This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
Any and all team panoramas from the 1920s are particularly rare and highly desirable. This display photo, however is simply exceptional, not just in size but also in subject, clarity and composition. The stunning 12" by 56 1/2" panorama is a celebration of the 1925 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. The top 3/4 of the photo shows a magnificent image of the opening game of the 1925 World Series in progress at Forbes Field from the vantage of the upper deck of right-center field. Walter Johnson beat the Pirates in that opening game 4-1 while striking out 10. The exceptionally detailed photo also shows the Pittsburgh city-scape behind center field with many buildings, cars and people in a park. The bottom 1/4 of the piece has 30 clear oval vignette portrait photos of 30 players from the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates, all clearly identified with titling at bottom center.
Included among the group are 5 Hall of Famers: Fred Clarke, Bill McKechnie, Pie Traynor, Ki Ki Cuyler and Max Carey. Photographer’s markings include copyright by "Ralph W. Johnston, 1925 Trinity Court Studio, 313 Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA.". This particular copy was issued to Pirates first baseman Stuffy McInnis. McInnis is pictured ninth from the right at bottom. A period pencil notation on the back, “Mrs. McInnis, 11 Tappan Man.” suggests the photo was designated for delivery to his wife. The photo remains it what we believe to be its original frame, and shows no significant condition flaws and no restoration of any kind. A majestic panorama with regard to size, condition and subject.