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 incomparable Tim Keefe, offered 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. Tim Keefe, the pitching ace of that incredible Giant’s team, throttled the Brown’s in the 1888 championship series by winning an astounding 4 games in the best of 10 series! For the immortal right handed Hall of Famer, this accomplishment was simply “another day at the office”. Keefe, owner of 342 lifetime wins, is arguably, the greatest 19th century pitcher. One of the earliest change-up artists, Keefe won over 40 games twice, and in 1883 happened to win both games of a doubleheader including a one-hitter in the morning and a two-hitter in the afternoon!
Keefe’s representation on this miraculous cabinet card is, quite possibly, second to NO other 19th century artifact. 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 or surface blemishes are evident. The only reasonable flaws are two right corners partly clipped (most likely due to this cabinet once being displayed within an album or matted picture frame), as well as Keefe’s name neatly written below his hallowed photo. If the obverse side has already generated a series of “goose bumps” tingling down your spine, prepare for a reverse side that, in our opinion, 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 disrupt this offering’s glorious 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 elite collection can be considered complete without one of these Joseph Hall Cabinet cards that serve as a cornerstone to the evolution of our National Pastime via its unparalleled paucity and undeniable brilliance!
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