Poto Help Again - Jack Rothfuss 1897 Pirates

[gonefishin]

Yes, requesting assistance again - I'm guessing my research ability is not up to par with the rest of the group when it comes to baseball of the 1900 period. Please know that any opinions are greatly appreciated.

I recently acquired this old photo. I'm stumped when it comes to the type of print it is (maybe a colorized print?), and the players. I know one is definitely Jack Rothfuss who played for the Pirates in 1897. The other 3 players, I cannot identify.

The photo is 10x16 and seems to be printed on heavy card stock. It was framed in a vintage frame (pictured) and the picture backing contained vintage stamps that are pictured. I removed it from the frame and have included before and after photos.

Again, any help in regard to player identification, type of print, etc. are appreciated. Thanks, Jim

[chalupacollects]

Looks like a premium of sorts since it was mailed as is… can’t help with players though..

I did learn that Gerard & Reed were tailors in Baltimore during late19th and early 20th centuries.

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[vintagesportscollector]

Gerhard & Reed were a clothing manufacturer and retailer, so I assume the backing was taken from another box to back the frame. The stamps date to 1920s. Are you sure that is Jack Rothfuss from the 1897 Pirates? The picture looks closer to 1910s to me, and that guy is fairly young - appears to be too young to have been playing for the Pirates in 1897 - but, I could be off.

[gonefishin]

Originally Posted by vintagesportscollector

Gerhard & Reed were a clothing manufacturer and retailer, so I assume the backing was taken from another box to back the frame. The stamps date to 1920s. Are you sure that is Jack Rothfuss from the 1897 Pirates? The picture looks closer to 1910s to me, and that guy is fairly young - appears to be too young to have been playing for the Pirates in 1897 - but, I could be off.

I'm sure it is Jack Rothfuss, but I'm not sure the date of the photo or if that is a Pirates uniform he is wearing. I put Pirates 1897 in the title because that's the only major league team, and year, he played. The rest of his playing times were with semi-professional leagues. I'm guessing the other players are semi-league players also.

I also agree the backing is not from the original packaging it came in. I also noted the stamps and date of the backing were from the 20s.

Thanks for the insight.

[vintagesportscollector]

How are you sure it is Jack Rothfuss? I am not doubting you, just curious and would like to know as I am not familiar with this player. The picture, based on the uniforms 1910s (??), appears to be later than any of his playing days, even semi-league days. I would guess he would be about 40 in this picture.

[gonefishin]

Other than the auction house stating so, the name on the photo, and matching it with the only picture of him I can find (Wiki), I'm pretty sure it is him. However, I could be wrong. Also, it is a pretty strange name if that counts for anything.

He was born in 1872 and played his first game in 1896. He played his last game in 1907. So, that would make him approximately 24 when he started and approximately 35 when he stopped.

I can't even guess his age in the photo, other than he looks to me to be in his 20s. However, I can't tell how old someone is even when I meet them in person!

[vintagesportscollector]

There is this 1907 Hartford Composite with him on eBay, the last year he played. It would be a nice companion piece for your photo, and give you another image than wiki.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145861785550

[slade15342]

Possibly his brother Adam Rothfuss that also played for the Newark Colts?

[bigfanNY]

Catchers equipment in right side looks later then 1897..??

[gonefishin]

Hi Jonathan, you're probably correct. I put 1897 in the title because that's the only year he played in the majors. I have no clue as to when the photo was taken.

I think I'll just send to PSA and see what they say. I'm totally unfamiliar with the printing method used. Maybe the "experts" can use their extensive tools and methods they have and pin it all down for me.

I appreciate your response. I don't wish to waste anyone's time, but I know that some collectors will find the picture interesting.

[bigfanNY]

Certainly not a waste of time. I can only speak for myself , but I enjoy looking at Baseball related photos and am always happy to contribute. I dropped the equipment reply as one of many ways to help date pictures. Equipment helps most for Major Leaguers who tend to have the best / latest equipment. Keep us updated on your search.