Finding aid for the 19th century photographs collection 0127

Sue Luftschein
USC Libraries Special Collections
2012
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, California 90089-0189
specol@usc.edu


Language of Material: English
Contributing Institution: USC Libraries Special Collections
Title: 19th century photographs collection
Identifier/Call Number: 0127
Identifier/Call Number: 318
Physical Description: 1.58 Linear Feet 2 boxes
Date (inclusive): circa 1860s-1870s
Abstract: Tintype, ambrotype, daguerreotype, cartes-de-visite, and cabinet card portrait photographs of the Civil War period (soldiers and civilians).

Scope and Content

The collection consists of 49 tintypes, 10 ambrotypes, 1 daguerreotype, 24 cartes-de-visite, 1 photograph album of cartes-de-visite, and 1 cabinet card, created during the 1860s and 1870s and depicting portraits of Civil War soldiers and civilians, family portraits, landscapes, and an animal. The identified photographers include C.V. Tarbox; M.G. Trank, Bangor, ME; A.H. Dresser, Bucksport, MA; J.P. Merrill, Bangor, ME; Mather; Titusville, PA; J.P. and F.W. Hardy, Bangor, ME; Bogardus, New York, NY; D.C. Dinsmore, Dover, ME; Miller & Rowell, Boston, MA; Bowdoin, Taylor & Co., Alexandria, VA; J.R. Foster, Great Falls, NH; Davis & Co., Boston, MA; H.L. Kilgore, Belfast, ME; W. Chase, Halifax, Nova Scotia; J.L. Lovell, Amherst, MA; Lovell & Knowlton, Northampton, MA; S.W. Sawyer, Bangor, ME; Holmes' Park Gallery, New York, NY. Most of the tintypes and ambrotypes are housed in ornately embossed book-case frames.

Preferred Citation

[Box/folder# or item name], 19th century photographs collection, Collection no. 0127, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

Conditions Governing Access

Advance notice required for access.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Acquisition

Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Martin B. Retting, 1983.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Ambrotypes (photographs)
Cabinet photographs
Cartes-de-visite (card photographs)
Cased photographs
Daguerreotypes (photographs)
Portraits -- United States -- 19th century -- Photographs
Tintypes (prints)
Soldiers -- United States -- 19th century -- Photographs

 

Tintypes 435670

Box 1, Item 1-14

Civil War soldiers 435666 1860s

Scope and Content

With the exception of items 1 and 2, all tintypes are mounted in embossed book-style frames.
Box 1, Item 21-46, 79-80

Men, women and children 435674 circa 1860s-1870s

Scope and Content

Items 21-25 are 5 tintypes mounted on embossed cards with domed pediments. Items 26-29 are 4 tintypes (1 woman, 3 men), oval, mounted on embossed mats. Items 30-39 are 10 tintypes of men and women, miniature in size, mounted on embossed mats. Item 40 depicts a mother and child and is mounted on an embossed card with a domed pediment. Item 41 is a miniature tintype framed with a small gilt border and mounted on an embossed card. Item 42 is unmounted. Item 43 depicts a dog. Items 44-46 are housed in embossed book frames.
Box 2, Item 81

Four family tintypes in one hinged case 1865

Scope and Contents

Four family tintypes, in two-piece bookform case of guttapercha, containing motifs of three children at play between two trees; with scroll and leaf border; four photos on interior; encased in stamped gilt metal foil of oval and cartouche shapes.
Box 2, Item 82

Young man - hinged oval case circa 1860s

Box 2, Item 83

Young boy - hinged oval case circa 1860s

Box 2, Item 85

Two men in low-crowned bowler hats and long coats circa 1860s

Box 2, Item 86

Seated Civil War soldier circa 1860s

Scope and Contents

The tintype is fitted into a guttapercha case depicting a sailing vessel adjacent to a fort flying the American flag -possibly Fort Sumter.
Box 2, Item 87

Seated military figure wearing cape and holding hat circa 1860s

Scope and Contents

Tintype housed in guttapercha bookform case depicting a standing military figure leaning on sword.
 

Ambrotypes 435671

Box 1, Item 15-20

Civil War soldiers 435668 1860s

Scope and Content

Ambrotypes housed in embossed, book frames.
Box 1, Item 47-50

Men and women 435680 1860s-1870s

Scope and Content

Ambrotypes housed in embossed, book frames.
 

Daguerreotypes

Box 2, Item 84

Seated young man - upper-right corner of frame chipped circa 1860s

 

Cartes de visite 435672

Box 1, Item 51-68, 77-78

Men and women 435696 1860s-1870s

Scope and Content

Items 54-63 depict men and women full figure or head and shoulders. Items 64-70 are busts only.
Box 1, Item 69

Landscape with waterfall 435697

Box 1, Item 70

Group of people in front of house [in Nova Scotia?] 435698

Box 1, Item 71

Abraham Lincoln and family 435699

Box 1, Item 72

George Washington 435700

Box 1, Item 74

Photograph album 435704

Scope and Content

Photograph album of mounted cartes-de-visite depicting Civil War soldiers, Civil War political figures, men and women. Many of the sitters are identified; many of the photographs have notations of location.
 

Cabinet cards 435673

Box 1, Item 73

Unidentified woman 435701

Box 1, Item 75-76

Frames 435709

Scope and Content

2 embossed book case frames, no photographs.