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. 1860-1900, [spirited hand-colored tintype portrait of a gentleman, possibly a sailor] via Ebay

ca. 1860-1900, [spirited hand-colored tintype portrait of a gentleman, possibly a sailor]

via Ebay

ca. 1840-60, [Daguerreotype portrait of an unusually posed pair, identified on verso as Jacob and Thomas Kesey. The boy appears to be wearing a modified naval uniform with Christian iconography] via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Arts, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

ca. 1840-60, [Daguerreotype portrait of an unusually posed pair, identified on verso as Jacob and Thomas Kesey. The boy appears to be wearing a modified naval uniform with Christian iconography]

via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Arts, 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.

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

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 - Architectural Indulgences - Decorative Indulgences - Etsy