Goldin Elite Auction Ending May 22-23
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2021
This lot closes on May 22nd, 2021 at 10:00 PM EDT for initial bids.
Most advanced hobbyists are satisfied with a single Cracker Jack card – either a 1914 or a 1915 example – for each player represented in the two-year issue. But, there's an exception to this generalization about one of the vintage-collecting industry's most avid pursuits. Although the pair of Cracker Jack sets almost universally features the same pose of each player in both versions, there are a select few athletes for whom the depiction was changed in the series' second year. The most valuable and coveted of the single-season images is this 1914 portrayal of Christy Mathewson. Matty's 1914 card pictures the great hurler in a horizontal, full-action pose, while his 1915 card offers a portrait likeness.
It's well-known that 1914 Cracker Jack cards, in general, are much more rare than those from 1915, but the 1914 card of Mathewson seems to be inexplicably difficult. It is very seldom offered, and, on those noteworthy occasions when a '14 specimen is poised to change hands, the piece typically displays less-than-admirable qualities of preservation.
Graded 50 VG/EX 4 ("VG-EX 4" equivalent) by SGC. Hall of Famer. The offered card's appearance is far superior to the majority of enthusiasts' expectations for a 1914 Cracker Jack Mathewson. This example has a bit of generally light product staining (routine in the series), and corner wear consistent with its grade. No meaningful creasing is discernible within the printed design's display field. The collectible exhibits abundant eye appeal, and it would suitably complement the most sophisticated assembly of vintage treasures. Very Good to Excellent condition, and by far the finest example of its kind that's emerged to the market within recent memory.