Edward Nagle "Ned" Williamson played for Chicago's National League team from 1879 to 1889, at one point leading the league in games played, doubles, home runs, and walks, all in separate seasons. His 27 home runs in 1884 was the only season in his 13-year career which saw him finish with a double-digit total. Williamson has at least seven different poses in the N172 set. This issue depicts the Chicago Shortstop with his hands outstretched, reaching to catch a ball over his head.

The photo is set against the studio backdrop of a ballpark, which is common with N172 cards of Chicago players. The card does exhibit significant soiling and corner chipping, though the image contrast is still above average for the issue. The (MK) qualifier is due to writing on the reverse which reads "St. Louis" in red.