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Exceptional miniature 1860s photograph album containing 98 mounted photographs: 96 gem tintypes and two small paper photographs.
Measuring only 5\" × 3 3/4\", the album holds a remarkable number of portraits in a compact format. The deep red leather binding is extensively decorated in gilt and blind embossing, with an elaborate geometric design to the covers, gilt decoration to the spine, gilt page edges, and original metal clasp hardware.
Inside is a large collection of portraits of men, women, children, couples, and groups. Several of the tintypes retain subtle period hand coloring, particularly touches of pink or rose to the cheeks.
At least one photograph retains a partially visible photographer’s label reading “Made at Richardson / Cor. Main and Elm / No. Bridge…”, identifying the studio as Richardson of North Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Charles Franklin Richardson is documented working as a photographer in North Bridgewater during the 1860s, giving the album a strong Massachusetts association and suggesting that at least some of these unidentified sitters belonged to a North Bridgewater family, social circle, or community.
All of the photographs remain in their album mounts and have not been removed for examination of their backs, in order to avoid unnecessary handling or potential damage to the photographs or original album pages.
Details
Date: Circa 1860s
Format: Miniature photograph album
Size: 5\" × 3 3/4\"
Total Photographs: 98
Gem Tintypes: 96
Paper Photographs: 2
Photographer: At least one labeled Richardson, North Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Probable Association: North Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Subjects: Men, women, children, couples, and groups
Hand Coloring: Several portraits with period coloring to the cheeks
Binding: Deep red leather with extensive gilt and blind embossed decoration
Page Edges: Gilt
Hardware: Original metal clasp hardware present
Condition
Very attractive antique condition overall with wear consistent with an album approximately 160 years old.
The leather binding shows rubbing, edge and corner wear, small areas of surface loss, and other age-related wear. The elaborate gilt decoration remains strong and visually appealing, with gilt decoration also remaining to the spine and page edges. Original clasp hardware is present.
Interior pages show toning, foxing, staining, spotting, and general handling wear. Individual photographs vary in condition and may show scratches, oxidation, fading, surface wear, losses, or other age-related deterioration.
The album has a noticeable damp/musty storage odor.
All photographs have been left in place and have not been removed from their mounts for examination of the backs in order to avoid unnecessary handling or potential damage. Photographer labels and other identifying information are noted where visible.
Please see photographs for the best description of condition.
Shipping
Free shipping. The album will be carefully packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature required upon delivery.
