Summer 2019 - Item detail
1904 Carl Horner National League Composite Display Photograph - Newly Discovered!
- Sold For:
- $55,200
- Year:
- 1904
- Auction:
- 2019 Summer
- Lot #:
- 1936
- Category:
- Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia
Extraordinary 1904 National League photographic composite display produced by Carl Horner, baseball's preeminent photographer of the era. By any measure, this is one of the premier photographic baseball displays of the early twentieth century, notable for its extraordinary size (24.5 x 21.5 inches) and exquisite design. It is also exceedingly rare. Horner produced these beautiful League photographic displays in 1903, 1904, and 1905, but while we have seen American League examples from each year, this is the ONLY National League example, from any year, we have ever seen. Incredibly, our consignor just recently discovered it, together with its 1904 American League companion display (also offered in this auction) in the attic of a family member's home, where it had been stored for many decades. Because there are so few known examples of these Horner League displays, it has been speculated by some that they were only issued to League officials, team owners, and a few other select individuals. However, we know, from having seen advertisements in period publications, that they were also offered for sale directly from the Carl Horner Studios, but they were extremely expensive. Because of their high cost, and the fact that they were only sold regionally in the Boston area, its not surprising that so few have ever surfaced.
The composite features portrait images of at least 15 players from each of the eight National League teams, plus the team manager. A larger photo of League President Harry Pulliam appears in the center. Included among the many luminaries pictured are John McGraw, Joe McGinnity, Roger Bresnahan, Dummy Taylor, Fred Clarke, Deacon Phillippe, Tommy Leach, Ginger Beaumont, Joe Tinker, Johnn Evers, Frank Selee, Johnny Kling, Mordecai Brown, Joe Kelley, Gabby Street, Bob Ewing, Miller Huggins, Ned Hanlon, Fred Tenney, Vic Willis, Pat Moran, Hugh Duffy, Kid Gleason, Kid Nichols, and Jake Beckley. All the players have been identified (by means of a corresponding number next to each image) on a sheet below the composite. A total of 126 players, plus eight managers, are featured on the display. Horner's credit stamp appears at the base of the display.
It's extreme rarity notwithstanding, this piece is further distinguished by its remarkable state of preservation. As noted earlier, this display has been safely stored for decades and as a result it remains in apparent Near-Mint condition. The original matting and identification sheet exhibit light toning, and there is a small stain in the lower right corner of the matting. The piece is housed in a period wood frame, which measures 29.5 x 26.5 inches. This is an exceptional example of this great rarity and one that would be among the highlights of even the most advanced collections. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).
The composite features portrait images of at least 15 players from each of the eight National League teams, plus the team manager. A larger photo of League President Harry Pulliam appears in the center. Included among the many luminaries pictured are John McGraw, Joe McGinnity, Roger Bresnahan, Dummy Taylor, Fred Clarke, Deacon Phillippe, Tommy Leach, Ginger Beaumont, Joe Tinker, Johnn Evers, Frank Selee, Johnny Kling, Mordecai Brown, Joe Kelley, Gabby Street, Bob Ewing, Miller Huggins, Ned Hanlon, Fred Tenney, Vic Willis, Pat Moran, Hugh Duffy, Kid Gleason, Kid Nichols, and Jake Beckley. All the players have been identified (by means of a corresponding number next to each image) on a sheet below the composite. A total of 126 players, plus eight managers, are featured on the display. Horner's credit stamp appears at the base of the display.
It's extreme rarity notwithstanding, this piece is further distinguished by its remarkable state of preservation. As noted earlier, this display has been safely stored for decades and as a result it remains in apparent Near-Mint condition. The original matting and identification sheet exhibit light toning, and there is a small stain in the lower right corner of the matting. The piece is housed in a period wood frame, which measures 29.5 x 26.5 inches. This is an exceptional example of this great rarity and one that would be among the highlights of even the most advanced collections. The substantial size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Reserve $5,000. Estimate (open).