1897 Norfolk Jewels cabinets
 

Hi guys,

I was very excited to nab these two beautiful cabinets of Wentz and Nie from REA. The Norfolk Jewels were a short-lived member of the (also short-lived) Atlantic League for two seasons from 1897-98. Along with other teams of the ex-Virginia League, Norfolk was a southern outpost in the Atlantic league, which largely replaced the Pennsylvania League and included several teams from the northern state--including the Philadelphia A's for a few brief years. While this was class B ball, that means that the Norfolk Jewels played against a bunch of future major leaguers. I collect cards from southern leagues, so finding these great images of 19th century Virginia League players is a real treat.

What makes this more interesting is that I was also able to find other, identical cabinets from Norfolk by the studio B.S. Campbell that year. In 2015, identical cabinets of Secrist and Clausen (these don't belong to me) were auctioned off.

And I was also able to find a fifth in the series, of Snyder, depicted in the book by Shampoe et al. "Baseball in Norfolk" p. 12. Here it is on google books.

On p. 13 (the next page) of the same book, the photo of Gillroy looks like it comes from a sixth, similar cabinet. Both of those cabinets are said to be in the collection of the book's author. Also on that page is a team photo now in the HOF said to be taken in the same photo studio that year.

As far as I can tell, all portrait cabinets have ink notation of the players' name on the front in identical handwriting. I don't know how to date the handwriting, but it's fountain pen, so perhaps it's period? In any case, it would appear that my two cabinets belong to a larger (full team?) series of Norfolk players taken that year.

Has anyone seen others in this series, or have any more insight on these cabinets, the photo studio, or the team? I'd be happy for any info!

-Seth

I have no insight Seth but wanted to say those are great pieces. I hope you get your answers and can checklist all known cabinets. Fantastic pickups.

I was pretty surprised at the lack of early bidding on those cabinets. Those are pretty nice.

Thanks, guys. Jason, I had a feeling these would appeal to you. Did you see the Richmond Colts postcard in the auction? Amazing piece, a bit pricey in the end!

Those are great items in beautiful condition. Good luck in your search for more info.

Richmond postcard
 

I was watching the Richmond postcard. Outside of the two t206 players and southern league appeal was there anything else special about the postcard?

Complete disclosure - I was the consignor and am trying to learn more about it.

It has T209-II crossover appeal as well as many players will be in that set. Someone who knows T210 Series 2 better than I do may also be able to attest to some T210 crossover. Congrats on the sale, it was a beautiful piece!

Thank you
 

Thank you Seth. I appreciate it. I am happy I didn’t accept the 250 offer for it a few months back.

Those cards look like they belong in a museum.

Seth

All of these Norfolk Cabinets originated from one auction lot #2125 from the Mastro Summer auction of 2006. The lot included 12 cabinets, hammer price went for $4593. Included were your 2.

They certainly do appeal to me, as did the Richmond Colts postcard. It did sell for a hefty sum. I suspect thats in part to having a decent little period autograph from Guy Titman. Simple signed "Guy" I suspect its one of the only Richmond period players signature on a card/pc/cabinet. Great pickup and worth the price to me if I had the means currently.

Some more information regarding the cabinets. 10 of the cabinets depicted the player in portrait and identical laced jersey uniforms. 2 others were in button jerseys. It was felt the group of 10 and group of 2 were from different seasons as address for studio was different for the two groups.

This is why this message board is so fantastic. Thanks for both your posts!

There will be one of the earlier Norfolk cabinets in my upcoming auction(May 21st-June 2nd)

Scott

Great piece, Scott. Any idea who the player is?

No ID on the cabinet, I did a brief search, but did not find anyone that quickly jumped out, but I did not go to great lengths(gotta leave some of the thrill of the hunt to the rest of you).

On the original auction, this was one of the players that was not identified. Interestingly enough this is one of the 2(of 12 total cabinets) likely from another year(difference being button up shirts and separate address for the same studio).

That is correct, this is an earlier cabinet as Campbell moved his studio in March of 1897, this address predates that.