Beautiful collector-grade N172 featuring Chicago pitcher Gus Crock, with image quality befitting something with a higher score. Catalogued as pose #270-3 by The Photographic Baseball Cards of Goodwin & Co., Gus himself received five different poses in their 1888-89 sets. The unusual framed edges at the top and left give Krock a deeper impression and make him resemble a classical statue, with a David-like pose and high-contrast details from cap to boots. One wonders if Gus thought the same on seeing this card, as it leaves a lasting impression that other studio poses might not.

The PSA VG 3 grade boasts a deep, well-contrasted image with reasonable borders and some residue along its lower edge. The reverse remains clean of handling wear, showing just light toning from age. The PSA population report shows seven total for this pose. This quality image delivers an impression of those higher marks without a peak price tag, making it more accessible for Old Judge collectors.

This card appears as #270-3's reference image on page 294 of the Old Judge photography book by Miller, Gonsowski, and Masson. Love of the Game is proud to offer several cards seen in their outstanding work of research and presentation as part of our 100+ N172 listings in this auction.