This original oval studio photo depicts Joe Jackson posing in formal attire. Jackson's name is scripted in blue fountain pen across the base of his image. This remarkable sepia toned photo, which dates from 1912, is one of the only formal studio portraits of Joe Jackson we have ever seen. Unlike most photos from that era, this piece has a well-documented history. The photo was originally discovered decades ago with 24 other similar-sized sepia portrait photos picturing members of the 1912 Cleveland Naps. Many years later, after the photos were discovered and introduced to the hobby, the owner of the Jackson photo had the "photographer's ink" professionally removed, revealing the original underlying signature that is now displayed on the photo. This piece eventually found its way into the legendary Barry Halper Collection. When Halper obtained this piece, it was believed that the signature of Jackson on the photo was genuine, which made it the only known Joe Jackson signed photo. Unfortunately, the "signature" on this photo is now, in the opinion of nearly all experts, believed to be a secretarial example. Also, one of the secondary appeals of this piece is that the perfect oval shape has given it a distinctive "card-like" appearance. The year ("1912") and a photographer's code ("c89") are written on the reverse. The photo (3.5x5") displays a few glue marks on the reverse from when it was attached to the larger composite board, but the front is Near Mint in its overall appearance. Mounted and framed to total dimensions of 9.25" x 10.75". A true piece of baseball history.