RARE 1927 2nd International Checker US Team Cabinet Photo SAM GONOTSKY Ajeeb

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RARE 1927 2nd International Checker US Team Cabinet Photo SAM GONOTSKY Ajeeb:
$1749.99

For sale is this AMAZING original cabinet photo showing the U.S. Team at the Second International Checker Match, held in New York City from February 28 to March 10, 1927. It captures the American players, analysts, and organizers who took part in one of the biggest international checkers competitions of the era. The image has been matched directly to the official 1927 match book, meaning the people in the photo are identified and the connection to the event is fully confirmed.

This photo does have some age and condition issues, a few puncture holes. See pics.Included in the group is Sam Gonotsky, one of the top U.S. players of the 1920s and a major figure in the New York checker scene. He was later connected to the famous chess automaton Ajeeb, which gives this photo some crossover appeal for both checkers and chess collectors. Fully identified photos from this match never surface, making this a rare and well-documented piece from an important moment in early competitive board game history.

This photo appears in the official match book on page 48.

Front row (L to R)
T.J. O’Grady – A strong American player of the early 20th century, O’Grady was part of the competitive U.S. checkers scene during a period when international matches were becoming more organized. While not as widely documented as some teammates, his inclusion here shows he was among the respected players trusted to represent the U.S. in a major international event.John Horr – Horr was a veteran of American checkers circles and part of the generation that helped build the game’s organized competitive structure in the U.S. Players like him formed the backbone of club play and tournament culture that made international matches like 1927 possible.Augustus J. Heffner – One of the most important figures in this group, Heffner was both a strong player and a leading analyst of the game. He annotated the official book of the 1927 match, helping preserve the games and strategy for future generations. His work is still referenced in historical checkers literature.Harrah Reynolds – Reynolds was a competitive American player active during the height of early 20th-century tournament play. Though less documented today, his presence in this lineup reflects his standing among top U.S. competitors of the time.Newell W. Banks – One of the biggest names in American checkers history, Banks was a national champion and one of the most famous exhibition players of his era. Known for his skill and showmanship, he played a major role in popularizing checkers across the United States.Center row (L to R)
Harry Lieberman – Lieberman was part of the strong New York-area checkers community and represented the depth of talent in American clubs at the time. Players like him helped make the U.S. a competitive force internationally.Michael (Mike) Lieber – A top-level American master, Lieber was one of the strongest competitors of the 1920s and a key participant in the 1927 international match. He is frequently mentioned in tournament records and was considered among the elite players of his generation.Sam Gonotsky – One of the dominant American players of the 1920s, Gonotsky was a national champion and a central figure in the Brooklyn checker scene. Later in life, he was associated with the famous chess automaton Ajeeb, giving him a unique place in both checkers and chess-related history.Louis Ginsberg – A strong player from the New York circuit, Ginsberg represents the powerful club culture that produced many of America’s best competitors. His inclusion reflects the importance of local club talent in international play.Jesse Hanson – Hanson was an active competitor during a period when American checkers was expanding internationally. While not as widely documented, his role in this lineup indicates he was a respected tournament-level player.Andrew Dossett – Dossett was part of the American competitive field during the 1920s and contributed to the depth of the U.S. team. Players like him were essential in building the strength of American representation in international matches.Back row (L to R)
John Bradford – Bradford was likely part of the broader circle of competitive and club players supporting the U.S. team. His presence highlights how international events included not just top stars but also strong supporting competitors.Asa Long – One of the greatest players in checkers history, Long went on to become a world champion and remained active in top-level play for decades. At the time of this photo, he was a rising star and one of the most promising young talents in the game.John G. Finley – Finley was an editor and organizer rather than a top competitor, but his role was crucial. He edited the official book of the 1927 match, helping document and preserve one of the most important events in checkers history.Joseph Lannin – Lannin was part of the American competitive scene and likely served as either a player or official. His inclusion reflects the broader organizational and competitive network behind the match.Will Tyson – Tyson was a respected player within American checkers circles and contributed to the depth of talent present at the event. Like many in the group, he represents the strong club-based foundation of the game.Saul Weslow – Weslow was part of the New York checkers community, which was one of the strongest hubs of the game in the U.S. during the 1920s. His presence reflects the importance of that regional scene.George Tanner – Tanner rounds out the group as one of the additional players or officials associated with the American side. Figures like him were integral to the organization and success of large international matches.
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