Marvelous, early Neff-marked, quarter-plate tintype of a tall, dashing young man in a divine full body portrait.  Wearing a dramatic long double-breasted coat and a Western style hat, he exudes both of sense of high fashion and a slight edge of roughness.  His handkerchief is sticking out of his pocket on the left and he has a floral tie around his neck which seems to conflict with the tough posture of the hat!  A hint of the photographers chair is seen on the left.  There is a note with the image that reads, “A present to Father & Mother from…”  We unfortunately can’t read the name but we have supplied a scan.  This heavy plate is marked Melainotype Plate, For Neff Pat. 19 Feb. 1856 on the front top and Patented 19 Feb. 1856 on the back bottom.  The image is in very good minus condition with strong tones and contrast. There are a few light spots and a swirl in the collodion around his head as seen in the scan.  This is mostly seen at an angle in light.  It is housed in a small worn gold gilded frame with ring for hanging at the top.   
$75