Auction Item Details
Lot 375
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Lot Number: 375
Description: Historically significant 1895 Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day Invitation at Philadelphia Ball Park. Exceedingly rare program style invitation issued for opening day at the then newly reconstructed Philadelphia Ball Park on May 2, 1895 after the Phillies previous home had burned to the ground in August of 1894. The famed venue would be host to the Phillies for just over (50) years, later becoming known as the Baker Bowl. The new park was the first ever to be primarily constructed of steel and brick and featured a groundbreaking new cantilevered design which eliminated many of the structural supports which had caused "obstructed views" in the larger venues of the period. It received rave reviews from both players and visitors alike and many of the construction techniques employed became standard fare (with some remaining in use to this day). The offered publication is a rare survivor being the lone example we can recall handling in over (15) years. An invitation is printed inside allowing the recipient admittance to attend the Phillies vs. Giants Opening Day game and the remaining pages are filled with details about the stadiums' history and construction. The front cover was long ago reenforced with tape along the bound edge and what was likely a horizontal separation to the center. There is wear/chipping along the lower edge (effecting all pages) and some additional areas of loss to the left and top sides of the invitation page. The back cover has a greater amount of tape applied along with heavier wear/tears and there are some portions missing.Estimated Price Range: ($1,500-$3,000)
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