Notebook: 1916 Indianapolis 500 Panoramic Photo
Ever browse through the Indianapolis 500 memorabilia on eBay and say “Holy ****!”? As a new category in our Web Log, we’re going to point out some of the extraordinary items we see on eBay (might as well make that time worthwhile!). First up, we have this wonderful 1916 Indy 500 Panoramic Photo… starting bid $1,000… current bid $2750. Bid early and bid often!
This photo is being offered by Robert Edwards Auctions. They appear to have mostly baseball-related items.
Here is their description of this photo:
Unbelievable original sepia giant-format “Official Speedway Photograph” (39 x 14.5 inches) captures the excitement of the early days of professional automobile racing at the “6th Annual 300 Mile International Sweepstakes Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 30, 1916.” Center in the driver lineup is Barney Oldfield, one of the greatest drivers of all time, considered the “Babe Ruth” of motor sports. All of the drivers and crews are lined up in front, and all the racing cars are poised for action behind the starting line. Thousands of fans are in the grandstands on each side. The detail of this image is extraordinary, with perfect contrast. This is by far the most impressive racing panoramic we have ever seen. The photograph is credited to photographer “North H. Losey, 539 N. Meridan St., Indianapolis.” This is a museum-worthy showpiece. We cannot imagine a higher quality or more substantial photographic display piece relating to the early days of the sport. Cabinet-style mounted on board, measuring an incredible 39 x 14.5 inches. Excellent condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$3,000.
Wouldn’t this photo look nice on your wall next to your Big Mouth Billy Bass?
- Related Posts:
- Notebook: Danica Patrick Appears on Slice of Toast!
- Notebook: Scheckter Helmet Listed on eBay
- Notebook: Danica Nation: Declare Your Citizenship!
- Notebook: eBay Alert: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Garage Doors
 |
| Choose an event » Indy 500 Brickyard 400 Indy GP |
Comments
There are 4 comments for “Notebook: 1916 Indianapolis 500 Panoramic Photo”. You may add a comment or trackback from your own site.
#1 - Paul Woods (May 24th, 2005 at 2:21 pm)
Interestingly enough, I was walking through the IMS photo shop underneath the Media Center this past weekend and saw that they’ve got this exact same photo for sale for $60! Okay, so it’s not an “original” print from 1916, but it sure is a lot cheaper!
#2 - mike green (January 30th, 2008 at 1:11 am)
i have a question regarding the 1916 indy 500 photo. my grandmother has a TRULY ORIGINAL PANARANMIC PHOTO from i think the 1930’s (but can find out for sure)of the pit crew with my great great uncle and his friend (who both worked the pits) on BOTH ENDS of the photo. they ran from one end to the other during the shot. anyway here’s the real stunner, there are these photos in the indy museum from year to year. THIS PHOTO AND YEAR IS MISSING FROM THE MUSEUM. this IS the missing photo and should be in the museum. can you help me determine the approx. value of this photo? PLEASE CONTACT ME, i can find out more info.
by the way it’s not for sale, but would greatly appreciate your help.
sincerely
mike green
#3 - Paul Woods (January 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am)
Sounds like you might have a nice collectible item there, though it’s hard to say what it would be worth since it would depend on whatever someone else was willing to pay for it.
You could try contacting Ron McQueeney (Director of Photography) or Donald Davidson (Historian) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to find out how rare (or not) that panoramic print is. Or I’m sure one of the folks in the Photo Office could get you started- they’re very helpful. It would be hard to know how many prints would have been made from a given negative and whether the negatives still exist somewhere. The main phone number for the Speedway is 317-481-8500 and the Museum (where the photo office is located) is 317-492-6784.
As for the value, I think you’d have to contact someone that specializes in the appraisal of rare photographs and/or sports/motorsports memorabilia. Unfortunately, I don’t have any real good suggestions for you on that. You might try Robert Edwards Auctions (the dealer that sold the 1916 print) at http://www.robertedwardsauctions.com. Another possibility would be to contact Bill Daniels at http://www.billdaniels.com. He runs the National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show and would probably know who to contact if he couldn’t help you himself.
Good luck!
#4 - mark (August 25th, 2008 at 2:36 pm)
Mike Did you ever get the information you where looking for? If not contact me at luichinger@comcast.net I collect these photos and I might be able to help.
