A stunning relic from the early days of baseball is set to dazzle collectors at an upcoming auction. The 1907 Seamless Steel Tubes Post Card, featuring a special handwritten note from the iconic Ty Cobb, is a treasure trove of history and significance.
This rare artifact dates back to a pivotal moment in Cobb’s career. Debuting in Major League Baseball in 1905, Cobb started the 1907 season with a decent .293 batting average. By the season’s end, he had solidified his place among the sport’s legends, a fact immortalized on this postcard.
The postcard itself is a highly sought-after item in the collecting world. It is one of only three known examples of the elusive 1907 Seamless Steel Tubes Cobb rookie card that Heritage Auctions has had the privilege to showcase, with less than five confirmed to exist in total. Originating from a Detroit factory specializing in exhaust systems for steam locomotives, this card’s unique design stands out in the tobacco-centric baseball card market of its time, adding a layer of intrigue to its allure and connecting it to Detroit’s industrial prominence.
What sets this postcard apart is the personal touch from Cobb himself. Addressed to a former teammate from the 1905 Augusta (GA) Tourists, the message was postmarked from Chicago on October 7, 1907, a day before the Detroit Tigers took on the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Cobb’s excitement for the Fall Classic and pride in his season’s accomplishments shine through in his words:
“Well, we have won the pennant and here for world series. I led in hitting, stolen bases 60, assists, and second 100 runs, hit 355 unofficially – hope you lots of luck, will be glad to hear at any time. Royston GA., have an offer to go with all-Americans out to California. Excuse this advertising card.”
Signed simply as “Ty” in bold black fountain pen ink, Cobb’s message has stood the test of time, retaining its clarity over a century later. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA as Authentic, the card shows expected signs of wear from its journey through the mail and decades of preservation, but these minor flaws only add to its charm, paling in comparison to its historical importance and scarcity.
Expected to fetch $150,000 or more at auction, this Ty Cobb rookie card presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history intertwined with personal anecdotes from a legendary figure. Don’t miss the chance to bid on this exceptional item and bring a slice of the past into your collection.
