Circa early 1890s tintype of Cy Young

[mighty bombjack]

This is a fantastic piece from my father's collection. He purchased it from Leland's in 1989, and he has a letter from Joshua Evans explaining the provenance of the piece from the Young family to a nurse who took care of Cy in his last year.

This is a tintype of very young Young. While there is no uniform or equipment visible, this was obviously taken during his playing years. We think early 1890s, but would love to hear thoughts.

Also, is there anyone who authenticates/encapsulates this type of thing? If my father wanted to sell (which I don't believe that he does), what would be the recommended venue?

Any and all comments and discussion welcomed.

[sycks22]

Awesome piece Wayne. I'm not sure if PSA/SGC grade tintypes. I don't think so.

[drcy]

A letter from Evans is as good as anything authentication-wise. I don't see a need to have it encapsulated, but you can ask SGC or PSA if they will do it if you desire. It would sell well at any of the big sports auction houses: Legendary, REA, etc. 1800s tintypes of HOFers, and even of Major League players, are extremely rare.

[bgar3]

Beautiful. Don't see the point of grading it.

[barrysloate]

1890's seems about right. Gorgeous image.

[Leon]

That is a great image. Thanks for sharing. Sorry I can't answer your questions but a call to SGC will answer the grading one(s).

[ethicsprof]

absolutely gorgeous tin type.
congratulations on having such a rarity.
a keeper methinks.

all the best,
barry

[bobfreedman]

Can you share the letter of provenance for the item? It is a great item and does not need to be graded or encapsulated either but I can see if you wanted to for piece of mind.

[GKreindler]

Wayne,

Whatever the case, you have an incredible piece of history there. Bravo.

Graig

[WillowGrove]

Beautiful piece Wayne. As others have said the larger sports auction houses would do well as they get the right audience for truly vintage, important pieces.

Thanks for posting it.

peter

[sporteq]

killer!! it looks to be framed.. can we see the full display? NO to plastic grading.

Albert

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by sporteq

killer!! it looks to be framed.. can we see the full display? NO to plastic grading.

Albert

It is in a binder affixed to paper with archival plastic corners. Nothing more to see, really.

[mighty bombjack]

Originally Posted by bobfreedman

Can you share the letter of provenance for the item? It is a great item and does not need to be graded or encapsulated either but I can see if you wanted to for piece of mind.

Here it is. I'm a bit taken aback that it is completely handwritten, but it will do.

This photo was included in a lot of McKenzie Young's (Cy's father) Civil War papers.

[drcy]

Nothing wrong with a handwritten LOA, especially as it's notarized.

[aaroncc]

Nice photo, I wouldn't worry about getting it authenticated. After all they are not known for photo identification. Which is the main concern with photos. The provenance from Lelands would seem sufficient. Nice to see something special today. Good luck if you decide to sell it.