Description

This is a half plate (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) square piece with oval center made for framing the image within the case or wooden frame. Made of stout brass with a gold wash and very nice small intricate cross hatch pattern in the border around the oval. Very clearly marked in the two bottom corners for the maker “CUTTING & BOWDOIN” and “AMBROTYPE. PATD. JULY 4 & 11, 1854.” (These makers were pioneers in the industry out of Boston and very well known, with some sources indicating that Cutting’s middle name of Ambrose was actually the genesis for the term Ambrotype) The piece is in excellent condition with only a few wear spots to the wash on the edge and some minor staining on the back. A great addition to your frame – a quite rare piece – especially to find something on the loose and so clearly dated to add to your display.