n173 proof
 

i had seen one on ebay and it looks like a more like a photo than a cabinet card does anyone have a n173 oj proof i can see to compare it to? what makes it a proof over the regular cabinet card?

The N173 proofs are regular cabinets, same shape and dimensions as the N173s, but usually have a local studio name on the mount (bottom front and/or back) instead of the Old Judge or Goodwin text. The proof mounts can, however, come in different colors. They don't come in other shapes and sizes. If you see one for sale that is a different shape and size, it was more than probably made later.

I did an eBay search and saw one as advertised 'Old Judge Proof,' and it is a later photo.

Gus Weyhing Proof
 

Below is a photo of pitcher Gus Weyhing taken by the local Gilbert & Bacon Philadelphia studio for the Old Judge series. As you can see it has their wording on the bottom border and the reverse has related ornate advertising. The blown-up section shows the Goodwin & Company copyright stamped into the photo.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1888-N173-Ol...item53e65dca0f this is what i had seen on ebay

if I recall
 

If I recall correctly, and I might not be, these were made later than the originals and there are some issues surrounding them (mainly the date of mfg, I believe). That seller doesn't instill too much confidence either.

I think Leon is thinking of different OJ pieces made in the 20's or so...I agree w/others...looks like same as an n173 w/studio name instead of advertisement.

No, Leon is dead on
These are 2nd (or 3rd) generation reprints from the 20th century.
There was a Vermont "find"

my bad...I remember framed advertising like sheets from the 20's or 30's as well...sorry, Leon!

It is from the Vermont find... Many of those are Doran.

The Vermont Find ones appear to have been made in the early 1900s. So they are old, but not originals. The one on eBay appears to be one of the Vermont Find ones.