Help with Photo Dating - 1870's?

[vintagesportflips]

Hey guys,

I picked up this photo in the last Mears auction, and wanted to see if I can garner some input as far as dating. I was thinking 1870's based on the equipment, the 2 toned leather shoes, etc. Do you think I am right on this? Mears called it 1890s, but I thought it was alot earlier than that. I hope to be able to id it eventually given the WC on the bib fronts, and the fact that the players are id'd. The photo measures about 9 x 11.

Also, one thing that bothers me a bit about it, and wasn't mentioned in the auction description, is that there are the following markings on back: Return to Library, (Sports - Baseball - Historic), and Filed 3/10/33. I know alot of libraries sell items/books from their collections, but would these markings bother any of you from either a collecting or resale standpoint?

[barrysloate]

I think ca. 1880 would be about right. Could even be late 70's. Those mustaches were popular in the 80's, but a few of the kids have long sideburns which is a bit earlier style.

[slidekellyslide]

I agree with Barry...probably circa 1880..give or take a few years either way.

The library markings would bother me a bit...usually if a library gets rid of something they mark it so you know the library no longer owns it.

[bmarlowe1]

Agree with Barry and Dan. It's probably already obvious that the C in WC likely stands for College.

[prewarsports]

My guess is Wesleyan. They had a flourishing Baseball program in the 19th century and were among the best teams in the country. I could be wrong, but that is an off-the-hip shot at it.

I also would agree that the date is either the very late 1870's or the very early 1880's. I have an 1883 Cleveland Blues team cabinet with similar uniform types but even by then this style was "older".

Rhys

[vintagesportflips]

Thanks alot for the help guys. My initial thought was possibly Wesleyan as well, but my research is only in it fledgling steps right now.
thanks again