The following lots will be featured in the August 25th – September 1st, 2012 MEARS Online Auction, www.mearsonlineauctions.com . We are currently accepting consignments for our September auction, and are aggressively seeking football / baseball memorabilia, game worn jerseys, leather helmets, rare model gloves, catcher’s masks, autographs, programs, tickets, vintage photography, advertising, etc.
These images were carefully selected as choice representations of early American football and baseball team photography. Many of the photographers are identified with the studio name appearing on the cabinet card portion of the photo. Examination revealed amazing detail of the equipment, uniforms, and fashion of the day.
These images provide a rare opportunity for bidders to add images to their collections which capture the essence of early sports in America. Although baseball had a professional league and college football had swept America, it was the local town teams and schools that sprouted the roots of America’s pastimes, and led to the growth of professional sports, which then led to the organized hobby that we now participate in.
Examination of the faces captured in these timeless images show the individuals that fueled the love of the game for future generations.
Football Photography
1913 Unidentified Small College Football Team Mounted 7” x 9” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 7 ½” x 9 ½” on 11”x14” grooved mount; this image depicts a small college football squad. 12 players stand in line against the backdrop of a small University building. The period melon football is simply painted, “1913”. The cardboard mount is dated 1914 in pencil at the bottom center border. The third player from the right must have been a 6th year senior, as he is proudly wearing the old fashioned union football suit with sewn on shoulder pads. The rest of the team wears a contemporary, simple dark colored long sleeved shirt with reeded football pants. At least four distinct styles of leather football helmets are depicted, including the Princeton Model, Rain Cap, and Dog Ear football helmet varieties. Two men in civilian clothes flank both sides of the football team.
The image retains exceptional contrast and hue. The images itself grades in near mint condition, with the only exception a small 1.5” indentation (not quite a tear) near the upper right window.
Mount remains in excellent condition with only minor chipping of one corner. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1935 Pleasantville High School Football Team 8”x10” Type 1 Original Photo – Friction Stripe Jersey
Measuring 8”x10”. 28 player depicted wearing friction striped uniforms with front numerals. Players are outfitted with high waist pants with full thigh pads. Uniforms are finished with black, high top cleats. Stamped on reverse, “Leader Photo Service, 400 So. New Road, Phone 1342-W, Pleasantville, NJ”. Player seated in the front row holding a football which reads, “PHS, ‘35”
Photo remains in very good condition with pinholes to the corners.
1903 F.D. Catholic High School Football Team Oversized 10”x12” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Featuring turtleneck sweater & quilted pants uniforms (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 10”x12” on 12”x14” cardboard mount. 13 players wearing white turtle neck with long sleeve football jersey tops with quilted pants and reeded shin guards. 12 players have the school’s “F” positioned on the front, with on seated player seen without the team letter. Player sitting on bottom middle is holding a vintage melon football with the white writing, “F.D.H.S., ‘03”. The school’s father, who also served as coach, can be seen in the back row with cap and collar. Uniforms are completed with high top leather lace up high shoes. Photograph taken indoors with special note to the Victorian carpet.
Image remains in excellent condition, with only exceptions of small scratch on face of player (center/back row) and a small stain on the teammate next to him. Mount is in very good condition, and may have been trimmed.
LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1936 Pleasantville High School 8”x10” Type 1 Original Photo – Friction Stripe Jersey – Photo by Alton R. Bowen
Measuring 8”x10”, 21 uniformed players are featured, with four alternates standing in the back row not wearing official team jerseys. Majority of the players are wearing friction striped jerseys, some with uniform numbers, some without. Two gentlemen in the back row are wearing jackets with “Pleasantville” across the front. The boy in the bottom center row is holding a football which is painted with white lettering, “P, 1936”. All players are outfitted in black leather high top cleats. Image remains in excellent condition, with some damage in the form of pinholes to the outer 4 corners.
1893 Rare Oversized 19th Century Unidentified Football Team 13”x17” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo – Lace Up Vest, Quilted Pants, & Reeded Shin Guards (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 13”x17” on borderless mount. 14 players compose the team. 11 players are shown wearing lace up vest with quilted pants and reeded shin guards. 3 players are shown wearing a rare variety of a long sleeve striped lace up front sweater with oversized “hoodie” collar. A seated man sits in the middle wearing civilian clothes. The team’s uniforms are completed with dark colored leather wooden cleated high top lace up shoes. One seated teammate is holding the oversized melon football which is painted in white lettering, “’93”, indicated the 1893 date. Image taken in studio setting. Sepia toned in color, images remains in excellent condition with only slight wear to the outermost edges. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1912 Chehalis High School Football 8”x10” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Striped jersey & Reeded Pants – I.N. Kent Photographer (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on 11”x14” double bordered mount. 14 players featured. 13 are wearing the long sleeve striped shirts with solid front. 1 player is wearing a jersey without stripes. Pants are all consistent and the popular reeded version. High top football shoes complete the uniform. The team manager can be seen wearing civilian clothes with bow tie and hat.
Player’s names are written on upper border on cardboard mount. Names visible are:
Back Row: Abel “Butch” Walters, Dick Forney, Fred Hamilton, Walter Brunning, Frank Michaels, JA Wright (coach)
Middle Row: Bill Jensen, Noel Lowry, Ike Mayfield, Ike Giblin, Peter Summerset
Bottow Row: Pearcy Prewitt, Martin Diggler, Roy Davis, Digger Boone
Images were taken inside photo studio as evidenced by the Victorian style curtains with printed palm. Images remain in excellent condition. Mount is in very good condition. Small chip from upper right corner. Water staining on right border. “I.N. Kent, Chehalis WASH” is stamped in the bottom right corner. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1913 Chehalis High School Football 8”x10” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Wide Striped Jersey & Dog Ear Helmet – I.N. Kent Photography Stamp (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on 11”x14” double bordered mount. 13 players featured all wearing matching single stripe (wide) long sleeve football jerseys with reeded pants. Uniforms are completed with dark colored lace up high top football cleats. Team manager can be seen in back row, center, wearing a dark suit and bow tie.
Players name are written with arrow drawn, in order:
Back Row: Norman Ross, Fred Hamilton, J. Arthur Wright, Frank Michael, Ike Giblen
Middle Row: Herb Scott, Walter Gregg, “Digger” Boone, Les Henderson, Temp Hewlord
Front Row: Percy Prewitt, Al Gregg, Ike Mayfield, John White
Written in red pencil on the bottom is, “1913 Chehalis High School”.
The two players on the far right are holding rain cap style dog ear helmets. Images itself remains in excellent condition. Cardboard mount grades very good with damage to the upper right corner and right border. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1890s Rare Unidentified Philadelphia Area Football Team Oversized 11”x14” Type 1 Sepia Tone Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Gilbert Bacon Photographer – Lace Up Vest, Quilted Pants, Reeded Shin Guards (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 11”x14” on 16”x20” cardboard mount. “Gilbert Bacon, 1030 Chestnut St., Philad’a” factory stamped on bottom border. 16 players featured. 15 are wearing full lace up front vests with quilted football pants. 2 players are wearing striped socks. Many of the depicted athletes can be seen wearing reeded shin guards. The uniforms are completed with lace up high top wooden cleated football shoes. One player sitting with both hands on thighs is wearing the rare full sleeved lace up vest style jersey. Image appears to have been taken outside in front of a stone building.
Players’ last names are neatly printed along bottom border:
Top Row: Fairbanks, Gillinder, Synder, B. Frazier, Bay, Tappen
Middle Row: J. Frazier, Bruce, Coombs, Woodward, Baker, McAvoy
Bottom Row: Conway, Padgett, Morris
Images itself remains in excellent condition with the exception of foxing on the left border and the right third. Mount has some chipping to upper left edge, piece missing on bottom right corner, and a heavy water stain on the left edge and bottom area. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900-10 Unidentified Sweetwater TN Football Team 8”x10” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Princeton, Rain Cap and Dog Ear Leather Helmet, Striped Jersey – Gallant Studio Stamp (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on 11”x14” double grooved mat. 13 players pictured wearing dark long sleeve jerseys with some having multi striped sleeves. Two players have sewn on elbow pads. The team’s uniforms are completed with dark colored, lace up, high top football cleats. A small pile of 5 leather football helmets can be seen in the bottom center of the image.
Image remains in near mint condition. The mount grades in excellent condition. The photographers stamp, “Gallant, Sweetwater, Tenn.” is factor stamped in the bottom right corner of the mount. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1903 Columbus, OH High School Football 8”x10” Type 1 Original Cabinet Photo on Mount – Ziegler’s Studio- w/ 4 Spoke Helmet, Union Suit, Nose Guard, Quilted Pants (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on trimmed 12”x12” cardboard beveled mount. 16 uniformed players and one coach dressed in civilian clothes are pictured. Combination of jerseys can be viewed including full lace up vests with striped long sleeve undershirts, large single horizontal striped high collared sweater/jersey, dark colored long sleeve sweater/jersey, and multi striped long sleeve jersey with added on shoulder padding. 7 players are wearing nose guards from their necks. Combination of reeded and quilted pants. The middle seated boy is holding a small dog statue on his right knee, presumably the team’s good luck charm. Image is taken inside the photographer’s studio.
Player’s names are identified on bottom border of mount:
7. P. Wright, R Tackle, ‘04
8. F. O’Rourke, L Tackle, ‘06
9. E. Feelyater, R Guard, ‘04
10. J. Zick, L Guard, ‘05
11. C Parsenalu, Center, ‘08
1. W. McCormick, Capt, Full Back, ‘04
2. W. Richards, L Half, ‘04
3. R. Bresee, R. Half, ‘05
4. L Blumenthal, R. End, ‘05
5. E. Jackson, L. End, ‘04
6. H. Jones, Back, ‘04
Subs: J. Grace ’06, H. Brown – Manager ’04, Prof. G.E. Bunsa – Coach.
Each player is indentified by a number written in ink on the photo and then identified below in the bottom border. Image remains in excellent condition mount remains in very good condition in spite of being trimmed and has chipping and pinhole in upper left corner. Pinholes in bottom right corner and additional edge chipping. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900 circa Autographed Oversized Unidentified “C” Football Team 10”x14” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Mount – Pach Bros – Turtle Neck Sweater, Quilted Pants, Melon Football (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 10”x14” on 14”x17” cardboard mount with color inner border. “Pach Bros, 935 B’Way, NY stamped on inner mount border. 17 players depicted wearing dark colored turtleneck sweaters with large “C” on front. 4 players are found wearing sewn on shoulder pads and elbow pads. Several of the players are depicted wearing reeded shin guards. The uniforms are completed with dark colored leather lace up high top wooden football cleats. The seated player in the middle is cradling a vintage melon ball with laces.
Image remains in excellent condition with light but concentrated spotting on the outer border of the actual image, but does not affect the eye appeal of the actual image. The outer mount remains in excellent condition with only a small chip on the upper right corner. Framed.
Each player has signed the back of the cardboard mount. On the reverse the following names appear in period fountain ink:
C. Wood (capt.)
M.I. Cornell
C.M. Stetson
F.H. W. Cutler
Spencer W. Aldrich
John Cornell
George Parsons
Harry Beales
John Sloane Jr.
J.W. Rutter
L.H. Potter
John S. Olney
John P. Dabney
Oliver Perry
First autographed cabinet photo we have encountered. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1894 Rare 19th Century Oversized St. Paul’s School Football Team 10”x13” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Printed Mount – Kimball Photo – Lace Up Jersey, Melon Football, Quilted Pants, Turtle Neck Sweater Jersey (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 10”x13” on 11”x14” printed cardboard mount. “Kimball, Photo”, “S. Paul’s School Football-Ball Eleven, 1894”, “Concord, N.H.” is stamped on bottom border of mount. 14 players are depicted in full uniforms. 7 players are depicted in lace up vests with quilted pants. The remaining teammates wear dark colored long sleeved jerseys with quilted pants. There is a mix of players wearing reeded shin guards. The uniforms are completed with dark color leather lace up high top wooden cleats. The seated player on the left is holding a period melon football with laces and in two color paint is the inscription, “S.P.S., ‘94”. Image was taken inside the photographer’s studio. Image remains in excellent condition. Mount remains in excellent condition with some light wear to outer edge of borders. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1893 Rare 19th Century Oversized Old Hundred Football Eleven Football Team 10”x13” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo – Kimball Photo – Lace Up Jersey, Melon Football, Quilted Pants, Reeded Shin Guards (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 10”x13” on 11”x14” printed cardboard mount. “Kimball, Photo”, “Old Hundred Foot Ball Eleven, 1893”, “Concord, NH” is printed on the bottom border of the mount. 13 players are depicted (eleven starters, two alternates). 8 players are dressed in lace up front vests, one with the interlocking “O/H” (Old Hundred) logo. Two players were dark, long sleeve sweater uniforms. Two wear striped long sleeve jerseys. Each wears a pair of quilted pants. The player seated on the far right wears a pair of reeded shin guards. Two players are holding contemporary school caps with the interlocking “O/H” logo. The player seated in the middle is holding a melon football which is painted “OH”. Image is taken inside the Kimball photo studio.
Actual image remains in excellent condition with a slight blemish to the outermost portion of the bottom right corner. The mount is in very good condition, with two pinholes on the top border, one on the bottom border. Some chipping to the bottom right corner. LOA Troy R. Kinunen
Baseball Photography
1900 circa Near Mint P&C New York Town Base Ball Team 5” x 7 “Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Mount (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 5” x 7” on 8” x 10” grooved mount. Studio name embossed on bottom center, “Hillig, Liberty, NY”. Nine players are depicted with two adult managers. The three center players are wearing the 1900-1910 circa full web gloves. The two catchers are holding high grade buckle back catchers mitts. The short brimmed baseball caps are consistent with 1900 era uniform styles. The team is posed in front of a vintage stone fence.
The actual image is in near mint condition, with striking contrast and clarity. The grooved mount is fully intact, with slight water spotting in the area of the upper left corner, which does not affect the actual image. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1922 Unidentified New York College Champion Baseball Team 8” x 10” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Mount – William J. Helmke Studios (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 8” x 10” on slightly larger trimmed mount. Photography studio, “William J. Helmke, Commercial and Newspaper, PHOTOGRAPHER, Utica, NY, Phone 300L” stamped on reverse. William Helmke was a prominent New York Photographer and his work is recognized in museums and archives throughout the United States.
12 players standing single file while sporting their team baseball sweaters and striped flannel pants. All wearing identical baseball caps (small brim) with the exception of the second man from the left, who stands out by wearing his white with “B” cap. The catchers are first in line (wearing reeded shin guards) and his holding a trophy. The manager stands in the center wearing civilian clothes and fashionable cap. In pencil on the reverse are the following names, “xxxxxx, Mills, J. Kelsey, Johnson, Kelsey, Stuber, Hight, Scheideman, Halin, Houck, Mack, Pflanz, and Kelly”. Dated 1922.
Actual image remains in excellent condition with some light surface creasing in the upper left quarter of the top background image. Line of 8 spots in the background area of the bottom right area. Mount is in excellent condition. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900-1910 Near Mint circa Unidentified G.F. Town Baseball Team 6.5” x8.5” Cabinet Type 1 Photo on Mount – Depicting Chicken wire fence & Field (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 6.5” x 8.5” on decorative bordered mount. Starting nine players depicted including batboy or mascot. ¾ button down flannel jerseys and short brim caps are consistent with the 1900-1910 style of baseball uniform. The simple chicken wire fence and bleacher seating of the stadium can be seen in the background.
Actual image is in near mint condition, with only a very small ¼” chip out of the bottom border. Mount remains in excellent condition with slight chipping on outer edges. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1906 Cargill Press Baseball Team 4.5”x 6.5” Type 1 Original Photo on Decorative Mount – Taken from Glass Negative of photographer Stephen Deming – Grand Rapids Public Library
Measuring 4.5” x 6.5” on decorative flowered embossed 7”x9” mount. 10 players wearing the period 1906 style ¾ button down flannel uniform with collar. “Cargill Press” is lettered on the front. The dapper looking manager with suit and derby also appears in the photo. Image is a treasure trove for equipment collectors. Seen at the bottom of the photo is a pile of baseball gear including several webless workman’s gloves, bird cage catcher’s mask, two bats, one with handle tape, and the lace up baseball shoes.
Actual image survives in near mint condition, with damage to the bottom left corner of the mount which does not affect the photographic image. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900 circa Near Mint Unidentified Picnic “Beers, Baseball, and Pipes” 5”x7” Baseball Cabinet Photo on Mount (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 5”x7” on decorative 7”x9” bordered mount. Group, possible family of 43 is depicted. Notable images of a gentleman with a long, grey beard, guy with straw hat and mustache holding the game ball, another gentleman in the first row standing holding a beer while wearing a glove, guy on far right dressed in a suit holding a beer, gentleman seated holding a beer and smoking a pipe, young kid holding a bat, and in the center of the photo, criss cross bats balancing on an empty bottle of bear which is placed in front of the catcher’s mitt. Photo is approximately dated by the seated gentleman, right of crossed bats in a dark shirt and suspenders, who is holding what appears to be a webless workman’s glove which was last used circa 1900.
Image remains in near mint condition, with the mounting grading a conservative excellent condition due to slight soiling from handling on the borders. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900-10 circa Columbia Baseball Team 7”x9” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on “Hills” photography studio mount (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 7”x9” on 10”x12” Hills Photography mount. 11 players depicted with manager who is dressed in civilian clothes. Three players are wearing workman style baseball gloves. On the foreground are an inflatable chest protector, Spiderman cage catcher’s mask, two crossed baseball bats, and a catcher’s glove. The players are wearing ¾ flannel jerseys, small brimmed caps, and striped wool socks.
Image remains in near mint original condition, with the mount also in near mint condition, with the exception of very slight chipping to the outer corners. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1921 Canterbury, MA Youth Baseball 7.5”x11” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Tri-Bordered Decorative Mount – Arthur S. Adams Photographer Stamp on reverse (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 7.5”x11” on 10”x12” Tri-Bordered Decorative Mount. Photographers stamp on reverse. 13 young players depicted along with manager wearing civilian clothes and hat. Mix of “C” and “Canterbury” uniforms. Two players are holding award plaques and two trophy cups are displayed on the floor. Players can be seen wearing high top baseball cleats. A trophy baseballs painted ’21 can be seen carefully placed inside the catcher’s mitt. Player on far right is wearing a 1” web glove on his right hand while holding a bat.
Reverse is stamped, “Arthur S. Adams, Photographer, 421 Main Street, Worchester, MASS., June 17, 1921”. Some back damage on reverse which does not affect the structural integrity of the photo. Actual image remains in near mint condition, with some damage and trimming of the edges to the mount. Heavy crease on right border. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1923 Near Mint New Berlinville Baseball Team 8”x10” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Art Deco Mount – “The Erb Studio, Boyertown, PA” photographers stamp (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 8”x10” on 12”x14” decorative “The Erb Studio” original mount. 12 players are depicted wearing their 1923 style uniforms. “NB” adorns their jersey fronts in a diamond shape. Photograph taken a ball diamond infield. Extremely high grade condition. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1900-10 circa Unidentified “M” Team 8”x10” Cabinet Type 1 Original Baseball Photo on Original Mount – White Buckskin Glove, 1” Web Glove, Spiderman Catcher’s Mask, Mushroom Knob Bat (MEARS LOA)
Measuring 8”x10” on 12”x14” decorative mount. 15 players depicted, and surrounded by detailed shots of vintage baseball equipment. An interesting note is that the players are wearing team issued uniform shorts, similar to the pants Bill Veeck would introduce to the White Sox 50 years later. First three kids seated in the front are wearing button back 1” web workman’s gloves. 4th kid is wearing a catcher’s mitt on his left hand. The next kid on the right is wearing a white buckskin fielder’s glove, and the final kid wears a black 1” web fielder’s glove. The large boy in the back row has a fob on hanger adorning his belt. Front lower center depicts criss cross bats holding a catcher’s mask. One of the bats has a visible mushroom knob.
Image remains in high grade condition, with perfect contrast and tone. Some light chipping to outer left border of the mount. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
1938 Municipal Baseball Team 8”x10” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on shaded mount – JM Elliot Photography Studio (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on 11×14” shaded border mount. 12 uniformed players depicted along with batboy and 5 men in civilian clothes. Uniforms contain “MUNICIPAL” on front in simple block lettering with trimmed button path. Front row of players are all holding 1930’s model gloves, as evidenced by the lace design.
Image remains in high grade near mint condition, with perfect contact and tone. Mount remains in excellent condition. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS
1900-10 circa Unidentified “C” Connecticut Baseball Team 8”x10” Cabinet Type 1 Original Photo on Decorative Bordered Mount – Ruben’s Studios, Torrington, CT (MEARS LOA)
Image measures 8”x10” on 12”x14” decorative bordered mount. “The Ruben’s Studios, Inc, Torrington” photography studio stamp in lower right hand corner. 10 players depicted with two boys in civilian clothes. Taken at a photography studio.
Players are wearing to distinct jerseys styles and two different team sweaters. First uniform style is the ¾ button down with “C” on left breast pocket. Second style is the full button down with left breast pocket with no letter. Player on far right is wearing a full sleeve length wool sweater with large collar and big button up front. 5 of the players in the first row are wearing full web fielder’s gloves. The fourth player from the left is wearing a catcher’s mitt.
Both image and mount remain in near mint condition. LOA Troy R. Kinunen / MEARS Auctions
For free consultation of appraisal, please contact Troy R. Kinunen of MEARS Auctions at (414) 828-9990 or email troy@mearsonline.com