Extremely Rare 1913 Vassar Sweaters Frank Chance

Sold For:

$1,050

Year:

1913

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

766

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Every decade or so, a newly discovered find redefines the known checklist for a particular series. In 2022, Robert Edward Auctions had the privilege to document an incredible find of eleven different examples from the 1913 Vassar Sweaters baseball series, including eight unchecklisted cards highlighted by five Hall of Famers. At the time, the known checklist contained only five players and the series was originally catalogued as 1912 in the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, but the players included in this find, specifically Frank Chance in a Yankees uniform, confirms the dating to the earliest being 1913, as Chance played for the Yankees only during the 1913 and 1914 seasons. Offered here is that key card from this fascinating series, featuring Hall of Famer Chance dressed in his "Vassar" sweater. This is the ONLY example of this card that we know to exist. One of Chance's most unusual and impressive cards, and one of his rarest as well. It is also a fascinating card in that the extremely striking image of Chance is unique to this set. Encapsulated as Authentic by SGC due to the borders being trimmed off but leaving Chance's name at the bottom border intact. The card (3.5 x 6.5 inches) has moderate creasing, light toning, and evidence of album removal on the reverse. This is a very pleasing example of Frank Chance from one of the rarest and most striking prewar card issues, which would be a worthy addition to any Frank Chance, New York Yankees, Hall of Fame, or prewar-card collection. Opening Bid $500.