|
Comments: In November, 2002 I picked
up several 1976 Shakeys tribute cards including George Sisler,
Kid Nichols, Joe Medwick, Billy Hamilton, Roger Connor, Charles
Comiskey, and Sam Thompson. Some were submitted to and graded
by PSA in January, 2003. The Nichols came back a NM-MT 8. Eventually,
I wanted something issued during Nichols career. I learned of
the Fan Craze card but in my research found that it wasn't Nichols
pictured but someone else by mistake. So, my wantlist was updated
with the only card left - the N300 Mayo. A couple years later
I was surprised when I found an item picturing Nichols that I
didn't know existed. I remember finding this Supplement as I scrolled
through the online pages of the August, 2011 Legendary Auction.
I bid on the item in the late hours of the final night and won.
I happened to be supporting a client in Lake Forest, IL at the
time and decided to drive and pick up the article in person. Legendary
Auctions was located in Lansing, IL - 1 ½ hours south in traffic.
I took an early lunch and made the trek. Three hours later I was
back in the office with the Nichols in hand. Love this piece.
When this photo image of Kid Nichols appeared as a supplement
to The Sporting News in 1899, he was already a legend of epic
dimension. The piece is a strong EX, despite a little foxing and
a couple of minor tears in the edges. There's a small mystery
in this photo that's worthy of mention…the Kid's image here bears
a copyright claimed by "F. G. Selee" along with another guy. Recently
inducted Hall of Famer, Frank Selee, managed the Beaneaters during
much of Nichols' lengthy tenure with the team.
UPDATE: In early 2014 I decided to sign up for a Beckett grading
membership with the understanding it included free gradings. SGC
and PSA won't grade newspaper supplements but I wanted them slabbed
for protection. I submitted this 1899 Nichols along with a couple
other Sporting News inserts (Ban Johnson and Pie Traynor), several
modern sketch cards and the cards were returned to me in June,
2014. Unfortunately, my 1899 M101 Kid Nichols was sent back to
me as "too big for holder". I found another example from the set
in a Legendary auction and took it with me to the National. I
guess Andy (vintage grader) was out of town when my submission
hit their office and they acknowledged making a mistake. Head
grader, Jeromy, and Andy both agreed with me - the dimensions
were fine for the holders. I was really impressed with their customer
service. They were friendly and professional. Stay tuned for the
grade...
UPDATE: Beckett slabbed the item G-VG (2.5)!
|
