Exciting New Discovery Of One Of The Earliest Known Cards

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Posted By: Jason W

Hi Jay,

Thanks for the response! I cannot ever be a 100% positive but I think 1866 is a reasonably educated opinion. The style of the card and the type on the back is pretty consistent with other CD's from the mid 1860's. Also it is reasonable to suspect that the Baltimore Base Ball Emporium was a seller of the Currier & Ives print in 1866 (definite release date). This card then, was most likely made to publicise this release, therefore gaining the distinction as the first baseball card issued to promote the sale of a specific product of manufacture.

Finally, from research, I know that the BBBE opened in 1866 (Baltimore city records) and closed in 1870.

Bob Lemke and Robert Lifson of REA have also both seen the card and agree that 1866 is a pretty firm date in their opinions.

Do you know anything further about the Jim Creighton Memorial? Is 1865 a firm date because I have seen it dated anywhere from 1863 - 1868?

Thanks Jason