G. Smith, Shortstop, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with *G. Smith, Short, Brooklyn Bridegrooms a gem from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge series (N), produced in 1888 to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. This albumen photograph—measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches—captures poised intensity of shortstop G. Smith, a key player for the Brooklyn Briderooms (precursors to the Dodgers). Part of a massive tobacco card series featuring hundreds of athletes, it reflects baseball's explosive rise as America's pastime during the sport's professional era. The albumen process, a hallmark of 19th-centu...

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...