T206 Rube Oldring Proof sold for $7,703

Robert Edward Auctions (April 27, 2014)

Extremely rare and desirable pre-production "proof" card of Rube Oldring (Philadelphia Athletics) from the classic T206 White Border series. Encapsulated by SGC as "Authentic." As is the case with all proof cards from this series, the card has a blank back, printer's proof marks in the border margins, and is neatly hand cut (appearing as Near Mint). While not all T206 proof cards have complete player and team names printed at the bottom, this one does and the printer's mark is positioned between the "P" and "h" in "Phila." Proof cards from this series very rarely become available for sale (this is the first that we can recall offering in over a decade). Virtually all T206 Proof cards (as well as all T3 Proof cards) which exist today first surfaced in the hobby in the mid 1970s. These cards came directly from a find belonging to the family of the printer. When family members of the printer showed up at one of the very first card shows in New York City (which at the time was held at District Center 65) this cache of cards was immediately recognized as so special that they were given a table to display and sell cards from the find to interested collectors and dealers, among them REA's President Robert Lifson, who had the great fortune of buying the proof card of Eddie Collins in a batting pose, an unissued card and a remarkable hobby discovery. (Unfortunately he did not realize what he had at the time: He bought it for $13 and later sold it for $17!) In total, there were fewer than one hundred T206 proofs in this incredible find, all of which were scooped up at the show and over the years have been scattered across the collecting landscape. The offered card, which almost certainly originates from this legendary find, was purchased by our consignor more than two decades ago and has remained in his possession as part of his extensive prewar-card collection until now. As previously mentioned, the card presents as Near Mint with near-perfect centering, four sharp corners, flawless registration, bold colors, and a crisp image. The blank reverse is entirely clean with only a tiny age spot at the extreme left edge (mentioned strictly for the sake of accuracy). This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a proof card from the T206 set, affectionately known as "The Monster," which is the most popular of all 1910-era sets. As collectors have become more sophisticated, there has been a growing appreciation for all great rarities and unusual cards associated with this landmark set. This is an incredibly attractive and extraordinarily significant rarity that will be very much appreciated by collectors of the various nuances found within this iconic set. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).

Final Bid with Buyer's Premium (18.5%): $7,703