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Original late-19th-century mounted sepia family portrait showing six people posed in a photographer’s studio.
The reverse contains handwritten family identification. The surname appears to read “Burnam,” although the old handwriting is open to interpretation. The inscription appears to identify the sitters as:
Back row, left to right: Thomas, unidentified person, and Allie.Front row, left to right: Oran, Otto, and Sarah.
An additional note appears to read “Aunt Sarah Burnam seated right,” followed by “Burnam family” and “2 prints.”
The photograph measures approximately 8½ by 9 inches overall. Its larger mounted format, clothing, studio setting, and photographic presentation suggest an estimated date in the 1880s–1890s. No photographer’s imprint or location is visible.
CONDITION:Age toning, foxing and spotting, surface wear, worn edges and corners, creasing, small edge losses, and visible wear along the upper border. The reverse has staining, old tape or tape residue, a vertical crease, and a small adhered newspaper fragment near the lower edge. The portrait image retains strong detail and contrast. All writing, wear, and damage are shown honestly in the photographs.
PROVENANCE:This item comes from inventory inherited from a family friend who was an avid collector of antiques and historical memorabilia. The collection was assembled through antique shops and public and private sales, including sources in the Los Angeles area. Some items retained old collector or shop tags, but no formal provenance documents accompany this photograph. We describe each item transparently and hope to place it with a collector who will appreciate and preserve its history.
An appealing research piece for collectors of identified Victorian photography, family-history material, genealogy, period clothing, and antique portraiture.
The photograph will be placed in protective material with rigid backing, moisture protection, and a sturdy rigid mailer or box for shipment.
