Notations on the back of copied photos

These three are examples of the 19th century copying trade using existing photos rather than negatives.

Larger companies would send workers to solicit photograph to be copied and the worker would then mail in the photograph and collect a small fee for his work.

#1: "725 (Reference #), 16- 20 (size, this was the most often used), full size in the photo, remove all spots, necktie not faded in photo (corrections to the image), Solid Oak & gold frame (framing requirements), D. Joseph (subject or client)".

#2: "Mrs. S. St John (client), Bear Lake (client location), 14 X 17-- Bust (size and what to capture in enlargement), trim hair off on left side of head and comb hair back....(adjustments required of the artist), No. 259 (reference number), S.S. Poole, Corry PA, Agent for Crayon Portraits (This is the information on the worker who canvassed for the copying service)".

#3: "Imperial Portrait Co., Chicago, 16/20, Bust, Crayon". This example shows a larger companies tag for tracking the return. It also has remnants of the envelope was left on the back of the card.

My photos, do not copy or reproduce without permission.

scott