Chess Ambrotype

And then the rains came. Is the long drought in Top eBay Chess Items by Price that I last complained about in Real Olympiad Silver, finally over? For this edition of 'Top Items' I had five ideas on the short list, any one of which was suitable for a typical post. I finally chose the item pictured below, titled 'THE GAME OF CHESS 1/4 PLATE BRITISH AMBROTYPE C.1853'. It sold for US $600 after receiving 25 bids from 12 bidders.

The description added,

A STUNNING AMBROTYPE OF A MAN AND WOMAN PLAYING A GAME OF CHESS IN THE GARDEN, OVERLOOKED BY 3 CHILDREN.

This is an original collodion positive on glass plate - Ambrotype, taken c. 1853. A highly unusual and interesting composition, taken outdoors and having a natural feel to it, rather than a staged or contrived look. Size 1/4 plate: 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches or 11 x 8.5 cm approx Comes in a fully operational plain burgundy leather case complete with eyelets and hooks. The case is in very good condition.

The fashions and hair styles of the sitters, together with the plain burgundy 1/4 plate case would all indicate a date commensurate with the early 1850's. The image is British by context. The detail is so extraordinary in this image that you can see the chess pieces and who is winning the game. The sitters are seated at a small table ensconced in their game, three little children look on from a draped doorway or window and you can see the expressions on their faces. Surrounding them there is heavy foliage: ivy and bushes.

The image has good overall contrast and deep blacks. It is sharp and clear. There are no visible flaws such as scratches, marks, blemishes, spots or cracks. The plate is intact and in excellent condition. It fits tightly inside the case and cannot be removed without hazard. Plain gilt arched mount and thick (3mm) cover glass. Plain deep wine red velvet liner pad on inside front lid. Good condition and no fading present. This is a fantastic, highly unusual ambrotype for the discerning collector. Museum quality image.

As for the other four ideas on the short list, I might save one or two of them for another post.