Ty Cobb Mounted Cabinet Photo

[Jobu]

That is a great photo - where did you find it?

[T206Jim]

The photo was first found at a flea market in Georgia by the previous owner. I purchased it on eBay, where you can still sometimes find a real gem if you are lucky.

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by T206Jim

The photo was first found at a flea market in Georgia by the previous owner. I purchased it on eBay, where you can still sometimes find a real gem if you are lucky.

Jim, nice photo. Just a question: Are there any identifications or anything to prove it is indeed Ty Cobb?? I saw it on eBay myself and was just a bit skeptical, but that is just me

[Huysmans]

Originally Posted by gnaz01

Jim, nice photo. Just a question: Are there any identifications or anything to prove it is indeed Ty Cobb?? I saw it on eBay myself and was just a bit skeptical, but that is just me

I was thinking the same thing. This individual looks to svelt and young for someone of Cobb's visage, in my opinion, especially considering Ty was in his fortieth year in 1925.
Again, just my opinion. Cool photo though nonetheless. 😁

[T206Jim]

A reasonable question on the identity and one I could only have confidence in answering upon having the photo in hand and magnifying it. Based on the following factors I am convinced it is indeed Cobb.
- the left handed swing looks like other photos of Cobb
- Cobb was 6'1" and 175 and remained svelte throughout his career, he stole 22 bases in 1927.
- it he photo was found in Georgia where the Tigers trained from 1922-1926 and the photo is obviously from spring training.
- the tigers wore those socks and a dark cap from 1925 to 1926.
- the enlarged headshot is the clincher, for me it certainly looks like Cobb.
- there are no notations on the back, only oral provenance facts from prior owners which though unverifiable sound so to me.
Taken together these facts leave me convinced that it is Cobb, but draw your own conclusion.

[Huysmans]

You make some excellent points Jim, and I do hope it is Cobb.
The one point we don't share, is that the indivual, visually, is positively Cobb.
It certainly could be, but I'm not too sure. Again I hope it is, and you seem confident which is good.
All the best.

Oh, and no one stays perfectly svelt into their 40's, we all get a little thicker, I know this firsthand. 😝

Regards,
Brent

[T206Jim]

Brent, I appreciate your perspective, but take a close look at the nose, ear and hairline and then compare these features to other Cobb photos. I think you will find a striking resemblance.

[chipperhank44]

I saw this on ebay as well. I think there's a decent chance it's Cobb, just wish his jaw line showed, his most recognizable feature aside from his eyes IMO. Very nice pickup!!

[ctownboy]

I do not know if it is Ty Cobb or not that is pictured. But my biggest problem with the picture being Ty Cobb is the crowd that is there (or, more precisely, the lack thereof).

If this is Spring Training in Georgia in 1927 and that is Cobb, I would think there would be MORE people standing close by to watch the great one bat.

Yes, I get it that it is ONLY Spring Training BUT, Cobb was from Georgia and was still a huge star in 1927. Since there were no MLB team in Georgia or even close by back then, I would have expected people standing five and six deep around the batting cage to see Cobb hit. I also wouldn't expect a vehicle to be parked so close to the field (more people could get in close to see him bat without the truck there).

If everything else was equal and this photo were supposed to be from 1907 then, yes, I could see such a small crown since Cobb wasn't well known at that point. But 1927, I would expect more people to be watching.

Anyway, my two cents,

David

[Enfuego]

Very cool photo of the Georgia Peach.