Stevengraph of The First Over

“The First Over” by Thomas Stevens (STG 175). An early cricket match 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 20 title label to the back. This contradicts Godden who in his reference declares the run terminated at 17 labels, so another unusual aspect of this copy. Although an early subject it was dropped quite soon so was not very popular. The numbers around now are scarce. Like everything, rarity and quality are paramount. This silk is found faded more often than not, but when at its best the green grass, the red shirts of the batsmen, and the pink, yellow, purple and grey shirts are well represented. This is such a copy with a good mount and an early back label. This is a beautiful and quality piece. Why settle for inferior versions, even should you find them? Like all the sporting Stevengraphs these are well sought after.