Interesting quarter-plate outdoor ambrotype of a bustling town full of activity.  The consignor suggested this might be a Southern city and a couple of the men in the foreground do have the particular style of dress and demeanor of the “Southern gentleman.”  Front and center we see a young boy who works for the local farmer or store as he is dressed in a long white apron with hat and carrying a large basket ready to hawk his wares.  The bearded man to his left stands chest forward with his hands clutching the top lapels on his suit quite tightly and is sporting a lighter color top hat.  On the right is a fanciful dandy with a pencil style mustache leaning on his wooden cane hand in pocket and wearing a small hat.  There are a number of wagons and horses milling around in the background with a few people visible below the trees on the left.  A few larger buildings and more horses are seen in the distance.  The image has a lighter and slightly more muted tonal quality but still reads quite well.  There is a streak in the collodion on the right and a few spots as seen.  It is housed in a half of a leather case. 
$150