ca. 1870-90, [tintype portrait of a fireman posing proudly with his axe] via Jeffery Kraus, Antique Photographics

ca. 1870-90, [tintype portrait of a fireman posing proudly with his axe]

via Jeffery Kraus, Antique Photographics

ca. 1861, [gilded, hand colored tintype portrait of two boys “playing war”, dressed in uniforms and standing in front of a amateurish, painted backdrop] via Heritage Auctions

ca. 1861, [gilded, hand colored tintype portrait of two boys “playing war”, dressed in uniforms and standing in front of a amateurish, painted backdrop]

via Heritage Auctions

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman with flowers painted on plate in wreath motif over his head] via the Daguerreian Society, Greg French Collection

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a gentleman with flowers painted on plate in wreath motif over his head]

via the Daguerreian Society, Greg French Collection

ca. 1900, [tintype portrait of Henrietta “Lilla” Kenney handpainting photographs], via Harvard University’s Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute

ca. 1900, [tintype portrait of Henrietta “Lilla” Kenney handpainting photographs],

via Harvard University’s Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, Radcliffe Institute

"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

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