Figure 1.-- Here we have two identified tin-type portraits. The boys look to be about 5-10 years of age. The portraits were taken at the same time so the boys must be brothers. I'm not sure why they weren't posed together. The portraits are undted, but the clothing suggests to us the 1860s. This is the older brother. Click on the image to see the older brother. |
The younger brother looks to be about 5 years old. He wears a tunic suit with diagonal trim. Note the pocket which seems to have a handkerchief. The trim is repeated on his bloomer knickers. Unfortunately we have no idea about the colors here. Note that there is no collar visible. Also note the stockings. They seem to have been made to match the suit. It is likely that mother both made the sew and knitted the stockings. At the time stripped stockings were more common, but store bought stockings would be more difficult to coordinate with the outfit. One interesting observation about this boy's clothing because of the clarity of the image. Note his shoes. At the time shoes were not made for left and right feet. This is one reason many boys found shoes uncomfortable.
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