The first series of cards in the T206 set were issued beginning in
1909 in cigarette and loose tobacco packs through 16 different brands
owned by the American Tobacco Company. It is a landmark set in the
history of baseball card collecting due to its size and rarity, with
cards of over 500 major and minor-league players issued in the set
through 1911. It is known informally as the "White Border" set due to
the
distinctive white borders surrounding the quality color lithographs on
each card.
Cleveland's J.J. Clarke is the subject of this interesting entry. While his name and team affiliation are missing from the bottom where they are supposed to be, they both almost completely appear at the top of the card, miscut and included from their place on the card above this on the printed sheet. The (MC) qualifier explains this coincidental mishap, which somehow makes this card more unique. The colors of the image are gorgeous, despite a bit of color loss. The Piedmont back is bold and strong, with a spot of soiling near the center on the bottom half. Definitely a fun piece to have as part of a collection.