1870 tintype of two very cute & well dressed young children with a folk art toy poodle on a wheeled platform. The faces of the two children are tinted. The stuffed poodle is posed with an open mouth with two long teeth showing. The dog is standing on a four wheeled hand carved wood platform. The front wheels on the platform are smaller than the back wheels which would have caused the dog to slant forward when the toy was pulled.

The backing paper of the matt has an original inked inscription. The first two lines are hard to read. Then the next lines are easily readable & say: "Freddie & Hany Samen Rec'd at Newton, Penna. May 7th 1870." Additionally, the front of the matt at the bottom border has an original penciled inscription: "Your Little Friend".

The photo retains the original pressed paper matt with a pleasing design. This matt has an embossed marking at the bottom front edge which reads: "Potter's Patent March 1, 186(?)". The last number in the date patent is not readable. But, the Potter's Patent obtained for the matt design dates to a specific year in the 1860's. In the past we have owned several other photos in Potter's Patent matts & have forgotten the exact year in the 1860's that the patent for the matt design was granted.

The photo with matt measures 3 7/8 inches by 2 5/16 inches. The actual tintype photo measures 3 5/16 inches by 2 inches. The exposed area of the tintype as shown on the front measures 3 inches by 1 3/4 inches. There is a tiny 1/16 inch tear at the interior edge of the matt at the 1:00 o.clock position. At the 4:00 o'clock position there is a 5/16 inch tear at the edge of the matt. There are two tiny 3/16 inch tears near the same area on the matt edge (one on front & one on back). So, this small spot on the edge of the matt is fragile when touched. A tiny speck of glue carefully placed inside the edge between the tiny tears would tighten up the whole situation. This is really a very minor point & we have chosen to leave it as found. But, we like to mention in the description for point of complete accuracy. The back paper has some brown age spots.

The photo has superb contrasts & outstanding clarity. There are a couple of minute pin speck flakes on the left side of the background which are so minute that we should not even mention them. When viewed in strong light & held at an angle two very minor light surface scratches show up on the lower area of the surface. These are minor under bright light at an angle & they are totally invisible when the photo is viewed straight on. The surface of the emulsion looks wonderful & smooth. There are absolutely no bends of any kind anywhere in the photo. This is quite unusual for a tintype & this photo is in truly outstanding condition. A superb example of a photo with great charm & appeal worthy of entry in to the collection of even the most picky collector.

Please examine the photos closely & purchase based on your own judgement as to condition & value.

This item is inventory #10491.

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