|
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
19th century photo mystery
What kind of 19th century athlete is this man?
And can anyone explain the elf shoes and the diaper flap thingie around his waist? I believe the photo dates to the 1880s or so. Thanks in advance for any help! |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Maybe he's not an athlete, perhaps a dancer or an actor
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
His shoes look like they have cleats.
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Is there any chance he could be baseball player Roger Connor of Waterbury, Connecticut (where the photo was taken)?
|
#5
|
||||
|
||||
For comparison
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
The guy is wearing spikes, so my strong guess is he's a track athlete. Spikes were and still are worn by runners.
Last edited by drc; 05-23-2012 at 02:47 AM. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Hard to make an ear comparison because the angles are different.
__________________
Steve Zarelli Space Authentication Zarelli Space Authentication on Facebook Follow me on Twitter My blog: The Collecting Obsession Last edited by Mr. Zipper; 05-23-2012 at 07:42 AM. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for the helpful comments.
I only thought of Roger Connor after I read this on Google: By 1860 there were more than 55,000 Irish immigrants living in Connecticut, making it the largest ethnic majority. Most were unskilled and found work in urban areas like at Waterbury's many brassware and clock-making factories. During the latter part of the 19th and early 20th century, many boxing events occurred in Waterbury. This was due in part to the national popularity of Irish boxers like "Gentle Jim" Corbett and John L. Sullivan. Roger Connor was a six-foot, three-inch left-handed baseball player. Born in Waterbury in 1857, he played first and third base with a series of teams, including the Giants and Phillies. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, more than 40 years after his death. He is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Waterbury. I also noticed that Roger Connor's ears protruded noticeably, like my mystery guy's ears, and they also share a thick neck. Since the photo was taken in Waterbury, I thought it might be a long shot. Below is a composite of the mystery man and photos of Roger Connor: |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Pretty sure it's not Connor, and track sounds right.
And call me odd, but the lighting they used made his eyes look odd. Like lizard eyes or something, which to me only makes the picture cooler. Steve B Whos family is from Waterbury. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
It could be a track star / vampire photographed in infrared light.
|
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks again for everyone's help ... I'll assume my mystery man is a track athlete!
I wish I knew what that diaper apron thing was, though. An early 19th century athletic cup, maybe? |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
19th Century Photo HELP! | Archive | Net54baseball Sports (Primarily) Vintage Memorabilia Forum incl. Game Used | 20 | 08-14-2017 02:19 PM |
Beautiful 19th Century Team Photo | ramram | 19th Century Cards & ALL Baseball Postcards- B/S/T | 3 | 10-21-2010 10:41 AM |
19th Century Black Baseball Cabinet Photo | Archive | Net54baseball Sports (Primarily) Vintage Memorabilia Forum incl. Game Used | 6 | 08-05-2008 09:21 PM |
19th Century Baseball Photographs - SOLD | Archive | 19th Century Cards & ALL Baseball Postcards- B/S/T | 3 | 02-26-2007 01:00 PM |
I just received my first 19th century card today! Thanks! | Archive | Net54baseball Vintage (WWII & Older) Baseball Cards & New Member Introductions | 0 | 11-26-2002 12:17 PM |