Further research has revealed new information. The description below is updated/corrected from what is printed in the catalog.
Short version- the updates are:
Photo is c. 1902 Not c. 1907.
Bruce Petway is not on this team/in this photo.
However Sol White is still the key player on this photo and actually an earlier image than originally thought, so even more historically significant.


6x8" original glossy photo c. 1902. Shows team in uniform w/Harry Smith seated at center wearing a suit. 10 players are gathered around him w/the legendary Sol White seated front and center on the ground. Other players of note include Clarence Williams, Jap Payne, John "Pat" Patterson, John Hill, William Bell, Kid Carter, William Smith, Farrell, Day. Sol is one of the true pioneers of the Negro Leagues and was instrumental in the formation of the Philadelphia Giants in 1902. His playing career lasted from 1887 to 1912 but his involvement in the game also included roles as manager, executive and sports writer. He authored the first definitive history of black baseball in 1907 titled "Sol White's History of Colored Baseball." He was inducted into the National Baseball HOF in 2006. As for his days w/the Giants, he was an infielder and manager with the team from 1902 to 1909. From 1904 to 1909 they were one of the strongest teams in black baseball, winning five Eastern Championships in six years. This photo was once scrapbook mounted w/paper remaining adhered to the back. Lower left corner has a 1x1.5" missing piece but this defect could be easily matted out w/o impacting the image in any way. Left margin also has 1.5" emulsion crack and small surface flake but this blends w/bkg. Photo has other lt. wear but remains clean and glossy w/sharp and clear image. Early and historic, team photos w/Sol are extremely rare. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake’s COA.