Lot 16 email save

Unusual ambrotype arrangement California pioneers.

A slip behind indicates this is the Parlier family, after whom Parlier California was named. In 1876 they moved from Springfield Illinois to this central valley location near Fresno, where they established a General Store and gave their name to the town. This magnificent ambrotype was probable made when they were still in Springfield.

There are two ½ plate-size glass plates still sealed together. The one behind has an elaborate overall wallpaper-like floral arrangement, in the center of which a copy of a group daguerreotype or ambrotype of the family has been placed. That has been separately backed by dark original backing. The front plate has individual oval portraits of each of the family members. There is some crazing of the backing of some of these ovals. This is a unique ambrotype arrangement, and one of historical as well as photo-historical interest. [3]

[3]See explanation of codes below

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