Graded 86 NM+ 7.5 by SGC. Confirmed as pose 177-3 in the historic 1887 N172 Old Judge designation. James Francis (Pud) Galvin was a workhorse pitcher who churned 6,003 innings and 646 complete games into 364 victories over an 18-year career. The Class of 1965 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee passed away in 1902 at the age of 47 and was largely cast into obscurity until his election. This marvelous 1887 N172 Old Judge specimen is a jaw-dropping artifact picturing the Missouri native during his playing days as the ace for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys of the National League. The crystal clear sepia image depicts Galvin, with ball in hand, as his arms are positioned above his waist. The 128 year-old relic features four strong corners, crisp edges and mostly accurate centering. The off-white blank reverse is entirely clean. In short, this nineteenth century Cooperstown inductee is well deserving of its assigned grade. Of the 40 total Galvin specimens evaluated by SGC, this particular example is the only copy at the grading level with none better.
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