1909 T204 Ramly Jimmy Sheckard. Chicago Cubs. SGC VG 4

1909 T204 Ramly Jimmy Sheckard, SGC VG 4

The 1909 T204 Ramly Cigarettes set is widely regarded as one of the most elegant pre-war baseball card issues ever produced. Known for their intricate gold-embossed borders, detailed black-and-white portraits, and delicate paper stock, these cards are as fragile as they are beautiful—making well-preserved examples increasingly rare.

Offered here is a strong SGC VG 4 example featuring Chicago Cubs left fielder Jimmy Sheckard. With only 29 total copies ever graded by SGC and just nine receiving a higher grade, this card stands out as a scarce and desirable piece from the set.

The image of Sheckard is sharp, his subtle head tilt giving the card a touch of personality and character. The white background remains bright, offering excellent contrast to the rich, dark gold of the ornate border. Typical for the issue, there is some light edge and surface wear which account for the VG 4 assessment. The reverse is unusually white with minor soiling, a frequent trait in Ramly cards whose embossed design tends to trap dirt over time.

Despite minor flaws, this card delivers strong eye appeal and offers an accessible opportunity to own one of the hobby’s most visually striking and condition-sensitive pre-war issues. Collectors know how difficult it is to find Ramlys with both visual charm and structural soundness—this one checks both boxes.