The horizontal T206 cards are extremely popular among collectors simply
due to being different; this Jack Powell example is one of only six horizontal cards in the entire set. The horizontal cards are widely sought-after among prewar collectors, with this particular card being a favorite of most. In it, Powell finishes his sidearm pitching motion with his right arm crossing over his body in front of a gorgeous yellow, orange, and maroon sunset. His glove extends just into the white border along the bottom of the card, creating an almost 3D effect.
The card's grade can be explained by a couple minor instances of paper/color loss, as well as rounded corners and some light staining along what would have been the bottom edge had this card been vertically oriented. The back has some staining along the bottom and is centered east on the canvas but is otherwise bold and beautiful. SGC has
only ever graded 16 total
examples of this El Principe de Gales back version of the Powell,
with
only four receiving a
higher grade than the VG+ 3.5 offered here.
Powell won 245 games in the Major Leagues, winning 20 or more games in four different seasons. He led MLB with 40 complete games in 1899, and also led the league in saves for three consecutive seasons, despite almost exclusively being a starting pitcher.