Could someone help me ID the other 2 people in this Walter Johnson Photo?

[Topnotchsy]

Edit:

I got some information on collecting photos (which was the initial purpose of this thread) and had a specific question about the other people who are in this Walter Johnson Washington Post Photo. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[thecatspajamas]

Wow, very broad question!

I'd suggest expanding your knowledge of the 4 PSA/DNA photo types by picking up a copy of A Portrait of Baseball Photography by Henry Yee and Marshall Fogel, who do the photo authentication for PSA. Besides explaining the photo Type system used by PSA in more detail, it also gives brief background info on a number of news services and photographers. It won't answer all of your questions, but may help you home in on more specific information you're seeking.

As "rating," value, and popular subjects, I think you will find photos are far more subjective than most other areas of sports collectibles. There is no price guide, and no widely accepted grading system. It's all about the content and originality, and though popular subjects mirror other areas of collectibles, all photos of a given player are not created equal.

Basically, I think you will find that the further you go down the rabbit hole, the more you will realize how impossible it is to address any of your original questions in a succinct manner. As I read each of them, I think to myself, "Holy crap, where do I start."

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by thecatspajamas

Wow, very broad question!

I'd suggest expanding your knowledge of the 4 PSA/DNA photo types by picking up a copy of A Portrait of Baseball Photography by Henry Yee and Marshall Fogel, who do the photo authentication for PSA. Besides explaining the photo Type system used by PSA in more detail, it also gives brief background info on a number of news services and photographers. It won't answer all of your questions, but may help you home in on more specific information you're seeking.

As "rating," value, and popular subjects, I think you will find photos are far more subjective than most other areas of sports collectibles. There is no price guide, and no widely accepted grading system. It's all about the content and originality, and though popular subjects mirror other areas of collectibles, all photos of a given player are not created equal.

Basically, I think you will find that the further you go down the rabbit hole, the more you will realize how impossible it is to address any of your original questions in a succinct manner. As I read each of them, I think to myself, "Holy crap, where do I start."

That's definitely a start, thank you.

Edit: Just checked Amazon and the book is like $100... wow.

I picked this up more for the signature than the photo (I figure that since it is not really a "baseball" picture since there are no uniforms and the like it is probably not something that adds a ton of value) but it got me wondering about this area of the hobby which I know nothing about.

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

Just checked Amazon and the book is like $100... wow

Keep an eye on ebay. They turn up from time to time, and typically go for much less than that.

[hcv123]

I have been collecting photos of my favorite player - Roberto Clemente for years now. My favorites are some great quality candids and snapshots and proof photos that tie in to usage on cards or publications. The possibilities are endless and in almost all cases - I do not have to worry about the market being "flooded" - cool to know I own something relatively unique. Enjoy!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

That's definitely a start, thank you.

Edit: Just checked Amazon and the book is like $100... wow.

I picked this up more for the signature than the photo (I figure that since it is not really a "baseball" picture since there are no uniforms and the like it is probably not something that adds a ton of value) but it got me wondering about this area of the hobby which I know nothing about.

It's a great book and should be around $20-$30.

[billyb]

Here is an old thread on Net 54 that may answer some of your questions as well.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=139049

[Topnotchsy]

Thanks for the information. @billyb thanks for the link to the other thread.

I have shown a few people the picture and there seems to be 2 questions that I'd love any help with:

1. Is it possible that the autograph is a facsimile? It is certified by PSA/DNA (besides for the cert on the picture, there's a separate cert on the signature.) Looking under the light there is a definitely imprint where the pen went (including the look of the "h" in "Johnson" and a look at the end of the "W" in Walter" where there is no ink) so that seems to be an indication that it was done by hand. (I'm also not clear if there is a way to get a facsimile auto on a Type 1 Photo since it is being printed from the negative, but I'm definitely new at this.

2. Is there anyone who might be able to help ID the two people in the photo (who are not Johnson...)

Here is the front and back:

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

Thanks for the information. @billyb thanks for the link to the other thread.

I have shown a few people the picture and there seems to be 2 questions that I'd love any help with:

1. Is it possible that the autograph is a facsimile? It is certified by PSA/DNA (besides for the cert on the picture, there's a separate cert on the signature.) Looking under the light there is a definitely imprint where the pen went (including the look of the "h" in "Johnson" and a look at the end of the "W" in Walter" where there is no ink) so that seems to be an indication that it was done by hand. (I'm also not clear if there is a way to get a facsimile auto on a Type 1 Photo since it is being printed from the negative, but I'm definitely new at this.

2. Is there anyone who might be able to help ID the two people in the photo (who are not Johnson...)

Here is the front and back:

This is definitely Walter's 1940's signature and I would be pretty confident it's real. To be 100% certain I would have to have it in hand, but all indicators independent of the PSA DNA slab look right to me.

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

This is definitely Walter's 1940's signature and I would be pretty confident it's real. To be 100% certain I would have to have it in hand, but all indicators independent of the PSA DNA slab look right to me.

Thanks! I actually found (with some help) an old auction where the item sold, and that also supports it. Link is below. I paid a decent amount more than that, so hopefully it sold cheap at auction... lol

http://catalog.scpauctions.com/LotDe...entoryid=24416

[Mark17]

Since it looks like the old guy on the right is clowning around, and he apparently brought a glove to an event where others were wearing suits, my first guess is that he's Al Schacht, the Clown Prince of Baseball. See attached image - the ear looks pretty close to me.

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Since it looks like the old guy on the right is clowning around, and he apparently brought a glove to an event where others were wearing suits, my first guess is that he's Al Schacht, the Clown Prince of Baseball. See attached image - the ear looks pretty close to me.

Thanks for taking the time to give it some thought. I'm not seeing it clearly, but who knows... the age gap is pretty large and the angles are totally different...

[Topnotchsy]

Is there any way to do a search on an image to find similar images? Seems like the process for images is so tedious... I would imagine someone has come up with an algorithm no?