Beautiful photograph of Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson, as distributed on August 5, 1909 by the Sporting News as part of an issue that featured 100 different supplements distributed between 1909 and 1913. As the authentication companies begin to grade more examples from the issue, their scarcity becomes more apparent, as each supplement was, essentially, issued on one day and then became part of history. As such, the keys from this issue have become quite sought after in any grade.

This offering has been well-preserved and is now protected in a BVG slab. Despite exhibiting some age-related wear - namely some staining around the perimeter, as well as corner and edge wear - the rest of this offering has tremendous eye appeal. The details on this photo are spectacular, particularly the leather strap on Christy's glove and the look of exertion after his powerful throw. This is a photo we've all seen a million times, but it is only in this large format that those types of details can truly be seen.

While the piece does have some heavy soiling especially on the reverse, this image is still extremely presentable and would make for an excellent display. An outstanding document, particularly interesting to New York or Hall of Fame collectors.

BVG has only ever graded 12 total examples of this 1909-13 M101-2 Sporting News Supplement, with only seven receiving a higher grade than the Fair 1.5 offered here of Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson.