I've always loved looking for 1860's vintage cdv's, tintypes and
dagguereotypes when I visit antique shops. Back when I first began
reenacting the Civil War era in the late 1990's, it was relatively easy
to find images like this and they were still fairly cheap. These days
prices have increased and images aren't quite so numerous. Therefore, I
was extremely pleased to acquire this image a few months ago for the
whopping price of $5.
It is a lovely, clear image with the earrings and buttons touched with
gold. Faint pink was added to the cheeks. I admire the neat, precise fit
of her bodice and sleeves, the simple but effective trim and the small
white collar at her neckline. I would guess this to be wool dress based
on the darted bodice style and the use of contrast trim, although I
suppose it could just as easily be a non-shiny silk. It's a lovely
example of a nice everyday dress.
There is no information about the sitter or photographer, sadly. I look
at the face of the young woman and can't help but wonder about her life.
Who was she? What did she experience? What was the occasion for this
tintype being taken? How did it end up on the pleasantly cluttered
shelves of a little antique and quilt shop in the midwest?
Now she sits in a place of honor in my sewing room. Inspiration for a
future frock, motivation to fit a bodice as beautifully as hers!
Source: An 1860's Tintype
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