Graig Kreindler's Chief Bender painting - All Hail the Chief!

[T206Jim]

Graig Kreindler and I are in the midst of bringing this Chief Bender photo to life in the way only Graig can. We would like to nail down answers to these three questions and would appreciate any assistance you uniform, pin and photo guys can provide.

Bender-sweater-front-watermarked Net 54.jpg

1. When was the photo taken? We believe the 1911 World Series at Shibe Park.
2. What color was the sweater? We believe blue.
3. What is the significance of the ribbon that is tied around the button hole?
We have no clue, except that it helps date it.

As to 1. we believe it very likely it was taken during the 1911 World Series at Shibe Park. That is based on the uniform/cap style, the known Bender meets Meyers photo below from the 1911 World Series where Bender is wearing the same sweater with the same ribbon/string, and the sharp angular bend in stadium concourse behind Bender.

Bender Meyers LOC.jpg
chief_meyers_and_bender.jpg

As to 2. based on replicas that have been offered for sale and the fact that at that time the A's colors were blue, we believe the sweater was a darker shade of blue.

As to 3. we have no clue, hopefully one of you can shed some light.

Any help that can be provided would be greatly appreciated!

[Bpm0014]

Is it just me or is the opening size of the elephant's mouth AND the opening size between his first 2 legs different?

[T206Jim]

It is just the difference in clarity between a type 1 and other type photos. Note the stitching line on both sweaters above the trunk.

[edhans]

Those are clearly different sweaters.

[bxb]

Originally Posted by edhans

Those are clearly different sweaters.

Agreed. On one, the elephant's trunk points down. On the other, it points back to his body.

[pherbener]

Originally Posted by bxb

Agreed. On one, the elephant's trunk points down. On the other, it points back to his body.

I think it points to his body on both. I think the ribbon is what's pointing down on the Meyers photo

[sac_bunt]

Originally Posted by edhans

Those are clearly different sweaters.

Disagree. The similarities between the 1st & 2nd photos are:

1. Placement of the buttons (specifically the two that are aligned with the elephant.
2. The stitching patterns on the left shoulder & the horizontal line above the truck.
3. The hole on the left arm in photo 1 is faintly visible in photo 2.


Ed - Can you advise why you think they are different?