Tag Archives: portrait

Joseph Keller of Memphis, TN

Tintype in frame. Personal Collection

1860s-1870s tintype in frame. Private Collection

josephkeller-back

1/9th plate tintype in complete frame with back

Yours Truly, Jos Keller

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CDV of hot guy and a few thoughts: we lost something, somewhere

CDV. Personal Collection

CDV. Private Collection

3quarter-handsome2

Circa 1880

Well, what can I state about this one other than the obvious reason why I added him to my collection? I put HOT GUY in the tag and title to attract a larger audience. Conniving!  I do have something of importance to say, and it doesn’t have anything to do with this CDV, or maybe it does because there is no name on this card and it inspired me to share some thoughts I think are worth sharing.

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1905 worms and fleas in Massachusetts

Three-quarter portrait on RPPC. Personal Collection.

Three-quarter portrait on RPPC. Private Collection.

Cryptic message on front of RPPC. Personal Collection.

Cryptic message on front of RPPC. Personal Collection.

What would your reaction be if you received a postcard with this message?

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A stern looking boy

1/6th plate tintype. Personal Collection

1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection

1/6th plate tintype of a well dressed blonde boy with the stern expression. The contrast between the light and dark gives it a haunting, surreal quality.

Having your picture taken was an event, and the pose gives this child an expression of gravity well beyond his years. It wasn’t uncommon for children to pose like mini adults. This is a great example of the practice. A beautiful tintype.


Three Quarter Portrait and a Bowler

Personal Collection

2″ x 1.5″ tintype. Private Collection

bowlervignette2

Click for larger image

Gem size three-quarter portrait tintype of a nice looking gentleman with a light-colored bowler (derby) and the sack suit buttoned at the collar to let the waistcoat (vest) peek through. It’s a bit dark on the scan so I lightened it up a bit for the blog. It does look fine when you look at it with your own eyes.

Gem tintypes were the cheapest to produce due to their tiny size, and naturally very popular from the 1860s to around1890. This one is between a 1/9th plate and the typical gem which is usually 1.5″ x 1.5″.