Fred "Dandelion" Pfeffer, 2nd Base, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card from 1887, made by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series for their cigarettes. It’s made from paper stock, and the image is a photograph, likely printed using a photolithographic process. These cards were essentially advertisements, mass-produced and inserted into cigarette packs. The photographic image, while seemingly straightforward, was a product of significant labor. From the photographer capturing the image to the printing process, each card represents a cog in the industrial machine. The card's small size speaks to its function as a collectible, designed to entice consumers. The sepia tone, a result of the printing process, gives the card a nostalgic quality. Yet, it's important to remember the context of its production: the burgeoning tobacco industry, mass manufacturing, and the rise of professional sports as entertainment. Ultimately, this baseball card is more than just a portrait of Fred Pfeffer. It's a material artifact of a specific time and place, reflecting the intersection of commerce, culture, and the labor involved in producing both.