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UNUSUAL WOMAN'S OCCUPATIONAL
DAGUERREOTYPE
NINTH-PLATE (2 x 2 ½") DAGUERREOTYPE photograph c1850. HANNAH NEFF AND
SHOP-MATE is written in the case behind this beautiful, lightly TINTED image. Two attractive
women pose together for the camera, DRESSED IN IDENTICAL UNIFORMS--white blouse;
dark, full skirt; neck scarfs; finger gloves, ribbon-like sash or belt; and the same necklace or
perhaps watch chains with slides. One of the girls holds what appears to be A DUSTING
IMPLEMENT but it could perhaps also be some sort of feathered fan.
Both women were apparently employed in some type of STORE and may have had this MEMOIR
OF THEIR FRIENDSHIP taken on a "lunch break". The small size of the image would have fit
the budget of a "working girl". This is an unusual occupation to find recorded in the
daguerreotype plate.
Large department stores grew up in American cities after the Civil War. Shop clerking would
become an important occupation for women as they were gradually emancipated from the home.
It was however, still an unusual occupation during the era of this daguerreotype.
The
enlarged scans below demonstrate that in the present day of computer generated images the
wonderful content captured within this plate can easily transcend the limitations of its ninth-plate
size.
There is one abrasion (see scan) above the head of the girl on the viewer's left.
Most spots & dust visible in scans are on the glass, a few are on the photo. Image is unsealed in a
detached leather covered half-case (the top half of the case is missing). Note included with image
records that it was originally found in Amherst, MA in 1993.
Price= $375.00
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