1905 Large Vintage Strobridge Cincinnati Reds Baseball Lithograph (1 Of 2 Known)

Description

Artist unknown.  Rare 1905 Strobridge Litho. Co. Baseball print.
Image measures
25.5" x18.75",
matted to
23.375" x 17.5".  (Mat measures 29" x 22.625".)
Marked in lower margin
Copyright 1905 by the Strobridge Litho. Co. Cincinnati & New York
;
Originally issued in set of (4) four, this set included two different pitchers just after release with stands in background; PLUS two different batters with catcher and umpire, all main figures in red and white uniforms, modeled after Cincinnati Reds, while opposing team in gray or blue uniforms. The stadium depicted in the posters is Cincinnati's "Palace of the Fans."
After a major fire in 1902 in the
League Park
grandstands, the Cincinnati Reds rebuilt their stadium. The resulting masterpiece was the first ballpark with distinct architectural features that included ornate pillars, carved columns, private boxes and a "Rooter's Row," something akin to modern day bleachers. Known today as "The Palace of the Fans," the Reds played there until 1911. One year later Crosley field was constructed on the same site.
This exquisite image from Cincinnati's own Strobridge Lithography company is basically one home team saluting the other! Depicting the stadium and various players around the field, this lithograph, which appears to be a stock image, clearly illustrates the uniforms of the Cincinnati Redstockings.
Strobridge actually produced other rare Cincinnati Reds Lithographs in 1897 and 1898.
The artist was probably "Long John" Reilly, who started working for Strobridge in 1877 before his Cincinnati Reds playing career, which spanned 1880 to 1891.  He continued working for Strobridge during his career and after he retired.
Strobridge also produced many of the most beautiful baseball scorecards produced in the 19th Century.
A complete set of these lithos originally sold for an undisclosed amount at Cowan's Auctions in 2000.
That same complete set of (4) lithos sold for 00 in 2005 at Swann Auction Galleries.
Then that same set of (4) lithos sold again for 50 in 2006 at Hunt Auctions
None have been sold in the last 15 years.  There is only (1) one complete set in existence and that set was purchased by Mark Rucker (The Rucker Archive) from Hunt Auctions in 2006.  No other examples of any of these lithos are known to exist except the complete set of (4) in the Mark Rucker Collection.  This does not appear to be one of the four of that set, so it's 1 of 2 known to exist.
Wrinkling, creasing, scrapes, dings, small tears, possible professional restoration and some missing paper do not detract from this beautiful 116 year old lithograph that you will never have the opportunity to add to your collection again!
See photos for condition.  Payment expected within 1 day of auction end.  Thanks for looking!  Free shipping!