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Very rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Very rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Item # 646431
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July 13, 1886
OFFICIAL RECORD, New York, July 13, 1886
* Very rare baseball periodical
This is a volume two issue of a very rare & historically important baseball newspaper, the very first daily sports newspaper dedicated entirely to the national game of professional baseball.
Although the masthead reads: "Official Record" the title at the top of pages 2, 3 & 4 reads: "Official Baseball Record". This issue has a terrific baseball-themed masthead, featuring two crossed bats (barrel handles with 3 painted stripes), a baseball, and a canvas base.
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "William W. Hincken" with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him. The balance of the ftpg. is take up with: "Yesterday's Games" with details and scores of six games. There are also a few: "Diamond Dust" tidbits on baseball.
Page 2 has similar baseball tidbits headed "Sparks From the Diamond" "Our Tips" and "Diamond Flashes". Also on pg. 2 are: "Our Success" which concerns this publication, and "The Champion Amateurs" "Mark Our Prediction" and the standings in six leagues.
Page 3 has: "Around the Bases" and a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos). The balance is taken up with ads, with the back page filled with ads along with a notice of twelve future baseball games at the Polo Grounds.
The rarity of this issue cannot be overemphasized. It is suspected this newspaper lasted for less than 15 months, the very first issue dated July 15, 1885 & the final issue dated Oct. 9, 1886. The first volume saw just 63 issues published, and the second had 150 editions for a total of just 213 issues ever published.
While the first volume was printed on rather high-quality "rag" paper allowing for better preservation, the second volume (1886) was printed on more acidic newsprint resulting in exceedingly few issue remaining to this day as the paper turned brown & fragile rather quickly.
This issue is complete in 4 pages, has browning at the edges but is otherwise in very nice, clean condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Category: Post-Civil War
No Longer Available
