An unidentified Union officer in the uniform of a major or lieutenant colonel poses with his pretty young wife. CDV by George H. Wood, Photographer, Towanda, Pennsylvania, Dealer in Albums & Card Photographs.
It's high time for me to document some of the 19th century bonnets that I've made. Here's a link to one of my previous bl...
Here's a tintype I found offered in an online auction. I have never seen that kind of shield appliqued to clothing before. A fireman? Another fascinating outfit. The Union case and red, white and blue painted cockade indicate a Union sympathizer, but this is not a soldier's clothing. He seems to be wearing a cotton print, what might be called a conversation print, with rather large images scattered about. The compass on the left might have to do with the Masons. The imagery may be from fraternal organizations rather than political. There's an arm and hammer, perhaps a labor organization logo. This one is less mysterious. I flipped the picture over so the word would be correct. Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes are always reversed. Perhaps she's dressed for a pageant or parade.
Lady in fan bodice by Hermann Krone, 1854 source: Deutsche Fotothek
photo by H. K. Averill Jr., Plattsburgh, N.Y. photo has a green 3 cent "Proprietary" Civil War tax stamp with a stamped cancellation date of May 1, 1865
LOVE this image. And man, I love the LOC! This little gem I found by searching for "occupation 1860" or something like that in the LOC search bar. Really cool image of a woman with a broom. I'm wondering what her apron is made of. It looks a bit shiny, like it could be a glazed fabric. I can't imagine a work apron made of silk taffeta!
Stereoview, 1860s/1870s, unidentified photographer.
Miss Henderson and Captain Farmer
Read about Paul Browning's mysterious experiences in the area.
A question which seems to pop-up a lot with historical costuming is ‘Where do I begin?’. The proper answer to this question is to 1. pick a time period, and 2. start with the underwear.…
Tintype by an unidentified photographer. Two women pose with what appears to be the tools of their trade, which includes a straw broom, dish ware, and a towel. The individual standing on the left also holds a paper, which may be a letter of introduction or instructions of some sort. This tintype is contained in a paper mat similar in size to a carte de visite. The border of the mat is embossed with 28 stars, and in the upper left is stamped "Potter's Patent March 7 1865." The patent is one of about 20 different designs patented by Ray W. Potter of New York City. It's primary purpose was to hold tintypes, also known as ferrotypes. "The invention consists of a card provided in its center with a raised frame in such a manner that an ambrotype, daguerreotype or other photographic picture, or a picture of any other description, can be placed in the cavity formed at the back of the card, and said card will form the frame for the picture, and serve to exhibit to good advantage," states U.S. Patent No. 46,699. I encourage you to use this image for educational purposes only. However, please ask for permission.
Godey's Lady's Book was published from 1830 through 1896; a long reign equaled in big, fat, juicy, delightful women's magazine History by, well, no...
ca. 1860's, [ambrotype portrait of a laborer] via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery
Um...well, then there's this... Unidentified stereoview, detail. Probably French, ca. 1860. (J. Calvelo Coll.)
