Wonderful original red leather photograph album, 8 x 9.5, dated 1885 that belonged to an African-American woman and contains approximately 43 original cabinet cards, cartes-de-visite, and tintypes of her friends and family. The front page is neatly inscribed “Marie Lloyd, 1885.” Photo and subject locations listed include Brooklyn, Syracuse, and Hudson, with many of the subject names noted. Most poses are formal studio shots in best clothes, though cabinet photo plays on stereotypes and depicts a smiling young African American holding a huge watermelon. Subjects include men and women of all ages, from an adorable baby, elderly man, and everything in between. The album shows much wear, though the spine is intact. The inside pages and photos show expected wear and aging, but are overall attractive. The photos are slipped into the album pages and can be removed with no damage. A lovely album of a 19th century African-American woman. RR Auction COA.
