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Graded VG/EX 50 by SGC (submitted by REA). Presented is a stunning example of Hall of Famer Napoleon "Larry" Lajoie from the 1912 Boston Garter set, one of the most beautiful card issues ever produced. It is also one of the rarest. In fact, as duly noted in the Standard Catalog, they are so rare that if it were not for the checklist which appears on the back of each card, we would not even know what players comprise the set, let alone that there are sixteen cards to the set (one player is represented from each team). It is a privilege for Robert Edward Auctions to offer one of the key Hall of Famers, Nap Lajoie, from this extraordinary set. This is the only example of Lajoie that we have ever seen in our more than forty years, and several advanced collectors with whom we consulted share our experience. A single scan of this card was shared on the Full Count Vintage Baseball Card Forum in 2008, which was the only confirmation of its existence for many collectors. We estimate that there are fewer than thirty examples of 1912 Boston Garters known to exist in the entire collecting world!

1912 Boston Garters are quite unique in that each features a player in the dugout, without pants, in the midst of getting dressed, proudly displaying their Boston-brand garters. In the background are beautiful stadium scenes, featuring ballplayers warming up. On this magnificent example, Lajoie is resting his foot atop his traveling suitcase near an open window with a baseball field in the distance. It is interesting to note that text advertising "Pad Boston Garter" is alongside Lajoie's image, the first such printing that we ever recall seeing on a 1912 Boston Garter. The unparalleled quality of the lithography and the unique concept of the set both contribute to making 1912 Boston Garters one of the most distinctive and noteworthy baseball card sets ever issued. The large-format card measures 4 x 8.25 inches. The offered example is exceptional in every way, with an Ex-Mt overall display value. It boasts brilliant colors, a crisp image, bright white borders, and four sharp corners. Centered very slightly to the left. A faint one-inch crease in the lower right corner accounts for the assigned grade. The reverse is entirely clean and boldly printed. This is a magnificent card that would be a highlight in even the most advanced card collection in the world and represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a Hall of Famer example from the legendary 1912 Boston Garter set. From the Dan Gantt Collection. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open).