Stevengraph of The Last Lap

“The Last Lap” by Thomas Stevens (STG 176). A Victorian bicycle race rated a 2* rarity in the Sprake Darby reference. There are two variants, this with black axles, shafts and saddles and STG176a where they are golden yellow.  On a Type B1 card with fancy lettering and the printed credit below the image. This card also has the Registration Mark top right hand side. Manufacture was therefore within 3 years of the mark details. Stevens used the mark on B1 cards between 1880 and 1885. It is a 14 title label to the back which dates it to May 1880.  The Registration Mark identifies the date but it is hard to determine. Like everything, rarity and quality are paramount. Here we see vibrant colours and a very clean mount with an early back label, making a beautiful and outstanding quality piece. Why settle for inferior versions, even should you find them? Like all the sporting Stevengraphs these are well sought after. It has the added interest of the stamp not often seen of John P Fairgrieve. Bookseller and Stationer, 7, Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. The Scottish PO Directories list this firm 1886-1887, John B Fairgrieve buying the company in 1878.