1870s Warren Studios Albert Spalding CDV - Newly Discovered!

Sold For:

$108,000

Year:

1870

Auction:

2022 Spring

Lot #:

21

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Exceedingly rare CDV picturing Hall of Fame player, owner, sporting goods magnate Albert Spalding, circa 1872. This example is entirely new to the modern collecting world! The studio photograph pictures Spalding in formal attire as he gazes away from the camera. The photographer's credit stamp, "Warren's Portraits/289 Washington St./Boston," appears on the reverse. This is the only example of this particular CDV we have ever seen and just one of two we have seen of Spalding (slightly different image and Warren mount). Spalding founded A. G. Spalding & Bros. Company in 1877 and, by means of an exclusive baseball deal with the National League, the firm quickly became the foremost sporting-goods manufacturer in the country. In 1882 he purchased the Chicago White Sox and assumed a position of supreme influence among team owners. Though his contributions to the game were great as a star player, team owner, and businessman, he is probably best remembered for fostering the myth that Abner Doubleday invented baseball in 1839. Spalding was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939. The CDV (2-1/2 x 4-3/16 inches) displays very minor edge and corner wear. Aside from that, it remains in apparent Excellent to Mint condition. PSA has encapsulated the CDV and certified it as "Authentic" (submitted by REA). Reserve $5,000.