Charles Marv "Pop" Smith, Shortstop, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with this petite albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge series (N), produced in 1887. Titled *Charles Marv "Pop Smith, Shortstop,*, it captures the poised figure of "Pop" Smith, a skilled shortstop for the Pittsburghenys—one of baseball's early professional teams. Measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this card was designed as a collectible insert in Old Judge Cigarette packs, blending sports heroism with everyday tobacco promotion. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts, were the gold standard for photography in the 1880s, offering sharp detail and warm tones that made these cards irresistible to fans. The Old Judge series stands out for documenting over 400 players across multiple poses and teams, preserving a snapshot of baseball's explosive growth during its formative professional era. Smith's nickname "Pop" hints at his veteran status, adding a personal touch to this ephemera. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of American print ephemera gifted in 1948—this card highlights how sports portraits democratized fame, turning athletes into household names long before modern trading cards. A delightful glimpse into Gilded Age leisure! (198 words)

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...