1881 New York Clipper Almanac, Remarkable Baseball Scene, Very Early Date-image
1881 New York Clipper Almanac, Remarkable Baseball Scene, Very Early Date-image
1881 New York Clipper Almanac, Remarkable Baseball Scene, Very Early Date-image

1881 New York Clipper Almanac, Remarkable Baseball Scene, Very Early Date

$ 122.5

Original/Facsimile: Original Publisher: Arthur Westbook Co. Language: English Region: North America Year Printed: 1898 Seller Notes: “Please see the photos for condition.”

Description

1881 New York Clipper Almanac Title The New York Clipper Almanac, 1881 Artwork & Cover Design The 1881 Clipper Almanac is distinguished by one of the most dynamic and visually compelling chromolithographed covers produced by the publication during the Gilded Age. The central tableau features three allegorical female figures—Drama, Music, and Art—arranged in a confident triad against a glowing aureole. Their draped classical garments, intricate highlights, and sculptural modeling betray the hand of a seasoned lithographic artist conversant with theatrical poster work of the 1870s–1880s. While the Clipper did not consistently credit cover illustrators, the style aligns with New York chromolithographers working for firms such as Louis Prang & Co. , The Major & Knapp Lithographic Co. , or the Donaldson Brothers , all of whom produced similarly saturated multi-stone color work in this period. The cover’s upper vignette adds significant crossover appeal: a vivid early baseball scene, complete with runners, fielders, and a batter in tight wool jerseys, knicker trousers, and boldly striped stockings. It is a rare surviving example of pre-1885 lithographic baseball imagery used in a mainstream publication, and its motion, field depth, and uniform detailing make it a superb period document of America’s emerging national pastime. Printing Method Executed in rich, multi-stone chromolithography , the cover demonstrates the technique at its peak, layering translucent color passes to achieve subtle flesh tones, crisp textile folds, and atmospheric gradations. The metallic reds of the title ribbon, the golden wash behind the allegorical trio, and the finely stippled earth tones of the baseball vignette all reveal the meticulous registration characteristic of high-end New York lithographic houses of the early 1880s. This was far more elaborate than typical almanac covers of the day, reflecting the Clipper’s desire to project cultural authority across both theatrical and sporting realms. Historical Context & Baseball Significance By 1881 the New York Clipper was the most influential English-language publication covering American sport, theatre, circus, rowing, pugilism, and, increasingly, baseball . The Almanac format allowed the newspaper to consolidate seasonal statistics, club records, schedules, and commentary at a time when baseball was transitioning from loosely organized clubs to structured professional leagues. The presence of baseball imagery so prominently on the cover is notable: it both affirms the sport’s rapid ascent and provides collectors with a scarce contemporary depiction of gameplay from the pre-modern equipment era. As a visual artifact merging performing arts and athletics, the Almanac stands squarely at the intersection of popular entertainment and the early cultural consolidation of baseball in America. Physical Description Approx. 6 × 9 inches. Original chromolithographed paper wraps. Moderate edge wear and toning typical of surviving examples, yet the color density of the cover remains strong, with especially fine preservation of the baseball vignette and allegorical panel.

  1. Overall slightly positive with this transaction due to a nice quality baseball card....as always with Helmar. Shipping was delayed as I ordered on December 9th and received on December 17th....8 days for delivery. When I made an inquiry just checking on delivery status, I received a rude reply which I was told was a snafu and was meant for a different buyer that was making over the top demands. I hope that future responses are more customer friendly.

    Sayuj Sapesan

  2. A terrific person to buy from. Honest, great things for sale and he goes way out of his way to help. I’m so happy to know about his eBay store and will keep an eye on it! Shipping, at least on his end, was remarkably fast, as he wanted to get the item here before the holiday. Great packaging, too! It’s a beautiful antique puzzle, exactly as it was described. Thankyou! 5 +stars!

    Cherrish9150

  3. Class Act!! 5-Star in every respect and HIGHLY recommended!! I have been actively buying from this seller for close to 10-years and have never been disappointed. He takes every precaution to carefully pack items for a safe and secure trip via USPS Ground Advantage. And he is a great communicator. As always... THANK YOU!!!

    Zhengli Liao

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