In the years after the turn of the 20th century, tobacco companies often chose baseball players to help advertise their products. So, it’s no surprise the Tuxedo pipe and cigarette brand chose ballplayers to promote their products, but what sets their advertisements apart is the sheer quality and beauty of the artwork. This trolley car advertisement features an iconic portrait of New York Giants manager John McGraw that portrays him in all his stern and determined glory. McGraw’s steely eyes gaze out from under his Giants cap, the golden yellow of the background contrasting nicely with the black and white pinstriped jersey. A rendering of the Tuxedo tin package and elegant script of the company logo completes this exquisite example of early American advertising art.
While the various Tuxedo baseball player advertising pieces are among the most sought after in the hobby, this piece offered here is a one-of-a-kind proof, produced before the regular print run was ordered. Proofs were used by printers to correct the colors, registration and other details of a piece and the approved version used to match all subsequent print runs against. As a proof, this example shows the crop marks and registration marks used to align the different colors in the press, giving this piece something special no other example has. The colors remain vibrant and crisp with just light toning throughout and presents MINT. This piece has been attractively matted and framed with UV glass, further enhancing the visual beauty of the artwork. The only known proof of one of the most sought after pieces of baseball advertising art. To read an article about this collection from Sports Collectors Daily, click here.