I found this cabinet card this weekend and need help with any info. It measures 4"x5.75". The guy I bought it from says it's early 1900's due to the oversized ball and nose protector. I thought it was a really cool piece eventhough I don't collect football items. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dean

Sorry, I can't offer any information -- and I don't collect football either -- but I have to say that is absolutely one stunning card! Besides the pose and uniform, the contrast and range of tones is extraordinary. Congrats.

If you go to this site http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/football.htm you can find Michigan team photos dating back to the 1880s - it gives a good idea of how the uniforms changed over time - in some photos you can also see the football, so that might help dating your photo.

Check out this picture from 1908 - the player in the front row right has the ribbed pants and the ball looks very similar

http://www.rubylane.com/ni/shops/oh/iteml/RL-348#pic1

Great site. Thanks, I appreciate the help.

Hi:

Can you read the inscription on the ball? Also what town and state is indicated on the mount. It ishould be on the blind stamp on the left side of the mount.

Thanks

Mike

It looks like the top number is "02" and the bottom number could be "13-5" but cant quite make out the first number on the second line but definately looks like a 1 or maybe a 4.

The stamp at the bottom says R.J. Dillon, Cambridge NY