This is a wonderful period image of John Thomas Hearne (born May 3, 1867 in Buckinghamshire, died April 17, 1944 in Buckinghamshire) (known either as Jack Hearne or J.T. Hearne) was a Middlesex and England medium-fast bowler. His aggregate of 3061 first-class wickets is the greatest for any bowler of medium pace or above, and his 257 wickets in 1896 is the tenth highest total on record. In 1891, 1896, 1898, 1904 and 1910 Hearne headed the first-class bowling averages.
In his heyday a truly great bowler able to gain vigorous off-break from even the most docile wickets, Hearne was also able to vary his pace and bowl a fast ball that swerved at a time when the skill was not well known. He had a long run for the time and a classic, full-on, high action that gave him higher bounce on hard, very fast wickets than most bowlers of the 1890s.(Wikipedia)
"Comparatively unknown till 1890, John Hearne has, in five years, made his reputation as one of the very best bowlers of the day. is a nephew of old Tom and George Hearne, and cousin to G. G. and Alec, as well as brother of Walter Hearne, all of whom have played for Kent. Though he played first for Middlesex against the Australians at Lord's, in June, 1998, he had hardly a real trial then. the following year his success against every kind of batsman was marked, and he has since developed into one of the most effective bowlers of the day. in delivery and style is not unlike Lohmann, and might well be taken for him. Bowls much about the same pace, and keeping an excellent length and mixing his bowling well with a good break form the off, wants very careful playing at any time." (1895)Beautiful & rare period image with facsimile signature.
Photograph by E. Hawkins & Co. 32,33 & 38, Preston Street, Brighton. (Portrait of Walter Read (Surrey) on reverse)