Paint & Oil Store

Fabulous mounted albumen photograph,(6 7/8” x 9”), featuring  a paint and oil store owned by Theo. Lattan Sr. but more importantly showing a partial view of Oskar Schmidt’s, photographic studio located at 148 W Randolph, Chicago, IL.  This also might include a rare ghost image of Schmidt seen directly below the framed advertisement piece.  We surmise that Schmidt possibly walked into the frame during exposure.  Schmidt is listed at this address in an 1880 directory although further research might establish an earlier date.  While the image is not identified it would seem most likely that the photographer is Schmidt.   His name is seen on the sign above the doorway and reads Photograph Gallery, Oskar Schmidt.   A large framed collage of cdv’s and cabinet cards are seen mounted to the outside of the building to showcase his work.  Also partially visible is a display case with various photographs seen on the far right margin.  Thallan’s store is obviously the featured business and according to a note on the back Theo is featured in the second floor window posed by his bird cages and flower box.  We see three birdcages and in the one hanging from the window a prized feathered friend is showcased.  Three men are seen in front of the entrance and there is a great deal of advertising displayed.  They obviously sale everything for home repair as we see brushes, sandpaper, turpentine, shellac, and asphaltum which is a type of paint.  We particularly love the large sign advertising white lead, zinc and colors which obviously wouldn’t be allowed today.  As seen they also sell window glass.  Mr. Thallan was obviously a great marketer as their delivery wagon also advertised their products on the side as does the large wood barrel out front.  The back has a pencil inscription on the back which reads, The first house Onia lived in when she came to Chicago 1870, Randolph and South Water.  Onia father in window.   While the photograph displays some wear and spotting as seen the detail in the main portion of the image is strong.  It is light at the top and the mount has heavy wear as shown with some loss and breaks which don’t affect the photograph.   A great Chicago street showing a rare photo studio!   – $200