He's sleeping with my wife?:confused:

the problem is that the mantle and wagner transcend the hobby. even non-collectors are aware of them and their value. there are really no 19th century cards that fit that criteria. I would offer up the Duke Delahanty as a possibility to the original post though. Great image, rare but not impossible to acquire, and an iconic player with very few issued cards.

I think when you move to 19th century Holy Grail cards, extreme rarity to a much greater degree than the Wagner or Mantle goes without saying. If the Holy Grail must have 50-75 known copies like the Wagner, then you immediately eliminate 99% of the cards that probably first come to mind for the vast majority of 19th century collectors.

I would still go with the Anson, primarily due to being in the most popular and widely collected set and being arguably the top 19th century player. But I probably would not eliminate the Just So Cy Young just because only one is known. That would be a sort of definition of Holy Grail in some respects. And Cy Young is somebody who is widely known outside the hobby, due the award named after him. Most avid baseball fans today probably could not name two 19th century hall of famers for what that is worth.

My rank would be:
1. N172 Anson in uniform
2. Just So Cy Young
3. 4BH Kelly

Honorable mention: N167 Ewing

I think requiring some minimum quantity of know examples or collectibility for "Holy Grail" status is counterintuitive to the title.
JimB

the title and the question?
 

Upon further reflection I have to agree that the qualifier of the Holy Grail having a sufficient quantity to be collectible is a bit ironic, at least. So if we are saying "What is your Holy Grail of 19th Century cards, regardless of rarity", which is probably the better way of saying it, then mine becomes the Just So Cy Young. That is the card I would take over any other one, not only from the 19th Century, but any baseball card; period. regards

If we are not responding to the question, then my pick is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card. :)

There you go, Wes! Baltimore Ruth or t210 Jax is the holy grail for me. Stand up against the '52 Mantle. It's not even his rookie card, and there may be 2,000 examples.

If we are throwing out the original rules, then one more vote for the 1914 Baltimore News of Ruth.

Holy Cow
 

I would like to mention the 187 N-172 Hoss Radbourn portrait. 19th century is not my bag, but I'd love one.

I vote T210 Jackson :)

I don't think we need to throw out all the rules. Confining it to 19th century would still be nice. :)
JimB

I was thinking the same thing Jim. This thread was about 19th century cards.

Not sure about the specifics. But I think a poll is a good idea.

poll?
 

If there is a poll the way the question is phrased will be very important. Picking a top 5? cards won't be too difficult but there could be a little bit of jockeying in positions. Certainly many of those already mentioned would make the list. You are welcome to start one Aaron:), or anyone else.

I think the N172 Anson in Uniform would win in a poll.

19th Century "paper chase"
 

One of my favorite 19th Century "cards"......how many of these color-tinted Harper's prints of the Harry Wright "Big Bat" in excellent condition
are out there ?
I acquired this one several years ago and have been searching for another one....but, it aint out there.

<img src="http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/aharpersweekly7241869.jpg" alt="[linked image]">

<img src="http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/aharrywrightbigbat.jpg" alt="[linked image]">
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SERIOUSLY....this N162 Album is the winner in my book....as the most desirable 19th Century sports collectible.


<img src="http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/A36cover.jpg" alt="[linked image]">



Lithography at it's best......2 of 12 pages

<img src="http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/Champions2.jpg" alt="[linked image]">


<img src="http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/Champions3.jpg" alt="[linked image]">



T-Rex TED