As baseball’s popularity boomed, America embraced its “pastime” and, knowingly or not, unsavory characters who threatened the game’s integrity. Sating those enthusiasts, F.A. Schneider crafted this “Captains Fan” in 1910. Stapled to a 10-1/2”-long wooden stick, a 9-3/4 x 8” diamond-shaped thick cardboard fan portrays a girl clad in sailor’s attire, surrounded by images of stars from each of the (16) Major League teams. On the reverse, an advertisement hawks a New York retail store. This rare survivor presents nicely! More on our website.

In a departure from the majority of early-1900s collectibles, this one showcases vibrant colors. While player portrayals are in black-and-white, the eager female fan (perhaps “Katie Casey” from the 1908 Take Me Out to the Ball Game composition?) is pictured in full color.

Representing each Major League team, the fan’s upper edge depicts (from left to right): Schaeffer (Washington Senators); Wallace (St. Louis Browns); Sullivan (Chicago White Sox); Chase (New York Highlanders); Moriarty (Detroit Tigers); H. Lord (Boston Red Sox); Davis (Philadelphia Athletics; Lajoie (Cleveland Naps); Doolan (sic) (Philadelphia Phillies); Griffith (Cincinnati Reds); Sweeney (Boston Doves); Chance (Chicago Cubs); Devlin (New York Giants); Clarke (Pittsburgh Pirates); Bresnahan (St. Louis Cardinals).

With few examples remaining, these fans feature various advertisements on the reverse. This is the lone “D.M. Meyer” example we’ve encountered. With minimal surface wear and a nearly indiscernible crease, this one likely performed its “fan” duties. On the far right, a detached piece (including Bresnahan’s head and a portion of Clarke’s), has been secured by tape applied to the reverse. Additionally, there is a tiny pinhole atop the piece.