Rare cdv, featuring 13 miniature cartoon images, each using the illustration to turn a baseball term into a pun.  "Baseball Illustrated" is printed along the top of the piece, with an image of a crying baby in bed, flanked by baseball bats, the words "BASE BAWLER" printed underneath.  The rare card has been trimmed on all four sides and removed from its cardboard backing, measuring approximately 2 1/4" x 3 5/8" in its current state.  A small spot of paper loss is visible at the bottom front.  We have seen this rare piece dated to both 1863 and 1864 in the hobby; regardless of its year of issue it is a rare baseball-related piece, difficult to find in any condition.

NOTE: An astute collector pointed out that the illustrations on the CdV are remarkably similar to those in a rare 1869 pamphlet entitled Our National Game, a 32-page lithographed booklet that contains humorous baseball-themed cartoons opposite to ads.  In the case of the CdV, close inspection under 40x magnification reveals illegible small type at the bottom, likely more visible on the original document from which the CdV was derived.  Regardless, an incredibly rare piece.