1898 Cameo Pepsin Gum Willie Keeler Pin

• Sold For: $3,555
• Year: 1898
• Auction: 2014 April
• Lot #: 5
• Auction Category: Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Exquisite 1898 Cameo Pepsin Gum Willie Keeler pin, perhaps the finest extant. While period “Wee Willie” material from the latter portion of his Hall of Famer career is not particularly difficult to locate, nineteenth century examples from his five-season tenure with the famed Baltimore Orioles of the National League is nearly impossible. The 1-1/4” “heads and shoulders” sepia portrait is absent of any crazing, significant abrasions or other discernible wear. Unlike many of his peers from this elusive issue, the prolific subject has survived the past 116 years with remarkably strong contrast and is instantly recognizable from afar. The bold text wrapped around Keeler’s image confirms his identity. Of utmost important, the reverse advertising liner is tightly attached and exhibits bold black typeface. It is difficult to conceive of a superior example from the 1898 Cameo Pepsin Gum issue than this curator of “The Baltimore Chop.”