(LOT 25)
1913 T200 Fatima Cleveland Americans Team Premium with Joe Jackson
In 1913, the Cleveland Naps were a middle of the pack type squad and had been since their inception and inclusion into the American League in 1901. In their first 13 seasons, the Naps, named for the most famous player on the team, Napoleon Lajoie, had only mustered a second-place finish in 1908 and were steeped in mediocrity until they turned the corner in 1917. However, the Naps did boast a powerful roster that included Shoeless Joe Jackson, who hit .373, second behind only Ty Cobb, and Nap Lajoie, who was sixth with a .335 average. Overall, the team tied for second in batting average, but was third in wins and second in ERA. A good showing overall, but the Philadelphia Athletics ran away with the AL, winning by 6 1/2 games over the Washington Nationals and 9 1/2 over Cleveland. Presented here is a 1913 T200 Fatima Cleveland Naps Team Premium photo card measuring approx. 11-1/4" x 18-3/4". (Mounted, it is approx. 12-7/8" x 20-7/8".)

Produced by the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company for the Fatima brand, one of sixteen offered team premiums could be obtained by redeeming 40 coupons from Fatima cigarette packs. Virtually identical to the smaller T200 Team cards, the premiums only lack the Fatima advertising logo on the front. Because of the larger format of the premiums, they cannot be found holdered or graded, and very few in high-grade have survived the now 111 years of display and storage. That is what makes this incredible Cleveland Americans T200 premium that much more desirable. This issue of the Cleveland Naps is, by far, the best that Memory Lane has ever offered to our bidders and quite possibly in the finest condition of nearly every other example in the hobby. This crystal-clear image allows viewers to see every nuance of every face, like each player's muted smile including Shoeless Joe; Steve O'Neill and Buddy Ryan grinning from ear to ear; and Lajoie's intense scowl. Offering a clean back, an unbelievably clear image, and virtually perfect centering and border, this is the best we have ever seen, so make it yours.

MIN BID $3,000
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