Posted By:
Kevin CummingsI don't want to rain on your parade (or snow on it like it's doing in my neck of the woods), but I did the side-by-side comparison you suggested and I couldn't swear on a stack of bibles it's the same guy.
I will say that there are similarities, but the player in the cabinet appears to be younger than the the Rusie on the Old Judge card. Secondly, if this is the 1889 Indianapolis Hoosiers, I don't think I see either Paul Hines or Jack Glasscock in the cabinet photo. Kind of hard to believe they'd take a team photo without two of the best players. Finally, there is no "Indianapolis" across the chest and the hats are white (unlike the photos of Rusie on his Old Judge card).
I agree with Rob that the photo might date to early to mid 1880's. Still, it's a very spiffy item.