Lot # 81: 1889 N526 Diamond S Cigar Mike "King" Kelly SGC VG/EX 4

Graded VG/EX 4 by SGC. Very attractive example of Hall of Famer Mike "King" Kelly from the exceedingly rare Diamond S Cigar set. 1889 Diamond S Cigars are one of the rarest and most unusual 19th century tobacco trade-card sets. This set has not received the attention it deserves, probably because the cards do not feature photographs. Yet the artwork likenesses are exceptional and, in our opinion, this extremely rare 1880s issue is not only very distinctive but has a unique charm about it. This 15-card set was issued in 1889 and features portrait line drawings of members of the Boston Nationals. The cards were issued in several variations that relate to the advertising on the cards. The back of the cards feature ads for either Diamond S Cigars or Number 7 Cigars. Cards from this issue are unusually large for the era, each measuring 2.25 x 4 inches and are incredibly rare and not often seen in any condition. King Kelly is the key card to the set, and the offered example could not be a more exceptional representation. Crisp and clean with light corner wear and near-perfect centering. A small crease in the lower right accounts for the assigned grade. The distinct advertising reverse is clean and boldly printed. This is an extremely attractive example of a key Hall of Famer from this seldom-seen 19th century issue and one that would be a prized addition for even the most advanced sample card, 19th century, or Hall of Fame card collection.