Red Stocking 1868 & Cincinnati's 1888 team posters

[emjh95]

Just wondering if anyone is able to help. These two posters were found in an attic years ago. I am trying to find out if they are authentic. Any help is appreciated.

[barrysloate]

Is there any way you can provide clearer pictures? There is very little I can see in the way of detail.

Hard to imagine a photographic poster from 1868; I don't believe that technology even existed back then. By 1888 photographic prints existed.

[aquarius31]

Yes, clearer pictures would be helpful. The framing looks somewhat old but "old" could still mean early 20th century. The second one looks like it could be a newspaper supplement and the original source may be in one of the corners which are possibly hidden due to framing. Just speculating for now.

[emjh95]

Thanks ! Maybe I should remove them from the frames?

[emjh95]

Again thank you for your help!

[prewarsports]

For what its worth, I think they are reproductions. Hard to be 100% sure through glass but they look bad so I will hedge my bet and say there is a 99.99% chance they are reproductions. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Rhys Yeakley

[aquarius31]

Yeah, the "1868" poster looks like a reproduction.

On the other image, if you google image "1888 Cincinatti Reds" you'll find the similar print to the one that you have listed but the one in this thread looks very grainy. It's either an older reproduction or some sort of supplement perhaps from a magazine, newspaper or calendar. My experience with supplements is that there on slightly thicker stock.

[emjh95]

Wonder if I should remove them from the fames to see if there are any markings. Does anyone think there is any value to them? Thank you.

[drc]

I highly doubt the one on left is not from 1868. The other one is at least more plausible to be old.

[barrysloate]

Based on the better pictures you provided, they are most likely reprints.

[Leon]

I concur with my other friends in this thread. The printing is consistent with reproductions and they are not crisp enough compared to original photos and lithography from the period. I don't think they are real either, from the pictures posted.

[barrysloate]

According to a reference I regularly use, "The National Association of Base Ball Players, 1857-1870", by Marshall Wright, the Red Stockings and the Unions of Morrisania played a two game match on August 24 and 25. Neither team had a game scheduled on August 26, 1868. That is yet another red flag that something isn't right.

[emjh95]

When I Googled the one on the left, I found one like it. The owner is trying to sell it for $4500. The other one I found on a sports site but it was not for sale. Both were not easy to find information on. I was hopeful maybe we had something of value.

[CW]

Originally Posted by drc

I highly doubt the one on left is not from 1868. The other one is at least more plausible to be old.

Do you mean you highly doubt the one on the left IS from 1868??

Just wondering because you edited your post....

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by emjh95

When I Googled the one on the left, I found one like it. The owner is trying to sell it for $4500. The other one I found on a sports site but it was not for sale. Both were not easy to find information on. I was hopeful maybe we had something of value.

The one you found that was for sale for $4500 is probably not original either. Many people either think they have something real, or they are scammers. I don't even think a real 1868 Red Stockings poster ever existed. I believe it's a modern creation.

[drc]

Whoops, I meant I don't believe it's from 1868.

[CW]

Ah, cool, that's what I thought. I value your opinion on stuff related to printing, so I just wanted to clarify. Thanks.

[drc]

In particular the picture of the team is like nothing you'd have in 1868. In 1868, it would look like a woodcut, engraving or such. Lots of lines.

[emjh95]

Thank you all for your help and information! Best to you all.