The William J. Griffing Collection

I purchase this Sixth Plate Ambrotype with the other one I’ve named “The Mother.” They were housed in a double frame that I needed.

This gentleman wears a finely tailored dark suit with a knotted tie and raised collar. The only other distinctive feature in his dress is the long ribbon around his neck falling to the belt line. I cannot tell what, if anything, is attached to the end of it. It may be some sort of regalia associated with a brotherhood such as the masons, but I’m uncertain.

Both images have been tinted with the Robin egg blue color.

I have to confess that I purchased this Sixth Plate Ambrotype more for the case than the subject. She and her husband were housed in a double case which was just the size I needed to place tintypes of my great-great-grandparents who were without a case. But after cleaning her up a bit, I’m pleased with the image.

Clearly a refined and financially secure couple, she and her husband wear garments of the highest quality. The lady wears a hair net, earrings, brooch, and a gem bracelet. Her shawl is dark of unknown material, the bottom of which is made of a sheer, lace material that is patterned and scalloped on the ends.

Both images have been tinted with the Robin egg blue color.

I purchased this Sixth Plate Ambrotype about 2012. He is not identified but I call him “The Locksmith” for obvious reasons. The image is one of the best preserved in my collection. There are no markings on the case or mat to suggest it but my hunch is that he is English. He wears a finely tailored suit, starched white shirt, light-colored patterned summer vest fashionably unbuttoned for a more casual look, and a dark satin tie. I suspect the image dates to about 1860.

I acquired this ruby Sixth Plate Ambrotype about 2012. Images of older subjects like this one generally do not sell as well as the more attractive ones but there was something about this gentleman that captivated my attention. His sorrowful look perhaps belies the knowledge that he is dying of consumption. His weather-worn hands and dirty fingernails suggest the occupation of a farmer or some other menial laborer. He was inexpensive to purchase but is one of my favorites.

He wears perhaps his Sabbath meeting clothes—a silk vest and waistcoat, a tattered tie, and checkered pantaloons. His starched white shirt has the collar raised. His cheeks have been tinted ever so faintly by the photographer.

The image came in a half case with a somewhat ornate mat.