ca. 1880, [tintype portrait of eight women displaying their hair] via the International Center of Photography

ca. 1880, [tintype portrait of eight women displaying their hair]

via the International Center of Photography

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a pregnant women in a fine dress and curls] via Be-Hold, Fine Photographs

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a pregnant women in a fine dress and curls]

via Be-Hold, Fine Photographs

ca. 1860’s, [ambrotype portrait of a leonine gentleman] via Ebay

ca. 1860’s, [ambrotype portrait of a leonine gentleman]

via Ebay

ca. 1870-90’s, [cabinet cart, portrait of sharpshooter Bo Durtha, with her a single shot tip-up rifle and a mirror for over-the-shoulder trick shooting] via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1870-90’s, [cabinet cart, portrait of sharpshooter Bo Durtha, with her a single shot tip-up rifle and a mirror for over-the-shoulder trick shooting]

via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman with an intense stare and an extreme comb-over], William M. Shew via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman with an intense stare and an extreme comb-over], William M. Shew

via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

ca. 1870-80’s, [tintype portrait of two women admiring cabinet cards and carte de visites] via Ebay

ca. 1870-80’s, [tintype portrait of two women admiring cabinet cards and carte de visites]

via Ebay

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of actress Kate Vance, wearing jewelry, lace gloves and a slight smile] via Harvard University, Houghton Library, Harvard Theatre Collection

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of actress Kate Vance, wearing jewelry, lace gloves and a slight smile]

via Harvard University, Houghton Library, Harvard Theatre Collection

ca. 1860-80’s, [tintype portrait of a woman in unusual costume, possibly for a Wild West show, with a bow and arrow] via Ebay

ca. 1860-80’s, [tintype portrait of a woman in unusual costume, possibly for a Wild West show, with a bow and arrow]

via Ebay

ca. 1860, [daguerreotype portrait of an adorable young girl in a hand tinted fancy party dress], G. Brown via Charles Schwartz Ltd., Photography

ca. 1860, [daguerreotype portrait of an adorable young girl in a hand tinted fancy party dress], G. Brown

via Charles Schwartz Ltd., Photography

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a woman with a stepladder hairdo] via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a woman with a stepladder hairdo]

via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery

ca. 1856-1910, [tintype portrait of a young, long-haired girl in a hat] via Harvard Fine Arts Library, Special Collections

ca. 1856-1910, [tintype portrait of a young, long-haired girl in a hat]

via Harvard Fine Arts Library, Special Collections

ca. 1860-90, [carte de visite portrait of a woman with impressively long hair] via Jeffrey Kraus, Antique Photographics

ca. 1860-90, [carte de visite portrait of a woman with impressively long hair]

via Jeffrey Kraus, Antique Photographics

ca. 1850-60’s, [ambrotype portrait of a stern looking gentleman] via Ebay

ca. 1850-60’s, [ambrotype portrait of a stern looking gentleman]

via Ebay

ca. 1856-1910, [tintype portrait of a woman with impressively long hair] via Harvard Art Museums, Fogg Museum

ca. 1856-1910, [tintype portrait of a woman with impressively long hair]

via Harvard Art Museums, Fogg Museum

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman leaning dramatically across a table, with a woman sitting politely beside him] via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

ca. 1840-60, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman leaning dramatically across a table, with a woman sitting politely beside him]

via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

"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

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