Beautiful example of catcher Art Wilson's 1914 Cracker Jack
issue. Don't be fooled by the low numerical grade; this one has plenty of eye appeal when you really study it. From sharp edges and nice corners consistent with higher grades, to the bold colors and overall cleanliness, this example outkicks its coverage by a long shot.
Slight diamond cutting is
present, with the centering just east on the canvas, and there is a small surface abrasion on Wilson's left collarbone which just looks like his uniform's fabric until close inspection, but those issues explain the card's technical grade. While there is some product
staining typical for the issue, it remains mostly visible in
the borders and on the back, with just a few light areas seen on
Wilson's uniform.
Thanks to the fine folks at Rueckheim Bros. & Eckstein, the Cracker Jacks offer a look at players from the upstart Federal League among its 144 subjects, including Wilson, who spent 1914 and 1915 playing for the Chicago Chi-Feds and Whales before returning to the National League, where he had played the previous six seasons.