Rare 1871 Forest Citys Baseball Team CDV Featuring Cap Anson Hits Auction Block
- SLAB-Z
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Today, we bring you a glimpse into a remarkable piece of baseball history that has just emerged on the auction block. A rare carte de visite, or CDV, from the 1871 Forest Citys Baseball Club, photographed by G. W. Barnes of Rockford, Illinois, is now available for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What makes this particular CDV so extraordinary? It features ten members of the Forest Citys, including the young baseball prodigy, Cap Anson. Encapsulated and certified as authentic by PSA, this CDV is believed to be the first of its kind to ever be offered at auction, perhaps even the lone survivor of its kind.
This team was not particularly memorable in its performance, finishing last in the National Association with just four wins out of twenty-five games. However, Cap Anson, known at the time as “Baby” Anson, shone brightly amid the team's struggles. Aged just nineteen, he led the club in batting with a notable .325 average, also clinching the title for the most doubles in the league.
The CDV, measuring 2.5 by 4.25 inches, was recently discovered within a vintage photo album belonging to a Rockford family, nestled among images of relatives and other notable figures, including circus acts. This rare glimpse into the past showcases not just the players but also the legacy of a man many consider the most crucial player in nineteenth-century baseball history.
As collectors prepare to bid on this artifact of sports memorabilia, we are reminded of the beginnings of an iconic player and a pivotal moment in baseball history. Be sure to watch this auction closely, as the fate of this historical photograph unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on this significant sale.
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