Outstanding early photo of Christy Mathewson, winding up as if to deliver a pitch.  Matty is in an open field but in full uniform, houses in the distance, suggesting the photo was taken during spring training.  Though no information appears on the photo that would help us to narrow down a date, other photos at the same location lead us to believe that the photo may have been taken during spring training in 1903, by photographer Norman Penfield, of the Pictorial News Co.  Photos taken during that same session yielded the photos used on Mathewson's iconic T206 "Dark Cap" card, as well as his E98 card.

Clearly trimmed from a larger photograph, the photo is extremely strong, with a clean surface, sharp corners, a few minor blemishes and wrinkles, and what appears to be a small tear at the left edge.  The reverse includes some Pictorial News stamps and editorial markings.  A remarkable photo, reminiscent of so many of Mathewson's famous images from early in his career.  Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA.