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Rare antique 1860s tintype portrait of a bearded gentleman smoking a cigar, wearing a tall top hat and formal dark clothing. A wonderful example of early American photography with a very distinctive and atmospheric studio setting.
The gentleman is posed beside what appears to be an elaborate painted outdoor/garden backdrop, complete with trees, foliage, fencing and landscape elements. His tall stovepipe-style hat, full beard, dark formal coat and cigar create a striking Civil War-era appearance and give the image a great deal of character.
I would date the photograph approximately 1860–1865, with c. 1862–1864 being my best estimate based on the clothing, hairstyle, photographic process and studio presentation.
Approximate date: c. 1862–1864
Type: Original tintype / ferrotype
Size: approximately 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
Subject: Bearded gentleman with cigar and top hat
Period: Early 1860s / Civil War era
Origin: Believed to be American
The image has the wonderful character of an original 19th-century tintype, including surface wear, scratches and other signs of age. Please see all photographs for condition and details.
A particularly unusual and collectible portrait because of the gentleman's cigar and distinctive hat, combined with the elaborate garden-style photographic backdrop. A great addition to a collection of early American photography, tintypes, Civil War-era images, or 19th-century men's portraits.
Please note: The date is an estimated date based on photographic and clothing characteristics and is not a documented date.
