1909-11 T206 White Borders Ed Walsh (Blue Old Mill) Back SGC 30—Only Known Example

• Sold For: $17,775
• Year: 1909
• Auction: 2012 November
• Lot #: 1
• Auction Category: Prewar Baseball - T Tobacco Cards

Since its inception in 1980, the annual National Sports Collectors Convention has been home to several of the most acclaimed exhibitions in hobby history. Regardless of location, the sheer spectacle of the event lends the collecting public access to some of the most iconic sports cards in the industry along with the prospect of viewing new and significant finds. Within hours of opening the 2012 event in Baltimore, rumors began to swirl of a possible new addition to the already legendary 1909-11 T206 White Borders lineup. Over the decades, “The Monster” has yielded multiple important variations for advanced collectors to pursue on their wantlists. With over 520 cards, the “Big Four”, nearly 40 different advertising backs and countless other oddities, the prospect of adding another jewel to undoubtedly the most revered pre-war set can be accurately described as “game changing”. The 1909-11 T206 Old Mill advertising back is most commonly found with black text while a handful of brown versions have also traded for considerable sums. While assumed to exist only in those two colors, the National Convention unearthing of an Old Mill Blue Back variation picturing Ed Walsh caused quite a stir in the pre-war community. Within moments of its unveiling, this new arrival became the subject of considerable discussion on authoritative internet message boards. Could the 1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh Old Mill (Blue Back) be yet another addition to this famed set? Our consignor enlisted Sportscard Guaranty, LLC, trusted third-party grading service for review. After careful consideration, the weighty verdict of the authenticator confirmed that the offered 1909-11 T206 White Borders Ed Walsh Old Mill (Blue Back) is authentic and unaltered. Graded 30 Good 2 by SGC. The possibly unique variant of Hall of Fame hurler “Big” Ed Walsh of the Chicago White Sox exhibits bright surface colors and intricate uniform detailing. Moderate, but even perimeter wear along with limited creasing consistent with the technical grade does not adversely impact the overall presentation. The all-important reverse displays pronounced typeface and is absent of any significant wear.