Details
Description
A striking and authentic pair of mid-19th century American tintype portraits, beautifully housed in deep walnut-toned shadowbox frames with ornate …
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A striking and authentic pair of mid-19th century American tintype portraits, beautifully housed in deep walnut-toned shadowbox frames with ornate gilt mats and decorative corner embellishments.
This impressive matched pair includes a compelling portrait of a Union Civil War soldier alongside a Victorian-era young woman, offering a wonderful glimpse into American history and 19th-century portrait photography.
The soldier portrait depicts a Union serviceman wearing a forage cap (kepi) and four-button sack coat, dating the image to approximately 1862–1865 during the American Civil War. The companion portrait features a Victorian woman dressed in dark formal attire accented with decorative trim and a white collar, embodying the elegance and restraint of the era.
Both photographs have been magnet tested and confirmed as authentic tintypes (ferrotypes).
The portraits are presented in substantial three-dimensional period-style wooden frames with ornate gilt liners and corner decoration, giving them exceptional wall presence and a dramatic shadowbox appearance rarely found in surviving tintypes of this size.
The reverse sides retain later handwritten family identifications referencing the Livingston family, including:
“Eugene Livingston’s Father (Grandpa Livingston)”
“Eugene Livingston’s Mother”
“Great Grandma Livingston – Ruby Miller Cornwall(?)”
Additional notes indicate the identifications were added around 1963, providing an intriguing layer of family provenance and historical interest.
These larger-format framed tintypes display beautifully and make exceptional additions to:
Civil War collections
Americana interiors
Victorian photography collections
Historic home décor
Libraries, studies, or offices
Folk art and antique portrait displays
A rare and highly decorative pair of authentic American tintype portraits with strong visual impact and timeless historical appeal.
Dimensions (each frame)
Height: 14 in.
Width: 16 in.
Depth: 3.5 in.
Tintype Format
Approximately 1/2 plate size
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- Dimensions
- 14ʺW × 3.5ʺD × 16ʺH
- Frame Type
- Framed
- Art Subjects
- Portrait
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Glass
- Metal
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Both framed tintypes present beautifully with strong antique character and excellent display appeal. The photographs have been magnet tested and … moreBoth framed tintypes present beautifully with strong antique character and excellent display appeal. The photographs have been magnet tested and confirmed as authentic tintypes (ferrotypes). Images remain visible and well preserved with good tonal contrast and pleasing period detail. As expected with authentic antique photographs over 150 years old, there is age-related wear including minor surface irregularities, light scratches, scattered rubs, small handling marks, oxidation, toning, and other cosmetic imperfections consistent with antique tintypes and historical use. No significant active corrosion, lifting, or major flaking was observed. Portraits shows some minor surface irregularities and light wear typical of antique tintypes. Both are highly displayable. The deep wooden frames show scattered finish wear, small scuffs, edge wear, minor imperfections, and age-related patina consistent with antique frames. Ornate gilt mats and decorative corner elements show minor wear and mellow aging appropriate to their age. Original glass appears to be present. The reverse backings show age wear, oxidation to fasteners, and later handwritten family identifications and notations added decades after the photographs were originally made. Please note that antique photographs and frames are handcrafted historical objects and will naturally exhibit imperfections, irregularities, and evidence of age and handling that contribute to their authenticity and antique character. Overall, this is an exceptional and increasingly difficult-to-find pair of authentic American tintype portraits with desirable Civil War and Victorian subject matter and outstanding decorative presence. less
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