A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>anonymous</b><p><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1147206843.JPG"> <br />It's a blank reverse. Copyrighted 1881 MF Tobin N.Y.<br />Curious about this card and what it just might be?<br />Thank you in advance!

A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>Al Crisafulli</b><p>Looks like a 19th century advertising trade card. The blank space on the right was imprinted with the name and address of a variety of businesses, almost like a calling card or a business card.<br /><br />They come in all shapes and sizes, and are fairly readily available. I have a few, and find them to be very, very cool items. There are people here who know a ton of stuff about them - I am by no means an expert - hopefully someone will chime in, because I'd like to learn more about them as well.<br /><br />-Al

A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Are you sure it is baseball? The guy in front looks like he is holding a rifle.<br />JimB

A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>Glenn</b><p>Did he just shoot his opponent in the back? What kind of sport is that?

A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>Al Crisafulli</b><p>In the very early days of baseball, after a player hit the ball, while he ran the bases, the opposition would try to shoot the guy. That's where the expression "He's got a rifle out there in right field" came from.<br /><br />I'm surprised you guys didn't know that.<br /><br /><img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />-Al

A. Riemann, Confectionery Card - Is this a 19th Century baseball card?
 

Posted By: <b>fkw</b><p>The Victorian Trade card you have is one of the smallest baseball themed cards out there. It is know as "#215" in the Frank Keetz "Baseball Advertising Trade Cards" catalog. The card is found with an American flag in background or a blue baseball flag (like yours). I have owned about 5-6 of them in the past, this card is considered scarce, but far from rare. It usually sells in the $15-$30 range on eBay.