Posted By:
barrysloate
In September,1863, Harry Wright organized a benefit in Hoboken, New Jersey, to raise money for the St. George's Cricket Club. Known as the Grand Match, fans could gain admission to the games (both cricket and baseball games were scheduled) for 25 cents; but for 50 cents, they would receive an admission ticket that included a photograph of one of four prominent cricket players. This group of four CdV's, which included Harry Wright, father Sam Wright, Crossley, and Hammond, are the first set of collectable cards issued in America. To date there are six known poses- two each of Crossley and Hammond, and one each of the Wrights.
The example pictured above is the fifth one publicly known - there have been three Crossleys (encompassing both poses), one Hammond, and one Harry Wright- which has been offered for sale. I know of no Sam Wright in any collection, although I have seen a copy of it in the Spalding Collection at the New York Public Library. This most recent example was brought to light by a family in the mid-west, and it is always exciting to find something new of this rarity and significance. Thought the board would like to see it.
And incidentally, while the cricket matches were played, the scheduled baseball game was rained out and cancelled.