Quite possibly the first-ever baseball portrait photo to include a mascot, this 1887 Buck Ewing cabinet photograph showcases another “first,” as Ewing became the first-ever Hall of Famer whose primary position was catcher. Matted to 6-7/8 x 9-1/8”, the 3-7/8 x 5-1/2” sepia-toned photo was captured by the Goodwin & Co. studio and depicts Ewing and New York Giants mascot Willie Breslin as they appeared on the 1887 Old Judge Cigarettes N172 collectible, which was lauded for its originality. More on our website.

Negligible flaws include some scattered creases (possibly incurred prior to mounting more than a century ago), which are nearly indiscernible when focusing on the central image. Additionally, faint red streaks appear to have come from a printer. In any form, this visual treasure in its original state is a scarce survivor, indeed!