1888 Old Judge Cigarette Box

Sold For:

$1,175

Year:

1888

Auction:

2011 Spring

Lot #:

66

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Old Judge cigarette box dating from the time of issue of the classic N172 Old Judge tobacco cards. The box (1-5/8 x 2-7/8 x 5/8 inches) features both the brand name "Old Judge" and the company name, "Goodwin & Co.," on the front. The 1883 tax stamp on the reverse has been clearly over-stamped with the date "Nov 1, 1888." Old Judge tobacco cards, one of the first and most significant of all baseball-card issues, were distributed in packs of cigarettes exactly like this between the years 1887 and 1890. Did this now empty pack once contain a Cap Anson, King Kelly, or Buck Ewing card? We will never know, but it is a scarce and significant item, ideal for display, relating to baseball's first major tobacco-card issue. The box is in Excellent condition overall. Reserve $100. Estimate $200/$300.

SOLD FOR $1,175