1887 National League Champion Detroit Wolverines Team Composite Cabinet Photo - SGC Authentic

• Sold For: $1,599
• Year: 1887
• Auction: 2019 February
• Lot #: 2
• Auction Category: Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

While the Ty Cobb-led Tigers – an American League juggernaut through the first decade of the 20th Century – were denied a World Series crown in three straight appearances, the city of Detroit had long-since laid claim to baseball supremacy. Powered by Hall of Famers Dan Brouthers, Deacon White, Ned Hanlon and Sam Thompson (the former two subsequently of legendary status with the Baltimore Orioles dynasty), the National League’s Detroit Wolverines were lauded as champions in 1887. From the era predating tobacco cards, this 1887 cabinet photo pays homage to that first-ever Motor City titlist. Encapsulated and assessed “Authentic” by SGC, the 4-1/4 x 6-1/2” heirloom features rounded corners and cameo composite likenesses of (14) Wolverines principals. Produced locally by the J.R. Tomlinson studio, the rare survivor portrays symmetrically arranged players in collared uniforms (with Canadian-born skipper Bill Watkins clad in a suit and necktie). Pictured are: Lady Baldwin, Charlie Bennett, Dan Brouthers, Pete Conway, Fred Dunlap, Charlie Ganzel, Charlie Getzien, Ned Hanlon, Hardy Richardson, Jack Rowe, Sam Thompson, Larry Twitchell and Deacon White. For an encore to their National League pennant, the Wolverines bested the American Association’s St. Louis Browns in a best of 15 World Series played in 10 different cities. Detroit actually clinched the title in 11 games over Charles Comiskey’s Browns, but completed the remaining four games for the sake of fans and gate receipts, winning 10 games to five. We report a small chip at the upper left corner, as well as faded printed player identifiers on this sepia-toned treasure whose scare population makes it a desirable artifact in any condition.