Late 19th Century Imperial Photograph of African American Baseball Player in Ornate Oval Frame

Offered is a 19th Century imperial studio photograph of an African American baseball player. Somewhat regal in his local full uniform, the player sports a period right-handed baseball glove at his waist. The glove's webbing indicates a vintage at the very end of the 19th Century, perhaps even early 20th Century. By 1895, most serious professionals were wearing actual baseball gloves. African American players were certainly not in the major professional leagues when this photo was made, but there were many opportunities to play in other minor leagues where all black teams could play and even some teams were still integrated. We will never know the story of this gentleman, but the seriousness of his pose, and the very fact that the studio portrait was taken at at, and furthermore that a print of this magnitude was ordered, all indicate he was playing at some more advanced level of our national game. The ornate oval frame measures 16 x 22 inches in total and features a convex piece of glass. An elaborate display piece for the period, to be sure. The photo has several small areas of distress, but presents in Very Good to Excellent condtion.