Original oversized photograph capturing twenty-six members of the undefeated 1920 Notre Dame football team posing together in a formal studio setting, including Knute Rockne and legendary halfback George Gipp. This is a rare photo. Not only is it the first example we have ever offered, but one of fewer than three we have seen. It is also the team image used in the 1921 Notre Dame yearbook. The photo is accompanied by the special provenance of having been consigned directly by a family member of end Dave Hayes, who is seated in the second row, second from the left.
Nearly all of the players and coaches have been identified (last name only) in black fountain pen upon their respective images (presumably in the hand of Dave Hayes at the time). Included are head coach Knute Rockne and assistant coach Walter Halas, as well as George Gipp, team captain Frank Coughlin (seated in the center holding a football lettered "1920 Western Champs"), Ed Anderson, and Roger Kiley. The image of George Gipp displays both editorial outlining and shading, indicating that this photo was once loaned to a news service wishing to publish a photo of Gipp. It may have been used for that purpose shortly after the photo was printed. The Notre Dame football season ended on November 25th, but Gipp contracted pneumonia shortly after and died just three weeks later on December 15th. Gipp's gridiron exploits led Notre Dame to two consecutive undefeated seasons in 1919 and 1920, and in his final season he was named an All-American by Walter Camp. Gipp's legendary status today is based largely upon Knute Rockne's emotional "win one for the Gipper" speech, which he used to inspire his team to victory in Notre Dame's historic upset of Army in 1928.
The photo (12.5x9"; visible dimensions), which offers exceptional clarity, displays the aforementioned handwritten identifications and editorial outlining/shading to Gipp's image. Additional minor flaws included a few light creases and a small tear touching upon the shoulder area of assistant coach Walter Hayes. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 17.25x13.75."
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