This is a tintype, also known as a melainotype or ferrotype; a photograph printed on a thin piece of metal that had been coated with lacquer or enamel. They were most popular during the 1860s and 1870s, but are still made today.

This is known as a 1/6 plate tintype, since it measures about 2.25 x 3.5 inches.

I found a few other images that have been sold in the past that have the same "As We Are in Old St. Joe" sign and backdrop. Unlike this one, most of them also show a sign that says "July 4th, 1898." Some people said they were from a Beer Trade Show in St. Joseph, but they all had different states (Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin). I feel pretty sure this is Wisconsin, as some of the photos features Pabst Beer bottles.

Will be shipped safely and securely! All of my paper items are protected in archival-safe polypropylene sleeves and packaged in rigged cardboard.