Extraordinary three-quarter-plate French ambrotype framed in a larger than whole presentation. The subject is a high ranking French Sailor with his map, tool kit and navigational calipers or dividers resting on the table. He appears to be charting a voyage as he takes the opportunity to document this historical moment at the end of his career. The ambrotype has a period identification and it relates to the Atlantic Slave Trade. The front of the paper passe-partout reads, “‘1848 Voyages de l’ Ocean Atlantique, Senegal, St Louis, Gorree, et Rio Jeneyrs, Commandant le Jeune Raymond” The translation is “Voyages of the Atlantic Ocean, Senegal, St.Louis, ( Island of St.Louis off Senegal), Goree, (Island of Goréelies off the coast of Senegal, opposite Dakar), and Rio de Janiero, Commander Raymond, (the younger).

This is most likely one of the main principles tasked with overseeing the abolishment of the French colonial slave trade in 1848. It is believed this is Raymond Jean Baptiste de Verninac Saint-Maur, (1796-1873) who was an Ex-Commandant and Minister of the Navy and Colonies in 1848 and the Governor of French India from 1852 to 1856. He was known as Raymond the Younger after his uncle Raymond de Verninac-Saint-Maur, (1761-1822), who was a diplomat known as the elder Raymond. During his time as Minister for the Navy and Colonies, the French Revolution of 1848 sparked the abolition of slavery in France’s colonies, transforming the way race, freedom, and citizenship were defined in different parts of the Empire. Perhaps unexpectedly, the 1848 Revolution had significant reverberations in France’s West African colony of Senegal. The colony was small, consisting of the urban coastal center of Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River, and Gorée Island to the south. With slavery waning, the colony turned to an expanded trade in gum arabic and then peanuts as the dominant cash crop and economic driver. In 1845, according to a colonial census, 10,196 slaves lived on Saint Louis and Gorée, (out of a total population of 18,753). Before 1848, colonial administrators and habitants alike argued that slavery in the region was unique and less harmful than slavery elsewhere, stalling discussions about reform. In Senegal, the date of emancipation was set for August 23, 1848. In the intervening months, the colony remained in a state of uncertainty. The governor took measures to forestall habitants’ expected attempts to move or sell slaves beyond the colony’s borders in neighboring regions, where the decree would not apply like Rio in Brazil.

This rare, stunning ambrotype is in exceptional condition with beautiful tones and contrast. The flesh tones are as nice as you will find. Our photos don't do this ambrotype justice. The black lacquered frame measures an impressive 12 ½” x 14 ½”, showing a few tiny nicks and typical light stress lines that are insignificant in our opinion.  This ambrotype will be the star of any collection and is an opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of history!

Fabulous quarter-plate English ambrotype of a handsome gentleman posed with his striking dog. Posed in front of a stunning painted backdrop, these two are picture perfect. The man holds his hand underneath his best friend’s chin most likely giving him a quick scratch. We are curious to what is in his other hand resting on the table. We’ve provided a large scan and if anyone has an idea let us know. This super sharp plate has extremely rich tones and contrast with a nice high silver content giving it that slight glimmer. It is housed in a typical plain English half case that at one point had a string or ribbon attached at the top for hanging.

Fascinating sixth-plate ambrotype of a woman holding what appears to be a small zucchini. Now this could also be an occupational image with her holding some type of tool as she does hold some white fabric in her other hand. Wearing a simple white bonnet and dress she stares directly at the photographer.  She also has two small ivory or bone pins looped in her dress on the right side just above her waist. The plate is in excellent minus condition with nice tones and contrast along with some tint to her face and lips. It is housed in a full case.

Engaging sixth-plate English ambrotype of a captain posed on his boat. In a dramatic fashion, the photographer has captured him on the stern of the ship with the sails directly behind. We see two oars for emergencies strapped to the side of the ship. The image is in very good condition with decent tones and contrast. There is some spotting as seen with a few tiny nicks. It is housed in half of a case that had a hanging loop at one time.

- Dazzling sixth-plate Cuttings Patent ambrotype of two sharp gentlemen, most likely father and son, in a close pose. The older man on the right smiles slightly as he extends his arm around the younger man’s shoulder. He in turn tucks his hand inside his jacket. The man’s coat on the left is divine, with a loop closure attached to large buttons and appliqués on the side. A stunning dark velvet lapel perfectly complements his crisp white shirt. Both have fascinating hair that sweeps to a peak, although the young man’s thick hair is more dramatic. The plate is in excellent condition with extremely strong tones and contrast. There is some light tint to the men’s faces. The image is housed in a black lacquer mother of pearl book style case. The front cover shows some repairs/replacements of some of the mother of pearl. The hinge also has an underlayment of pneumatic leather as seen on the inside.

Sweet hand tinted quarter-plate ambrotype of a beautiful young girl. This is most likely English or European, but is not identified. Staring off into the distance with a slight look of consternation, she wears an absolutely delightful multi-layered black gown and cape. A long thin black bow adds another dimension, as does the gold pin at her neckline. Perhaps this was a mourning photo? The object sitting on the gorgeous lace tablecloth next to the books is interesting - is it a basket or a hat? The image has a bright green color applied to the drape on the left side next to the painted column.
The ambrotype is in excellent minus condition with extremely strong tones and contrast. It retains its original seal on the back and while there are some light spots on the inside of the glass we didn’t feel the need to open it. Our scans do not do this one justice. The image is housed in a wood and gesso style frame with some trim missing as seen. Even the original hook is still attached on the back, so this can go directly on your wall!

Dramatic sixth-plate ambrotype of a young lad posed with a heavy blanket or cape slung around his shoulders. He wears an unusual black silk ruffled garment over his white shirt and is sporting a cool hat with darker piping around the brim. The image is in excellent minus condition with strong tones and contrast. There are a couple spots/nicks in the background and a small tiny spot above the lad’s upper lip. It is housed in a full case with a harder, shellacked exterior.

Strong ninth-plate ruby ambrotype of a hardened-looking gentleman wearing a cool oil slick wheel-hat and smoking a cigar. The photographer has added realistic red to the tip of the cigar, giving it that cool fire effect. With his thumb tucked in his stylish coat, the man exudes confidence and intimidation! His large tie is priceless to say the least. The image is in excellent minus condition with fantastic tones and contrast. There is some tint to his face along with some gold gilding to his ring and watch chain. The image is housed in a half-case.

Cool yet creepy sixth-plate folk art painting ambrotype of an older gentleman marking a certain passage in his favorite book. His hands have a leathery skeletal appearance that is slightly unsettling. This is a fascinating painting and even in the image the eyes seem to follow you everywhere! The image is in very good condition with nice tones and contrast. It is housed in half-case.

Gorgeous sixth-plate English ambrotype of a young family out for a Sunday drive. The couple is stylish in their own right but the star of the show is the baby in a beautiful white outfit and hat, taking in all the world has to offer. They are clearly a family of means as we can see glistening head lamps on each side of the car. This image is in excellent minus condition with beautiful tones and contrast. There is one tiny scratch on the left side bottom of the trees. There is a label on the back for “Henry and Levy, Photographic Artist, 15 Nelson Terrace, Welllington Lane, Hull. Copies of this photograph can be had on Cards, from 7/6 doz, 4/6 half-doz, or enlarged to any size at the above address.”

Regal sixth-plate English ambrotype of a footman holding the horse for two women leaving their estate for a Sunday drive. The image has some spots and marks as seen. It is housed in half-case.

Killer tintype button of gentleman in a stove-pipe hat and sporting a long black beard. We have seen our share of photo buttons over the years but this is certainly one of our favorites! It measures 5/8” in circumference and could easily be sewn onto a jacket or shirt.

Thought provoking early sixth-plate of a patriotic young man. He is wearing a large patriotic badge on his coat that shows two US flags with Lady Columbia leaning on a shield that bears the face of George Washington in the center. A gold gilded pin added by the photographer on his shirt looks like an anchor or perhaps a bugle. His longer unruly hair adds to his look of determination and we image he joined the military ranks not long after this portrait. This is an earlier tintype marked “Melainotype Plate for Neff's Pat 19 Feb 56” although the date is hard to read. The image is in excellent minus condition with great tones and contrast. It is housed in a geometric union case with some wear and a little fade in the color on one spot.

Great sixth-plate occupational tintype of two men posed with their wagon with no name or sign on it. However, this isn’t your typical farm wagon so we assume they were transporting and/or selling one of their products. In the far background we can see some hills or mountains behind the barn. The image is very bright with nice contrast and green tint on the grass. There are some marks and number of bends when viewing at an angle. It is housed in half of a case.

Engaging half-plate tintype of an extremely large group of people posed in front of a large house. This is most likely a huge family reunion spanning multiple generations, as we see children and young adults of all ages. We love the group of girls and boys on the left all dressed in white to supply some contrast to everyone else in black. The tintype is in excellent minus condition with a little wear as seen. It is original to the brass mat and preserver but there is no case.

Somber ninth-plate tintype of a concerned looking gentleman holding a small American flag. He appears to have the weight of the world on his shoulders and is possibly worried for his own safety or that of a loved-one in the upcoming war. The image has some toning throughout as seen but it still reads well. It is housed in a half-case.

Fun ninth plate tintype of an older man sporting a long white beard. Next to him is his beautiful white horse. It appears as if they just walked out the barn to have their likeness captured. The image is dark but views well in light and there is some wear as seen. It is housed in half of a case.

Fascinating and historical pair of CDV tintypes with the original album sleeve from Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. The first tintype is of A.J. Tom & Co.’s Camp Chase Dairy Wagon, as seen laterally reversed in the image. We assume this is Mr. Tom with his wide brimmed hat and holding onto his wagon. There is a store in the background that likely serviced the soldiers. There are signs on the building including one with a cigar ad with a Native American man. We see another wagon and a few people walking in the background. Wikipedia state:,
Camp Chase, located in Columbus, Ohio, was a military training and staging camp for Ohio volunteer soldiers.  It was established in May 1861 after the start of the Civil War. It was a very active camp with an estimated 150,000 Union soldiers and 25,000 Confederate soldiers passed through its gates.  It also became a Union prisoner of war camp for Confederate prisoners. By February 1865, over 9,400 men were held at the prison. More than 2,200 Confederates are buried in the Camp Chase Cemetery. Western Virginia and Kentucky civilians suspected of actively supporting secession, including former three-term United States Congressman Richard Henry Stanton were held at the facility. The prison camp also held Confederates captured during Morgan's Raid in 1863, including Col. Basil W. Duke. The camp was closed in 1865, and by September 1867, dismantled buildings, usable items, and 450 patients from Tripler Military Hospital (also in Columbus) were transferred to the new National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Dayton, Ohio.
The tintype is in very good condition.  Mr. Tom is somewhat darker in tones but the rest of the image has nice contrast.
The other image included is identified as “Aunt Sarah.” It is a sharp tintype in a paper sleeve with the patriotic theme of stars on the border. One of our favorite aspects is the large simple tintype broach she wears of what is likely her husband. It also has a unique background which might identify the photographer from other images. It has great tones and contrast with some light tint to her cheeks. At an angle we see a few lines in the top lacquer varnish.

Marvelous CDV tintype still in its original CDV album page with identification as Mr. Benjamin Franklin Grove, Clifton Forge, VA. From genealogy records we learned that Benjamin was a shoemaker, and his uniform indicates that he was also a volunteer firefighter. Clifton Forge was a later residence and he is buried in that area, but he was likely in Middle River, VA about the time of this tintype. The photographer has created a beautiful image by applying a bold red color to his shirt and blue tint to the large lapel style collar. It is highlighted with a white belt and gold gilded buttons. There is just a hint of some gold highlights remaining on the collar and his buckle.  The image is in very good plus condition with great tones and contrast. At angle there is some light typical crazing with some wear. This is a striking piece with some great history to explore.

Spectacular advertising calendar for R. M. Davis Photo Stock Co., 1639 Champa St., Denver presented with a tintype of a handsome young man. The 1903 calendar is missing January and February but the rest of the months are still there. The back advertises their services and prices and we have supplied a scan. There are number of Davis cabinet cards and stereoviews available online and he worked around Denver and the surrounding areas. The tintype is in excellent condition with great tones and contrast and some tint to this lads smiling face. At an angle we see a hint of a couple small light bend lines. The mount measures 3 ½’ x 5 ½” and is in excellent condition. A rare advertising piece from a Western photographer that you don’t want to miss!

Outdoor occupational CDV tintype of a train car being unloaded into two wagons. It is marked laterally reversed as N.Y. L. E. 26250. In a different area it also reads N.Y.L.E. & W. with the same number on the back end of the car. There is another small sign on the left side of the door which we haven’t quite deciphered but does appear legible. In the background is the Glassford House, which was in Peoria County, IL. The men are all quite interesting: the man on the left in the wagon has a hat that looks Russian and the man on the top is in a suit. The rest of the workers are in typical winter work clothes. The image is in very good condition with some surface wear seen at an angle.

Fun CDV tintype of a chemist displaying his wares on the table next to him. We see a bottle, a filled glass, a small bottle or box, and a strange container that looks like a milk carton.  He is quite a character, with a lon g bushy mustache and a lit pipe hanging from the side of his mouth. He is dressed as if he is selling his wares on the road and just popped into the local photographic studio for this portrait.  The image has very nice tones and contrast with red tint to the tobacco in his pipe, his cheeks and the tablecloth. There is some residue on the top lacquer that might have been a piece of tape attached in the past. This could possibly be professionally removed.

Striking oversized half-plate, (5”x 7”), tintype of a large group of people posed on the porch of a large beautiful white house built in the foothills of the mountain behind. We are curious about the raised area on the right side of the fence. Was this for deliveries or did it have another purpose? We can see there was a slight breeze when the image was captured as the trees on the left show movement. The image is in excellent minus condition with superior tones and contrast. There is just a hint of wear.

Interesting occupational CDV tintype of a woman using her new iron. This appears to be the woman of the house displaying her upper status, and not a domestic servant. We would love to know what she is pressing as the piece seems to be folded with a design on the top. A plain white runner protects the table. The image is in excellent minus condition with beautiful tones and contrast and a hint of color to her cheeks. There is some extremely small typical surface wear seen at an angle.

Fantastic CDV tintype of a wonderful character posed in his work clothes and smoking his pipe. He appears to be someone you wouldn’t want to irritate and the photographer has captured that perfectly. The image has great tones and contrast with a tiny bit of wear.

Occupational CDV tintype of four young women. The two in front are demonstrating their sewing skills while the two in back handle cleaning duties. The surprise element is the gorgeous fluffy pup sitting under the table between the women. The image has some lines in the varnish topcoat as seen but it is otherwise in very good condition.

Interesting CDV tintype of a brother and sister. She’s holding a broom and he’s carrying a leather bag that is often described as a medical bag. Judging from his rolled up work pants and worn boots maybe a young vet in training? We can assume this is a colder climate as he wears a full length heavy coat. The image has a bend down the middle which creates a curve in the tintype with some marks and scratches as seen.

Delightful CDV tintype of a musical ensemble with one woman playing the piano while the others prepare to sing. The piano player’s sister sits next to her and both are in blue tinted dresses. The other couple holds an open book. The image is light in tones and has a number of bends and wear.