The Temple Cup

Precedent of the World Series In 1894, Pittsburgh Pirates team owner and business magnate, William Chase Temple, offered an ornate 30" tall silver trophy cup to the winner of a post-season best of seven game series to be played between the top two teams in the then National League. Played from 1894 through 1897, the Series became known as the Temple Cup and is regarded as the precursor to the modern day World Series. Noted period illustration artist Hy Sandman created this rendering of the 1894 match-up between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Giants which is generally regarded as one of the finest baseball related display pieces of the period. Above and below game scene are vignette portraits of baseball dignitaries and players including Harry Wright, John Ward, Cy Young. Chas. Comiskey, Hugh Duffy, W. Robinson, Amos Rusie, and Cap Anson among others. The work was published in several different variations with the offered having been printed in 1896 and published in Paris by Boussod, Valadon and Company. Condition is superb with minor age toning noted as the only condition point of mention. EX-MT