1908 | W Foster | Carlisle United | JOHN SINCLAIR Cigarettes Ltd | FOOTBALL FAVOURITES #92 | PSA 6 POP 1 HIGHEST GRADE

Step into the early days of English football with this rare 1908 tobacco card featuring W. Foster of Carlisle United, part of the pioneering Football Favourites series issued by John Sinclair Ltd. of Glasgow. Graded EX-MT by PSA, this sepia-toned portrait captures Foster during the Edwardian era—when football was still forging its identity and regional clubs like Carlisle were rising through the ranks.

Historical Significance

• Carlisle United Representation: One of the earliest known card appearances for a Carlisle player, printed during the club’s formative years.
• Checklist Verified: Listed as #92 in the Cartophilic Info Exchange’s definitive guide to the John Sinclair set.
• Tobacco Heritage: Issued by John Sinclair Ltd., a Glasgow tobacco firm known for its early football series spanning England and Scotland.
• Edwardian Rarity: Over 115 years old, this card predates most mainstream football issues and offers a glimpse into pre-league football culture.

Card Details
Player W. Foster
Club Carlisle United
Publisher John Sinclair Ltd.
Series Football Favourites
Year 1908
Card Number #92
Grading Company PSA
Grade EX-MT (Excellent-Mint)
Certification No. 10329361

🧠 Collector Insight

This card bridges the gap between local club history and national collecting heritage. With its Carlisle United attribution confirmed both on-card and in archival checklists, it’s a standout piece for collectors of northern clubs, tobacco issues, or pre-war football ephemera. The PSA EX-MT grade further elevates its appeal—few cards exist from this set