Stevengraph of The Home Stretch

“The Home Stretch” by Thomas Stevens (STG 171). An American trotting match showing two sulkies passing the judge’s box. A 5* rarity in the Sprake/Darby references. On a Type B card with fancy lettering and the printed credit below the image. This image is mostly ever found on this mount. It is a rare item as designated in the Godden reference. It is a 16 title label to the back, dating its issue to June or July 1880. Although there is little written by Godden or Sprake/Darby on this subject there is more interest in the label. We have the new Trade Mark for the first time and 18 round medals or diplomas, an addition of 2. Godden declares that this image only appears on labels 18, 19a, and 22a, but not others. Well this shows different! There is still much to learn. Obviously not a very popular image as it was dropped quite soon. These are now scarce. Like everything, rarity and quality are paramount. The silk is in excellent condition and the colours are bright. The mount is also excellent. In this condition and an unrecorded early back label makes for a very unusual item. Like all the sporting Stevengraphs these are well sought after.