Date and Origin of 1800s Cabinet Photo

[Leon]

A cross between a card and a photo..(probably more a photo). This was listed on the bay as being from an estate from Racine WI. The estate of Sadie Duncombe and this is what it said below. Her name is on back as can be seen too. Any ideas on the team though? Or any of the other players? Thanks in advance..

"This auction is for a really nice and very rare antique 1900-1910s era cabinet photograph that depicts a baseball team once located in Racine, Wisconsin. The players are all identified at the bottom including Duncombe who was the relative of the famous Dr. William Duncombe of Racine. This comes from his families estate and it's guaranteed old and original. Back in these days a lot of the large companies like J.I. Case had their own baseball team and they all competed. Not sure what the A stands for on their uniforms. Measures about 10" x 8" and is guaranteed as described!"

[edjs]

I think I found your boys:

https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7821371/

Seems they were the Racine Actives formed in 1870.

[bgar3]

I don’t know the actual team although Actives was very common for teams. Tha Antioch college team was pretty good, for example it played the 1869 Red Stockings, but this is not the team that played them.
As for date, I felt it was pre 1880, and likely pre 1870, based upon uniforms, shoes, belts, hats etc, and absence of catcher’s mitt or other gloves. Also the bats are long and appar to be earlier. I liked it. Nice pickup, and very clearly not 1900 to 1910.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by edjs

I think I found your boys:

https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/7821371/

Seems they were the Racine Actives formed in 1870.

I looked for at least an hour or more and couldn't find this. Thanks!!

And Bruce, thanks for your thoughts too. I think it's probably close to 1870, if not 1870. (Probably hard to tell unless something else is found)
On the outset I thought it might be a year or two earlier too, but now, I think the article shown nails it. I wouldn't think this was a cheap photo, relatively speaking, back in the day.

[bgar3]

Sorry, was typing and missed the article post until after I posted. 1870 is plenty early.

[Jobu]

That is a nice photo, congrats Leon. I was hoping it would slip through the cracks but alas, it did not.

I live just north of where the photo was taken. Here is another photo of a different Racine team from the same period:

https://bid.robertedwardauctions.com...e?itemid=42395

[edjs]

It would be fun to see a modern team do a real throwback uniform. Could you imagine?

[barrysloate]

I also say circa 1870, and great looking uniforms.

[1880nonsports]

hope you and your wife will visit this year.....................

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by 1880nonsports

hope you and your wife will visit this year.....................

Without a doubt, we look forward to getting together with you in Jan or Feb. Hope you guys are doing well. Will call you then.