This extraordinary relic affirmed ownership of six shares of Cincinnati Base Ball Association Capital Stock (then valued at $3,000) in the name of "J.M.W. Neff." A tangible, official record of a transaction completed on March 6, 1878, this piece represents an amazing artifact from the foundation era of the National Pastime, and it carries tremendous historical significance. J.M. Wayne Neff, the recipient of this "No. 1" certificate issued by the organization, was in fact newly installed as the club's president when the document was executed. The franchise was just a few years removed from its notorious past as the game's first avowedly professional team - under future Hall of Famer Harry Wright ... who had departed for Boston - and was seeking a foothold in the recently formed National League. Under Neff's leadership, Cincinnati posted an encouraging 37-23 record, and came in second to Wright's Boston Red Caps club in the 1878 standings. Reversals of fortune the following year, however, resulted in lesser accomplishments on the field for Cincinnati (43-37, 5th place), and general instability in the league. At the conclusion of Neff's second, and last, year at the helm, the club was temporarily disbanded and withdrawn from the circuit, and its star players (including Mike "King" Kelly) were compelled to find work elsewhere. The turbulence reigning in the sport during this era dramatically highlights the ephemeral nature of this remarkable paper antique.

    The boldly printed, fully legible document measures about 6-1/2" x 9-3/4" and retains a nicely preserved and sharply embossed green seal in its lower-left corner. Neff has signed the piece three times in black fountain pen: two signatures occupy the appropriate lines on the front (whereupon he names himself as the shareholder, while signing again as President to certify ownership) and a third is seen beside a printed "Seal" notation on the reverse. The certificate presents a pleasing, overall Excellent appearance with two standard, vertical filing folds.

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