Item Specifics

​Type: Photograph Album

Format: Cabinet Card, CDV

Style: Victorian / Edwardian

Year of Production: Circa 1885-1905

Material: Velvet, Celluloid, Metal, Cardstock

Number of Photographs: 23

Region of Origin: North Central Iowa (Mason City, Rockwell, Rockford)

Photographers: Stanford (Rockwell), Kirk (Mason City), Upson (Mason City), McPherson Bros (Rockford), Wheat (Rockford), Barton (Alexandria, SD), Geo. W. Wise (Janesville, WI)

​Description

​This is a thick, localized late-Victorian photo album featuring 23 original antique photographs. This piece is a fascinating social history record of North Central Iowa, though it is being sold as a heavily worn, project/as-is piece.

​Condition Note (Please Read):

This album has significant wear consistent with its age (120+ years):

• ​Binding: The internal pages are completely detached from the outer binder. The stack of pages sits loose inside the cover.

• ​Exterior: The olive-green velvet shows fading and wear. The raised celluloid floral decorations on the front are missing several petals and have some chipping.

• ​Hardware: The side decorative metal plate and knob are present, but the swinging clasp/latch is missing.

• ​Interior: The lithographed daisy-border pages are fragile with various tears and separations at the photo slots.

​Photograph Highlights (23 Total):

Despite the wear to the album, the collection of photos is exceptional:

• ​Rare "Hands Up" Pose: A very unusual, active pose of two young girls with their hands in the air (Stanford Studio, Rockwell, IA).

• ​Breeching Tradition: A clear portrait of a young boy in a traditional sash and skirt/dress.

• ​Period Fashion: Striking examples of "tall hair" (Pompadour/Gibson Girl styles) and elaborate Victorian lace and collars.

• ​Local History: Strong genealogical value with numerous identified Iowa studio marks.

​The "Discovery" Factor:

I am leaving all 23 photographs exactly as I found them. I have not removed them from their slots, which means there is a "treasure hunt" opportunity for the buyer. It was very common for families to write names, dates, or family notes on the back of these cards. I am leaving that potential genealogical discovery to the new owner!

​Measurements:

• ​Length: 10 1/4 inches

• ​Width: 8 3/8 inches

• ​Thickness: 3 1/2 inches

​Shipping & Handling

​I am an experienced packer and am very comfortable shipping fragile items like glass, pottery, and antique paper goods. This album is thick and heavy; I will make sure it is securely double-boxed or reinforced with internal cardboard bracing to ensure the celluloid and internal pages are fully protected. I take great care to ensure your shipment arrives in the exact condition pictured.