This is an authentic 19th-century gem tintype featuring a young man in a formal studio portrait. Gem tintypes are miniature ferrotypes - typically less than an inch tall - produced during the 1860s-1880s and often mounted in jewelry, albums, or decorative cards. This example is inset into an embossed oval border on a 2.5” × 4” cardstock mount, creating the look of a miniature carte-de-visite.

The portrait retains strong clarity for its size. Embossed miniature gem cards are far less common than loose gems and were a premium studio offering of the period.

• Format: Gem tintype in embossed mount

• Date: c.1880

• Mount size: approx. 2.5” × 4”

• Photo window: tiny oval portrait

• Condition: Tintype clear; mount shows foxing and album pull; no plate bends

A charming example of miniature Victorian portrait photography.

Prompt and careful shipping included.