1933 Joe DiMaggio San Francisco Type 1 Possibly
 

This was picked up listed as a "press photograph" during his time with the San Francisco Seals in 1933, it was framed and matted so they did not list it as a Type 1 photo, however after taking it out believe it to be.

Someone suggested I have it restored, the mask removed - anyone know who does that, and does it increase or hinder the value?

the back

Absolutely a type 1. Beautiful photo! The follow-through pose, the outfield wall background and great balance make this one pop.

The matted slug most likely isn't original. It looks like it was created later as a descriptive companion piece to the photo. The slug attached to the photo looks good though. The stamping is also period and good.

It looks like the grey editor's ink or mask around Joe can be removed. Most of the time the ink used is water soluble and will lift easily using a damp paper towel. I have removed ink on many old photos and they turned out great. Removing the ink will not hurt the value or desirability. Be careful to not saturated the surface of the photo. Use just enough moisture to loosen the ink. Also, use an easy wiping action with light pressure. If you do choose to remove the ink, please show the results. Super photo.

Thanks for the response, not sure trust myself enough to remove it just yet! Definitely would look better and be better for display.

Looks to be the same photo from his super tough Pebble Beach postcard. Nice pick up.

If you think it is a genuine type 1 of Joe D I'd suggest investing in having a qualified conservator remove the mask. I've removed that sort of stuff very successfully on photos:

Kid Kaplan before:

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...lan_%20Kid.jpg

Kid Kaplan after:

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...1925%20NEA.jpg

But there is still a residue. Yours looks like it would come off really clean, since there is no apparent india ink or white paint, just the gray stuff, which is the easiest to remove in my experience.

I wouldn't trust myself on a potentially super valuable item.

I'm same way, not trusting myself on that and not sure who can do it - if there's a company or something, maybe give a try but don't want to screw it up either.

Looks like they tried to lighten up the shadow on his face and under the cap as well with same mask.

+1

Incredible photo...congrats on the amazing pick-up!

Great pickup Mike! Very nice!!

Thanks, already had four offers so question really is what to do - keep or move!

Being a minor league photographer love the old minor league photos, and the fact that my grandmother turned Joe down for a date at one point...if she'd only said yes...