CIRCA 1860s EARLIEST FORM OF AMERICAN TABLETOP "PHOTOGRAPHS" ALBUM PHOTO DISPLAY
A very unusual circa 1860s "PHOTOGRAPHS" tabletop album display. Unknown as to maker.
Main printed frontside panel is printed paper affixed to wood. And backside is a marbleized brown paper affixed to wood. Appears to have had a folding out back support made of wood - now lacking.
Measures 9 1/2" x 10 1/2" x 1 1/2" in size.
Some leaves are empty or partially empty. All CDV's and tintypes are ORIGINAL to album.
Apparently the precursor to the later velvet covered and celluloid covered parlor albums of the 1880's and 1890's for CDVS and BOUDIOR CABINET photos.
VERY VERY RARE. After 50 years buying and selling photography, this is the first we have seen this form of "PHOTOGRAPHS" display, and one commercially made and this early.
ALL ORIGINAL and not reproduction. Although is in good condition, wear, edge wear and scratches that are evident are consistent with age and use. No cracks or chips to wood backside panels.
Some pages as shown show chipping and wear to image window page panels - mainly to backside and frontside of leaves. Hinge separation may exist or may not - as backing plate inside main body of device springs out and must have springs pushing the backplate panel out - so perhaps main album page holding is separate from rest of album display?
Please see all photos as they are part of the description.
AS SHOWN ABOVE - SOLD "AS-IS." NO RETURNS.