Lot 25

Lot 25

Impressive sixth-plate ambrotype of a gold miner wearing one the most interesting shirts you will find. It has been designed with an anchor, a square with compass, the arm of a blacksmith swinging a hammer, a star, a plow, a horse or a ram, possibly a bee or hornet, and a few other items we can’t identify. This rough and tumble man might have been a jack of all trades. While we’ve seen some fabulous, patterned gold mining shirts we doubt you’ll find another example like this one! Quite the handsome man, he sports a full dark bushy beard and a full head of hair complimented by his expressive eyes. We bet he was in demand when he came to town from the fields. The image is in very good plus condition with great tones and contrast with some hand tinting on his face. There is a little toning on the right perimeter as seen with a few tiny spots. It is housed in a full case.

Opening bid $650