Original oversize photo has been professionally framed and matted (and most likely mounted) to overall size of 17x20 while the mat opening around the photo is 11x14". Photo has significant wear so framing was done for preservation purposes and we have elected to keep it this way rather than removing from the frame to avoid any further damage. Photos is c. mid 1920s. Shows 11 team members in uniform posed on a field. The highlight is Cum Posey who is second from the right. First as a player and then later as manager and team owner, Posey was for 35 years the driving force behind the Homestead Grays. Posey's team won eight of nine Negro National League pennants from 1937 to 1945, including three world titles. Other players shown L to R include Lefty Williams, Scrappy Brown, Win Harris, Willis Moody, Mo Harris, Walter "Rev" Cannady. Player's names are written in pencil below their feet and those players not identified above are: Smith, Allen, Johnson and Mashaw. Obvious defects include: 2x4" missing piece from top right as well as two small .25" pieces from top margin, .5x2" missing piece to lower body area of player at the left along w/some surface paper loss to his jersey, lower left corner has darkened area below player, noticeable tears and creases mostly to margins and areas around the players w/some visible tear lines on sky bkg., scattered age toning more noticeable on lighter areas. Cannady at right has small .25" missing piece at margin (his shoulder area) and some creases are on the player images but most are noticeable only when viewed closely. The team image itself remains bold and strong and all faces are sharp and distinct. Grades just Fair but a rare photo, the only example we know of. Still an incredible team photo for one of the most successful teams in Negro League history. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake's COA.