Chadwick's 1869 Book of Reference

[bgar3]

The Peck and Snyder trade card in the current Huggins Scott auction references the 1869 edition of Chadwick's Base Ball Player's Book of Reference, which I know has been the subject of prior discussion, but i notice it states that the book contains "seventy-five colored illustrations". While I have had and seen many Chadwick Books of Reference for other years(both wrappered and hardbound), I have never seen one with colored illustrations. If anyone has a copy and could post an example, I would love to see what one looks like. Thank you.

[barrysloate]

Hi Bruce- many years ago I purchased an 1867 Haney's Guide, also published by Peck & Snyder, that had affixed to its inside cover a large advertising poster, in full color, picturing sporting goods equipment that P & S had for sale. It is quite possible that the number of belts, caps, jerseys, and other assorted paraphernalia numbered around 75. It's only a guess, but that may solve the mysterey of the color illustrations.

[bgar3]

Thanks Barry, I thought that might be what was being referenced, but it really sounded like it might be something different, and I hope that it is. I had just never focused on the "colored illustration" part before, and had never seen color on anything but advertisements in this kind of early book.( the color illustration in the 1864 book is nice, but just one page and not really a reference book like this) ) Funny you mention the 1867 edition as that is the one I have seen the most copies of over the years.

[Baseball Rarities]

This ad from the 1869 New York Clipper mentions a supplement that Peck & Snyder included with their 1869 "Book of Reference." This supplement was "published for the benefit of parties wishing to order BASE BALL Uniforms &c."

I also stole an image of this 1869 supplement from one of Barry's posts from a while ago. It was obviously made to help advertise their wares.

[bgar3]

Thank you. I think that must be what they referred to as colored illustrations. My hope was there might be colored illustrations of players etc., even though I knew this was unlikely.

[barrysloate]

Hi Kevin- that color poster was on my wall for many years. I actually excised it myself from the inside cover of a Haney Guide. There were numerous tears that had to be repaired, but because the adverising sheet had never been removed, the colors were original and pristine.