These are from an Ambrotype photobook that contains photos on glass.
According to Kate Lund, an expert on historical photos, Ambrotypes were made from 1850 to 1855 only.
The container is a photograph case, commonly used before the Civil War, and seen less but some used during and shortly after the war. The purpose of the case was to protect the portrait from light and, in the case of an Ambrotype, from breakage. It also allowed the portrait to be easily displayed and taken with you when you traveled. No negatives are used in the creation of Ambrotypes, therefore, each Ambrotype is unique.
Additionally, according to Kate Lund, the portraits are from the 1850s, based on the garments and hairstyles of the subjects. The lady's hair and pagoda sleeves are 1853-1858. The gentleman's cravat and mounded curl atop the head with short hair just above the ears is very mid 1850s.
While the photos are not labeled, given these dates, Sharon believes these portraits are of
Cincinnatus Berry Crook and his wife Alvira. |
