[Tintypes] "Metaphysical University", No. 51 Bond Street, New York

Ca. 1860-1870. (1-2) View of a man on the sidewalk. Historically intriguing is the advertorial sign behind the man: 'Mrs. M.G. Brown's Metaphysical Discovery Kills the Root of all Disease'. Mrs. M.G. Brown (Elizabeth Billsland) was a self-proclaimed spiritual healer with "metaphysical understanding" and powers that she claimed enabled her to cure any illness, ranging from blindness to deafness to upset stomach, cough and consumption (tuberculosis). She started advertising her business in 1865 and continued to practice her healing arts and to sell her medicines up until her death in 1903 (amassing a fortune of more than 3 million dollars). Other signs in the background of the image advertise for Billsland's famous medicines, a 'Scalp Renovator', an 'Ear Preparation' and 'The Celebrated Poor Richard's Eye Water'. Two tintypes of the same image, one 9 x 6.2 cm, the other 16.5 x 11.4 cm. (3) View of three men unloading a horse-drawn cart in a New York street. Ca. 1860-1870. 18.6 x 12.8 cm.

Tintypes were often used for portraits; street scenes such as these - and especially in this larger format - are quite rare. Some scuffs and a few other defects, but in remarkably good condition. (total 3)