Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
No 19th century artifact could possibly be considered rarer than the 1888/1889 cabinet cards of the New York Giants individual players produced by the prominent photographer of that era, Joseph Hall in his Brooklyn, N.Y. studio located on 111 Fulton Street. Only available to the general public in one other previous auction (as a former lot of 18 cabinets), these virtually unique pre-1900 relics may be the most obscure cardboard antiquities in existence. Currently “un-cataloged”, each cabinet measures approximately 4” x 6-1/4” with the classic sepia-toned portrait images, affixed within an oval frame, the exact photographs also utilized for the sparse 1889 S.F. Hess (N338-2) New York Giants subjects. Six Giant’s Hall of Famers were included in Joseph Hall’s series, including the legendary Hall of Famer Roger Connor, presented here on what many consider his “one of a kind” Joseph Hall Cabinet! The New York Giant’s ravaged their National League completion both in 1888 and 1889, eventually claiming two consecutive championships by besting the American Association’s St. Louis Brown’s and Brooklyn Bridegrooms, respectively. Hard hitting Roger Connor batted a stellar .327 in both championship series, combined, knocking in an incredible 15 runs! This was no amazing accomplishment for the 19th century slugger who was baseball’s first “Home Run King”, owner of the all-time record (smacking an amazing 137 round trippers) before the incomparable Babe Ruth surpassed his mark in 1921!
Glancing at Connor’s consecrated image is a strong reminder of our National Pastime’s glorious past with his incredible real studio photo completely intact, easily besting “Father Time”. The S.F. Hess style portrait image included in the oval frame has miraculously retained its original superior contrast and clarity as you can actually determine the significant depth perception of his stoic facial features including the traditional pre-1900 style mustache typically seen from this by-gone era. Bold sepia print highlights the “New York” caption situated across his uniform, the four edges are finely written, and while some mild toning and staining exists, no obtrusive creases are evident. Only two partly clipped right corners (most likely due to this cabinet once being displayed within an album or matted picture frame), as well as Connor’s name neatly written below his hallowed photo could be considered glaring miscues. While the obverse side certainly qualifies as one of the most prominent 19th century cabinet card photos in existence, it is our assessment that the reverse side ranks as one of the most elaborate studio advertisements ever utilized on the back of a card! A magnificent image of Windsor Castle graces the upper portion of the card with the flamboyant style bold typography directly below reading “The Windsor”. Additional printing includes “Family Portrait Gallery”, “Joseph Hall Proprietor”, “111 Fulton St. Brooklyn, N.Y.”, and some additional verbiage attributed to Joseph Hall Studio. As a final “treat” to this masterpiece’s eventual new owner, a magnificent ornate style frame set against the cabinet’s edges encompasses all of the aforementioned text. Save the two corner clippings, that by no means negates this offering’s splendid eye appeal, the aesthetic radiance of this unique Joseph Hall Keefe Cabinet is un-measurable, far surpassing most other oversized cardboard rarities typically seen in circulation. No 19th century “world class” collection can be considered complete without one of these Joseph Hall Cabinet cards that via its unequivocal rarity and artistic brilliance merits a final resting place not only in Cooperstown, but in the world renowned Louvre!
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