1934 PITTSBURGH CRAWFORDS TEAM PHOTO WITH FIVE HOFers: GIBSON, PAIGE, CHARLESTON, BELL & JOHNSON.
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Winning Bid:
$5,900.00
(Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, November 14, 2017 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
Original vintage glossy is 7.75x9.5, most likely trimmed slightly from 8x10" but neatly done and in no way is the image affected. Shows 17 member team posing in Yankee Stadium with crowd in stands behind them. Photo was taken October 6, 1934 and features what many consider to be the greatest team in the history of the Negro Leagues. The highlight of the photo is the fact that three of the games greatest stars stand side by side at the end of the row: Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Oscar Charleston. The other players include fellow National Baseball HOF members Cool Papa Bell and Judy Johnson as well as Jimmy Crutchfield, Bertrum Hunter, Rosey Davis, Leroy Morney, Chester Williams, Bill Perkins, "Spoony" Palm, William Bell, Harry Kincannon, Leroy Matlock, Ted Page, and "Popeye" Harris. At lower left is photographers mark "Vanderzee NYC 1934." As important as this image is, the photographer is equally significant. James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) was one of the few prominent African-American photographers working in New York City in the 1920s-1930s. A leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance his documentation of that era is among the most comprehensive and revered. In 1969, an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art titled "Harlem On My Mind" showcased his work. The back of the photo has inked information done at the time including list of players. There is also an ink stamp at center for "G.G.G. Photo Studio N.Y.C." The image has largely lightened although w/darker areas remaining at right and left center including the faces of Crutchfield at far left and Paige and Charleston at far right. These three player's faces remain sharp. All else, while still visible, is not nearly as sharp including player faces. Moderate wear/aging. Small piece off top left corner and tiny tip off top right. 1" tear at right center w/clear tape repair on reverse. This tear does go through the body of Charleston. Other margin wear and tape strips applied to the reverse. Front still remains very glossy. Good. This is one of the very few known images picturing HOF battery mates, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson, both together during the absolute prime of their respective careers. A truly historic item on several levels. Ex-Richard Merkin Collection.
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