Photographic Images: The Impact of Size on Desirability/Value

[Archive]

Posted By: Corey R. Shanus

A number of photographic images are known in various sizes. Joseph Halls and Kalamazoo Bats, to name two, were issued in various sizes. Joseph Halls, besides the typical cabinet size, were also issued as imperial cabinets and mammoth plates. Kalamazoo Bats, besides the standard card size, also exist as cabinets and imperial cabinets. For my tastes, all other considerations (i.e., condition, contrast, resolution) being equal, the larger the image, the more desirable and therefore (to me), the more valuable. Yet I am told by a number of respected collectors/dealers that because card and cabinet size, in contrast to imperial cabinet and mammoth plate, photographic images qualify as baseball cards, they have a greater market value than their larger counterparts. I'd be curious to know people's thoughts on this question.