“1856 MAY”. Too bad the author of that information (penned on a sliver of paper glued to the pad on the leather case cover, which is apart) didn’t include the name of the adorable little girl who bounced around while she was seated in a small wooden armchair. She gripped the sides with determination and her eyes wandered off to one side, probably looking for reassurance from one of her parents while the retaped sixth plate portrait was being taken. Portraits of single tiny tots don’t get much better than this pixie. She was animated with a mind for rebellion. Sky lighting was selected to bathe the kid in brightness, which used together with the midnight drop completely isolated her with dual ovals of patina and a brass mat. The surface silver shimmers! The condition is mint! Tonality, contrast and depth are what we all dream about acquiring.
