Posted By:
John FreemanI looked at the card that was offered by Robert Edward auctions in March of 2001. I have never physically held the item in the auction, but it is not "virtually identical" to the cabinets that American Memorabilia has. First the one in the Robert Edward auciton has advertising in the photo reading "PH Mayo & Brother Tobacco Co." Also the mount that it is on is much different than cards in the American Memorablia auction. Just because the photo contains "Goodwin & Co." advertising does not make them "virtually identical." There are hundreds of generic cabinets out there that made use of Goodwin and Company photos.
Lastly, even if the American Memorabilia cards are genuine, I highly doubt that these are proofs. First, they seem to be cut from an uncut sheet of four pieces. Why would proofs need to be mounted on generic cardboard? It would make them difficult to handle. Second, another poster said that he has the exact same four cards in uncut form. Proofs are usually not made in duplicate form. Obviously, these cards are not unique, as reported.
I would suggest that the cards be taken to a photography expert at a museum and see if they are albumen prints or not.