Presented here is a rare and gorgeous team composite featuring the 1909 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.  What immediately leaps out to any knowledgeable viewer's eye here is the ultra-iconic Carl Horner portrait of Honus Wagner—the very same image used for that world famous (and famously expensive) T206 baseball card. Wagner's enigmatic Mona Lisa-like visage is located at center left opposite another well-known Hall of Fame likeness from the T206 set Fred Clarke. Adhered to a 24" x 28" acid free mount this 17" x 20" team depiction bears a 14-3/4"-diameter baseball shape that incorporates 24 oval-shaped black-and-white portrait photos of Pirates team members (each with accompanying identification). Surrounding the sphere-shaped image is a black background on which gold-colored lettering comprises the legend "WORLD'S CHAMPIONS - PITTSBURGH 1909." with a swashbuckling buccaneer figure in the lower-left corner. Fine-print attribution reads "Photos by Carl J. Horner Co. Boston Mass." and "Copyright Geo. B. Hess - G.L. Junge Pittsburgh PA 1909."

The piece retains its dramatic display quality and presents at the EX-EX/MT level having benefited from moderate elite level restoration. Some in-painting has been expertly performed to mask some surface flecks and minor surface abrasions as well as a moisture stain in the upper left quadrant.  The degree and quality of this work only serves to preserve and enhance the item’s magnificent natural attributes. Only a small handful of these Carl Horner 1909 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates displays have surfaced in the marketplace making them infinitely rarer than the T206 Wagner card itself.  A magnificent piece in its own right such an item would also serve as great display companion for any Wagner owner or as a more affordable alternative.