19th century " Holy Grail "

[19cbb]

From The Library of Congress

[murcerfan]

is that a homophone he's leaning against?

[barrysloate]

Hi Jimmy- sorry I missed that.

[chiprop]

I understand we are talking about "The Grail", but ... '52 Mantle has thousands of examples, and the t-206 Wagner has close to a hundred. Both common in their respective sets and in my opinion very over rated. I think the grail in pre war is the Baltimore Ruth or t210 Jax. In 19th century, 4bh Kelly is unreal and one of the top 5 cards in the hobbby hands down.

[GaryPassamonte]

The props in the FBH Kelly are different than in the cabinet of Kelly. Also, no Boston on the FBH Kelly's shirt. I know the BOSTON could have been added, but what about the props. Different shoots?

[oldjudge]

There is only one great 19th century set and that is the Old Judge set. Anson in Uniform is a true rarity, of possibly the greatest 19th century player, and the key card of the set, which is why it is my choice. Kelly 4BH is a great card, but it is from a set that cannot practically be collected. I would think that the K-Bat Ewing is a better choice than the Kelly, but still no where near the Anson in Uniform level. The K-Bat Ewing is a rare card of a better player than Kelly (I think Kelly is possibly the most over rated 19thy century player--but that is another story). BTW, these debates are always fun.

[chiprop]

I don't know too much about 19th century, but the 4bh is a very cool looking card.

[benjulmag]

My third choice after the Creighton and Kelly would be the Just So Young. Like Four Base Hits, Just Sos are incredibly rare; for a type collector getting a common is very difficult. What makes the Young so special is that it is the only 19th century card (excluding studio cabinets) of arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, and shows him young and trim near the outset of his career. Another ten years will pass before his next card.

I agree with Jay; this is a fun debate.