This is a very rare CDV that features the 1870 Athletics Baseball Club. Images from this early period in baseball are quite rare and highly prized by collectors. The 1870 Athletics were a powerhouse in the pre-National Association era. The ten identified players include A. J. Reach (of Reach & Spaulding fame in the upper left), Malone, Fisler, Radcliff, J.D. McBride (in center), Pratt, Bechtel, Sensenderfer, Berry and Schaefer. This team would also take the championship of the newly formed National Association in 1871.

The photograph is credited to John L. Gihon (Artist) who established his studio at 812 Arch Street in Philadelphia. The 2-1/2" x 4" CDV hails from the earliest years of professional baseball and is now approaching 150 years in age. Adding a CDV from the earliest post-civil war era is a privilege only a small sampling of advanced hobbyists have had the chance to experience.