1912 Joe Jackson Original Portrait Photograph

Auction: Winter Classic 2022

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Vintage Sports Photographs

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1912 Joe Jackson Original Portrait Photograph

Original oval studio photo of Joe Jackson posing in formal attire. Jackson's name is scripted in blue fountain pen across the base of his image. This remarkable sepia toned photo, which dates from 1912, is the only formal studio portrait of Joe Jackson we have ever seen, making it one of the most significant Joe Jackson pieces we have ever handled. The bust-length image pictures jacket in a suit and bow tie as he looks directly into the camera. Jackson was 25 years old at the time of this photo and in his second full season in the Majors. Although, he was young, his skills on the diamond were apparent to all, as evidenced by his .408 batting average in 1911, which is still the record mark for a rookie and one that almost certainly will never be broken. Unlike most photos from that era, this piece has a well-documented history. The photo was originally discovered decades ago with 24 other similar-sized sepia portrait photos picturing members of the 1912 Cleveland Naps. At the time, the photos were to be used in the production of a large team composite. To enhance the aesthetics of the composite, the photographer decided to have each player sign his respective portrait photo, so that the signatures would be reproduced on the final print. With that in mind, many of the signatures on the photos were traced over with what was commonly called "photographer's ink" (a thick, paint-like substance) so that they would stand out better when reshot. The signature on Jackson's photo was no exception and was originally traced over with "photographer's ink." Many years later, after the photos were discovered and introduced to the hobby, the owner of the Jackson photo had the "photographer's ink" professionally removed, revealing the original underlying signature that is now displayed on the photo. This piece, like nearly all major pieces that surfaced from 1970 to 1995, eventually found its way into the legendary Barry Halper Collection. When Halper obtained this piece, it was believed that the signature of Jackson on the photo was genuine, which made it the only known Joe Jackson signed photo. It must be noted that Jackson's signature is one of the most elusive in the hobby because he was semi-illiterate and could not easily write his name. For that reason, he shunned autograph requests at the ballpark and nearly all mail requests for autographs throughout his life were fulfilled with "secretarial" signatures penned by either his wife or sister. Today, the small number of authentic Jackson signatures circulating in the hobby are usually found on legal documents, which required his actual signature. Unfortunately, the "signature" on this photo is now, in the opinion of nearly all experts, believed to be a secretarial example, but that in no way diminishes its significance.As we stated earlier, this is the only studio portrait of Jackson we have ever seen, and it is most likely unique in that regard. Also, one of the secondary appeals of this piece is that the perfect oval shape has given it a distinctive "card-like" appearance. The year ("1912") and a photographer's code ("c89") are written on the reverse. The photo (3.5x5") displays a few glue marks on the reverse from when it was attached to the larger composite board, but the front is Near Mint in its overall appearance. Mounted and framed to total dimensions of 9.25" x 10.75".