1888 Old Judge N172 Proof

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Posted By: canjond

Hello Everyone

I need some help on this, and I’m hoping some of you will be able to provide me with more information about this proof photograph.



(I had to put the image onto a separate website this I could get it to upload right to here. Please just click on the link and it will take you there!) I purchased this item about a month ago. As you can see, it is a proof from the N172 set. The size of the photograph, itself, is about 5*7, making it slightly larger than the N173 Cabinets. The photograph is mounted onto a thin backing, and comes in the original frame, roughly 8*10. Despite the poor scan on my part, this photo and frame are near perfect, with no major flaws. The bottom of the photograph says Copyright 1888, Goodwin & Company. Also, it says Doran T.B. Omaha, W.A. I have scanned the image of the proof quite large and it should get bigger if you click on it. You will see the truly incredible detail in the photo – right down to being able to legibly read “Spalding” on the bat.

Now, when I purchased this, I really had no idea what it was. I have learned a little about it since then, but I’m hoping someone out there knows a lot more! I have been told that a few of these proof photographs were discovered 10+ years ago, by a man in Vermont who’s uncle? worked for the Goodwin factory. From my understanding, when Goodwin was shooting photos for the N172 set, they would frequently develop a few different poses from each player and then select which one they liked best for the card. I have never seen the Doran card from the set, but I have been told this is not the pose used. Because of this, I believe this scenario to be consistent. What I found so interesting about this proof is that even though Doran is a common in the N172 set, he is an incredibly rare and difficult card to obtain. That pretty much sums it all up. If anyone has anything to add to this story – or correct me at any part – please do! I’m looking to gather as much information on this as possible!!! Thanks in advance!

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Posted By: canjond

Here is the link... you're going to have to copy and paste it. it works...trust me - I've tried it a few times. For whatever reason, it won't let me post the picture or the link with the http: in front. Anyway, just copy and paste this and it should work!

www.geocities.com/joncanfield19/Doran1.jpg

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Posted By: canjond

Ok - Got it to work now!!! (and if it doesn't work - I appologize - it is working on the preview though!) Here it is.

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Posted By: Jay Miller

Basically what you have said is correct. I have corresponded with a few people concerning these proofs in the past and I don't know if you were one of those people. Doran is the most common of all the proofs. They have been found as individual poses or as multiple poses glued to a black background and framed. I would value these at $500-$1000 per image.