Attractive advertising poster measuring 15 1/4" x 23 1/2" inside its wooden frame this cardboard advertising sign promotes "The Official Book of Base Ball " with an image of the cover of the 1916 Spalding Guide at the center. Clearly vintage there is nonetheless no way for us to unequivocally judge whether the piece was designed to promote sales of the 1916 guide or if it was produced later and simply included an image of the 1916 Guide. The typeface and overall design lead us to believe the piece was certainly produced in the early 20th Century. Wear is evident throughout most notably along the top edge which exhibits visible creasing and tearing and a pronounced tack imprint. Age-related blemishes and discolorations are evident elsewhere on the piece though none disrupt the graphic appeal of the sign to any great degree. Professional framing prevents us from examining the edges corners and reverse though we would expect to see wear. From the world-class display collection of Ted Patterson one of the more interesting and rare pieces we have seen the first of its kind we have handled.