1894 "Temple Cup Print" by Hy Sandham

Auction: Spring Classic 2022

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1894 "Temple Cup Print" by Hy Sandham

Outstandingexample of what is generally regarded as the premier nineteenth-century baseballdisplay piece. This enormous black-and-white lithograph was created by notedartist Hy Sandham and pictures a game in progress at the Polo Grounds. TheGiants are at bat against an unidentified team wearing dark uniforms. Thepitcher is in mid windup, while a runner on first takes off for second. Featuredalong both the top and bottom borders are individual portraits of forty-fourprominent baseball figures from the period, including players, leagueofficials, and team owners, all of whom are identified in print. Sandham hassigned the piece in pencil in the lower right corner of the white border. Asnoted in small type near the top border, this piece was “Printed in Paris –Copyright 1896 by Boussod Valadon & Co., Successors to Goupil & Co.,Publishers, Paris, London & New York.” This is the mostimpressive of the three different versions of this lithograph produced duringthe era and the only one featuring two sets of portrait images. (One version hasportrait images just along the base, while the other features no portraitimages, but has been hand tinted in color). In one of the other versions, thetitle “A Base Ball Game” is printed along the base; however, collectors havelong referred to all three versions of the lithograph as “The 1894 Temple CupPrint.” The main reason for that is because the date 1894 is listed below theartist’s name in the lower right corner of the artwork. (Sandham created theartwork in 1894, but prints were made in subsequent years; the originalpainting resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame.) 1894 was the first year of theTemple Cup, an annual postseason best-of-seven series that matched the firstand second place teams in the National League, and which was the forerunner totoday’s World Series. The Giants defeated Baltimore in four straight games towin the first Temple Cup in 1894. The question of whether the game scene featured here depicts the Temple Cup series or a regular-seasoncontest is secondary to the lithograph's incredible aesthetic appeal. Measuring animpressive 41x28” (visible dimensions) it truly must be seenin person to fully appreciate its scale and exceptional graphics. The piece deresistance is the inclusion of the forty-four portrait images. Those along the upperborder picture various League officials, team owners, and managers. The bottomportraits depict the top players in the league. Included here are National Leaguepresident A. G. Mills, National League secretary Nicholas Young, Harry Wright, A.G. Spalding, Ned Hanlon, Chris Von Der Ahe, Frank Selee, John T. Brush, John Ward,Cy Young, Hugh Duffy, Wilbert Robinson, Cap Anson, Ed Delehanty, Charles Comisky,Roger Connor, and Amos Rusie.The lithographdisplays light toning, light scattered foxing, and a few small areas ofvery light staining in the white border areas. The piece has also benefitted from professional cleaning. It should be noted that most of the flaws are common to this piece and do not significantly detract from its overall Excellent to Mint appearance. This is a superb example of thisimportant nineteenth-century baseball display piece and one that would be a welcomeaddition to any advanced collection. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 50.25x37.5". Please note: the size and/or weight of this lot will necessitate an increased shipping charge.