Lot # 171: c.1908 Pitchers and Catchers of the St. Louis Browns Cabinet Photo by McPheeters Studio w/Rube Waddell (HOF - Pelty Estate)

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 28 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
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Item was in Auction "Fall, 2022 - 10th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 11/6/2022 12:00 PM to
11/26/2022 9:00 PM



Fascinating posed cabinet photograph featuring members of the 1908 St. Louis Browns and associates during spring training. A matching advertising card appearing elsewhere in this auction indicates the image was captured while pitchers and catchers from the team worked out with trainer H.P. Wolfe in French Lick, Ind. The presence of both Rube Waddell, in his first season with the club, and Tubby Spencer, in his final season with the club, conclusively dates this photo to 1908. Other players we were able to readily identify include: Bill Dinneen, Hobe Ferris, and Barney Pelty in the top row, with Harry Howell holding a dog next to Waddell up front and Jack Powell standing to the extreme right.

A stunningly sharp photograph with wonderful contrast and the McPheeters studio has done an excellet job of framing the group using surrounding architecture. Their embossed logo appears in the lower-right corner of the mount. An inscription in the lower-left corner of the photo reads – “To B.P. Pelty With Compliments of HP Wolfe, French Lick Ind.” Indeed, this is one of several pieces in the current auction emanating directly from the estate of former Browns pitcher, Barney Pelty where they have remained until the time of this sale.

Heavy dark grey mount exhibits signs of chipping around the edges, especially to the corners but has protected the affixed photo exceedingly well over the last 100+ years. Verso remains blank with soft toning visible. Overall dimensions of 10” x 12” with the photo itself measuring 7.75” x 9”.

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