PHOTO EXPERTS PLEASE HELP - Mickey Mantle wearing #7 question
 

Ok - I tried hijacking an old post and was hoping to get some photo feedback. But I really did not get any opinions either way.

The photo below actually shows Mantle as he returns to the Yankees on 08/24/51 wearing #7 for the FIRST time ever.

In my opinion (and its only that) this photo is the "proof" that would have been developed from the negative that was shot at the ball game, in Cleveland, which is where this archive originated.

The tagline is the original "sticker" tagline that would have been attached to the photo before sending it out across the wire.

The back has a hand written notation that says "not accepted", which leads me to believe that it never made it to the wire.

My questions are these:

Has anyone ever seen this image?

Is the "not accepted" notation as significant as I think it might be?

Is it possible that this is the only copy of this image (other than the original negative)?

All of your feedback is appreciated - Thanks

Hey Chris
As a casual observer I don't have the technical answers for you. I guess my first question, and forgive my ignorance, but I don't see a #7 on his uniform? I guess it's just accepted its on there? It sounds like the rest of the story is as it will play out. If it's a wire photo that didn't get sent then there shouldn't be too many (if more than 1).....so I would guess the rarity would go way up. Good luck in the quest.

Thank for the response Leon. The tagline states: "Manager Casey Stengel welcomes Mickey Mantle to his #7 Yankee uniform tonight". Mantle had just rejoined the Yankees after a 40 game stint with the Kansas City Blues.

When he was sent down to Kansas City he was wearing #6 and upon his return he was given #7. This is his first game back and his first time wearing #7. Although you can not see the uniform number the tagline states as much. Hope this helps.

Thanks again for your response
Chris

Why was Mantle classified 4f?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems that this is not the only copy. A quick Google image search returned several matching images, including this.

That looks like a print of the first copy shown by Chris? Is it only a copy that is being sold?

Scott - Thanks for the link. Looks like you are right and I am not holding the only copy... Too bad huh?

Found these auction results as well:

Mastro 2006

http://www.legendaryauctions.com/Lot...entoryid=61240

Huggins & Scott 2012

http://may12.hugginsandscott.com/cgi...l?itemid=45870

What a difference 6 years made - WOW

Thanks for the help
Chris

What a difference no shilling made, too!

Wow.

Also, your photo shows more of the left (Mantle) side than either the Legendary or H&S one, and more of the right side than the Legendary.

Basically, yours is better.