1878 Huntley & Palmers Baseball Theme Trade Card

Sigh. The 2022 baseball season is almost over and the MN Twins aren’t delivering this year; but as usual my son – a baseball card expert – does. Once again, he surprises me with something totally unexpected and very cool. Last time it was a very rare 1869 Peck & Snyder baseball card (widely regarded as the first true baseball card). This time it’s an 1878 baseball-themed trade card! He knows I love the earliest of the early baseball stuff.

The trade card was published by Huntley & Palmers, an English biscuit company. It is believed to be one of the earliest baseball-themed trade cards and issued as part of a set of sports cards. What’s interesting is the card’s rear, advertising the company’s products, is mostly in French.

Although in fair condition, it’s a great looking trade card (4” x 3 ½”) with gold border. The front depicts fictional players on a field. The batter’s jersey has “HPC,” which is probably for Huntley & Palmers Company.