1920 Cleveland Indians Panoramic Photograph. Remarkably scarce and desirable image may be the first to appear upon the auct...

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Oct 27, 2007 for:

Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1920 Cleveland Indians Panoramic Photograph. Remarkably scarce and desirable image may be the first to appear upon the auction block since an example realized $18,400 in the groundbreaking Barry Halper sale in 1999. The rarity of this stunning visual document of the first of just two Cleveland Indians World Championship teams is attributable in large part to a tiny original print run that serviced only players and front office personnel. Eighty-seven passing years have thinned this small herd to just a tiny handful of survivors today. This example remains in quite impressive condition considering its vintage, with two vertical fold lines that do not break through the emulsion and do little to distract, as our catalog imagery should attest. Razor-sharp contrast affords the viewer a remarkable study of the faces of Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Stanley Coveleski, the tragic Ray Chapman who would not live to celebrate the forthcoming October glory, and triple-play phenom Bill Wambsganss, who personally autographed his image for our consignor in 10/10 black ballpoint. The understated mat and original wooden frame extend the final dimensions of this treasure to 11.5x34.5". As vintage baseball photography gradually gains the respect it deserves within the collecting hobby, elite pieces such as this should only continue to appreciate in value. Smart investors take note. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.