Thanx for checking it out.....
Jason Yeo has taken up the challenge and offered the opinion that the individual pictured is the legenday Harry Freedman from Scotland.....Jason remembers seeing the photo on Ebay and bid on it, but did not win it.
Here are some of Jason's thoughts....
"I have been looking through my book of the first seven Scottish tournaments. The picture is of Harry Freedman after winning the 7th Scottish tournament in 1899"
"The image is not shown in the 7th Scottish tourney book but I do have his picture from the 6th Scottish tourney. Looking at the hairline, hair style and nose, I am pretty sure its him."
"Attached is the picture..when i tried to scan and photo..did not come out very clearly. The hairline and hairstyle is the same, even the mouth but u can't really see the hairline and hairstyle from my pic. My picture is of a 19 year old Harry Freedman. That photo seems of a more mature Freedman. Pictures of Ferrie, Richard Jordan and others of that time don't come close to looking similar.
Thanks
Jason"
"Attached is a sketch of Freedman during the 1899 7th Scottish Tourney. Shows the hairline and style more clearly.
Thanks
Jason"
I am impressed with Jason's research here...images of Freedman are rare, and I do agree that the hairline and style are similiar.
My only reservation is that in the "WHO IS IT" photo, the person is seated with what appears to be a copy of "SPAYTHE'S" American Checker Player (see the close-up of the book pictured), and the Trophy on the table is not the Scottish Championship Cup......I know from reading the literature of the past that Freedman did spend some time in America (two seperate trips IIRC)....but don't know of him winning any tourneys and/or trophies....I believe he played mostly Stake matches.
Any other opinions into this fascinating subject ???
Thanx Jason !!!!
Bump
