1869 Red Stockings

[GaryPassamonte]

Isn't it odd that we do not know who took this most famous of all 19th century images? Most cdvs have a photographer's imprint either on the front or back of the cdv. This practice is almost universal on images of well known/famous teams. What photographer would not want to be credited with taking this image of the Red Stocking team that was taking the nation by storm in 1869 and 1870? The photograph was obviously taken in a studio. Was it taken in Cincinnati, New York, or elsewhere? Did someone, such as Peck and Snyder buy the rights to the image? All 1869 Red Stocking cdv mounts are of a similar style and were most likely produced in the 1869-1870 period when the team was at its greatest point of fame. There a couple reverses which include team rosters, as well as advertising ( P & S, Chadwick book). There are some with a few different styles, listing the team roster. There are many that are blank backed. Were the blank backed ones meant to have advertising on the reverse like a trade card? It is interesting that this photograph still presents us with many unanswered questions.