This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
This very early original photograph of John McGraw measures 6” by 10 ¾” and has been affixed to an 8 ½” by 10 5/8” period cabinet-style mount. Amongst numerous pencil notations on the back of the mount is “John McGraw 1901”, with the date notation most likely off by a year or two given the fact that McGraw didn’t move from the Baltimore Orioles to the New York Giants until 1902. The sepia image of “Little Napoleon” at the dawn of his abundant baseball career is of the highest quality in terms of composition, clarity and detail. McGraw’s name is written on the image in a flourishing manner in period ink, intended as an identifier, rather than a secretarial signature. The mount has a significant chip at the left edge and other edge wear that does not affect the photograph in any way. Other markings on back include a partially obscured stamp from “The Pictorial News Co.”