Lot # 2489: Circa 1950s Hoyt Wilhelm Original Bill Jacobellis Contact-Proof Photograph Beckett Type I - Image Used for 1954 Topps Card (Portrait Image)

Original contract-proof photo of Hall of Fame pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm used in the production of Wilhelm's 1954 Topps baseball card, by William Jacobellis. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by Beckett. The photo captures Wilhelm as member of the New York Giants in a ready-to-throw pose. Contact proofs such as this have always been highly prized by collectors because of their exceptional clarity and contrast. Jacobellis produced these specialized photos because both Topps and Bowman used many of his images in the production of their baseball cards during the 1950s. This is one of only a small number of vintage photos we have seen featuring a player image attributed to the 1954 Topps set. The offered photo features Jacobellis’ credit stamp on the reverse, as well as Wilhelm's handwritten name. The photo (4 x 5 inches) is in Very Good to Excellent condition overall.