1850\'s HALF PLATE AMBROTYPE OF SURVEYING CREW AT CAMPSITE - MEN IN UNIFORM For Sale

Very rare and wonderful, 1850\'s Half Plate Ambrotype Photograph of an outdoor scene of a group of men camping on what appears to be an open plain believed to be a surveying crew of some kind. This fantastic, Ambrotype Photo measures approx. 5 1/2\" by 4 1/2\" (1/2 plate size) and is housed in one half of its original, pressed leather covered hard case (size of half case is 6” by 4 3/4”).

This fantastic 1850\'s Ambrotype depicts a somewhat perplexing group of 14 men gathered in front of a tent. The men all wear a rather odd \"uniform\" of sorts with matching shirts, cloth ties and brimmed hats. The fellow in the center holds a tall white stick that appears to be a surveying rod (there are horizontal lines on the stick) - it seems obvious that this is being \"displayed\". At least 4 of the men have pistols in their belt and one holds a rifle but they are definitely not hunters as their arms are rather light. There is camping gear scattered around the campsite including a large tin coffeepot, some leather satchels and some bed rolls. At the right there is a covered wagon and one of the men is holding a horse there. Five of the men have walking sticks of sorts.

It has been speculated that this is a western scene - it certainly has a \"frontier look\" - flat land with low hills in the distance - but it could just as easily be western Pennsylvania of Upstate New York. Unfortunately the Image came with absolutely no information that would help identify it. Our first thoughts were that it might be an expedition of some kind - kind of had to be a somewhat important group to be traveling with a professional photographer taking 1/2 plate ambrotypes outdoors. The more we examined it, however, we feel it more likely that they are a surveying crew. The quasi- uniforms are what really throws us - this just does not look like a bunch of wealthy men out for a stroll on the frontier - there seems to be a purpose here and the surveying stick at the middle of the group is the best clue we have. If anyone recognizes the \"quasi-uniform\" or any of the equipment pictured that information would be greatly appreciated.

This wonderful, 1850\'s,Half Plate Ambrotype Photo is in excellent condition. The Image is crisp and bold with sharp focus, strong contrast and good tonality although the there is some lightness at the right hand side. There is no surface damage to the plate and the emulsion is stable with no flaking or deterioration. Overall this is a very well preserved and wonderful, Large Size Image that displays beautifully. As mentioned above, the Ambrotype is housed in one half of its original hard case which lacks one of the short end side rails.

A very rare and wonderfully charming, 1850\'s Half Plate Ambrotype Photograph of an outdoor scene of a group of men camping on what appears to be an open plain believed to be a surveying crew and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

Overseasshippping is extra and cost will be quoted at buyers request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

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The amount quoted for Shipping & Handling is calculated by and is equal to the EXACT amount charged by the Post Office plus a $1.00 \"packing fee\" - the $1.00 fee is our only compensation for the virgin packing materials we use on all of our professionally packaged boxes as well as our cost for the salaried help that does most of our packing - as I am sure you can see, we make NO profit on the Shipping charges and, in fact, our costs are usually greater than the $1.00 fee. Please contact us if there are any issues regarding the cost of shipping.

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