This is an authentic tintype that has been dated to 1865 when the Civil War ended with the surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9th. It is 149 years old.
Please refer to the digitally enlarged image attached, especially made so that you can more clearly see his face. It is so wonderful to see even the hairs on his neck in such a beautiful tintype. And oh, those sparkling blue eyes. The photographer captured such a haunting pose and this unknown gent successfully held so very still!
The young gentleman is dressed stylishly...his eyes are obviously pale blue. The photographer has graced his image by hand-coloring the cheeks ever so slightly pink. This was a common enhancement that indicated the sitter was filled with life...especially as precious as life was after such a horrible war.
This tintype is unique as it has the embossed paper sleeves that were invented especially for tintype mounts. The type of embossing and the printed words reading "Patent Applied For" are known to date this tintype to 1865 precisely. These type of mounting cards are also collectible and considered an important part of photography's history. This paper is actually embossed with one of two Potter's patent marks...his other actually states the date of March 7, 1865.
On the back, there is the 2 cent orange Washington tax stamp, which also dates this to 1865.
The tintype photograph has no identification on it whatsoever. The image is crisp and clear, in antique excellent condition with minor scratches. There is minor foxing on the embossed paper sleeve. It measures approximately 2-3/8 inches or 10 cm by nearly 4 inches or 10 cm overall and is in near mint condition. Obviously, there is no watermark on the actual image.
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