Abraham Lincoln Gem Tintype After Brady Studio Probably Produced For 1864 Reelection Campaign

Abraham Lincoln
n.p., n.d. but probably 1864
Abraham Lincoln Gem Tintype After Brady Studio Probably Produced For 1864 Reelection Campaign
Tintype

A gem tintype showing 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), after the Brady Studio, probably produced for his 1864 reelection campaign. The tiny but exquisite tintype shows a bust portrait of Lincoln as originally taken in the Brady Studio on February 9, 1864. The tintype is framed within a delicate gilt-metal frame impressed with floral and foliate decoration, which exposes the portrait through an oval overture not obstructed by glass. A slip of mauve silk ribbon is found clamped down by the frame edges verso. Isolated surface roughness and a fingerprint on the tintype can only be seen under raking light. Else clear, crisp, and lifelike! Overall measures .75" x 1.125".

The photograph used in this tintype was originally taken by an employee of the Brady Studio on February 9, 1864; there is conflicting scholarly opinion about whether the photographer was Thomas Le Mere or Anthony Berger.

Gem tintypes are on a diminutive scale, no larger than a postage stamp, and indeed sometimes smaller. They were often incorporated into campaign memorabilia - like stickpins or lapel pins - in mid-19th C. political campaigns. Their small size also made them ideal for jewelry lockets.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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.75" x 1.125"