A really splendid occupational ambrotype is up on Ebay right now.
Sometimes these are servants, photographed at their chosen task. In this case, though, it seems to be a woman who just enjoys sewing. Certainly that occupation was prized, during a period that sewing machines were expensive and difficult to find. She may be stitching on a quilt block!
We even know who she is, thanks to notes written by family members. (I'm guessing this card has been tucked in the case over the years, but the dates fit the style of the photo and case.)
In case you're wondering about the difference between daguerrotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes --
*Daguerrotypes are reflective. You may have to turn the photo on an angle to see it clearly.
*Ambrotypes (like this example) are printed directly on the glass.
*Tintypes, on the other hand, are printed directly on tin -- or other metals. (Makes sense, doesn't it?) These were especially popular with Civil War era soldiers and other subjects.
Unfortunately, Grandma Leoda is accompanied by a Really Splendid Price. But she definitely merits a closer look.
* * * * * * * * ** * *
She's got that same expression my own grandma Ethel would exhibit, when getting ready to slap me upside the head, or on the behind, for being an idiot.
(Yes, I deserved it.)
2 comments:
Or maybe she's stitching on a political banner. See the link to Antiques Road Show here. That threads looks to be very, very sturdy. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/season/12/orlando-fl/appraisals/1844-political-banner--200702A10/
Perhaps! I honestly had not thought about that...though it's not only the thread that looks sturdy. That seems to be heavier fabric -- or even canvas -- she's stitching on.
This would be an interesting (and subtle) way of expressing her political preferences. I only wish she'd let us see more of what she was stitching on.
Thanks so much, Pepper, for bringing this up -- and writing.
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