ca. 1850’s, [gorgeous hand-tinted daguerreotype portrait of a young woman posed in front of a cloud backdrop], Kilburn via Stereographica, Antique Photographica

ca. 1850’s, [gorgeous hand-tinted daguerreotype portrait of a young woman posed in front of a cloud backdrop], Kilburn

via Stereographica, Antique Photographica

ca. 1860-90’s, [tintype portrait of a gentleman posed with his Star safety bicycle] via Stereographica, Antique Photographica

ca. 1860-90’s, [tintype portrait of a gentleman posed with his Star safety bicycle]

via Stereographica, Antique Photographica

ca. 1880, [cabinet card portrait of Adah Briggs, “The Giant Lady”, in a fake snow scene and fur coat], Charles Eisenmann via Syracuse University Library, Ronald G. Becker Collection of Charles Eisenmann Photographs

ca. 1880, [cabinet card portrait of Adah Briggs, “The Giant Lady”, in a fake snow scene and fur coat], Charles Eisenmann

via Syracuse University Library, Ronald G. Becker Collection of Charles Eisenmann Photographs

"Until the handkerchief of history covers us with its Times New Roman black and white post script..."

This blog is a collection of vernacular photography and ephemera focused mainly within the curious and often misunderstood realm of 19th century America. I have a soft spot for all things silly, antiquated, macabre, and grotesque. The content is from a variety of collections; public, academic, and private. In addition, there's an occasional emphasis on Ulysses S Grant and the Civil War, as well.

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Browse by Photograph Type: Tintypes, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Carte de visites, Albumen prints, Cabinet cards, Silver prints

Popular Tags: Black history, Medicine, Emotive, Post Mortem, Occupational, Civil War, The Original Hipsters, Spirit photography, Circus, Sideshow

Additional Tags: Children, Pets, Dogs, Painted backdrop, Photo-manipulation, Cross-dressing, Hidden mother, Couples, Women, Advertising, Hand-tinted, Erotic, Studio, Firemen, Science, Facial hair, Eyes, Religion, Beard, Fashion, Music, Trick photography, Photographic History, Guns, Weapons, Beer, Wine, Instruments, Lookout Mountain, Ulysses S. Grant

My Other Blogs & Websites: Heck Yes, Americana - Fuck Yeah, American Art - Decorative Indulgences - Frowzy Indulgences - Etsy