Extremely Rare 1888 Joseph Hall Chicago White Stockings Team Cabinet with Cap Anson

Sold For:

$44,400

Year:

1888

Auction:

2019 Summer

Lot #:

138

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Exceedingly rare Joseph Hall team cabinet photograph capturing the 1888 Chicago White Stockings posing together in a formal studio setting. Joseph Hall team cabinets have long been revered by collectors as among the most highly prized of all Nineteenth century cabinet issues, and are universally regarded as the premier team cabinet-card series of the era. Of all the team cards produced by Hall in 1888, that of the Chicago White Stockings is by far the rarest. This is the first we have ever offered and we have seen probably fewer than five others at auction in the past 20 years. It is also an exceptional example! The photograph is particularly striking, with tremendous detail throughout. Along with individual player identifications, which correspond to numbers near their respective images, the mount is captioned: "Joseph Hall, Photo., Brooklyn, N.Y. - Chicago Ball Club, 1888." The players pictured here player/manager Cap Anson, Jimmy Ryan, Ned Williamson, Duke Farrell, Fred Pfeffer, George Van Haltren, George Borchers, Tom Burns, and Tom Daly. Also pictured are five unidentified gentleman dressed in formal attire, and the team's African-American mascot, Clarence Duval, who is standing right in front of team-star Cap Anson. The photograph is in Near Mint condition, with superb contrast and detail. The only flaw is a very light stain along the mount that affects the lower left corner and left border. Graded VG/EX 4 by SGC (submitted by REA), but it presents at a much higher level than suggested by its technically accurate grade. This is an extraordinary card which would be a highlight in any advanced collection! Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.25 inches. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open).