Lot # 121: Circa 1907-1909 Tris Speaker Original Carl Horner Cabinet Photograph PSA/DNA Type I- Used For His E254, W-UNC, M116, and E270-1 Cards!

Original cabinet photograph of Hall of Fame outfielder Tris Speaker taken by noted Boston photographer Carl Horner. PSA/DNA has deemed the photograph to be an original Type I example. The formal studio photograph captures Speaker posing in uniform as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Horner's credit stamp appears along the base of the mount. While there is no date present on the mount, PSA/DNA has dated the piece as circa 1907-1909. This photo is certainly well known to card collectors as it is the same image used in the production of Speaker's 1909-1911 E254 Colgan's Chips card, 1910 W-UNC strip card, 1910-1911 M116 Sporting Life card, and 1912 E270-1 Colgan's Chips Red Border card. Speaker's name and several editorial notations are written on the reverse. Carl Horner was one of the preeminent baseball photographers of his era, and because Boston was home to both an American and National League franchise, he was able to capture nearly every Major League player at one time or another during the early 1900s. The photo, which displays exceptional clarity, is in Excellent condition overall. The mount features soiling along the perimeter and the notation "Speaker" penned along the base. Photos used in the production of trading cards have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially those of prominent Hall of Famers from classic issues. This is one of only a small number of original photos we have seen featuring a player image used in the E254, W-UNC, M116, and E270-1 issues, and the fact that it is Tris Speaker makes it one of the most significant such photos we have ever offered. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.