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.

[bgar3]

Gary, we do know and I posted a long piece on who and when, not sure how to post the link here, but the short answer is the photo was taken by Huff of Newark, NJ. No doubt taken between June 16 and 18, most likely the 18th before their game with Irvington, which is very close to Newark. The photo was commissioned by Harper’s and used as the basis for their famous woodcut.

[GaryPassamonte]

Boy, that was fast, Bruce. I don't remember the thread. Maybe someone more adept than I am can post a link.

[bgar3]

Gary, there is also a thread on the priority of the dates of the different variations , with great research by Kevin Struss. Finally there is a thread with an attempt to catalogue the various 1869 team images, many of which were used for multiple purposes, for example, the heads from this image were used in the Leslie’s full page illustration in July 17, 1869.

[GaryPassamonte]

I found this one, Bruce.

https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=233197

[bgar3]

That is one, there is at least one other with the priority information. I think it is interesting that the priority info has not made it into any auction descriptions.
I don’t care about grading services but I don’t think they have noted any priority either.
I think Kevin’s research was laid out in January 2018 sometime if that helps.

[GaryPassamonte]

Number 2. I still haven't found reference to a photo credit. I'll keep searching.

https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=250619