Exceptionally rare partial example of the A35 Goodwin & Co. ‘Baseball Champions’ Round Album, one of the 19th century’s most coveted baseball keepsakes. Widely considered one of the most beautiful baseball-related tobacco collectibles, the ‘Round Album’ was available only as a premium obtained by mail in exchange for coupons packaged with Goodwin tobacco brands like Old Judge and Dogs Head. This example contains seven of the original 12 pages, each approximately 8″ in diameter, and includes all four of the full Hall of Famer portraits: Cap Anson, Mike Kelly, John Montgomery Ward, and Charles Comiskey. Anson, originally page three of the full assembly, grades FR/GD, with portions missing but the image of Anson full and intact; the Gore/O’Rourke/Richardson/Connor page is also detached. Pages 5-9, however, remain firmly attached by what appears to be the original clasp. The reverse of each page contains player records and game schedules printed in blue. In overall very good condition, with some scattered wear, such as edge tears and staining; none of which detract from the bright and colorful presentation. The outstanding graphics, players, and design make this extremely rare offering one of the premiere 19th century baseball items, and the most desirable of all early tobacco premium albums.
