Hello Pat,
Welcome to the TNet, and thanks for directing us to the photos.
I should think there may be limited collector appeal in the case of Mr. Field(s). He is not photographed in character. Minstrel Show memorabilia may not appeal to those of the PC persuasion. It would have interest to Columbus, Ohio history buffs. If you're planning on selling via electronic auction, I'd document a bit, and start it off at $9.99 and hope it goes. There seems an abundance of information out there on The Greater Minstrels:
"...Al G. Field’s Minstrels were organized in 1886, and gave their first performance at Marion, Ohio, October 6, 1886. It met with instant success and popularity and has been the leading troupe ever since. When the office of Klaw & Erlanger was called up and asked to name the best theatrical trade mark, the answer came, “The Al G. Field Greater Minstrels,” and there is a reason for this. Al. G. Field had presented a new show every season, full of novelties, special acts, costumes and new scenery. He never fails to present an entertaining and amusing performance and is ever concocting new episodes of fun to add to his grand show. Even while spending a vacation on his farm (Maple Villa Farm), fourteen miles from Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by everything to make the farmer’s heart glad, he is plotting and planning something out of the ordinary to place in his entertainment. That he succeeds is amply proved by the capacity business enjoyed everywhere by this great popular troupe, made so by his hard work and unremitting attention to all details. Al G. Field is the importer and owner of the great coach stallion, “Epernay,” from France. It is the finest one in America and, as the war will prevent importations, in will become valuable indeed.
Here is a partial list of the graduates of the Al G. Field’s Minstrels, furnished by Mr. Field himself to the writer: “Billy Van made his first appearance with my show and was here several seasons. Jimmy Wall did his first monologue with my company, also worked in a musical act, first as Howe and Wall, then as Howe, Wall and McLeod.” Harry Shunk began his minstrel experience with this show. Billy S. (Single) Clifford began his career with this show, first as a drummer in the band, then as a song and dance man, and then as a comedian. Bernard Granville began his career with this show, in the bugle corps and as a song book seller, graduating into one of the brightest end men and neatest dancers in the country. Doc Quigley, one of the most versatile minstrel men of any age, began his career with this show. In fact, he was never with any other minstrels than the Al G. Field Minstrels, where he was a reigning favorite along the route for more than twenty years. Among his first minstrel engagements, Arthur Rigby was with the Al G. Field Minstrels. Harry Bulger began his stage career with the Al G. Field Minstrels as a drummer in the band, and a song and dance man, afterwards a comedian. The Diamond Brothers, Lawrence, Lew and Matt, began their minstrel careers with this company. John Russell was introduced to the minstrel stage by the Al G. Field Minstrels. West “Bud” Avey and Joe Coffman gained their minstrel experience here. Of the noted minstrel singers, Will L. Collins began his stage career with the Al G. Field Minstrels as tenor soloist. Collins is now Signor Toliona, of the Metropolitan Opera Company. Reese Prosser, another minstrel singer of note, began his career with this show, as did Jack Richards, Birch Logan and Harry Frillman. Charles Graham, the song writer, composer of “The Picture That Was Turned Toward the Wall,” “Two Little Girls in Blue,” etc., composed his most successful songs while a member of the Al G. Field Minstrels. Mr. Graham was the first stage manager of the company. He made his first appearance in minstrelsy with this company, as did also Gus White, Charley Greer, Eddie Harley, Charles Wilbur, Ed Munger, Ed Brown and Mr. Eldredge. Nearly all of these singers have made their marks in opera since graduating from the minstrel stage…"
Burnt Cork and Tambourines
There's probably more than you want to know in Mr. Field's book:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Watch Yourself Go By, by Al. G. Field.
