Exceptionally rare vintage pearl-finish 10.75 x 14.5 light-weight photo of over 300 of the most accomplished swimmers of the early 20th century. The photo, which is headed “Records of Swimming, Containing Worlds, Australasian, New South Wales Champions, Other Champions and Faces Well-Known in the Natatorial World, Over 300 Faces in This Group, Complete, December 1909,” boasts an impressive composite of many early swimming pioneers, with the center featuring a large full-length pose of Australian swimmer Bernard Kieran, who tragically died at the age of 19 following an operation to remove his appendix. His caption reads: “Late B. B. Kieran, Present Holder of All World’s Records, From 220 Yards to Mile.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered surface impressions, a horizontal fold to lower portion, edgewear, and creases to upper corners.
