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Lot Number: 884
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Lot 884
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| Description: Significant 1871 Troy Haymakers large format photographic display. Exceedingly rare photographic composite display piece depicting the Troy Unions, nicknamed the "Haymakers". The players are pictured in individual vignette portraits wearing their bib front uniforms. Players are identified in period red ink including Charles Flowers, Michael McGeary, John McMullin, William Flynn, Stephen King, Lipman Pike, Edward Conners, Thomas York, William Craver, and Esteban "Stephen" Bellan. The Unions (Haymakers) were one of the founding teams of the National Association and played in the inaugural 1871 season. Of significance is the fact that Stephen Bellan was the first Cuban/Latin American player ever to play professional baseball in the United States. Bellan attended Fordham University along with his brother Domingo in the late 1850s and played for a local amateur baseball team before moving on to play for Morrisania and Troy. The portraits themselves each measure 2 1/2" tall and are affixed to a large 14"x22" mount. All titling, dating, player names, and decor are hand drawn in red and black ink. The mount itself has some typical surface soiling and some restoration at the top left corner to a 3 1/2" chip. A small edge tear at the top of the mount has also been secured with professional conservation. Although Deacon White was obviously not a member of the Troy team, he was playing for the Cleveland team during the very same 1871 National Association season. Additionally, it is evident that White had a high regard for the historic nature of this early period in baseball history, and was clearly preserving objects such as the offered photographic display. Incredible 19th century display piece which is likely a unique exemplar. Matted and framed. Includes letter of provenance from the White family: EX (With note to restoration) |
| Estimated Price: ($7,500.00-$10,000.00) |
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