Honus Wagner Photo Date? Help...

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Posted By: Kyle

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone shed light on when this photograph may have been taken? Also, has anyone seen any other photos like this one?



Thanks in advance,
Kyle

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Posted By: barrysloate

Pittsburgh starting using the uniform with the Letter "P" in 1915, and Wagner retired in 1917, so there's your window. It's a very famous image of him, and I have seen it many times.

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Posted By: Max Weder

Barry

He returned as a coach for the Pirates from 1933 to 1952, and I'd always assumed this photo was from his early time as a coach.

Max

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Posted By: barrysloate

That would make him at least in his sixties, if not close to seventy. Does he really look that old in the picture? He doesn't look that old to me. But if you know for sure, then I am wrong.

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Posted By: Frank Wakefield

I think Barry is right about the time frame, around 1916ish. A great aspect of the photo is Honus' belt. The buckle is off-center to the left. As a righty, he would have normally done his sliding on his rear or right side. Players would position their belt buckle so it was less likely to be between the belly and the ground... Modern buckles aren't as big, and players don't position the buckles to the side as much or as often.

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Posted By: Max Weder

Barry and Frank

On reflection, I believe you're correct as to 1916. I didn't recall Honus was born in 1874, which would make him 59 in 1933, but 40 in 1916, which seems more likely.

Max

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Posted By: steve

in the game he just played, classic photo. Just think, now players would want $50,000 to take a picture like that. Thats why i never collect new stuff because its all about money to Topps and the players.

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Posted By: steve f

stolen photo from levi, 1936 fine-pen;

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Posted By: Greg

For a pretty good reference to the history on uniforms over the years, go to the National Baseball Hall of Fame's website. You can do a search for many teams.

Here is a link for Pittsburgh, which backs up Barry's opinion on dating the photo to 1916:

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/dressed_to_the_nines/uniforms.asp?league=NL&city=Pittsburgh&lowYear=1901&highYear=1950&sort=year&increment=18

Hope this helps,
Greg

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Posted By: Kyle

I had bought this postcard on eBay for about $12, and the image strikingly looks like Honus. While not exact, one must agree with the similarities.

From what everyone has said though, I've concluded its not. The postcard was post marked in 1909.

Still pretty neat and bizarre how close the photos are.

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Posted By: Joe K.

I got this Wagner photo a couple years back. It's a vintage print. Has anyone seen this one before? Any idea where it is was taken and when?



-Joe