Sporting Times Cigars

[DWilliams]

I was hoping someone could fill me in a bit more on the story with these cards. From what I understand is they were found in a fire, hence the damage to most of them. Also the find included about 20-30 or so of the cards. Does anyone know more of the story? And if you have one show it off, it would be nice to see all of the different ones.

[barrysloate]

What you said is pretty much all I know about them. All the known copies have some kind of corner damage, some less severe than others; and all appear to have been used as some kind of accounting ledger.

[triwak]

Here's mine. Sorry, don't have a scan of the back, but it was also used as a bookkeeping ledger. Some have speculated that these were intended to be used as cigar box labels, but not sure if anyone really knows.

[Comiskey]

A quick search through the archives at REA came up with several Sporting News Cigar cards that have sold in their auctions. In general, most of the write ups were the same. Here is one:

"Rare Sporting Times Cigar trade card features the 1888 Champion New York Giants. All players are identified below. The production of this unique "one card set" was based on a photograph by renowned ninteenth-century photographer Joseph Hall. The design, not surprisingly, is reminiscent of Joseph Hall photographic team cabinets of the era, with all players identified below. Included are Tim Keefe, John Ward, Mickey Welsh, manager Jim Mutrie, Buck Ewing, Roger Connor, Jim O'Rourke, etc. It is possible that this issue was actually intended to be a cigar box label. Approximately 20 to 30 examples of this card are known, and all originate from a single find many years ago by legendary Americana dealer Rex Stark. All, including this example, have financial ledger notes on their reverses and a water stain in one corner. The water stain on this example is relatively minor, making this one of the best of the find. Aside from the minor water staining in the upper left corner and financial ledger notes on reverse, the card is in Excellent condition. Dimensions: 7.25 x 4.25 inches. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000. SOLD FOR $1,508.00"

I thought I heard a while ago that the group was found in a fire, I assume thats the reason the all have water stains and additional damage.

Jeff