1886 Tomlinson Studios Cabinets Ned Hanlon Rookie PSA VG-EX 4 - The ONLY Graded Example!

Sold For:

$6,600

Year:

1886

Auction:

2025 Spring

Lot #:

22

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. This is the ONLY example that has ever been graded by PSA! Extremely rare cabinet card picturing Hall of Famer Ned Hanlon as a member of the Detroit Wolverines. This cabinet represents Hanlon's rookie appearance and is the earliest Ned Hanlon baseball item we have ever handled. Nineteenth-century baseball cabinets are extremely desirable, especially those of prominent Hall of Famers such as Hanlon. The photograph, taken in a formal studio setting, captures Hanlon in a full-length pose holding a bat in front of an ornate backdrop. Hanlon's name, position, and team affiliation ("E. Hanlon Centre Field - Detroit Base Ball Club") are printed on the base of the mount, as is the name of the photographer, "Tomlinson - 236 Woodward Ave., Detroit." This cabinet dates from 1886 when Hanlon was still an outfielder with the Detroit Wolverines. While a fine player, his Hall of Fame credentials were forged a few years later when he managed the legendary Baltimore Orioles during the club's 1894 to 1897 dynasty. He also later managed the Brooklyn Superbas (1899-1905) and Cincinnati Reds (1906-1907). Hanlon was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996. We are very familiar with this particular cabinet as this is the second time we have had the privilege of offering it. This cabinet was presented as Lot 1591 in REA's Spring 2012 auction and at that time was newly-discovered in Michigan. The photo displays extraordinary clarity and is in Near Mint condition. The mount (4.25 x 6.5 inches) has minor border and corner wear, as well as some insignificant scattered pinpoint foxing. This is an outstanding item that would be at home in even the most advanced cabinet, Ned Hanlon, or rookie-card collection.