Lot # 606: 1914 H813-3 Boston Garter Nap Lajoie SGC Authentic

Extremely rare example of Cleveland Naps Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie from the 1914 H813-3 Boston Garter series. The checklist on the back lists 10 cards to the set. Like the other two (full color) sets issued by Boston Garter, these cards were also issued one per box of 12 Boston-brand garters. Because they are slightly smaller (each measuring approximately 6.5 x 4 inches) and printed in green-and-white or sepia tones as opposed to full color, this issue has always received far less attention than the two Boston Garter color issues. They are, however, of a similar extreme rarity. The offered card has a flawless image of Lajoie. Condition flaws include scattered creasing and evidence of album removal on the reverse. The cards were not issued in vertical strips. They were apparently attached to the Boston Garters packaging and had to be removed. Most (if not all) examples we have seen appear to have been cut with scissors at the top. This copy is no exception and has been encapsulated as "Authentic" by SGC (submitted by REA) due to evidence of trimming. Even a common player sample card from this issue is extremely difficult to find. This is a very attractive and desirable 1914 Boston Garter of Nap Lajoie, one of the key Hall of Famers from one of the rarest baseball-card sets of the era.