AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>Jay Miller&nbsp; </b><p>I picked this cabinet up on ebay last week and I think it is the earliest known single image of Willie Keeler. The uniform looks like the same ones worn by the Giants in the Newsboy cabinets so I would guess this is from his 1892 or 1893 season with the Giants, prior to his going to Baltimore. The cabinet looks like it was later used for a newspaper or magazine article, the way it is marked up. Interestingly enough, on the back of the cabinet at the top there is written Wm. Keeler Right field Baltimores. I assume it was written in by the cabinets original owner, but I guess it could be Keeler's signiture. Does anyone know what his signiture looks like?<BR><BR>&lt;<img src="http://members.aol.com/curl777/keelerf.jpg">&gt;<BR>&lt;<img src="http://members.aol.com/curl777/keelerb.jpg">&gt;

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>Hankron</b><p>You are correct that it was used to make a picture for a magazine or newspaper.

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>Julie Vognar</b><p>Wouldn't this rather be a photo than a card? Or can you call all cabinets "cards" because they're photos pasted to thick board?<BR><BR>Whatever it is, it sure is a nice one!<BR><BR><BR>

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>Hankron</b><p>It's not a 'trading card,' if that's what you mean.

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>BcD</b><p>I have a card somewhere with his signature on it in pencil and it is not at all like your neat pick ups notation. If I can find it I will send you a scan later.

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>Jay Miller</b><p>Thanks Brian. I thought it probably was a prior owner writing his name, etc. on the back but I just wanted to check.

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>James</b><p><BR>Wow. regardless - this is a great acquisition. Early images of Keeler are stunning. Great find!

AN INTERESTING NEW CARD
 

Posted By: <b>runscott</b><p>Also, I think the price was great and agree that it must have been from his 1890's NY days prior to Baltimore - the image probably started seeing use while he was playing with Baltimore (thus the inscription). Fantastic find - now you have his first single image and his first team image!