1886 Hancock’s Syracuse Stars Set and Checklist
‘It’s In The Details’
| Title | Hancock’s Syracuse Stars |
| Year | 1886 |
| Size | 1 5/8″ x 3 1/4″ |
| Images | Sepia |
| Type | Miscellaneous |
| Number in Set |
3 (?) |
1886 Hancock’s Syracuse Stars Overview
The 1886 Hancock’s Syracuse Stars set is not only desirable because of its extreme scarcity. The set is believed to be the first set of minor league cards ever printed and as REA notes, one of the earliest cards to feature individual players.
The cards are extremely rare. To date, only three have been found and each has only a single known copy.
The cards look like your typical 1800s tobacco cards. One unique aspect, however, is that there is no printing on the fronts. Instead, the player’s name and position is found on the backs. The reverse also included an advertisement for the clothier that apparently distributed them – Hancock’s. The photographer was also noted as Goodwin.
1886 Hancock’s Syracuse Stars Checklist
To date, only three cards have been found. More may exist but the known checklist to date is provided below.
- Richard Buckley
- Douglas Crothers
- Philip Tomney
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