Circa 1920 Flor De Manuel Cigars "Three Champions" Cleveland Indians Postcard with Johnny Kilbane and Steve O'Neill

Sold For:

$2,640

Year:

1920

Auction:

2024 Fall

Lot #:

787

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Extremely rare advertising postcard featuring Cleveland Indians catcher Steve O'Neill and Featherweight boxing champion Johnny Kilbane, circa 1920. The two are pictured holding a box of Flor De Manuel cigars. The lettering across the top reads "Three Champions." This postcard has an interesting story related to it. According to a newspaper article titled Gallagher Wins After 15 Years (accompanies the postcard), this postcard was associated with a bet made in 1920 between Ohio State Representative Tom L. Gallagher of Cleveland and Indians catcher Steve O'Neill. After the postcard was produced, O'Neill and Kilbane gave a copy to Gallagher as a token of their friendship. At the time, Gallagher swore to save the postcard and send it to Steve O'Neill when he became manager of the Indians. Doubting he would ever become manager, he bet Gallagher a box of cigars. O'Neill was named manager in 1935, which dates this postcard to about 1920 based on the newspaper article. The postcard (5.5 x 3.5 inches), which has not been addressed or mailed, displays light corner wear. Opening Bid $200.