Summer Premier Auction 2020
Wed, Aug 12, 2020 08:00PM EDT - Sat, Aug 29, 2020 07:51AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 95
5/20/1905 NEW YORK GIANTS VS. PITTSBURGH PIRATES (POLO GROUNDS) ENORMOUS PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPH (46" x 19") BY GEORGE LAWRENCE
Sold for
$6,844.80
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 |
This gigantic 18.75x45.75" panoramic was taken by "The George R. Lawrence Co." at the top of the 3rd inning of an eventful My 20, 1905 matchup between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates at the Polo Grounds. Lawrence was one of the most prominent photographers of the early 20th century and mainly specialized in enormous panoramic photos like the one featured here. He dominated the large photograph niche during the era so much so that his business slogan read, "The Hitherto Impossible in Photograhy is Our Specialty." Lawrence's pioneering efforts also took to the sky as he was the first to dabble in arial photography, often using kites and ballons to capture photos hundreds of feet in the air. Owning a baseball piece shot by Lawrence is a collector's dream.
Lawrence's shot comes at the top of the 3rd inning shortly after a major blowout dispute between HOF manager John McGraw and fellow HOFer Fred Clarke. Clarke had blown a fuse after the Giant's skipper piled on abuses against his hurler, Mike Lynch. The argument nearly came to blows before umpire Jim Johnstone stepped in and ejected McGraw from the game; a contribution to one of McGraws career 116 ejections. The panoramic, taken just moments after the upheavel, does not depict a frazzled and frenzied crowd but rather a tranquil atmosphere that picks up several elaborate cues that depict the era perfectly. From the Model T cars to the smattering of dark hats in the grandstands along with a tall masted ship moored in the Harlem River, this photograph takes the spectator on a trip back in time to one baseball's most memorable and historically imporatant ball parks.
Very few examples of this larger than life image have ever reached the auction block. This photograph is neatly matted inside of a beautiful black 29x56" frame. Overall Panoramic presents a crystal clear picture and is linen backed. Some flaws are evident along the border areas which display some chips, creases, tack holes, small tears and light stains. Overall appearance is Excellent.
Note: Due to the oversized nature of this item's size and weight, there will be be additional shipping charges for this lot.
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