35
(BASEBALL.)
Representatives of Professional Base Ball in America.
Lithograph, 21
1
/
2
x 26
1
/
2
inches; backed with linen, faint dampstaining, moderate wear
including creases, short tears, marginal chipping, and tack holes.
New York: Root & Tinker, 1884
[3,000/4,000]
One of the most attractive baseball prints of the 19th century, a promotional piece commis-
sioned by P. Lorillard & Co. of Jersey City, NJ to promote their Climax Red Tin Tag Plug
Tobacco. In the foreground are vignettes of 12 active players (most notably Buck Ewing, Tim
Keefe, Dan Brouthers, and Cap Anson) and 4 executives including Al Spalding and Harry
Wright. In the background is a charmingly naive depiction of a game; the poor catcher is about
to get brained, and we’re not sure what draws the attention of the first baseman. At least three
variants were issued. This one has a small “Climax Grade” insignia in the lower left margin
and on the bat bag in the lower right part of the image. None have been traced in OCLC or in
any mainstream auction houses, though they have occasionally appeared in sports auctions.
36
(BASEBALL.) Associated News Service.
Group of 8 illustrated news posters,
each featuring future members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Each 17 x 14 inches;
minor wear.
New York, 1927-29
[400/600]
These posters were issued tri-weekly on a variety of topics, promising “Latest World Events in
Pictures.” Most of these were issued during the 1929 season. Two of them show Babe Ruth in
mid-swing, one has Brooklyn’s Dazzy Vance demonstrating his knuckleball grip, and another
shows the Cubs and Athletics on the eve of the World Series. The one earlier bulletin shows
Tony Lazzeri of the Yankees sliding in the 1927 World Series.
35
