EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT COLODIAN NEGATIVE OF A FIREMAN’S PARADE IN MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT.

EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT COLODIAN NEGATIVE OF A FIREMAN’S PARADE IN MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT. This mammoth sized glass-plate negative shows an outdoor parade scene in Middletown Connecticut featuring the only known image of the Middletown Mansfield Base Ball Club. They are seen standing in the parade in the central section. Eight men are seen in full uniform with a capitol “M” on jersey, high stockings, white uniforms, baseball caps and some are leaning on their baseball bats. The negative is circa 1872 and corresponds with what is known about this baseball team in that they were formed and existed between 1866 and 1872 and they were the first major league baseball team formed in Connecticut. This is an extremely early date for an image of a professional baseball team. This team played Boston, New York and Philadelphia and included future Hall of Famer Jim (Orator) O’Rourke. The glass plate shows a large marching band, then the Mansfield Baseball team, then a firehouse hose company led by four men with fire trumpets, and 22 firemen pulling a fire wagon with other firemen with axes. The street is quite broad and contains many spectators and horse-drawn carriages and wagons can be seen alongside the avenue. The backdrop is a large hotel with balcony which has several onlookers. The storefronts below include D.C. Tyler, Druggist and a book seller, a framer (E. Rockwell), a large barber pole is seen amongst other buildings. The plate is housed in a Victorian walnut frame with gilt liner and has its original wood backing board. An old piece of paper is attached to reverse and reads as follows, “A trip to Bristol R. I. on the steamer “Geo. A. Chaffee” built in Middletown Conn. Hubbard Hose Co. No. 2. Mansfield Base Ball Team and the Forest City Band to take part in a Fireman’s parade. Capt. Christopher Carroll in command. Henry Sullivane Steward. About the year 1872.” NOTE: A copy of Middletown’s Season in the Sun The Story of Connecticut’s First Professional Baseball Team by David Arcidiacono accompanies lot. SIZE: @12”h x 16”w. CONDITION: Very good with only a slight deterioration in upper right corner. 9-90093 HP (6,000-8,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Samoset 2007

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	904	$6,612.00	EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT COLODIAN NEGATIVE OF A FIREMAN’S PARADE IN MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT. This mammoth sized glass-plate negative shows an outdoor parade scene in Middletown Connecticut featuring the only known image of the Middletown Mansfield Base Ball Club. They are seen standing in the parade in the central section. Eight men are seen in full uniform with a capitol “M” on jersey, high stockings, white uniforms, baseball caps and some are leaning on their baseball bats. The negative is circa 1872 and corresponds with what is known about this baseball team in that they were formed and existed between 1866 and 1872 and they were the first major league baseball team formed in Connecticut. This is an extremely early date for an image of a professional baseball team. This team played Boston, New York and Philadelphia and included future Hall of Famer Jim (Orator) O’Rourke. The glass plate shows a large marching band, then the Mansfield Baseball team, then a firehouse hose company led by four men with fire trumpets, and 22 firemen pulling a fire wagon with other firemen with axes. The street is quite broad and contains many spectators and horse-drawn carriages and wagons can be seen alongside the avenue. The backdrop is a large hotel with balcony which has several onlookers. The storefronts below include D.C. Tyler, Druggist and a book seller, a framer (E. Rockwell), a large barber pole is seen amongst other buildings. The plate is housed in a Victorian walnut frame with gilt liner and has its original wood backing board. An old piece of paper is attached to reverse and reads as follows, “A trip to Bristol R. I. on the steamer “Geo. A. Chaffee” built in Middletown Conn. Hubbard Hose Co. No. 2. Mansfield Base Ball Team and the Forest City Band to take part in a Fireman’s parade. Capt. Christopher Carroll in command. Henry Sullivane Steward. About the year 1872.” NOTE: A copy of Middletown’s Season in the Sun The Story of Connecticut’s First Professional Baseball Team by David Arcidiacono accompanies lot. SIZE: @12”h x 16”w. CONDITION: Very good with only a slight deterioration in upper right corner. 9-90093 HP (6,000-8,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Samoset 2007 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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