Unusual photograph

[Jool]

Hi Alan, It looks very much like an Ambrotype to me.  I have one too, and at first glance I thought it was the same lady in my photo, but comparing the two it's not.

Here's a link to the thread about my ambrotype, with some expert advice. 
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=437314.0

[japeflakes]

Both ways:

[mientajb]

Isn't she lovely. Thank you.

Her name is Elizabeth Landon and she was born in Westbury on Severn in 1835.

Alan

[mientajb]

Joel,

Very interesting thread. The frame on your picture is identical to mine.

I am so pleased to have a paper copy now as I am always terrified to handle the original.

Alan

[jim1]

You may be interested to know that ambrotypes are in reverse. In this you can see her right hand on display which was the usual pose for a married woman showing her wedding ring. As it's a reverse image it's actually her left hand.
Late 1850's I would say but possibly into the early 1860's.
Probably just after marriage.
This is how she would have posed.

[mientajb]

That is very interesting. Thank you.

Alan

[GUT]

If you know someone with Darkroom skills they should be able to print it for you.

[mientajb]

It certainly does look as though she is showing off her left hand. She married in 1865 which would probably have been too late for this image. She looks younger as well. I wonder if she was married before?

Alan

[GUT]

It certainly does look as though she is showing off her left hand. She married in 1865 which would probably have been too late for this image. She looks younger as well. I wonder if she was married before?

Alan

Engagement rungs were not as common as today but a possibility.