The first series of cards in the T206 set were issued beginning in
1909 in cigarette and loose tobacco packs through 16 different brands
owned by the American Tobacco Company. It is a landmark set in the
history of baseball card collecting due to its size and rarity, with
cards of over 500 major and minor-league players issued in the set
through 1911. It is known informally as the "White Border" set due to
the
distinctive white borders surrounding the quality color lithographs on
each card.
Hall of Famer Joe Tinker and his
unmistakable hairstyle is front and center in this gorgeous portrait in
front of a red gradient background. Centering is slightly south on the canvas, though if it were any farther north, part of the background may have been cut off by the rounded top corners, which contribute to the grade. The Piedmont back has some tobacco soiling, but some paper loss in the center which does not affect the front further explains the card's technical grade. Still plenty of eye appeal for this Hall of Famer.