1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinet Mike "King" Kelly SGC EX 5

Sold For:

$25,200

Year:

1888

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

92

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Graded EX 5 by SGC. Extraordinary N173 Goodwin Old Judge cabinet card of Hall of Famer Mike "King" Kelly with Boston (batting pose #254-5). This is a spectacular example of one of the all-time classic nineteenth-century cabinet cards and one of the most impressive of all "King" Kelly cards. All Old Judge cabinets are extremely desirable, as are all examples of Hall of Famers, and Mike "King" Kelly is one of the most prominent of all nineteenth-century Hall of Famers. He was also nicknamed "$10,000 Kelly" after Chicago sold his contract for that amount to Boston following the 1886 season. At the time, $10,000 was an unheard-of sum for a player, but Kelly was so great and such a popular draw with fans that he was worth it. This is a stunning card! The image on this card is very bold. Outstanding contrast (far superior to what is normally found on this card). The reverse is bright and almost entirely clean, with very light toning. This is an outstanding N173 Old Judge Cabinet of legendary Hall of Famer Mike "King" Kelly, and one that would be a significant highlight in even the most advanced world-class collection. Opening Bid $10,000.