Interesting Background Details Show & Tell

One of the appealing things about collecting prewar photographic cards is that often our cards contain details that connect us to a particular moment in history. Most non-collecting people probably wouldn't give much thought to this kind of minutia, but I think we as collectors appreciate these oft overseen details because they make our baseball cards that much more special to us. There are plenty of examples I could refer to here, but I'll get us started with just one.

I've always been a fan of this 1925 Zeenut Paul Waner because it shows a Model T Ford parked in the background. Very unique card in that it captures one of the most important modern inventions in its late heyday. Someday I'd like to add this card to my collection for that very reason.


(not my card btw)

What interesting backgrounds do you have to show?

Here's one I find interesting from my collection.
This is a Cabinet of Bob Wicker but he's wearing a Dayton Uniform with St. Louis super empossed over Dayton. He pitched for Dayton in 1900 and broke in with the Cardnials in 1901.
So it's a minor league cabinet probally used for a Cardinals Composite.
Not a classic background shot but interesting.
2 time 20 game winner by the way

I have always loved the M101-2's that have background to them. It gives you a good idea of what it was like to be at a park in that era.







Does this pose look familiar?



Lee

Or in the Dugout

I always liked this one with the dugout, water cooler and person standing there-



I also like some of the T209-2 with the stadium in the background-

smtjoy wrote:I always liked this one with the dugout, water cooler and person standing there-

Does anyone else think it looks like the guy standing behind WaJo is taking a leak?

Was thinking that but didn't want to be the one to mention it first

N690's have some of the most detailed backgrounds of all 19th century cards. Some feature a stadium backdrop, and others have the artificial "nature" background that you often see on the N172 Old Judges.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all they did to produce this background was tack up a canvas that had trees and foliage painted on, giving the impression of being in the middle of a forest or something Here's an example:

That's a strange one definately looks like a drop cloth but it kind of looks like he is standing outside.

Lee

Great cards guys...I love the background stuff!!!! Part of the reason oversized cards have been increasing in popularity and value over the last 20 or so years!

I hope I'm still in line by including postcards. Since they're are other pc collectors here at Full Count I think they qualify. I always thought this one was pretty unique which is why I grabbed it some time back. Shows a scoreboard in the back ground displaying the score of a Yankees / Giants game. Maybe the 1923 WS?? The Boston Garter ad above the scoreboard is a plus.

3-2-count wrote:I hope I'm still in line by including postcards. Since they're are other pc collectors here at Full Count I think they qualify.

Hey Tony - of course you're in line. I should have clarified that any PC's or photos are also welcome in this thread. Yours is very cool, plenty of detail to feast our eyes on there. Do you think the Kansas City vs. All Stars at the bottom of the scoreboard was a Negro League game?

fisherboy7 wrote: Do you think the Kansas City vs. All Stars at the bottom of the scoreboard was a Negro League game?

Hi Ben. I always thought it could have been, but wasn't sure. A bit more research may confirm this. Great thread!!

Windy day, the tie is flapping and the person in the background won't stand still.

Jay great images. Do you own that 2nd rppc??

3-2-count wrote:

fisherboy7 wrote: Do you think the Kansas City vs. All Stars at the bottom of the scoreboard was a Negro League game?

Hi Ben. I always thought it could have been, but wasn't sure. A bit more research may confirm this. Great thread!!

Great stuff everyone.

Hi Tony - In 1921 there was a big American League convention in Kansas City. As part of the event they had a rodeo at Association Park which was home to the Kansas City Blues and Monarchs. Per the scoreboard the Yankees and the Giants played in the WS in 1921. Also around the same time Baltimore (International League champs) played against Louisville (Amer. Association champs) in a highly anticipated 8 game series which would explain why they are on the scoreboard as well.

Here's a Doubleday PC like yours commemorating the parade for the American Legion convention.

Tim that's awesome. Thank you very much for the research. I now love this rppc even more!!

I wish that one was mine. It was on eBay about 10 years ago. I got blown out early in the bidding. It went for almost $1k. Found out from the winner the picture was taken by a famous photographer. Can't remember his name though.

Hi Jay. The reason I asked is because I wasn't sure if there were two. I own the one shown. I thought it would be rare for two to exist
with the same notation written on it. I can tell ya' I paid no where near that $1K price though. WOW!! Here's a better scan below.

Some nice lookin' horse-less carriages in that PC Tony. Thanks for sharing.

How long ago did you get yours?

sabrjay wrote:How long ago did you get yours?

Jay,
I won this one on Ebay in Feb of this year for $110 bucks. I take it I did pretty good?

I'd say so. Can you see who the photographer was? I remember that after I was told the name that I ran across it again a few more times. He mostly took pictures in the Dakotas and MN region. Did some sports but a lot of Native American stuff too.

Jay,
I'll take a look tonight when I return home from work.

I just picked this postcard up over the weekend. I guess the whole image is kinda background?!?!


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