ca. 1870-90’s, [elaborately staged platinotype portrait, showing a knife-and-gun fight, possibly for a stage production] via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1870-90’s, [elaborately staged platinotype portrait, showing a knife-and-gun fight, possibly for a stage production]

via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1858, [ambrotype portrait of a tough looking sailor with a cigar in his mouth and a knife in his belt] via the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

ca. 1858, [ambrotype portrait of a tough looking sailor with a cigar in his mouth and a knife in his belt]

ca. 1860’s-80’s, [tintype occupational portrait of two butchers wielding knives] via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1860’s-80’s, [tintype occupational portrait of two butchers wielding knives]

via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1880’s, [cabinet card portrait of Sig Arcaris and sister Kate, performing their knife throwing act], Charles Eisenmann via the Syracuse University Library, Ronald G. Becker Collection of Charles Eisenmann Photographs

ca. 1880’s, [cabinet card portrait of Sig Arcaris and sister Kate, performing their knife throwing act], Charles Eisenmann

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

ca. 1870’s, [tintype portrait of a butcher sharpening his knife] via Diabolus, Etsy

ca. 1870’s, [tintype portrait of a butcher sharpening his knife]

via Diabolus, Etsy

"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.

About - Archive - F.A.Q. - Photo Guide - Sourcing - Inquiries

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