posted on March 15, 2004 10:12:00 AM new
The fearful frightened GirlScout tossed her cookies after just one look at the mighty Ralph-ster, leaving behind this gem:
Is it Victorian?? Ralph insists that the cover is CELLULOID, but I think he's talking out his...
All help is GREATFULLY APPRECIATED by Tom-n-Ralph!
posted on March 15, 2004 10:44:30 AM new
Ralphie is right. It is a celluloid Victorian photo album for (it appears to me) Cabinet Card sized photographs. Cabinet cards were about 4 1/4 X 6 1/2 inches (give or take a bit) and were the most common size from the late 19th into the early 20th century. There were smaller sizes like the cate de visite but they were not as popular after the 1880s and some non standard mounts that you usually don't find in albums. It looks as if some of the pages are torn which is not unusual if the pictures have been removed because some may have been a snug fit. I don't suggest attempting repair but would try to keep all the bits of page with it.
The covers appear in good shape and the picture is appealing. It is missing its latch on the back and it looks like only the plate and not the latch is present on the front. This and the tears on the page will count against it but it will still appeal to some collectors. We have several in our collection but not one with a full graphic celluloid cover. The really high prices examples can have embossed covers, built in music boxes, and lithographed graphics on the pages but this one certainly has charm.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on March 15, 2004 03:20:20 PM new
You are welcome Tomwiii, but it is Ms Photo (or really Mrs. Photo).
Both celluloid and the universal format of the cabinet card date from the the same period, c. 1869 but the album feels like the 1880s to me but that is just a feeling. I would say 1880 to 1900 would be the outside dates. Someone with extensive experience in Victorian style may be able to place the art more specifically.
I almost never search by category but always by keywords. I suggest searching for other albums of this type and following the lead of the most prevalent category. Good luck with your listing.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on March 15, 2004 07:47:58 PM new
Dog kisses! That is a great thank you!
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
I would think it would not be priced for that much in a sale to photographic collectors. It might well be worth that much or more to collectors of Victorian celluloid. That is the rub with cross collectibles. I wish someone who knows more about celluloid.had answered. The albums we pay big bucks for include the original photographs. As always you have to ask why the person wants to end it early rather than bid their limit. Is there another collector they bid against who might bid it higher? Wish I had a crystal ball! What is the auction number? I will take a look.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
