Honus Wagner Tintype, ca. 1890
APPRAISER:
It looks as if you've had this photo a long time. Would you like to tell me a little about it?
GUEST:
It's been in our family since, uh, at least 1915. And about a year ago, after we settled my mother's estate, I came across this old tintype of Honus Wagner and I figured it had some value.
APPRAISER:
This is a family member in this picture as well?
GUEST:
Yes, that's my great-uncle.
APPRAISER:
Uh-huh.
GUEST:
And I often heard stories my mother told about Honus Wagner visiting my grandfather's house and they were pretty good friends.
APPRAISER:
Well, as you know, Honus Wagner was considered the greatest shortstop ever and probably is Pittsburgh's favorite son, growing up in Carnegie. Did you have any family in Carnegie?
GUEST:
I was born in Carnegie and my parents were, too.
APPRAISER:
So that would make sense. The tintype process for photography basically went from the mid-1850s up through about 1900. This, I believe, comes from the late 1890s. Anything of Honus Wagner prior to 1900 is extremely rare and extremely desirable. And even though he's not in baseball uniform, it's still a wonderful, wonderful piece. In my estimation, an auction value of this tintype photograph of Honus Wagner and your grand-uncle would probably be worth about $2,000 to $3,000.
GUEST:
Wow, that's a pleasant surprise.
APPRAISER:
You should feel very proud to have it in your family.
GUEST:
I certainly am.
Appraisal Details
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