1909 Pittsburgh vs. Detroit World Series Panorama - Cobb at Bat!

Sold For:

$1,680

Year:

1909

Auction:

2016 Spring

Lot #:

1540

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Large panoramic photo composite print capturing the action from Game 1 of the 1909 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers at Forbes Field on October 8, 1909. As noted by the caption along the top border, this remarkable composite was issued as a supplement to the October 16, 1909, issue of The Index, "Pittsburgh's Illustrated Weekly." The large central photo captures the game in progress, with the white-letter caption along the base reading "Cobb, At Bat. Crawford, On Deck. Jennings, Coaching." The left portion of the panorama provides a photo of the left-wing grandstand at Forbes Field, while the right portion captures the right-wing grandstand. Below the stadium photos are team photos of both the Pirates and Tigers, with portrait images of Tigers owner Frank Navin and Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss in the center panel between the two clubs. All of the players are identified in print below their respective images, including Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford, Hughie Jennings, Honus Wagner, Vic Willis, and Fred Clarke. Credit for the photographs is given in print to "R. W. Johnson" in the lower left corner. This is one of the most impressive photographic displays we have ever seen and the fact that it pictures Cobb at the plate only adds to both its significance and appeal. The panorama (41 x 16 inches), which ideally has been professionally linen-backed, displays three vertical folds (as issued), as well as a number of light creases and minor edge tears, all of which have been effectively ameliorated by the mounting process. This is a magnificent museum-caliber display piece! Excellent in its overall appearance. Matted to total dimensions of 44.5 x 19.5 inches. Reserve $500. Estimate $1,000/$2,000+.