Lot # 3281: Nineteenth-Century George Wright Business Advertising Card

Fascinating and possibly unique advertising business card featuring legendary Hall of Fame shortstop George Wright dating from the 1870s. The front of the card features a portrait illustration of Wright and the text below his image reads "Yours Respectfully, Geo. Wright - (over)." Featured on the reverse is advertising for sporting equipment ("Base Ball - Cricket - Gymnasium") and the company's address ("39 Eliot St., Boston"). The Wright & Ditson Company was founded by George Wright and Harry Ditson (a Boston businessman) in 1871 and was one of the leading manufacturers of golf, tennis, and baseball equipment during its early years. Recently discovered within a scrapbook of 19th century ephemera, this is the first example of this rare advertising business card we have offered and we have never seen another. George Wright was one of the dominant baseball figures of the 19th century. Considered baseball's first "superstar," Wright was the top player on the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, baseball's first all-professional team, and later starred with Boston's entry in both the National Association and National League, leading the two clubs to a combined six pennants in seven years. He retired in 1882 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937, the year of his death. The card (2.5 x 3.75 inches) displays a few scattered discolorations, but it otherwise remains in Excellent condition. Please note when we submitted this item for evaluation, SGC declined to render an opinion.