[Archive]

Posted By: Jay

Esterbrook was traded from the Giants to the Mets on October 20, 1886. Thus, it is possible that the New York Kalamazoo Bats could be a late 1886 issue. Esterbrook's trade date also helps date the Old Judge spotted tie subset. Since he has no spotted tie (which he would as a Met) it is presumed that the spotted ties were issued prior to the October 20 trade date. This is one reason (our book details others) that Old Judge photographic cards are presumed to have debuted in 1886.