UPDATE! - Caught Off Guard - Guy offering to sell- 1917 Cin Reds w/ Christy Mathews

[Leon]

Originally Posted by smokelessjoe

I am skeptical as well - The frame looks like one of those i have seen before with fake stuff in them - Aggravating I cannot find another image? My friend is at a flea market??? Doubt there is a guarantee? $100

Thanks everyone, by the way.

My experiences there is about a 97.5% chance it's not good. And I have been the recipient of the awesome other 2.5% a couple times .

[slidekellyslide]

I think the photo is legit...in the bottom area where the name of the photographer is there is no graininess like you would most likely see from a flea market forger. I'd take the gamble myself.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

I think the photo is legit...in the bottom area where the name of the photographer is there is no graininess like you would most likely see from a flea market forger. I'd take the gamble myself.

I noticed that right away too Dan. Even on cards, most times, those copyrights are blurry if it is a reprint or fake. I just know my general luck .

[drc]

I don't see anything wrong looking at the images posted, but you'd have to see it in person to know. I don't recall seeing before a Reds team photo with Mathewson-- which is evidence pointing to it being genuine. It it was a common image, one would be more suspicious.

You should see what it looks like outside the frame, as it the upper left corner is damaged and other parts may be as well.

Also, I'd be interested to know the size.

[smokelessjoe]

My friend guessed 11 x14 or bigger on the size??? He is not a collector so it makes it interesting

[drc]

A larger size is what I wanted to hear. 11x14 is consistent for a period team photo like that. It also appears to be mounted-- it looks as if you can see the edge of cardboard backing in the upper right--, which is neat.

Just looking at the images-- and I'm just looking at the front in a frame--, I see nothing wrong with the photo. Meaning nothing that says it's a reprint or fake and it has overall appearance of being authentic. Again, I'd have to see it in person to give a real opinion though.

[smokelessjoe]

Alright David,

I am going all in, but if it turns out to be fake - I will be so mad at you!

[RUSH2112]

Some close-up pics of the back would certainly help.

Seeing in person, its easy to determine if an original backing and nails that hold the backing on, have been removed to insert a modern fake photo. Usually the wood or cardboard backing has staining from the nails.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Good luck Shawn. I can't wait to hear the results when you get it in hand.

[scmavl]

If it's fake, I'll give you $100 for it because it's a cool pic.

If it's real, I'll give you $105.

[Jaybird]

I agree, looks real. I think I see Hal Chase in middle of top row. Was he on this team? I don't see Thorpe.

[Bicem]

Definitely Chase, I don't see Thorpe either.

[slidekellyslide]

Clarence Mitchell second from left in the front row.

[White Borders]

This might help for identifying players: 1917 Cincinnati Reds Roster from Baseball Almanac.

Pitchers
Rube Bressler
Hod Eller
Joe Engel
Elmer Knetzer
Clarence Mitchell
Scott Perry
Herman Pillette
Mike Regan
Jimmy Ring
Dutch Ruether
Roy Sanders
Pete Schneider
Fred Toney

Catchers
Tommy Clarke
Emil Huhn
Harry Smith
Ivey Wingo

Infielders
Hal Chase
Gus Getz
Heinie Groh
Larry Kopf
Bill McKechnie
Dave Shean

Outfielders
Manuel Cueto
Tommy Griffith
Sherry Magee
Greasy Neale
Edd Roush
Jim Thorpe


Best Regards,
Craig