Wonderful American copy cdv identified as the first locomotive employed on a public railway.  For more information on the builder, Geo. Stephenson please refer to, http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventors/a/Stephenson.htm In 1813, George Stephenson became aware that William Hedley and Timothy Hackworth were designing a locomotive for the Wylam coal mine.  At the age of twenty, George Stephenson began the construction of his first locomotive. It should be noted that at this time in history, every part of the engine had to be made by hand, and hammered into shape just like a horseshoe. John Thorswall, a coal mining blacksmith, was George Stephenson's main assistant.  After ten months' labor, George Stephenson's locomotive "Blucher" was completed and tested on the Cillingwood Railway on July 25, 1814. This was the first steam-powered locomotive to run on a railroad and it was the most successful working steam engine that had ever been constructed up to this period. In all, Stephenson built sixteen different engines.  He also built the world's first public railways: the Stockton and Darlington railway in 1825 and the Liverpool-Manchester railway in 1830. Stephenson was the chief engineer for several of the railways.  This historical photograph is in very good condition and is by Lawson’s Gallery, London, Ohio.

Strongly detailed French cdv of numerous men working in some type of lab.  A great deal of content is available, including large pots for cooking and numerous sizes of beakers.  There are shelves full of labeled bottles in the background with most being filled with some type of powder compound.  Gas lines are seen running through the room for cooking and at least two of the men are smoking, probably to mask the chemical smells.  The gentleman in front seems to be cutting some type of fabric so we are unsure how this relates to the products these men are producing.   The photograph is in excellent condition with very nice contrast and tones. 

Cute cdv of an intense young lad posed with his very cool lion statue.  He seems quite cautious of the whole experience with a slight look of concern on his face.   The image is in very good condition with a few small spots and some typical surface wear seen at an angle.  BY Neiler & Dodd, Sharon, PA.

While not quite the legendary proportions of Barnum’s female giant, this woman is one of the tallest we have seen in a long time.  We only wish the photographer would have posed her to next to a companion for a scale comparison.  Wearing an extremely stylish outfit this woman’s lovely print dress seems to go on forever.   In typical high fashion of the period she holds a folding fan with her hat suspended from a ribbon.  The cdv is in excellent condition with very strong tones and contrast.  By W.R. Whitehead, West Hamilton, O.  Opening bid - $15 

Cdv of an African-American gentleman in a very strong pose.  He is obviously confident in his mannerism and is also quite comfortable in front of the camera.   The image is in good plus condition with a mark visible on his hand.  There is a bump to the top left corner and a small crease line on the bottom right corner of the mount.  There is also a crease line on the back top of the mount but this is barely visible as a slight wrinkle on the front.  By G.A. Burleigh’s, Taylorville, Ills., a short distance from Springfield.   

Interesting copy cdv of an example of a 19^th century art form referred to as offhand flourishing.  This particular drawing is identified to Davenport and was given to John L. Bateman, Jun 8, 77.  This medium was a spontaneous ink drawing and was taught in many schools.  Please see the following lot for numerous displayed examples from an Oregon college.   Besides some soft corners and foxing there is a crease in the bottom right corner.  By J.F. Hoffman, Jacksonville, Ill and quite possibly done by a student at Illinois College.  An interesting side note is that not long after this piece was consigned to us we purchased the following lot. 

Unique pair of cabinet cards from the Portland Business College.   The photograph of the interior is a boudoir size card, and in addition to the three desks we see numerous diplomas and artwork with some photographs possibly on the side walls.  The center wall displays a number of examples of offhand flourishing including items similar to the previous lot.  One of the diplomas is to C.C. Maring for ornamental penmanship.   There is also an Honor certificate for President James Garfield which makes this easy to date as Garfield was elected in 188o, shot in office in July 1881 and died in September of that same year.  The other image is a slightly undersized cabinet card of a diploma from Portland Business College issued to Louisa Rush for Competent Accountant.  This copy photograph of a diploma is the first example we have ever seen and makes for a fantastic pairing.  The diploma image measures 4” x 5 ¾” and is in very good condition with a few small spots.  The cursive writing is very light in contrast and difficult to read in places.  The interior photograph has some spotting in the negative on the bottom two corners and is slightly soft on the bottom corners of the mount. It is identified to Partridge, Portland, OR.  These along with the preceding lot would be a wonderful grouping for any collection.

Tremendous cabinet card of Donnell’s Photographic Gallery with the proprietors’ photograph inset at the top.  While somewhat stiff, the photographer appears quite dashing with his top hat in one hat and his walking stick in the other.  We see examples of his work in the window to the left and a small glass enclosed structure is visible on the right corner with cabinet cards displayed.  Two advertising signs on top of the case read T.M. Donnell.   The studio building is quite impressive and an interesting feature is the two Masonic symbols strategically placed in the eves.  Although slightly light we also notice an early street light hanging to the right.  Donnell has made sure everyone knows this is his gallery by printing his name and Newton, IL in the negative.   Included with this wonderful image is an example of Donnell’s work-a portrait of a young girl posed with her baby brother or sister.  The studio cabinet card is in very good minus condition with a small bump seen on the bottom left corner of the mount.  There are a few light stains also on the mount and the image has some typical light surface marks with a scratch in the original negative in a second story window above the front door.  This is a fantastic and rare grouping of both the photographer and his studio along with an example of his work.

Spectacular cabinet card that shows a tintype of a young Civil War soldier posed with his sword.  His gun is stuck in his belt behind the buckle.  His face speaks volumes as to the horrors of war, whether he was faced with just the possibility at this point or had actually seen the carnage.  We notice numerous holes in the wall suggesting the photographer had done countless copies of images and this could also speak to the losses of the war.  The original tintype is most likely out there somewhere -wouldn’t it be great  for them to be paired again!  The photo is in excellent condition with nice tones and contrast.  By Potter, Wapakoneta, Ohio.   Don’t miss this spectacular copy piece of Civil War history. 

Terrific cabinet card of a drummer from the Union Drum Corps.  While the photograph is identified to Alden’s in Boston we assume this man was from Lynn, MA.  The photograph is in very good condition with his face soft in focus.  

Rare cabinet card of a young boy posed with his Daisy BB gun.  We have seen numerous cabinet cards with youngsters holding their pop guns but this is the first time we have ever seen a marked gun with the Daisy logo.  According to the Daisy website, http://www.daisy.com/history.html, in 1886, Plymouth inventor Clarence Hamilton introduced a new idea to the windmill company. It was a combination of metal and wire, vaguely resembling a gun that could fire a lead ball using compressed air. Lewis Cass Hough, then president of the firm, gave it a try and, after his first shot, enthusiastically exclaimed, "Boy, that's a daisy!" The name stuck and the BB gun went into production as a premium item given to farmers when they purchased a windmill. The gun was such a huge success that Plymouth Iron Windmill soon began manufacturing the Daisy BB gun in place of windmills! On January 26, 1895 the company's board of directors officially voted to change the name to Daisy Manufacturing Company, Inc.   While difficult to date exactly this is surely one of the early models.  The lad is dressed to the nines and his family could certainly afford this luxurious toy.  However, this outfit is quite the opposite of young boys with their bb guns that we are accustomed to seeing especially during the cowboy era.  This sharp image is in very good condition with nice tones and contrast.  There is a stain on the right side of the mount visible in the scan.  The image is by Hutchings, St. Louis.  If you are a gun or toy collector this might be the only period photograph of an original model that you’ll ever find. 

Stunning cabinet card of two Asian women, one holding an adorable child.  Judging from their likeness this is possibly three generations.  The women are dressed in a traditional Chinese style wear, including pants which were unheard of for American woman at this time.  The baby wears a white outfit, hat and knit booties that would be quite common among American babies of the period.  The child chews intently on a ribbon that holds a long pacifier or a teething ring at the very end.   The photographer’s studio and backdrop is opulent and is identified to W.T. Fitch, Fort Bragg, Cal.  The military outpost and Indian reservation were abandoned at Fort Bragg in 1867.  The Union Lumber Company was incorporated there in the 1890’s and the owner hired Chinese labor that specialized in digging tunnels for timber transport.  Once the tunnels were complete a large population of Chinese workers settled in Fort Bragg.  The image is in excellent condition with strong tones and contrast.  There is a slight bump on the bottom right corner of the heavy mount.

Precious cabinet card of an adorable little girl all bundled up for a hard winter in northern Illinois.  Her outfit is simply amazing, from the gorgeous patterned coat to the precious little mittens and the priceless fur hat.  If that isn’t enough, she holds a gorgeous doll equally dressed to the nines.  The doll even wears a pair of knit booties so often seen on newborns!  The photograph is in excellent condition with rich tones and contrast.  There is a very small area of spotting to the right of the girl’s head but this is very light in person.  The two white spots on the top left and right perimeter are original to the process and are not nicks in the photo.  By Wareham, Freeport, Ills. 

Gorgeous cabinet card of a sweet, smiling young girl posed with her beautiful large doll seated in a lovely baby carriage.  The doll wears quite an elaborate outfit and hat and the unusual stroller even has a wire hanger to hold an umbrella to shield this precious cargo on a sunny day.   The image is in excellent condition with very strong tones.  By Luck & Dye, (what a fun name!), Oshkosh, Wis.  

Cabinet card of a young girl posed with her doll, which is positioned on a series of stone steps.  The doll is elaborately dressed with a beautiful lace skirt.  The image is in very good condition with the girl’s face slightly light in contrast.  A couple of spots are visible with one to the left of her head.  By Syfestad & Tweit, Appleton, Minn. 

Sweet cabinet card of a very young carpenter dressed in bib overalls and wearing a stocking cap.  He couldn’t be more adorable if he tried!  While today it seems contrary to safety, he holds a real saw with a toothed blade and the uneven boards on the floor illustrate his proficiency (or lack of it).  The image is in very good condition with strong tones and contrast.  There are some small scattered spots as seen in the scan.  By Hagendorff, Milwaukee. 

Fun cabinet card of couples posed in a totem pole arrangement before a backdrop of a tranquil lake scene.  Please see the following two lots as this must have been a fun filled day at the photographer’s studio for these young people.   The image is in excellent condition with a spot on the mount by the name.  By A.A. Bentley & Co., Fargo, N.D.  

In this cabinet card the two couples are posed playing a card game.   The young man on the right lays down a card while the others contemplate their strategy.  In an interesting and hilarious twist we can see he is the cheat in this game as an Ace is visible below his chair.   The image is in excellent condition with the scoundrel’s face soft in details from the lighting.  Once again by A.A. Bentley & Co., Fargo, N.D. 

While at initial glance this appears to be a different Fargo photographer, this cabinet card was purchased with the previous two lots and is also by Bentley.   At least one woman appears to be from the other photograph.   This appears to be a dance lesson, in which the instructor in the middle is giving direction to the two young women, who stare at each other intently with hands raised in proper form.   Young women learning together instead of with a male partner would be quite common for the period.  The image is in very good minus condition slightly soft in focus.  The top right corner of the photograph not the mount is folded over as seen in the scan.   The image is identified on the front and back as A.A. Bentley & Co. – Successors to Logan, Fargo, N.D.  On the back Bentley has placed his stamp over the top of Logan’s. 

Slightly oversized cabinet card of two women out for a leisurely ride in the country on their bikes.  While not identified, both bicycles are top-shelf models with inflated tires, very heavy chain drives, and lower cross bars designed especially for a woman.  The bike on the left also has a cool, small leather pouch attached directly above the front wheel.  There is no photographer’s stamp and the image has lovely tones and contrast.  There is some loss to the mount on the bottom right corner and bumps on two other corners.  There is a light crease line seen on the back of the mount on the top left corner.  A small amount of this line is barely visible on the front measuring less than an inch at the very top.  All of this could be easily overmatted if desired.

Impressive boudoir cabinet card of a regal horse with his owner’s photograph inset to the left.  To the left of the man we see a hand holding the horse’s reins, although this gorgeous creature seems quite fascinated with the photographer and holds perfectly still.  This creative image is in very good condition with some scattered spots visible in the scan.  The horse and the owner are unidentified but the photograph is by Wm. L. Price, St. Mary’s and Kersey, PA. 

Exceptional occupational cabinet card of a worker wearing overalls that are covered in dirt or soot.  He is posed holding a gas light. A knowledgeable source informed us about his profession and said the on/off valves are visible at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal pieces.   A rare occupation indeed with the photograph in very good plus condition.  By Saylor’s New York Gallery, Reading, PA. 

Outstanding content with this sharp occupational cabinet card of a storefront located at #221.  We see the shop proprietor standing in front of the doorway and his employee or co-owner is seen standing somewhat sheepishly on the left side.  The owner looks quite proud and leans against an object that has been wrapped with a large leather skin.  A barrel of harness oil with a small metal can on top is seen on the right.  The older gentleman appears to be quite a character judging from his appearance.  This is most likely a tack and leather shop with a harness maker between them and a saddle blanket hanging to the right.  The window on the left has a large display of heavy duty leather work gloves and a flag draped from the top. An interesting curiosity is the large paper photograph visible in the bottom of the window.   The right display has three signs: one that appears to read Axle Grease, another that is for a brand of oil that we can’t decipher, and the third which partially reads Makes all Metals.   Chain leads and harness materials hang from the windows along with what appears to be riding crops.  A pleasant addition is a sign on the business next door which reads Mrs. D Parker Dress Maker.  The image is in excellent condition with an extremely light stain seen on the bottom right corner of the mount.  By Volkmor, View Artist, Massiffon, Ohio with the number 40 in the negative on the right bottom.

Outstanding cabinet card of a Mason proudly posed with his unique calculator, manufactured and stamped on the front for the Calculator Co., Grand Rapids, MI.  According to their website, http://home.vicnet.net.au/~wolff/calculators/adders/adders.htm , this is a multi-axis adding machine, the Calculator Corp 7-dial adder. This machine consists of a flat steel baseplate with seven slotted brass discs mounted side by side on 35mm centers. The discs are visible through 25mm cut-outs in the cover plate. The detail version shows the setting numbers around the outside of the cut-outs. The result numbers are stamped into the baseplate, and are visible through the single deep slot in each disc.

To perform addition tasks, a stylus is inserted at the required setting number, and the disc is drawn clockwise to the stop at zero. Tens-carries are automatic, with the result appearing through the slots in the discs. There is no provision for subtraction. To reset the machine, the stylus is inserted at the enlarged slot showing the result number, and the disc is turned backwards to the stop. Enamored with this new device, the man uses his pen as a pointer to show us a computation that he has performed.  A masonic pin is visible on his lapel along and there is a pencil in his pocket.  The image is in very good condition with a few spots in the negative and a few very light typical marks seen at an angle.  By Alder Studio, Brooklyn, N.Y.  This is most likely the only example you’ll ever find of this wonderful, early calculator.

Rare occupational cabinet card of two workers installing a stove in the photographer’s studio.  The men are dressed in worn work clothes and the man on the right appears to be a recent European immigrant.  He holds a hammer while his partner grips a pair of tinsnips.  An empty frame with a decoration on the bottom left corner hangs on the wall.  We see two chairs, a prop log and a spittoon positioned on the floor.  The image is in very good condition with a few small spots and a small rub on the bottom left corner of the mount.  Three very small light circular indentations are seen on the top right of the scan and do nothing to distract.  Identified to Lochman, 707 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA on the front and back of the mount.  

Great occupational cabinet card of a Connecticut mailman posed in full uniform, ready to deliver the stack of mail in his hand.  His bag is seen draped over his shoulder and holds some large parcels.  His hat has the letter B with a wreath surrounding it on the front.   The photograph is in very good condition with some extremely small spots and one slightly larger one on the bottom left corner.  This is a small piece of debris attached to the card which should be easily removed if so desired.  By A.L. Hyde, New Haven, Conn. 

Fantastic cabinet card of a dashing and slightly exotic-looking man playing his guitar.  There is no ring on his finger, so if he played as well as he looks we are quite sure he was in demand by the all the local single men and women!  The image is in very good minus condition with excellent tones and contrast.  There are a few tiny white spots of loss seen in the scan which are not a distraction in our opinion.  By Gillmore, Worcester, Mass. 

Adorable cabinet card of a darling child posed with an irresistible puppy.  It won’t be long before the dog is too big for this child’s lap but they surely have many years of fun together ahead.  The smiling child wears a gorgeous white lace outfit and a unique hat with a long tassel.  The image is in excellent condition with very nice tones.  This was taken by M. E. Phare, Oroville, Butte Co., Cal.  Oroville’s nickname was the City of Gold and was one of the first gold mining sites in California. 

Superb cabinet card of a darling girl holding a treat while her dog demonstrates his talent for begging.  The girl’s beautiful large dark eyes glance at the photographer as if on cue.  Her adorable partner does his job perfectly despite the difficulty of having to accomplish his trick on a fabric-draped chair.  Most likely this was done so he didn’t fall backwards during his big moment!   The painted background adds another fun layer to this spectacular image.  The photograph is in outstanding condition with extremely sharp detail and lovely rich tones.  By H.P. Halvorsen, Minden, Neb.

Great advertisement cabinet card showing The Dominion Cabinet with Lord Lisgar as the central figure.  According to their website, http://archive.gg.ca/gg/fgg/bios/01/lisgar_e.asp , Lord Lisgar was Canada's second Governor General, 1869-1872.  He was not shy about voicing criticism or strong opinions. While some resented his independent mind, Sir John A. Macdonald thought Lisgar the most able of the Governors General he had known. A review of Lord Lisgar's term of office and accomplishments explains his high regard.  He is surround by identified members of the cabinet and this image seems to be sponsored by a series of business owners including Savage Lyman, Jewellers,(sic), Brown & Claggett dry Goods, K. Campbell, Chemists & Druggists and J.H. Dickson, Gents Furnishing Goods.  The image is in very good condition with a bump to the top right corner.  There is also a wrinkle line on the bottom left corner of the mount and a couple more light ones, (these are not bends), on the top left corner.   By Notman, Registered 1871, Montreal.

Fantastic cabinet card for Pear’s Soap with a wonderful advertisement on the back of the mount.  The image shows a marvelous statue of an older woman briskly scrubbing a miserable young boy.   It is titled “You Dirty Boy” and the artist’s name on the side appears to read, G. Forcardi, London.  The back has a large testimonial and description of the soap with a special sales pitch for the product in the United States by Clergyman Henry Ward Beecher.  An illustration of his image is seen to the left and the original photograph is credited to Rockwood Photo of N.Y.  The soap is also endorsed by Sir Erasmus Wilson, F.R.S., Late Pres. of the Royal Col. of Surgeons, England.  The photograph on the front is identified to London Stereoscopic Co.  It is in excellent minus condition with a tiny piece of the image missing on the top left perimeter along with a small bump to the bottom mount corner.  Below the portrait on the back there is a small piece of paper attached and this could possibly be carefully removed if so desired.

Wonderful multi-image cabinet card of Ida Van Cortland and her touring company.   This is actually a copy of a framed piece the photographer most likely used for advertisement purposes in his studio.   While the photographer did a fantastic job of photographing the actress and her company they actually spelled her name wrong!  Ida Van Cortland (with her husband, Albert Tavernier) toured her company from Winnipeg to St John's in the 1880s. The central image of Ida shows her holding a whip in one hand and holding her other hand in an unusual manner with her wrist curled reminding us of an Egyptian painting.  While somewhat dark, under close examination you will see her huge black dog on the floor to her left.   The rest of the cast is seen in various outfits ranging from themed to traditional.  The photograph is in very good minus condition with deep tones.  There is some typical surface wear when viewed at an angle and a few extremely small spots.  Identified on the front and back to Park & Co., Brantford, Ont.  All the other small cabinet cards are also identified to Park & Co.  

Great boudoir cabinet card identified as the U.S. Steamer, Pinta,in  Sistka, Alaska, July 4, 1886 by Edward De Groff, Sitka, Alaska, #102. On deck we see a few men on the bow of the steamer and a lone person by the smaller boats on the stern.  The US flag is prominently displayed here and numerous other flags extend across the ship.   According to the website, www.historycentral.com/navy/Tug/pinta.html,  The Pinta, an iron hulled screw tug launched October 29, 1864 by Reaney, Son and Archbold, in Chester, Pa., was completed in October 1865 and commissioned there, with Lt. Comdr. Henry H. Gorringe in command.  Except for a period during 1867, Pinta served on harbor duty at the Philadelphia Navy Yard from 1866 until laid up in 1872. She was recommissioned at Philadelphia in November 1873 and operated out of Key West on various duties including messenger service, naval drill in Florida Bay and towing and freight services. She was decommissioned at Norfolk Navy Yard in April 1876 and was laid up there until reactivated as a yard tug in 1878.  Overhauled at the Norfolk Navy Yard from 1881 until February 1883 in preparation for duty off Alaska, The Pinta arrived in Sitka, Alaska, and relieved the Adams in August 1884. She patrolled Alaskan waters protecting the seal fisheries until April 1889 when she sailed for the Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs. She returned to her home port of Sitka in October 1889 and continued to engage in patrol operations in the Bering Sea.  

Edward DeGroff, the photographer, was born in 1860 at Staten Island, New York.  He first came to Sitka in 1880, and later managed the Northwest Trading Company post at Killisnoo, Alaska.  According to the website, www.library.state.ak.us/hist, by 1881, DeGroff was transferred to Harrisburg (now Juneau) to manage the company store there.  He was later appointed the first postmaster of Harrisburg and deputy recorder of the Harris Mining District.  In 1882, he returned to Killisnoo, and by January of 1886 had purchased the Northwest Trading Company store in Sitka.  Edward DeGroff began taking photographs of Sitka in 1886.  His hobby turned into a profitable venture as he sold the photographs at the Northwest Trading Company store in Sitka until 1890. In addition to being a prominent Sitka merchant and photographer, DeGroff also served as Commissioner in 1893 for the Alaska delegation to the Chicago Columbian Exposition.  He was also U.S. Commissioner of Sitka, and was president of the Chichagoff Gold Mining Company.  This photograph is in very good minus condition with a small loss line in the top right corner.   The back also is identified as Picturesque Views of Alaskan Scenery with multiple options including Bromide Enlargements of 18 x22.  B.C. Towne is de Groff’s agent in Portland, Oregon.   Opening bid - $130

Another boudoir cabinet card identified on the back as taken by Edward de Groff.  The front reads, #70, The Inland Sea, Noba Bay, Alaska.  This very powerful yet tranquil scene.  The image is in good plus condition with the perimeter just slightly lighter in contrast.  There is a little wear to a spot on the top left part of the mount.  The back of this card does not mention deGroff’s  agent in Portland.

Alaskan boudoir cabinet card of a harbor scene with a small village or town on the coastline.  A steamboat, possibly The Pinta is also seen docked on the far right side.   While somewhat light in tones we can see a variety of housing structures, ranging from large two-story homes to single person cabins that were crudely constructed for bare necessities in a hostile environment.  There is an identification on the mount which reads Partridge, Publisher, Alaska, 69 Morrison St., Portland, Or., #1123.  These were purchased with the Edward de Groff photos but the photographer is not identified.  The image is in very good minus condition with a soft right mount corner on the top right side. Thanks to a very knowledgeable Alaskan photo-historian and collector this is identified as Killisnoo, Alaska, 1887. An identical photo with Partridge identified as the photographer is in the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections Division, http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/alaskawcanada&CISOPTR=2867&CISOBOX=1&REC=1