John Ward's popularity and influence on the game, coupled with the fact that there are nine poses of him featured in the N172 issue, make him one of the set's more widely-collected Hall of Famers. Despite that, this particular pose is seen less frequently. This 1889 example, issued just before his establishment of the Players' League, is sharp and clean, printed just slightly enough off-register to result in thick, bold lines that are not overly blurred. The numerical grade is a result of visible scrapbook damage on the reverse, with paper remnants and adhesive staining running the length of the card. As is often the case, it is the scrapbook that largely preserved the card, leaving the surface appearing clean as new, with very little fading or surface wear. An outstanding example, just the second of this pose we have ever offered.