judge issue. MINIMUM BID: $500

Another glowing example of how third-party grading standards really do a poor job assessing photographic issues from the 19th Century, particularly N172 Old Judge cards. Clean and well- centered with a crisp, well-defined image, some edge and corner wear are the only noteworthy condition flaws visible at the card fronts. The MK qualifier as well as the downgrade are largely the result of the card reverse, causing a reduction in the technical grade for a card that would likely grade VG or perhaps better if only the front were assessed. MINIMUM BID: $1500

FALL 2023 PREMIER AUCTION − CLOSES NOVEMBER 25, 2023 19

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