Rare Pre-Chicago Lithograph "Little Charlie" J. Gemmell Currier 1860's Framed For Sale

Up for sale is an incredibly rare, authentic mid-19th-century regional American lithograph titled "Little Charlie - The Prize Boy."
While this iconic Victorian design was popularized by Currier & Ives in New York, this specific piece is a highly sought-after Midwestern variant published by John Gemmell at his historic downtown Chicago shop located at 123 Randolph Street. Because Gemmell’s entire shop, records, and stone inventory were completely destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. prints bearing this specific Chicago imprint are incredibly scarce and highly collectible survivors of early Chicago history.Key Features of This Piece:Authentic Hand-Colored Details: This print was produced via a black-and-white stone lithograph base and meticulously hand-painted with watercolors in an assembly-line fashion by 1860 artists. The beautiful depth in the velvet jacket, the rosy cheeks, and the rich red upholstery of the chair are all hand-brushed.Fascinating Framing History: The print is housed in a gorgeous, period-appropriate black-lacquered wooden frame featuring a stunning gold gilt inner lip. The back of the frame features a preserved original newspaper backing dated 1922, proving it was lovingly reframed/preserved over a century ago.Condition:The print is in good antique condition, showing a beautiful, honest patina. There is mild, completely uniform age-toning and light foxing (small brown age spots) on the paper, which is normal and expected for a 160 year-old rag paper and confirms its authenticity. No major water stains or catastrophic tears are visible in the central image. The frame shows light vintage wear consistent with age but remains structurally sound.Please review all photos carefully as they serve as the primary description of condition.