Lot # 123: 1904 Honus Wagner Pittsburg Leader Celluloid Pocket Schedule SGC EX/NM 80

Graded EX/NM 80 by SGC. Extremely rare celluloid pocket schedule card issued by The Pittsburg Leader newspaper featuring a portrait of Honus Wagner, identified as "The King of Ball Players," surrounded by advertising on the front ("Always Buy The Pittsburg Leader Daily And Sunday - For All And The Best Sporting News Everywhere"), with the complete 1904 schedule for Pittsburg's home games and additional advertising on the reverse ("Compliments of The Pittsburg Leader. The Best Base Ball Newspaper"). Essentially a one-card set printed on celluloid, this is one of the most interesting, substantial, and classic of all early Honus Wagner items. This is an item that fits into many collecting categories. It is a card issued to promote a newspaper, but is not part of a traditional set. It is a schedule. It is, of course, a Honus Wagner item. Being made of celluloid, it is also highly prized by button collectors. In fact, the portrait image on this piece is the very same as the Honus Wagner "Our Protection Against Loss" insurance company advertising pinback, also dating from 1904, which is one of pinback collecting's most desirable and legendary rarities (only four are known). The offered example remains in exceptional condition with minimal handling wear. One of our favorite early 20th century baseball advertising items, this schedule would be a significant addition to any world-class Honus Wagner or vintage baseball collection. Dimensions: 3.25 x 1.75 inches.