Exceedingly rare large-format team-composite print featuring portrait images of eighteen members of the 1904 World Champion Boston Pilgrims. As noted in print in the lower right corner, all the images were produced by noted Boston baseball photographer Carl Horner, many of which were later used for the player's respective T206 tobacco card, including Cy Young. Each individual is identified in print along the base: Jimmy Collins (player/manager), Cy Young, Jesse Tannehill, Bill Dineen, Lou Criger, George LaChance, Fred Parent, Charle Stahl, Al Ferris, George Winter, Tom Doran, Al Selbach, John Freeman, Norwood Gibson, Charlie Farrell, Robert Unglaub, John Taylor (team owner), and Carl Green (team treasurer). The printing along the top reads "Boston Base Ball Club of the American League." Lettered in the center, around Collins' portrait, is "The Worlds Champions 1904-1905." The publisher's name and copyright are printed in the lower right corner: "Copyrighted 1904 by Pictorial Pub. Co., Boston, Mass." (Cannot be seen because of the matting; we know this from having seen others.) The Boston Pilgrims upset the heavily favored Pittsburgh Pirates in the first modern-day World Series in 1903 and repeated as American League champions in 1904. Unfortunately, John T. Brush, owner of the National League champion New York Giants, refused to let his team face the Red Sox in the World Series that fall, because in his eyes the American League was a "minor league." In response, Boston declared itself World Champions and The Sporting News supported them in their claim. This elegant print was produced to commemorate Boston's self-proclaimed title and is one of the premier baseball display pieces from the era. As was customary at the time, the current league champion was recognized as such for the following year until they were dethroned, hence the title here of "The Worlds Champions 1904-1905." This is just the second example of this print (17.5x22.25", visible dimensions) we have ever offered and it is notable for its exceptional state of preservation. A few tiny tears/creases are evident (possible minor restoration), as is light foxing in the lower right corner. There is also a light-black linear blemish touching upon the images of Norwood Gibson and Charles Farrell. None of those minor flaws, however, significantly detract from its overall Excellent appearance. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 24x30". Please note: the size and/or weight of this lot will necessitate an increased shipping charge.