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

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Posted By: anonymous

It's a blank reverse. Copyrighted 1881 MF Tobin N.Y.
Curious about this card and what it just might be?
Thank you in advance!

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Posted By: Al Crisafulli

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.

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.

-Al

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Posted By: JimB

Are you sure it is baseball? The guy in front looks like he is holding a rifle.
JimB

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Posted By: Glenn

Did he just shoot his opponent in the back? What kind of sport is that?

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Posted By: Al Crisafulli

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.

I'm surprised you guys didn't know that.



-Al

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Posted By: fkw

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.