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Carte de visite: Storage and display
Title Carousel Lightbox Checklist
   
1.n.d.
Original box for carte-de-visite

Packaging
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
LL/9723
2.n.d.
Original box for carte-de-visite

Packaging
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
LL/9724
3.Unidentified photographer
n.d.
Leather covered boxes for carte de visite

Storage boxes
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (Sept 25, 2010, / 221)
 
LL/39551
4.n.d.
Boxes to hold carte de visites

Storage boxes
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
12 September 2015, Auction #28, lot: 43
 
LL/60624
5.Unidentified photographer
1860s-1870s
French carte de visite album

Carte de visite album
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (Sept 25, 2010, / 223)
 
LL/39552
6.Unidentified photographer
1860s-1870s
French carte de visite album

Carte de visite album
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (Sept 25, 2010, / 223)
 
LL/39553
7.Unidentified photographer / artist
1860s
CDV leather bound albums
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Two 1860s typical leather bound albums that held 50 CDVs, back to back two on each of the 25 cardboard pages. These albums were both 6 1/4" high, 5" wide and 2" thick.
 
LL/9949
8.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
CDV leather bound album
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Here we see the typical photo of President Lincoln on the opening page. A little further into the book is a photo of General Grant amongst the family portraits.
 
LL/9950
9.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
CDV album cover (Closed)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
The front cover of this album portrays the statue of Peter the Great of Russia which was unveiled on August 7, 1782 in St. Petersburg including the giant rock on which it was placed thus it was less than a hundred years old when this album was made. A combination of paint and mother of pearl applique sets off this lovely album that stands over 12' high.
 
LL/9951
10.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
CDV album page (Open)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
The above illustrated album is large enough to display four photos on each page. as opposed to the smaller ones above that only display one on each page.
 
LL/9952
11.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865
English CDV album (Closed)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Tiny pearls spell out the year 1865 on this small English CDV album. The elaborate ornamentation is 24 carat gold, natural pearls and decorative gold framed blue enamel ornamentation. It is 5 1/4" high by 5 1/4" wide and 1" thick.
 
LL/9953
12.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865
English CDV album (Open)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
View of an English thin CDV album with the cover open. It's 9 cardboard pages had never been used to hold the 18 CDVs it was made to display. Even the key and chain are solid gold.
 
LL/9954
13.Unidentified photographer / artist
1852 (after)
CDV album with a music box inside

Carte de visite album
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
This album's first ten pages held 20 CDVs back to back, and when opened to the middle, the music box played the melody Home Sweet Home written in 1852, a very popular tune in mid-nineteenth century parlors, both in England and America. It is key wound through the back cover.
 
LL/10841
14.Unidentified manufacturer (probably German)
1860-1870 (ca)
Decorative carte de visite album

Carte de visite album
Stockholms Auktionsverk
Photographica, 4 April 2011, Lot: 4290
 
Brown full leather.
 
LL/43507
15.Unidentified manufacturer (probably German)
1900 (before)
Decorative carte de visite album

Carte de visite album
Stockholms Auktionsverk
Photographica, 4 April 2011, Lot: 4291
 
Red leather.
 
LL/43508
16.N.J. Caire
1872-1875
Portrait of an unidentified bearded man, Victoria

Carte de visite, on a floral album page
4.7 x 3.9 cm (image, oval), 10.3 x 6.5 cm (mount)
 
National Library of Australia
nla.pic-an24664196
 
Nicholas John Caire operated from View Street, Sandhurst, Victoria, between 1872 and 1875. Ref.: Sandy Barrie, Australians behind the camera, early Australian photographers (1992).
 
Image set in album page decorated with coloured lithograph of a floral design.
 
"N.J. Caire, Artist photographer, View St., Sandhurst, Victoria"--Printed on verso.
 
LL/39401
17.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
A template carte de visite explaining how to cut them to size and how to place them into an album.

Carte de visite
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
When carte de visite were new on the market directions were provided on how to place them in albums and this rare card is an example of that.
 
Directions
 
  Be careful to cut the Photographs to the exact size and shape of THIS CARD, so as to correspond with the space cut out to receive them.
  Should they be too long, they will swell one end of the Album and prevent it from clasping. To facilitate their removal, insert a paper cutter or broad bladed knife beneath the Card, so as to raise the lower edge, grasp them both with the thumb and fore-finger and withdraw the Card and knife at the same time.

 
LL/9798
18.Leopold F. Manley
n.d.
A verse relating to "photographic art", designed to be the first carte in an album

Carte de visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#21 / 123)
 
Hail to the photographic art!
Which such pure pleasure can impart
Depicting on the album's page,
From babyhood to hoary age,
The forms which our best love engae.
Hail science, hail inventive mind!
With happy skill all this combined,
To furnish forth a pure delight,
Aiding the mem'ry through the sight,
And bringing cherish'd forms to light.
 
LL/32935
19.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Yes here is my album

Carte de visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#20 / 165)
 
Designed to be the first CDV in an album.
 
Yes here is my album,
But learn ere you look
That all are expected
To add to my book.
You are welcome to quiz it
The penalty is -
You add your own portrait
For others to quiz.
 
LL/31518
20.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Album frontispiece

Carte de visite
Dennis A. Waters Fine Daguerreotypes
Courtesy of Dennis Waters Fine Daguerreotypes (www.finedags.com)
 
This kind of CDV was often placed at the front of an album. This is a poetry theme with Robert Burns at the bottom and scenes of his life.
 
The text reads:
 
Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot.
And Never Brought To Mind?
While I've An Album To Contain
The Friends of "Auld Lang Syne".
Then Gie's Ye're "Carte"
My Trusty Friend,
And Here's A "Carte" O' Mine.
We'll Fill Our Albums To The End
Wi' The Friends
Of "Auld Lang Syne".
 
LL/34135
21.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Bitte Bitte dein Bild. [Please please your picture]

Carte de visite, album filler
Private collection of Jack and Beverly Wilgus
All rights reserved.
 
LL/39257
22.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Carte-de-visite with Scottish theme, designed to be the first carte in an album

Carte de visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#21 / 124)
 
Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot.
And Never Brought To Mind?
While I've An Album To Contain
The Friends of "Auld Lang Syne".
Then Gie's Ye're "Carte"
My Trusty Friend,
And Here's A "Carte" O' Mine.
We'll Fill Our Albums To The End
Wi' The Friends
Of "Auld Lang Syne".
 
LL/32936
23.Schleaers Gallery (Knoxville, Tenn.)
1860s (ca)
Photo still life with a pyramid of carte de visite albums

Carte de visite, trimmed, detail
Private collection of Laddy Kite
LL/35880
24.Unidentified photographer / artist
1870s (ca)
American easel style photograph album
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#16/80)
 
It contains 48 cartes des visite or tintype family portraits. The cover has two apertures in the front showing tintypes. The cover measures approximately 8" x 6".
 
LL/13143
25.Unidentified photographer / artist
1870s (ca)
American easel style photograph album
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#16/80)
 
It contains 48 cartes des visite or tintype family portraits. The cover has two apertures in the front showing tintypes. The cover measures approximately 8" x 6".
 
LL/13144
26.Unidentified photographer / artist
1855 (Patent)
Thin brass mat frame
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Thin brass mat frame with an 1855 patent date stamped into its underside. This patent date may have been for the frame material used, and not specifically the CDV size.
 
LL/9955
27.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
European CDV frames
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Three different European frames that were all used to display individual CDVs. On left is an English brass cornered wooden frame, in center is a French Passpartou frame and on right is a Swedish beveled glass frame.
 
LL/9956
28.Unidentified photographer / artist
1890s (ca)
Gilt embossed leather frame to hold four carte des visite (French)

Carte de visite frame
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#14 / 104)
 
LL/11132
29.Unidentified photographer / artist
1890s (ca)
Gilt embossed leather frame to hold four carte des visite (French)

Carte de visite frame
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#14 / 104)
 
LL/11131
30.Unidentified photographer / artist
1878
The "Patent Banner Album" introduced by Koch Sones & Co.

Magazine page
Google Books
Published in "The Publishers' Weekly", Volume 14, July to December 1878, p.686.
 
LL/34959
31.Unidentified photographer / artist
1878
The "Patent Banner Album" introduced by Koch Sones & Co.

Magazine page
Google Books
Published in "The Publishers' Weekly", Volume 14, July to December 1878, p.686.
 
LL/34960
32.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
English desk ornament (Closed)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
This English desk ornament with an ormolu finish looks like a miniature lectern when closed.
 
LL/9958
33.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
English desk ornament (Open)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
English desk ornament with an ormolu finish looks like a miniature lectern when closed. When open to the first stage, it reveals four CDVs.
 
LL/9959
34.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
English desk ornament (Open)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
English desk ornament with an ormolu finish looks like a miniature lectern when closed. Wide open it reveals six CDVs but two of the first four that were shown are now face-down and only the two center ones are constant. One set of in-laws on each side of the outermost frames would allow the second position to feature one side of the family, while the third position shows the other. How wonderfully English!
 
LL/9960
35.Unidentified photographer / artist
1864
A Rustic Carte de Visite Frame

Magazine page
Google Books
Published in "American Agriculturalist For The Farm, Garden, and Household", Volume XXIII, No. 2, February 1864, New Series No: 205, p.53
 
LL/34454
36.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Guilded CDV frame with original glass
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Guilded frame with original glass and the 8 CDVs that were in it when first mounted. Though faded and severely weathered, this presentation stands untouched through the century and a half since first being assembled.
 
LL/9957
37.Unknown maker (Japanese)
1860-1880 (ca)
Japanese carte-de-visite and cabinet card album

Photograph album, wall-mounted
Ninteen-Thirteen: Art Antiques Artifacts
A Japanese shibayama inlay, hanging photograph album cabinet of ebonized hardwood, Meiji period (this piece falling in the 1860-1880 range), fitted with stereo card drawer and 24 hinged album pages supporting various sized images behind inlaid and carved doors with shelves at sides and bottom. Door panels and drawer front each feature a bone carved bird on a branch or in flight with flowers and leaves from bone and mother of pearl. The branches are carved from wood.
 
There are 4 different page styles, two of which accommodate cartes de visite sizes and two that accommodate cabinet card sizes. There are three sets of each style on each side totaling 12 pages per side allowing for a total of 180 images (72 cabinet and 108 cartes de visite).
 
It measures 38 inches high by 39 ¢ inches wide and is 6 + inches deep.
 
LL/42557
38.Unknown maker (Japanese)
1860-1880 (ca)
Japanese carte-de-visite and cabinet card album

Photograph album, wall-mounted
Ninteen-Thirteen: Art Antiques Artifacts
A Japanese shibayama inlay, hanging photograph album cabinet of ebonized hardwood, Meiji period (this piece falling in the 1860-1880 range), fitted with stereo card drawer and 24 hinged album pages supporting various sized images behind inlaid and carved doors with shelves at sides and bottom. Door panels and drawer front each feature a bone carved bird on a branch or in flight with flowers and leaves from bone and mother of pearl. The branches are carved from wood.
 
There are 4 different page styles, two of which accommodate cartes de visite sizes and two that accommodate cabinet card sizes. There are three sets of each style on each side totaling 12 pages per side allowing for a total of 180 images (72 cabinet and 108 cartes de visite).
 
It measures 38 inches high by 39 ¢ inches wide and is 6 + inches deep.
 
LL/42558
39.Unidentified photographer / artist
1880s (ca)
Decorative wall hanging brass frame to hold six carte des visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#16/81)
 
LL/13145
40.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Wooden CDV viewer (Closed)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Wooden viewer in closed position framing face of General Grant in magnifying glass. It measures 3" high, 5 1/2" wide, and 1" thick.
 
LL/9961
41.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Wooden CDV viewer (Open)
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Wooden viewer in opened position, the viewer can be seen with the CDV of General Grant in the viewing position and a CDV of Lincoln and family in storage area in base that held a few more CDVs.
 
LL/9962
42.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
A thermoplastic CDV viewer
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
A thermoplastic viewer. The standing view is a CDV of The Greek Slave. This sculpture by Hiram Powers was perhaps the most popular and controversial American work of art of the Nineteenth Century. Over one hundred thousand people paid to see it during its 1847-1848 tour around the country. The statue was represented as being a beautiful young woman on sale as a sexual object, whose purity was so strong that even this humiliation left her untouched. Some critics said it was pure pornography while the supporters said it was a strong positive spiritual statement. Of course, the CDV in the base storage area is of Hiram Powers, the artist.
 
LL/9963
43.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
CDV viewer disguised as an album
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Viewer that was disguised as an album, which when open had a larger storage area in the base. Upon opening the cover, the viewing glass being spring loaded, jumps to the vertical position awaiting the choice of CDV from the storage area below. This CDV is of two altar boys ready to perform the duties of acolytes. The measurements when closed are 5" high by 4' wide and 1 3/4' thick.
 
LL/9964
44.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
CDV viewer with internal rollers
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
A later version of a cdv viewer with internal rollers, originally invented in 1865. Smaller and more compact than it's earlier model it measures 5" high, 5 1/2" deep and 9 1/2" in length. Covered in faux leather with the viewing windows fashioned from a molded piece of thermoplastic, the construction is of lesser quality than the earlier versions. Turning the wheels moves the CDVs glued to a gauze ribbon across the viewing frames. Printed on a paper label glued to the underside of the unit, it reads Rotary Photograph Album, improved model, by Barnaby and Millard, Broadway, New York.
 
LL/9965
45.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865, 11 April (Patent)
Multiple CDV viewer
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Multiple CDV Viewer labeled Robinson's Photographicon Patented April 11, 1865, (three days before President Lincoln's assassination). The machine had two rollers holding a ribbon of material to which the unmounted CDVs were glued. Turning the handles exterior to the rollers changed the images viewed through two windows on top. This attractive wooden viewer is 6 1/4" high by 6 1/4" deep by 12" in length.
 
LL/9966
46.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865, 11 April (Patent)
Multiple CDV viewer
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Multiple CDV Viewer labeled Robinson's Photographicon Patented April 11, 1865, (three days before President Lincoln's assassination). The machine had two rollers holding a ribbon of material to which the unmounted CDVs were glued. Turning the handles exterior to the rollers changed the images viewed through two windows on top. This attractive wooden viewer is 6 1/4" high by 6 1/4" deep by 12" in length.
 
LL/31373
47.Unidentified photographer
n.d.
A child standing on a stool with one hand resting on a Robinson's Photographicon viewer.

Tintype, 1/6 plate, hand-coloured
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
The object itself dramatically brings another dimension to the tintype.
 
LL/9972
48.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865, 11 April (Patent)
Woman (Mary C. Hilligoss) posing in a studio with a multiple CDV viewer
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Multiple CDV Viewer labeled Robinson's Photographicon Patented April 11, 1865, (three days before President Lincoln's assassination). The machine had two rollers holding a ribbon of material to which the unmounted CDVs were glued. Turning the handles exterior to the rollers changed the images viewed through two windows on top. This attractive wooden viewer is 6 1/4" high by 6 1/4" deep by 12" in length.
 
LL/31374
49.1865, 11 April (patent)
Robinson's Patent "Photograph Album" for Cartes de Visite

Storage
9.5 x 4.5 x 5.25 ins
 
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
12 September 2015, Auction #28, lot: 169
 
The top has a thermo-plastic decorative surround framing the images. The paper scroll to hold about 100 cartes.
 
LL/60629
50.1865, 11 April (patent)
Robinson's Patent "Photograph Album" for Cartes de Visite

Storage
9.5 x 4.5 x 5.25 ins
 
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
12 September 2015, Auction #28, lot: 169
 
The top has a thermo-plastic decorative surround framing the images. The paper scroll to hold about 100 cartes.
 
LL/60630
51.1865, 11 April (patent)
Robinson's Patent "Photograph Album" for Cartes de Visite

Storage
9.5 x 4.5 x 5.25 ins
 
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
12 September 2015, Auction #28, lot: 169
 
The top has a thermo-plastic decorative surround framing the images. The paper scroll to hold about 100 cartes.
 
LL/60631
52.Unidentified photographer / artist
1865 (or later)
Portrait of a girl with flowers and a CDV roller viewer on the table

Carte de visite
Private collection of Laurie Minor
This cdv does not have a backstamp. The box on the table is a Robinson's Photographicon (Patented April 11, 1865) and this has kindly been confirmed by Matt Isenburg.
 
LL/31202
53.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Multiple CDV viewer
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
Free rotating wooden carousel holding sixteen images for viewing. Inside the removable top is an album holding more CDVs. Underneath the album is a label that reads Ornamental Photograph Case Manufactured and for sale by Wentworth & Brown, Mishawaka, St. Joseph Co., Indiana. Patent applied for. The height to top of spiral knob is 16" with a body diameter of 11"
 
LL/9967
54.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Intricately carved wooden self-standing fan which was made to hold seven CDVs. It was never used and the original backing paper is still in each frame.
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
LL/9968
55.Unidentified photographer / artist
1870s (ca)
Display album or revolving frame to hold 40 cartes de visite, in special card mounts (probably English)

Carte de visite display
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#14 / 41)
 
As the "album" is revolved on the easel type stand a new set of images comes into view. Comes with the original key.
 
LL/11129
56.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Hand held "Mirrorscope" for cabinet cards and cartes de visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#16/38)
 
When viewed through the mirror the images give a pseudo stereoscopic effect. The mirror measures approximately 6" in diameter. The wood is probably maple with ebony trim.
 
LL/13134
57.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Hand held "Mirrorscope" for cabinet cards and cartes de visite
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#16/38)
 
When viewed through the mirror the images give a pseudo stereoscopic effect. The mirror measures approximately 6" in diameter. The wood is probably maple with ebony trim.
 
LL/13135
58.Unidentified photographer / artist
1870s (ca)
French table top storage cabinet and viewer for cartes de visites (Closed)

Carte de visite combined cabinet and viewer
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#15 / 37)
 
Holds about 50 CDV's on a revolving belt, similar in principal to a Beckers styles stereoscope. The magnifying lens board slides back and forth to focus the image. Measures 6.75" x 10.75" x 10" high in the closed position.
 
LL/11008
59.Unidentified photographer / artist
1870s (ca)
French table top storage cabinet and viewer for cartes de visites (Open)

Carte de visite combined cabinet and viewer
Stereographica - Antique Photographica
Courtesy of Bryan and Page Ginns (#15 / 37)
 
Holds about 50 CDV's on a revolving belt, similar in principal to a Beckers styles stereoscope. The magnifying lens board slides back and forth to focus the image. Measures 6.75" x 10.75" x 10" high in the closed position.
 
LL/11009
60.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Wooden French CDV viewer with multiple CDVs which sequentially pop up into the upper slot when the lever is activated. As the next card is elevated, the previous one drops back into the body. The height is 16" high when opened.
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
LL/9969
61.Unidentified photographer / artist
n.d.
Lauer's Patented Revolving Photo Cabinet made in Chicago Illinois in the late 1870s is 10" high with a curved glass dome revealing new CDVs with the twist of a knob.
Archives of Modern Conflict OR National Gallery of Canada
LL/9970
62.Thomas F. Byrnes (1842-1910)
1891 (ca)
Rogues Gallery, State of New York

Wooden cabinet
75.2 x 58.2 x 26 cm
 
The Romantic Agony Book & Print Auctions
Auction 19 June 2015, Lot: 122
 
Conceived as a large album of wooden pages, the door is ornate with a New York vernacular oil painting, an exotic Jack the Ripper leaving a male victim. It opens on 10 hinged panels, bearing each 25 locations for cdv mugshots.
 
LL/60218
   
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