Auction Item Details
Lot 203
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Lot Number: 203
Description: Rare and important Chicago Union Giants real photo postcard with Rube Foster c.1915 (SGC Authentic) Exceedingly rare (and likely unique) real photo postcard showing members of the Chicago Union Giants standing shoulder to shoulder in front of a storefront. Several are pictured wearing their checkered coats with team logo patch on the chest and their equipment and luggage sit on the ground in front. Most notable, and readily identifiable, among the group is Hall of Famer Rube Foster (5th from the right in lighter colored overcoat). A similar postcard which was sold at public auction in 2019 (realizing nearly $17,000) featured an image that was captured just before or after (with 2 additional individuals on the left side) and had a handwritten caption on the front which reads "Chicago American Giants April 1, 1915 - Portland, Ore." At the time of that offering it was stated that both Pete Hill and Louis Santop also appear in the image however we pass this information along but are unable to state it with certainty. The Giants were in the midst of a barnstorming tour of the Pacific Northwest as confirmed by contemporary newspaper accounts. The team had been formed by Foster and quickly grew to be one of the most formidable in the history of the Negro League winning Championships in both 1914 and 1917. Displays at GD/VG level with a lower left corner crease and some mild scattered discoloration to the front. Back has "Post Card" and "Azo" markings along with some handwritten pencil identifiers and a stamp reading "E3259." It was professionally removed from a scrapbook with some resulting mounting residue. Authenticated and encapsulated by SGC: Technical FR with GD display valueEstimated Price Range: ($10,000-$15,000)
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