Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
One of the fascinating aspects of the memorabilia collecting circuit is the appearance of a rarely seen artifact that virtually renders even the advanced enthusiast speechless. Such is the case for this extraordinary and absolutely unique presentation album that includes a remarkable 23 sepia toned “real-photo” images of the 1909 Washington Senators. Unparalleled is its “one of a kind” existence as it immensely transcends time back to the turn of the century “dead-ball” era via each photograph’s incredible vintage luster. Assumingly, right fielder and team captain Bob Ganley received these images in a fine leather-clad album from the renowned Barr-Farnham Photo Post Card Co., with this offering easily ranking as one of the most eclectic early 20th century baseball keepsakes we have ever come across. Pasted on the front inside cover is the Barr-Farnham Co. contact card with the back inside cover depicting the company’s copyright information. Of utmost significance is the stunning photo affixed to the fourth page in the album, an unequivocal stoic full body image of the iconic Walter “Big Train” Johnson! Dressed in formal attire and a classic top hat that was ultra popular during that bygone era, little did people realize this tall majestic looking player would eventually earn the title as the greatest pitcher in baseball history. The “Big Train” also appears on the first page team photo at the “head of the class”, ironically consistent with his #1 pitching status within the baseball community. In total, 23 images are included in the album, with most measuring approximately 3-3/4” x 5-1/2” to 5-3/4”. All but one (the team photo) depict full body poses of the Senator team members with only Bob Ganley’s photo a reproduction. Apparently, over the past century, the album was passed along to various Ganley family members who chose to keep his original photo and replace it with a copy.
A majority of the photos still retain most of their original quality including crystal clear sepia contrast, vivid registration, and clean surfaces with only a handful reflecting minor abrasions, creasing or moderate tears near the edging. Player names, position and the Barr-Farnham 1909 Copyright are printed directly below each image in bold white text. Fortunately, the critical Walter Johnson picture is completely intact, portraying most of the pristine aesthetics from its century old initial production date. The entire album’s player list in page order is as follows: (1) Washington Team Picture, (2) Manager-Joe Cantillon, (3) Trainer-J.W. Eddinger, (4) Pitcher-Walter Johnson, (5) Pitcher-C.E. Smith, (6) Pitcher-T.J. Hughes, (7) Pitcher-Robert Groom, (8) 1st Base-Jerry Freeman (9) Pitcher-Bill Burns (10) Pitcher-W.D. Gray, (11) Shortstop-G.F. McBride (12) Catcher-C.E. Street (13) 1st Base-R.A. Unglaub (14) 2nd Base-Jim Delahanty (15) Catcher-C.D. Blankenship (16) Catcher-M.J. Kahoe (17) Center Field-J.C. Milan (18) 3rd Base-Wm. E. Conroy (19) Right Field-R.S. Ganley/reproduction (20) Pitcher-D.E. Keeley (21) Pitcher-Jess Tannehill (22) Left Field-W.M. Shipke (23) Right Field-O.E. Clymer.
This astounding offering suffices as an elite collector’s dream come true via its extreme rarity and brilliant sepia-toned images. Turn of the century cardboard relics and photos are “second to none” in the baseball memorabilia circuit with enthusiasts relentlessly competing to capture the scarcest items available. Regarding real photos, their collecting aspect, in some instances, even surpasses the card facet due to their magnificent uniqueness. With that in mind, this Cooperstown worthy masterpiece undeniably applies as a memento that can truly claim ownership of the prestigious title “the only one in existence”. Furthermore, it just happens to include an original image of the immortal Walter Johnson that emanates an aura of mystique affiliated with the origin of our National Pastime. Need we say more for an unprecedented prize with “one of a kind” status that will unquestionably outlast eternity!
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