Lot # 105: 1896 H818 Spalding Die-Cut Advertising Stand-Ups Complete Set (5)

Complete set of five 1896 Spalding Die-cut Advertising stand-ups issued by Koerner & Hayes of Buffalo, New York. Each of these colorful advertising die-cuts represents a different generic sports figure (baseball, football, golf, tennis, and cycling). The reverse of each has a brief synopsis related to the image on the front. Most of the cards measure approximately 5 inches high and 3 inches wide. These die-cuts were issued as an advertising vehicle for Spalding to promote its sports equipment and the sale of its bicycles. (Advertisement on the reverse of the bicycle card reads in part, "The best $75 bicycle built and superior to many that are being sold for more money." That sounds like a lot of money in 1896 for a bicycle!) This is a rarely seen set of these overlooked and very colorful nineteenth-century multisport die-cut cards. Condition report: Baseball (Pr-Fr), Cyclist (light glue residue on reverse, otherwise Vg), Football (Pr due to back damage), Golf (Pr due to back damage), and Tennis (Pr due to back damage). The set is technically in modest condition due to flaws on the backs but is still very attractive. Total: 5 items.