Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	203. Stecher Lithograph Company Trade Cards
Year	Unknown
Size	3 1/4″ x 5″
Images	Color
Type	Trade
Number in Set	Unknown

203. Stecher Lithograph Company Trade Card Set Overview

These trade cards were issued in the 19th century. While the baseball card in it is often believed to be a standalone issue, it is actually part of a set. The baseball card is easily the most popular and most valuable, often starting around $50-$75 or so. Of note is that the set includes both sports (including tennis) and non-sports cards. 

This baseball card shown here was used to promote a stove. In the background, a cartoon baseball picture is shown. A pitcher is preparing to throw a ball with a catcher looking to receive it. The batter is shown straddling the catcher while awkwardly holding the bat.

The cards appear to be printed solely for ranges/ovens. A Belfast range is pictured in the front of this card. These are among the rarer trade issues available.

The back includes a long advertisement for the particular range and focuses on all of the different styles available. It also states that they were manufactured by J.S. & M. Peckham, based in Utica, New York. In addition to this set, Peckham had many other trade cards issued for its business. Some of their cards have a similar style of appearance with white borders, the name of the oven, and the J.S. & M. Peckham name. But as they do not have the same exact style, I have not cataloged them as part of this set.

The baseball card was numbered separately by noted trade card collector Frank Keetz in his book, “Baseball Advertising Trade Cards, 3rd Edition.” It was a trade card he identified but did not have a printed title on it. Because of that, he cataloged it with a number instead, which is the number in the title shown here.

The cards were designed by the Stecher Lithograph Company.

203. Stecher Lithograph Company Trade Card Set Checklist

The checklist below includes only the known sports cards to date. Non-sports cards are not listed.

1. Baseball
2. Cycling
3. Horse Racing
4. Sailing
5. Sculling
6. Tennis

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