Of all the 19th Century Hall of Famers, Ed Delahanty may be the most highly prized among collectors. Although featured on a number of cardboard offerings, it is Delahanty's Duke cabinet that is perhaps the most desirable, and certainly the most breathtaking. 

Produced by Duke Tobacco to advertise its "Honest" brand, these 6" x 9" cabinet-style cards are the largest and most striking of all the cabinet-style baseball issues. The only full-color cabinet cards produced before 1900, the N142 is a multi-sport issue that includes just four baseball players and three cyclists. The selection of baseball players is outstanding, as three of the four - Delahanty, George Davis and Wilbert Robinson - are now in the Hall of Fame. The cabinets are rare: SGC has graded just 14 examples of the ballplayers, including only five of Delahanty. Of those five, just two have graded higher than this (the SGC pop report, such that it is, reflects just four graded, though we are aware of a fifth). For their part, PSA has graded just five examples, including three of Delahanty (one higher than this). The cabinets are incredibly difficult to track down in any grade, so the possibility exists that more than 7 subjects were produced, and have simply yet to be discovered. They are certainly considered to be among the most beautiful baseball cards ever produced.

This example is truly an anomaly, as it presents significantly more strongly than the assigned grade. The image is wonderful, colorful and bold, virtually unblemished. Some very minor wear can be observed at the corners, with light surface wear at the border areas of the mount. The initials "J.C.M." have been written neatly the top of the reverse, reducing the technical grade but having virtually no impact on the remarkable aesthetics of this piece. The cabinet otherwise appears in EX condition. Having examined all the higher-grade examples in PSA and SGC holders, we are comfortable in our assertion that this is the finest of all; irrespective of the technical grade (which is certainly accurate due to the marking). Simply an incredible example, perhaps the finest example of the most desirable card of Ed Delahanty, from the most attractive early cabinet issue.