19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Joe Hunter</b><p><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1217892354.JPG"> <br /><br />I picked up this cabinet photo this weekend from a local flea market. From what I can tell from the uniforms, equipment and clothing, it appears to be from the late 1800's. I have seen quite a few cabinet photos of white teams from this era, but never a black team. The team members are identified on the back in fountain pen. The location of the team is given as Parsons, which I'm going to assume is Parsons, KS. Any thoughts about this item, relative value, etc. As can be seen from the scan, the cabinet is about gone, but the picture, itself, is still in decent shape. This is my first attempt to post an image, so if something is not right, don't be surprised. <br /><br />edited scan size a little bit

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Clint</b><p>Joe, as a Kansas collector I would love to add this to my collection if you decide to sell it. I'll let the other guys value you it as these pieces can vary quite a bit. Even though the mount isn't in the greatest shape the photo is still very nice. This is a great find. Thanks for sharing.<br /><br />Clint

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>That's a great photo...I like the guy in the building who's looking out the window.

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Joe Hunter</b><p>Yeah, That is great. I liked the coaches dress, as well. Does that look "Wild West", or what!

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Mark</b><p>Clearly, there is an Inflatable Chest Protector pictured. Look closely, and you'll see the valve on the lower-right side. This is an amazing photo, and the Inflatable Chest Protector/Uniforms date it closer to the 1910 time period... just a bit more recent than indicated in the initial post.<br /><br />Incredible photo!

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Brock G.</b><p>Yea, Mark is correct on the dating. Its early 20th century. At first glance I thought 1890s but closer examination of the equipment indicates its later. Not only is there an inflatable chest protector, one of the bats also has a mushroom handle. I always like seeing these unusual styles of equipment in these photos. Reaffirms the fact that they are not just novelty pieces sought by collectors but were actually the "tools of the trade" back in the day.<br /><br />edited to add: <br />Joe, can you make out what the patch is on the all the players left shouler?

19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo
 

Posted By: <b>Joe Hunter</b><p>Yes. Using a magnifying glass, I can make out some of them. They appear to be the player's number. The player in the extreme upper left corner has the number "14", the player in the extreme lower left corner has the number "8", the player to his right has the number "9", and the player behind the chest protector has the number "11". The player to the right of him appears to have the number "10", but I'm not completely sure.