This one is a very rare proof error card, rescued from a sheet before the colour was added. 100% genuine article, scans of the actual sheet it comes can be sent upon request. I managed to secure a collection from the original printers archives of over 110 years ago. The sheet had been put through the wrong way round hence the pink colour on the back depicting another player.
These cards were sold in packets of six for one halfpenny. They were issued from c1883 until c1921. Baines started in Carlisle Road, Manningham, then North Parade, Bradford before moving to Oak Lane, Bradford. The intention was for boys to send in as many cards as possible in exchange for sporting gifts, hence the popularity to redeem them was high and they became rarities in their own right. The subjects covered were mainly Rugby League, Rugby Union, Association Football, Cricket & Golf. This card is Chromo Lithographed in colour and is of superb printed quality for the era.