Allen & Ginter, 1887 Times Two.

I haven't chased any original Allen & Ginter cards in a long time -- almost two years....yikes! -- and I regret that. 2010 Ginter is what got me back into the hobby, I love the original cards, and I work in a shop that specializes in vintage. I've really dropped the ball, clearly, and it's time that changed.

I decided to snag at least one A&G when I spotted a slew listed on eBay. I targeted this one in particular as it really caught my eye. Jimmy Carroll hails from the Pugilists subset of the N28 Ginters which were released in 1887. That mustache and fighting stance were enough to entice me to go strong after this PSA 2.

What's better than one original Ginter? Two pieces of A&G cardboard goodness! Another N28 from 1887, this time featuring Billiard Player Jos. Dion. It's slabbed a PSA 1 but has much better eye appeal than one would expect from a 1.

Less than $25 shipped sealed the deal. Oh, and for those who enjoy card backs....