The item pictured below was titled 'Unpublished CDV of Paul Charles MORPHY CHESS PRODIGY Playing a Game 1860s Photo'. It sold for US $2158.00 after 19 bids from seven bidders. On a starting price of $30.00, the bids jumped from $150.00 to the final price in the last 20 minutes of the seven day auction.
Left: Front
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Right: Back
The description said,
Very rare image of Charles Morphy playing a game of chess. Unidentified photographer, 1860s. Original albumen print CDV. Overall measures approx. 4 x 2.5 inches. Condition is very good.
The back of the CDV says,
Charles Morphy
1837-1884
New Orleans
American Chess Prodigy
Although the year of death on a CDV dating from the '1860s' raises a question or two, I assume the bidders did their homework. As for my statement at the beginning that 'Morphy items are not unusual', I located three previous posts:-
- Morphy Stereoview, London (April 2018)
- Morphy CDV (September 2016)
- Morphy Stereoview (July 2016)
The latest auction was the first in the series to sell at four figures. Another relevant post was:-
- Images of Morphy (May 2019)
A quick search of Google Images confirmed that the CDV indeed appears to be 'Unpublished'. How long will it take for someone else to 'publish' it?
***
Later: After a helpful comment on this post (see below), I copied the image from the linked article ('Visions of Morphy' on Chess.com). Then I copied the original image for this post (on eBay), converted it to grayscale, and flipped it to place 'Morphy' on the right. The following composite image shows both images side-by-side.
Left:
Elkin - Morphy
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Right:
Elkin(?) - Morphy(?)
(Can be enlarged; e.g. open in new tab)
In my opinion, the players on the left are younger than the players on the right. On the left, Elkin is about the same size as Morphy; on the right, Elkin(?) is taller than Morphy(?). The face of Elkin on the left is not the same as Elkin(?) on the right, esp. the nose. I don't think the two 'Elkin's are the same person.
Other, more expert opinions are welcome.
I cannot speak to the authenticity of the item. I also have my reservations. I believe I have identified Morphy's opponent however, if that is of interest.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is absolutely of interest. I didn't want to go there myself because I was getting too far from the post's premise. Identifying the opponent would be a big step forward in validating the CDV.
ReplyDeleteThis appears to be Lewis Elkins. A different picture of him and Morphy appears in the linked article.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.chess.com/article/view/visions-of-morphy
Thanks very much! I added a comparison of the two photos to the original post. I don't think the unknown player is Elkin, but I could easily be wrong.
ReplyDelete