1915 George Grantham Bain photograph of Opening Day at the Polo Grounds as the greatest pitcher of his era, Christy Mathewson, shakes hands with New York Mayor Mitchell as part of the pre-game festivities. A deep and clear silver gelatin original, the condition of this specimen is outstanding and aside from the glass negative at the Library of Congress, this is the only example of this image we have ever seen! This would be the last opening day as a dominant ace for Mathewson as age, a jump to the National League, WWI and death would turn his life in directions that he could never have dreamed on this day in April 1915. One of the best images of Mathewson we have handled and we are proud to offer it to the public here for the first time ever.

Size: 4x5
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 9.5/10