2020 Holiday Auction Closing December 12-13
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2020
Graded EX 5 by PSA. Hall of Famer. Among a total of barely thirty copies recorded in PSA’s census reporting, only three examples have attained the offered card's tier. Not a single specimen has been graded higher. This splendid card's back advises readers to, "Save 50 labels from TIP-TOP BREAD and secure this entire series (25 cards) free," an admonition clearly ignored by the vast majority of the time's consumers. In spite of the Ward-Mackey Company's gentle urging, painfully few Tip Top baseball cards, including this flagship subject, were gathered and retained. Presented here is the most sought-after entry among the colorful and almost never-seen 1910 regional issue that commemorated the Pittsburgh Pirates, who were the previous year's World Championship team. The great Honus Wagner, in his cherished Carl Horner pose backed by shades of yellow and light green, highlights this item's – and its issue's – presentation. The color scheme adroitly complements the portrayal, and fortuitous preservation ensures optimum praiseworthiness. Corner wear is relatively mild and uniformly distributed, and the reverse (with its checklist of World's Champions subjects) is abundantly bright. This offering represents a rare opportunity to purchase this significant Wagner collectible in its highest-graded, original state. The most recent sale of an equivalent piece, more than five years ago, yielded in excess of $40,000, and the market for the finest Wagner items has accelerated dramatically during the intervening years. A highly estimable, minimally Excellent-condition piece.