Lot # 2186: Circa 1913 Ty Cobb Fan - "A Fan For A Fan"

Exceedingly rare Ty Cobb fan from the popular "A Fan For A Fan" series, issued circa 1913. Cobb is one of five players featured in the scarce "A Fan For A Fan" series, along with Christy Mathewson, Hal Chase, Larry Doyle and the newly discovered Frank Baker. Prior to the discovery of the Baker fan, Cobb was always considered the most valuable of the group and the "key" to acquiring a complete set. The colorful design for each fan in the series features a beautiful full color portrait of the respective player set against a baseball design with the heading "A Fan For A Fan" above the portrait. A facsimile signature of the respective player appears below. The striking design and colorful graphics of this set make it one of the most attractive of all early baseball issues. It should be noted that reproductions of these fans are extremely common and many have been artificially aged. Because the reproductions are so commonly encountered on eBay and at flea markets, some collectors might underestimate just how rare the originals are. The reproductions are everywhere, but authentic examples are seldom seen! We have offered only two examples in the past 22 years! (This example appeared as Lot 2005 in our Spring 2019 auction, where it realized $20,400.) Both the front and reverse of the fan display moderate surface wear, including what appears to be a light, faded pencil signature (possibly erased) on Cobb's left cheek. Minor border wear and a few tiny abrasions are also evident along the front. In Very Good condition overall. Diameter: 7.25 inches. Handle length: 5.25 inches.