Matthewson Photo from National Remembrance Shop

[aelefson]

Hi-
I acquired the framed photo pictured below a few years ago at an ephemera show in Massachusetts. It appears to have been purchased from the National Remembrance Shop that was located on 503 Fourteenth St. N.W. Washington D.C. (based on the label on the back). Has anyone ever seen a sports photo from this shop? From limited online research it appears this shop was open from 1914 through the 1920s but I am not sure how much longer they were open. Is there any way to date it based on the label? I believe this photo is a reproduction but I am curious if it is from an original negative as well as when the original photo was taken (and by whom). I am also struggling with whether I should remove it from the frame. I usually would not consider it, but I am curious if any information is labeled on the back of the photo itself. There is a tear in the paper on the back of the frame, but not large enough to view the back of the photo. Any thoughts? Sorry for the long winded post.

Alan

[GKreindler]

Hey Alan,

I can't help with the shop or whether it's an original or not, but the image is most definitely a Charles Conlon. Also, it's definitely from the Polo Grounds in 1913 - possibly even from opening day, though I'm not super sure on that one.

Graig

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by aelefson

I am also struggling with whether I should remove it from the frame. I usually would not consider it, but I am curious if any information is labeled on the back of the photo itself.

If the photo is as old as you think it might be it would be a good idea to crack it out anyway to replace the backing etc with acid free material to slow down deterioration. A good framer versed in conservation techniques is a photo collector's best friend. I would have them affix the store sticker to the back as part of the photo's provenance.

[slidekellyslide]

No zip code on that sticker...it's at least 1950s or older.

[rholmes]

I have a photo of Mount Vernon with that exact National Remembrance Shop sticker on the back of it. The photo came out of a late teens-early 20's scrapbook.

[drcy]

If it were mine, I'd open it up and look at the back of the photo. When done, you can put it back together the way it was.

[aelefson]

Thank you everyone for your help! I believe I will remove the photo from the frame. I will do it tomorrow and post the results. I will also save the label for possible future reframing (and at least to maintain the item's history).

Alan