Lot 41

Lot 41

Tender or heartbreaking early stamped quarter-plate tintype of a father holding his child. The plate is marked “Melainotype Plate for Neff’s Pat 19 Feb 56” at the bottom. We are not sure if this is a postmortem or just a loving father cherishing his young child. The child is peaceful as the father gazes downward with emotion. We feel that the little one is probably sleeping but there seems to be a sadness to dad’s face and stillness to the child’s pose. The plate is in very good plus condition with strong tones and contrast. It is housed in a brown leather case with a black lacquered front with mother of pearl design. The hinge has been repaired with pneumatic leather and there is a smaller area of loss to the leather on the rail opposite the pushbutton and some on the top rail of the front of the case.

Opening bid $70