The First Set

“The First Set” by Thomas Stevens (STG 172). A Victorian tennis 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 card was used from the close of the York Exhibition until Type C was introduced (31 Oct 1879-1888). It is a 19 title label to the back with the smaller “Stevengraph Works, Coventry” script to the base. It is therefore the 19b label. It dates it to 1881. Although an early subject it was dropped within the labels. However, it seemed to run for some time albeit the output was obviously limited because the numbers around now are scarce. 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.