Lot # 548: 1910-1911 M116 Sporting Life Christy Mathewson Blue Background SGC VG/EX 4

Graded VG/EX 4 by SGC (submitted by REA). Very attractive example of New York Giants Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson from the prized "Blue Background" series of the M116 Sporting Life set, one of the most popular of all 1910-era issues. M116s have always been highly appreciated by collectors for their distinctive style and rarity relative to the more commonly seen tobacco cards of the era. Christy Mathewson is one of the key cards of the series, and the offered example features the portrait of Mathewson set against a blue background. M116 Sporting Life cards were issued in sets of 12 cards per series, and the “Blue Background” cards are by far the most desirable combination of series within the entire set. These 24 cards were issued with both blue backgrounds and white backgrounds. The “Blue Background” cards have always been especially appreciated by collectors for their scarcity and distinctive style. The card is bright and clean both front and back, with outstanding color, flawless registration, even corner wear, no creases, and an extremely bold blue background. The Sporting Life advertisement on the reverse is boldly printed. This is a stunning mid-grade example of one of Christy Mathewson's most distinctive and popular portrait cards.