Lot # 41: Circa 1887 Carroll Studio Cabinet Bill Phillips SGC VG/EX 4 - Image Used for N172 Old Judge & Only Graded Example by SGC/PSA

Only Graded by SGC or PSA! Graded VG/EX 4 by SGC. William B. (Silver Bill) Phillips holds the distinction as the first Canadian to ever play in the major leagues. The Brooklyn Grays/Kansas City Cowboys veteran is first-in-line again with the offered circa 1887 Carroll Studios cabinet. This outdoor action pose is printed on a sturdy 4-1/8 x 6-1/4" cardboard stock with gilt edges and was published by the New York-based photographic art studio. This exact reproduction of pose #368-4 from the N172 Old Judge series (available as a separate lot in this auction) pictures the mustachioed first baseman with a bat firmly placed over his right shoulder. Despite a wrinkle near the bottom right corner of the name plate, this "picture perfect" nineteenth century image is unaffected. Additionally, the gray advertising back is amplified by clear advertising text. It should be noted that player photos produced by the Carroll Studio were not only provided to Goodwin & Co. for commercial use, but were also often given to players, their families, or made available to the public as a means of advertising. A timeless rendering of a diamond pioneer!