The Brooklyn photography studio of Joseph Hall produced a number of different baseball-related photographs, among which were a number of team photographs issued as cabinet photos. The more frequently-seen cabinets measure 6 1/2" x 4 1/2", though several were produced in significantly larger sizes. Presented here is an incredible example, a rare imperial (10" x 8") cabinet featuring a team photo of the 1888 New York Giants, a team with six Hall of Famers. The photo itself is unusual, in that the team is arranged so that all the subjects are looking to their right, and the camera is positioned to the side. This creates an interesting pose, unlike the straight-on team photos typical of this era. It is certainly the only example of this particular image we have ever encountered.

The photo itself includes six Hall of Famers: Roger Connor, Buck Ewing, Tim Keefe, Orator Jim O'Rourke, John Montgomery Ward and Mickey Welch.  Manager Jim Mutrie stands in the center in elegant top hat and tails, and is flanked by the rest of his team: William Brown, Elmer Cleveland, Cannonball Crane, Elmer Foster, Bill George, "Piano Legs" Gore, Gil Hatfield, Pat Murphy, Danny Richardson, Mike Slattery, Mike Tiernan, Ledell Titcomb, and Stump Weidman.  The subjects are listed on the mount, with corresponding numbers inconspicuously written into the negative near each player. 

Both the photo and mount are in incredible condition. The mount exhibits very little wear aside from minor edge and corner chipping, the photo in apparent NM condition save for a small blemish on Stump Weidman's face, barely noticeable and mentioned for accuracy.  Overall, the piece remains in EX/MT+ condition. The image is of remarkable clarity and contrast, with incredible detail - individual shoelaces, wrinkles in clothing, piping on uniforms, even details in the grandstand behind the players are clearly visible. An incredible piece, a beautifully composed photograph produced by one of the leading baseball photographers of the era, remarkably well-preserved, containing six Hall of Famers posed in an unusual way. One of the finest 19th Century photographic pieces we have ever offered.