A large group of more than 36 early albumen photographs attributed to the work of Boston master James Wallace Black (active 1840s-90s). The photographs were formerly part of a scrapbook, said to have been assembled by an assistant or associate of Black. The scrapbook was dismantled by a dealer in the early 1970s with selected images, strategically clipped, priced and sold to a small number of collectors. This specific group includes a broad range of subjects from groups, post mortem, blackface, and trick photography, of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 2" x 2" up to 10" x 13". (In several cases the backs of selected photos contain all or portions of other images which had been affixed to the pages behind them.)

Also included in this lot is an early specimen of photo-lithography which came with the scrapbook photos. This item measures 8 ½" x 6", printed on tissue paper, and with accompanying handwritten note, both dated early 1858. The preparation of the scrapbook and preservation of "specimen of prints from stone" appear to reflect a contemporaneous desire to document the range of the studio's work as well as possibly been used by the studio as a sampler of their work. In all, an exceptional grouping that should be seen.

This is a multi-item lot, so special packing fees apply. See the shipping terms for details.

NO RESERVE

Cut from album pages.