1888 N172 Old Judge Pete Browning (Louisville) SGC VG 3

Sold For:

$15,000

Year:

1888

Auction:

2025 Spring

Lot #:

23

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Graded VG 3 by SGC. Extremely rare and desirable 1888 N172 Old Judge of the original "Louisville Slugger," Pete Browning (Pose #46-5). Browning was the player for whom Louisville furniture-maker Hillerich & Bradsby (then called the "J. F. Hillerich Company") first produced a bat after one of Browning's favorite bats broke in a game. Ever since, Browning has always been closely associated with Hillerich & Bradsby, and the "Louisville Slugger" brand is named after Browning. One of the nineteenth century's most colorful characters, Browning was perhaps as well known for his eccentric personality and legendary drinking problem as for his .343 lifetime batting average. His impressive stats and impact on the game in Louisville makes him one of the most promising potential Hall of Famers among significant players from the early days of the game who have yet to be elected. The card displays outstanding photo contrast, honest corner wear, and minor edge wear. The blank reverse displays light toning. Regardless of its condition, we believe this card will be of special interest to extremely advanced Old Judge collectors.