Interesting Old Judge card

[Joe_G.]

Hello Rick,

You will learn a lot more about Goodwin & Co. and their cards with the book. Regarding your three questions . . .

Originally Posted by buymycards

1. There is a label attached to the back of the card that says "Governor D. B. Hill". I checked online, and David Hill was the Governor of New York from 1885 through 1891. This OJ card was made in 1887, so did the Governor actually own this card? If so, I am curious about the way that he came across this card. Possibly he purchased a pack of OJ cigarettes and he was the original owner? Did Sid Farrar give him the card for some reason? Anyway, I always enjoy thinking about the history of old cards and I always marvel that they still exist after 130 years.

Your card was actually produced in 1889 and was likely distributed through a pack of Old Judge or Dogs Head cigarettes. It is card number 153-2c. This pose was first issued in 1887 and then re-issued in 1889 and 1890. It is also known in cabinet form (N173). It is possible that the governor himself was original owner.

Originally Posted by buymycards

2. The team designation is "Philadelphias", with an "s" at the end of Philadelphia. He played with the Quakers and the Athletics. Did one of these teams call themselves the Philadelphias?

The team is the Philadelphia Quakers. Goodwin would often list only the city and pluralize it.

Originally Posted by buymycards

3. There is some writing on the wall near his right ankle. I haven't dug out my 100 power microscope to see what is written on the wall. Perhaps someone knows?

RUKen provided the right answer, it is a Goodwin & Co. copyright.

All the best and enjoy the book.