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Lot # 958: Exceptional 1913 Major League Indoor Baseball Game w/Player Portraits on Cover

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 27 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



Outstanding example of one of the most highly coveted baseball board games in the hobby: the 1913 Major League Indoor Base Ball produced by the Philadelphia Game MFG. Co. The appeal of this game is its lid, which features portrait images of sixteen of the game's greatest stars at the time. (It should be noted there is a more common, generic version of this game lid, however this one with the player photos is rarer and much more desirable.) The oval portraits displayed here are those of Frank Baker, Ty Cobb, Nap Lajoie, Ed Walsh, Tris Speaker, Hal Chase, Walter Johnson, Bobby Wallace, Christy Mathewson, Frank Chance, Honus Wagner, Red Dooin, Roger Bresnahan, Bob Bescher, Nap Rucker, and Johnny Kling. These portrait images were all taken by renowned Boston baseball photographer Carl Horner, with most used for the player's respective T206 tobacco card, including Honus Wagner.

The box lid is slightly depressed below a portion of its mounting groove and displays a few minor blemishes consistent with its age and former use. However, it remains in overall Excellent condition and is in far finer condition than most surviving examples. The interior game board and spinner section remain in Excellent to Mint condition, and the game retains nearly all of its original wooden pegs and lineup cards. The hinged box measures 19.5x13.5x2.75".

Also included with the game are three rare related advertising pieces, each of which has been laminated: 1) Testimonial flyer (6x10.5"). FR-GD, with tears and professional restoration; 2) Coupon (4.5x3") for the discounted purchase of a new set of lineup cards. A strip of adhesive residue on the reverse; otherwise EX; 3) Small advertising flyer (6.25x6"). Normal folds, small edge tears, and professional restoration. VG.

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