This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2019
The main subjects in this historically significant George Grantham Bain original photograph from 1917 were destined to alter the National Pastime forever. It is fitting that each of the imposing – soon to be notorious – Chicago White Sox quintet is pictured with bat in hand. During the 1917 World Series in which the "Pale Hose" won in six games over the New York Giants, outfielders (pictured left to right) “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, John "Shano" Collins, Happy Felsch, Nemo Leibold and Eddie Murphy had 21 of their club’s 54 hits and scored 11 of their 21 runs. Just two years later in the 1919 World Series against Cincinnati, the “Black” Sox would forever tarnish the luster of the Grand Old Game with their infamous fix. Shoeless Joe and Happy Felsch were two of the “Eight Men Out” culprits ultimately banned for life.
The patriotic USA flag patches on their left sleeves (honoring WW1) pinpoint this five-man lineup to 1917 when Shoeless Joe batted .301 with 17 triples and 82 RBI. The 3-5/8" by 5-1/2” image is a bit out of focus, but its immaculate preservation certainly makes up for it. You will be hard-pressed to find an original photo over a century old in such magnificent shape (NM/NM-MT), with sharp corners, straight edges and a smooth surface [from what we can tell through the holder]. The surnames of each player are written in pencil on the reverse along with two Culver Pictures, Inc. stampings. Simply a must-have for any serious photograph collector. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA as a Type I Authentic (1P01398) with credit to George G. Bain on the holder.