Item Description

Item: Original 1887–1888 N28 Allen & Ginter "World's Champions" Tobacco Card

Player: Adrian C. "Cap" Anson (Hall of Fame)

Team: Chicago White Stockings (now Chicago Cubs)

Grading: Raw / Ungraded

Offered here is an incredible survivor from the dawn of baseball collecting—an original 19th-century Allen & Ginter cigarette card featuring Hall of Famer Adrian "Cap" Anson. This iconic card was issued over 135 years ago in Richmond, Virginia, to reinforce soft paper cigarette packs.

Verified Physical Attributes

This card has been carefully inspected and matches all the exact specifications of a genuine 1887–1888 period issue:

• Precise Dimensions: Measures exactly 1-1/2" wide by 2-3/4" tall against a tape measure (see listing photos). It is not a oversized or poorly cut modern replica.

• Period Printing: Displays beautiful multi-layered stone chromolithography. Under magnification, it shows the authentic fluid color blending of 19th-century printing rather than modern digital dot matrices.

• Intact Lithographer Credit: The reverse side clearly retains the original, hard-to-find bottom text line: "LINDNER, EDDY & CLAUSS, LITH. N.Y."

• Authentic Paper Stock: Features the distinct fibrous, textured cardstock and natural surface "alligatoring" gloss cracking expected of genuine antiques.

Detailed Condition Report

This card is sold raw and ungraded. It shows beautiful, honest age that tells the story of its history. Please review the high-resolution photos to evaluate the grade:

• Front: Exceptional eye appeal for a raw

card. The colors on Anson's uniform and bat remain vibrant. Shows natural corner rounding and minor edge wear.

• Back: The "World's Champions" checklist remains crisp, sharp, and 100% legible.

• Flaws: Visible vertical surface creasing/stress lines on the upper section of the card, along with expected age-toning. There is no major paper loss, writing, or glue residue on the back.

Shipping & Security

• Secure Packaging: The card will be shipped inside a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader, sandwiched between thick layers of heavy cardboard to guarantee safe arrival.

• Tracking & Insurance: Ships fully insured with signature confirmation required upon delivery due to the value of the item.

This is a cornerstone piece of pre-war baseball history. Please review all photos carefully and reach out with any questions before bidding or purchasing.