We've had this magnificent photo album for decades, and it's time to let it go. Elaborately crafted like the boxes of the era, I always thought I'd glue and cut the pages so it could be used as a box, but never had the heart to remove the c.1860s French family's personal photos from all the 16 double-sided pages preserving them. So here it is, just like we found it, fully intact and the nicest antique photography album ever! Photos of children with toys, soldiers, family brides, all original to the album. Wood is just gorgeous, top and bottom, and opulently worked in parquet, inlaid with brass edging, stringing and inlays of mother of pearl as well. Must have been a real family treasure. Carte de visite photography was the very first paper photos ever invented, and they date c.1855-70. At that point, larger "cabinet card" photos became fashionable and took over. These photos are all 2" x 4" format, date between 1855-68. Two sided pages, there are 57 photos in all, some with animals, toys, military uniform, bridal gowns, just family portraits.
Very good to excellent for age and type. The spine and end pages are good, no splits. The elaborately worked kingwood covers are fabulous, framed in a heavy brass framework, a couple of rises or slight bends to that. Both clasps are fully intact and hold the thick pages tightly together. Gold edge thick card pages (16) hold 57 antique carte de visite photos, all original to the album. Measurements noted on the photos. No lifts to the mother of pearl inlays, brass inlays, kingwood parquet, and no monogram on the cartouche. I do not find a family name, but have also not taken any photos out to see backsides. All French!
