1895 N300 John Clarkson

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Posted By: Todd Schultz

I don't know why I don't just go to the source first. Lew Lipset said this what, 25 years ago:

"Included in this group is an interesting card of John Clarkson, designated as 'Clarkson, P' with St. Louis on his uniform. John Clarkson never pitched for St. Louis, retiring after 2 mediocre years with Cleveland in 1893-4. However, John had a brother Arthur, who pitched for St. Louis in 1893-5. Clearly there was some confusion, but the picture on the Mayo is definitely John Clarkson,, despite the improperly labeled uniform. Evidence of this is the portrait of Clarkson is the identical one used in the Series of Champions produced by Allen & Ginters."

I agree that the card was intended to be that of brother Art, with a superimposed or other photo trick used to label the uniform. What you all make of how to catalogue it is up to you-- heck, Irv Young cards still draw thousands of $$$$ just because someone printed Cy on the caption. Would you rather have the right picture/ wrong name or vice versa?