This card shows an enigmatic figure from 20th-century tobacco card history, as B.E. Thompson appears in full Uncle Sam regalia for the 1910 T209 Contentnea "Photo Series" set. Unlike its many ballplayers, Thompson seems less an athlete and more like a North Carolina tobacco farmer or civic booster whose likeness Contentnea used for promotional purposes. The card back urges collectors to “Be Sure and Save B.E. Thompson’s Picture,” without elucidating on the card why'd you need it.

While cards from T209's "photo series" are exceptionally rare across the board, Thompson’s entry stands apart. Part curiosity, part promotional puzzle, and part regional artifact, this card earned renown for its scarcity and singularity. Combined population reports show just 12 graded by PSA and SGC, in spite of its notoriety and value. Known sales command four-figure amounts, even in lower grades.

Despite extensive research by a number of hobby experts, the full story behind B.E.'s inclusion remains unresolved. He may have been connected to the set's financing, supplied dealers with promotional tobacco, or just had a patriotic likeness that was good for marketing. It's certain that Thompson’s appearance as a costumed Uncle Sam stands alone in the Deadball Era, with strong crossover appeal to collectors of American ephemera, tobacco history, and prewar baseball alike. Love of the Game is excited to offer a Thompson card for this auction within our many T209 listings.