Hi
I have had many researchers trying to help with this photo. What I can confirm 100% is that it is pre Philadelphia and absolutely is not Baltimore based on the uniform. The date on the back is a file date and should not be confused with the date of the actual image. It has to be either Martinsburg or a young Grove wearing some type of odd uniform very early in his career (barnstorming or something). I wish I could be more help, but I honestly have had several researchers working with me on it and the evidence points to Martinsburg but nothing is concrete. It is a very early Gorve no doubt about it.
FYI, we will have the best selection of early Hall of Famer photographs ever assembled in our Auction next Month at
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Including some additional early Grove images including a 1926 by Louis Van Oeyen!
Rhys