Jake Virtue played in the major leagues well over a century ago. But the former player is in the spotlight now thanks to a rare collection of cabinet cards now for sale through SCP Auctions. The group, which includes two cards of his Cleveland Spiders teammate Cy Young, were passed on through his family over the years. Virtue's great-grandson Ed has been the most recent … [Read more...]
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SCP Auctions Opens Spring Catalog with Items from Icons
With over 500 lots ranging from 19th century baseball cards to modern game-worn gear from current stars, SCP Auctions has launched its “Spring Premier” catalog event, scheduled to runs through Saturday, March 24. Top lots include Jesse Owens’ 1976 Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by President Gerald Ford, the top collection of unused Super Bowl tickets on PSA … [Read more...]
1911 Baltimore News Newsboys Set Paralleled E94 Close Candy Issue
The 1911 Close Candy set (designated as E94 in the American Card Catalog) included a total of 30 baseball cards featuring major leaguers. But the 1911 Baltimore News set also used the same cards as the company created their own promotion for paperboys. 1911 Baltimore News Newsboys Basics The 1911 Baltimore News Newsboys set, cataloged as M131, is virtually identical to the … [Read more...]
5 Players We Wish Had Been in the T207 Baseball Card Set
A while back, I discussed some T205 cards that could have been added to the release to make it even better. But one set that is even more starved for big names is the 1912 T207 Brown Background set. The issue is popular with a segment of pre-war collectors. However, many are turned off by the set, which is not as colorful as other T-Card issues and, more importantly, is lacking … [Read more...]
Newly Discovered Early Autograph Collection Includes Scarce Hall of Famers
What is believed to be the earliest documented baseball autograph collection hits the auction block on Friday, one that includes some names even advanced collectors don’t have. Originally gathered inside one of two autograph books, the collection features over 44 signatures from 19th and early 20th century baseball greats including 19th century Hall of Famer George S. Davis, … [Read more...]
Ten E90-1 American Caramel Card Favorites
The E90-1 American Caramel set is considered to be one of the most collectible pre-war candy issues of all time. Despite the fact that it is difficult to complete because of the expensive Joe Jackson rookie card, it is popular because of its bright, colorful pictures and numerous stars. Issued in 1909, there are 120 cards in the entire set. Here are ten of my favorite … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Cy Young Heads Back to Cleveland
His career was winding down but Cy Young could still wing it. At age 41 in 1908 he tossed the third no-hitter of his career, the oldest player ever to toss one. It was a record that would stand until Nolan Ryan broke it 82 years later. He'd finish the year with a 1.26 earned run average. Now, a photo of Young, wearing his Boston uniform in that fabled season, is the … [Read more...]
5 Inexpensive Cy Young Cards
Cy Young is one of the most celebrated pitchers in major league history. So dominant, in fact, he would have the league's most prestigious pitching award named after him. With his contemporary cards more than 100 years old, most of his issues are pricey ones. There are a few, however, that may not cost as much as you think and date from his time as an active player. Cy … [Read more...]
E94 Close Candy Set Includes Legends, Unique Back Ads
One of the more obscure pre-war baseball card sets is the E94 Close Candy card set. The cards are plenty rare as it is, but numerous variations make a full/master run nearly impossible to complete. Here's a (excuse the pun) closer look at the release. E94 Close Candy Basics The E94 card set was manufactured by the George Close Candy Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The … [Read more...]
E93 Standard Caramel Cards A Unique Issue
With only 30 subjects on the checklist, the E93 Standard Caramel card set would seem to be an easy one to tackle. However, despite its small size, it can be expensive to complete. The cards aren't as plentiful as many tobacco cards or other cards from the same era and can be challenging to find in good condition. Here's a closer look at this common caramel issue from the early … [Read more...]
