One of just two examples of subjects included in both the 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack sets where the player’s pose was changed (the other being Del Pratt), the 1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson is one of the hobby’s most important cards, and the undisputed key of the entire Cracker Jack run. We’re pleased to offer this appealing VG example in our upcoming Spring auction.
The Cracker Jack Mathewson is so elusive that most Cracker Jack collectors elect to build the 1915 set rather than the 1914, simply because of the unavailability of the Mathewson card. Since 1914 Cracker Jacks are more rare than their 1915 counterparts in general, and the Mathewson is one of just two cards where the pose was changed with the 1915 issue, the 1914 Mathewson has reached nearly mythical proportions in terms of desirability.
This is the most coveted of all the Cracker Jack cards, and easily one of Mathewson’s most desirable issues as well. Boasting exceptional image quality, nearly perfect centering and very gentle corner wear, this example is marred primarily by the caramel staining that is so common with the issue. The staining results from the caramel corn in the Cracker Jack boxes and is present with virtually all cards from the 1914 issue, since the cards were available only in the boxes and were not redeemable through mail, as with the 1915 set. Very few examples more attractive than this one exist, and it is even more rare that the cards change hands.
This is an outstanding specimen, one of the hobby’s most desirable and highly coveted cards, of one of the hobby’s most popular subjects: Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson.