Stevengraph of The First Over

“The First Over” by Thomas Stevens (STG 175). An early cricket match, the bowler having bowled an under arm delivery,  rated a 4* rarity in the Sprake Darby reference. On a Type B card with fancy lettering and the printed credit below the image. This image is only ever found on this mount. The first of the sporting subjects to be issued, around May 1880. It is a 14 title label to the back, making this one of the first produced. Although an early subject it was dropped quite soon so was not very popular. These are now scarce. Like everything, rarity and quality are paramount. This silk is in excellent condition and the red shirts of the batsmen, and the pink, yellow, purple and grey shirts are well represented. The mount is not so well preserved with the tape mark to the top and the rub to the bottom part. Frame leaching marks are around the edge too. However, with a good silk and an early back label makes it still attractive. Like all the sporting Stevengraphs these are well sought after. Also in the pictures is one with the overmount which quite effectively conceals the damage. Should you wish I will cut a fresh mount to replicate the old one – just let me know that is your preference.