Reveille Office

We love an image that immediately grabs our attention with intrigue and excitement. This small but dominating ninth-plate ambrotype  of a cool small building bearing a sign for the Reveille Office is the perfect example.  The co-owner is posed outside in a self-assured manner with his thumbs tucked in his waistband as he casually leans back on the fence.  He is sporting a beard and he wears a standard work suit with a cool wheel hat.  His partner in crime peers through the open window on the  right side and it appears he is wearing a top hat and sporting a beard.  It looks as if he is sitting at an angled desk that could be used for an architect, typesetter or a number of other professions.  The building is small in stature but a cool half circle window is highlighted above the sign. A larger arched window with multiple panes is seen in the center, similar in design to the half-circle one above it.  There is a reflection that might be the shadow of another worker inside.  Of course the name is quite intriguing as we know the meaning refers to the military term of the bugle call. The previous owner thought this might be a newspaper office but the town they suggested didn’t have a paper with that name during this time period.   However, we do suspect this might be their profession as there were a number of newspapers with some version of a Reveille moniker, such as the Weekly Reveille or the American Reveille. Since the French word reveille, (or réveil), means wake-up it does make sense as most people sought out the news first thing in the morning.   If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

This dynamic piece packs a punch and is in very good plus condition with great tones and contrast.  It has an itinerant feel as the building is captured with a lean and the edges on the glass are a little rougher cut. There was a damaged blackened tintype for backing which we have replaced with archival paper and there are remnants of the old seal still intact. There are a few marks with most only noticeable under magnification. The image was contained in a badly damaged thermoplastic frame when purchased and we have since enclosed it in a full case.  This is image that will surely create a conversation and enhance any collection!  $550