1905 Rotograph Co. New York Giants Team Composite Postcard

Sold For:

$540

Year:

1905

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

162

Category:

Prewar Baseball - Early 1900s Cards

This real-photo team composite postcard, produced by The Rotograph Company of New York and featuring portrait images by noted Boston photographer Carl Horner, captures sixteen members of the 1904 National League Champion New York Giants. Manager John McGraw, in formal attire, is featured prominently in the center, surrounded by bust-length images of fifteen uniformed players, including Hall of Famers Roger Bresnahan and Joe McGinnity. The preprinted notation “New York Nationals Champions 1904” appears below McGraw’s image. The photographer’s credit appears in the lower right corner. Traditional postcard back with credit line for The Rotograph Co., New York. Postcards featuring individual Giants players from this series are also known. The New York Giants were champions of the National League in 1904, but despite a previous agreement between the two leagues, the Giants refused to meet the American League champion Boston Pilgrims in the World Series. In a statement issued by Giants owner John T. Brush, and supported by John McGraw, he disparages the American League by saying the Giants “are entitled to the honor of champions of the United States without being called upon to contend with or recognize clubs from minor leagues.” This is an extremely rare postcard. The card (5.25 x 3.25 inches) is well centered with light wear to the corners. Moderate creasing near the top of the card (when held horizontally as intended) and a lower right corner crease that breaks the paper on both sides. This example has been downgraded to POOR 10 by SGC due to a penciled list of New York Giants on the reverse, including a couple of players not pictured on the front. This is a very attractive low-grade example of this scarce souvenir commemorating the Giants' 1904 championship season. Reserve $200. Estimate $400+.