The oldest card on this board?

[benjulmag]

The card is 5 1/8" x 3 1/4". Below is an image of the verso. It was issued as a ticket to the first annual ball of the Magnolia Ball Club. Here in its entirety is an ad that ran in the New York Herald February 6-8, 1844:

THE FIRST ANNUAL BALL of the New York Magnolia Ball Club will take place at National Hall, Canal st. on Friday evening, Feb. 9th, inst. The Club pledge themselves that no expense or exertions shall be spared to render this (their first) Ball worthy the patronage of their friends. The Ball Room will be splendidly decorated with the insignia of the Club. Brown’s celebrated Band is engaged for the occasion. Tickets $1, to be had of the undersigned, and at the bar of National Hall.
JOSEPH CARLISLE, Chairman.
PETER H. GRAHAM, Secretary

As to the question how it can be a card as well as a ticket, I would respond that it can be both if it satisfies the critieria of each. Inasmuch as it was available to the general public, depicts baseball subject matter, was used for commercial purposes and has the physical characteristics of a card, IMO it can reasonably be called a card, the same way as the Jordan Marsh tickets from the 1860's are regarded by many as early baseball cards.

[Leon]

Thanks again Corey. I agree with your analysis too.