Auction Item Details
Lot 4
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Lot Number: 4
Description: Rare Philadelphia Athletics "Golden Ball" cigar box label c.1874. Color lithographed larger size label affixed to an original approximately 5"x11" plank of wood was presumably on the interior lid to be displayed when a cigar box was open at point of sale. Depicted are Athletics Captain pitcher Dick McBride and second baseman Joe Battin. The likenesses, and other design elements, are based on an engraving which appeared in the July 1874 Daily Graphic. The "Golden Ball" branding derives from an early prize (a literal gold colored ball) which was awarded to the National Baseball Champions by Frank Queen of the New York Clipper. The "Golden Ball" cigar box labels (this being the more ornate and larger of two known variations) are among the most striking of all 19th Century baseball related labels and both are exceedingly scarce with perhaps (10) examples known. Wear includes chipping (most notably along the lower edge) and some surface loss along with toning/discoloration and scattered scrapes and scuffs: GDEstimated Price Range: ($1,500-$2,500)
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