Posted By:
Adam J. BaxterI purchased this photograph from an antique dealer earlier this year. I've been doing some research on the players in this photo and I think I have Id'ed 3 of the them, but I would appreciate some feedback from the board about whether or not I'm on the right track.
DESCRIPTION: The photograph itself measures approximately 10" X 12" and appears to be a light sepia tone. The photo shows 10 players with a bat and catcher's mask at the bottom. The players last names are etched in script next to each one like N172's. The players are wearing uniforms similar to those worn by the N172 Omaha team, except there is a "K" on the chest. The equipment and uniforms date the photo between 1885 and 1895. The cabinet mount measures approximately 10 1/2" X 13" and is dark brown in color, On one side in Gold leaf is some border design and the words " Kearney" then "J.H. Woods" and then "Nebraska" The photo is fair to maybe good condition with a fading, water staining, a nail hole at the top, scratches, overall corner and edge wear and a large pink discoloration on approx. 25% of the left side of the photo. The photo is still very presentable and looks very nice. The back is gray and blank.
The Players: Abbey, Moran, Osborne, Cromm?, Kipp, McLaughlin, Beardsley, Kennedy, Brand and Hill
After comparing photos of Ted Kennedy's N172 with the Kennedy in this photo, I'm almost 100% certain it's the same guy. Ted Kennedy played for Omaha at one point between 1887-1890 which also puts him in the area. McLaughlin I'm not sure of, because I can't find a photo to compare him to, but there is a spotted tie McLaughlin in the N172 set that I haven't found an image of. The Abbey in this photo bears a striking resemblence to Charles Abbey from the N300 Mayo set. As far as the other players are concerned, I have no clue.
I have to sell this, reluctantly, and thought about putting it up for ebay auction and not having seen many imperial size cabinets, I have no idea what to start the price at, and if there are identifiable major league players in the photo, how do I determine a selling price without going overboard or selling myself short. I know that value is usually the last thing to consider with collecting, but in this instance I really need some advice, because I have to sell it. I will try to upload a scan, but I've had some trouble. If anyone can help with that I'd appreciate it as well, otherwise I can e-mail a scan to anyone who wants to see it. The scan I have does not show a lot of the mount because it's actually too big for my scanner.
Any thoughts or assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks all,
Adam