Few prewar card issues epitomize the term "scarce and desirable" the way the 1887 N690 Kalamazoo Bats cards do.  Issued between 1886 and 1887, the "KBats" are CdV-sized photographic cards mounted on heavy cardboard.  While some have advertising printed on the back, this particular card is of the blank-backed variety.  Tough 19th Century cards are often the passion of advanced collectors, and the KBats are among the most impressive of the era.  

Identified as "Stowe," outfielder/first baseman Harry Stovey is depicted here in one of two known poses in the issue, his hands outstretched as if reaching for a baseball.  Thought somewhat faded, the image contrast remains strong enough to view much of the photo detail as well as the background.  Graded GOOD 2 by SGC, the card does exhibit aheavy crease in the bottom border that traverses into the lower part of the image area, yet does not interfere with the visual appeal of the card.  Light soiling is visible on the reverse, a largely clean and attractive example of one of the 19th Century's great stars, a potential future candidate for the Hall of Fame.