The Three Champions Trade Card
‘It’s In The Details’
| Title | The Three Champions Trade Card |
| Year | Unknown |
| Size | 3 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ |
| Images | Color |
| Type | Trade |
| Number in Set |
1 |
The Three Champions Trade Card Overview
This trade card was used to promote a billiards business that manufactured pool tables in San Francisco, California.
The card served as an advertisement and included a picture of three women, partially unclothed wearing togas, and declared as the ‘three champions’ as titled at the top. The three women were champions in baseball, billiards, and croquet and each was holding equipment related to one of those sports. The baseball player is displayed holding a bat.
The card was distributed by Jacob Strahle and Company, which held a Delaney’s Patent for steel spring cushions, calling them the best in the world on the card.
While the cards are popular, they are difficult to find. More commonly seen collectibles related to the business are metal coins/tokens. These listed the company’s name and address (515 Market Street in San Francisco) on one side and usually some type of offer on the other for things like a free drink or a free cigar.
Two Types
Two types of these cards exist. While the image was mostly the same, a slight difference can be observed.
On one version (shown here), the J. Strahle Co. name is printed at the top in red lettering. However, a second version spells out the entire first name and reads, “Jacob Strahle Company.”
Everything else on the two cards remains the same.
The Three Champions Trade Card Checklist
This is a standalone issue not part of a set.
Follow Pre-War Cards on Twitter and also be sure to like our page on Facebook.