1800s Red Stockings ID?

[Leon]

I received an email with this scan and the person saying he believes it is a pic of his grandfather on the Red Stockings. I am guessing it might be his great or great great grandfather. But regardless of that any help with photo id or dating is appreciated. This person's last name is Johnson. thanks

[bgar3]

The 1869 Red Stockings were only one of the teams from Cincinnati at that time period. You did not say he was claiming it was that team, but it clearly is not. It could be what was known as the junior team, which existed at least in 68 and 69 and probably from 1866 to 1871 or beyond. There is a photo of the 68 junior team in Ellard's, Base Ball in Cincinnati, but this not that team either. However, the "C" is very similar, and may be the same. ( The uniforms for the 1869 team were made by a woman from Cincinnati ) In addition, the hats are very different from both the 1869 team and the 1868 junior team. The Ellard book does have a list of members of the Cincinnati Base Ball club from 1866 to 1871, so if you have the last name it can be checked. I believe the list includes everyone who was a member, whether they played or not. The "c" similarity is the best thing going for it. Their may be other photos of the junior teams, but I do not have them at hand. I have the Ellard book and would be happy to look it up.

[bgar3]

Sorry, I missed the reference to the last name. The Ellard book lists both J William Johnson and Thomas Johnson as being members of the Club during the 1866 to 1871 time period. Hope that helps.

[bgar3]

J William was on the regular 1868 team with Harry Wright and is in the 1868 photo of that team. He was the second baseman.

[bgar3]

There is a section on the junior nines, pages 68 to 72. Briefly described as 20 to 30 boys, ages15 to 20 who wore the same uniform as the regular ball club. There is no Johnson listed as having been on those teams. I will keep checking.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by bgar3

There is a section on the junior nines, pages 68 to 72. Briefly described as 20 to 30 boys, ages15 to 20 who wore the same uniform as the regular ball club. There is no Johnson listed as having been on those teams. I will keep checking.

Thanks so much for the help so far. I was just sent a few other uniform pics and will post them a bit later this morning.

[Leon]

A few more bits of info. I had surmised (incorrectly) the last name from the person emailing me ......I will post a few more uni pics later too....

"He is my Great, Great Grandfather Wilhelm Fritz Kraft Born around 1886 in South Carolina and died about 1920. Not sure if he was on the red stockings major or minor league, a college team, or a club in his area. I found a shoe add for, not sure if these are his shoes attached."

.

[bgar3]

I am surprised by the birth date of 1886, since it would date the photo at about 1900 to 1910 or so,Assuming he is in the photo. I think it has an earlier look. Maybe the other photos will shed more light. The list I have of Cincinnati red stockings would predate someone born in 1886.

[GaryPassamonte]

This photo has 1870-80 written all over it.

[jpop43]

The catcher seated in the middle on the bottom row looks to have a glove there on his lap...I'd say this helps to date it as well...I'm with Gary and say 1880s'ish.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by bgar3

I am surprised by the birth date of 1886, since it would date the photo at about 1900 to 1910 or so,Assuming he is in the photo. I think it has an earlier look. Maybe the other photos will shed more light. The list I have of Cincinnati red stockings would predate someone born in 1886.

Our mistake....he meant to say 1866

[khkco4bls]

Definitely 1880s