FREE: RARE Old Antique Ruby Glass Ambrotype Photograph of Girl or Boy Circa 1860

The listing, RARE Old Antique Ruby Glass Ambrotype Photograph of Girl or Boy Circa 1860 has ended.

Here I present to you a beautiful antique photograph of a young child. This is a ruby ambrotype which is printed on ruby-colored glass, not metal like the daguerreotypes and tintypes. Early ambrotypes were exposed on clear glass which was coated in black paint on the back. The use of ruby glass began in 1857, and the ambrotype was phased out in the early 1860s with the popularity and affordability of the tintype. Ruby glass ambrotypes are far less common than clear glass ones, and they are very collectible. This photo also has the remains of a 5 cent tax stamp on the back.

The image is of a young child sitting in a chair. It could be of a boy or a girl; it's hard to tell. In the Victorian period, young boys were often dressed in girls' clothing because boys' clothing was more difficult to remove in order to go to the bathroom. Boys dressed as girls for a portrait often wore long wigs and even jewelry.

This ambrotype is in its original matte and frame. There are some scratches, including on the baby's face and dress. Overall, it is in very good antique condition.

Thank you for viewing my listing. Sold as-is, so please examine the photos carefully and ask me any questions before bidding. Shipping is FREE in the US and to verified Listia addresses only.